Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Rooflights

Natural smoke and heat ventilation units that also provide natural light, comfort ventilation and roof access

Overview

Automatic Opening Vent (AOV) Rooflights are electrically operated natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilators (NSHEV) that allow natural light into a building. They can also be used for comfort ventilation as well as roof access. Designed for easy installation on flat roofs up to 15°, the units open to 140° in less than 60 seconds.

• Designed, tested and CE-marked in accordance with BS EN 12101-2
• Standard and bespoke sizes provide design flexibility to suit project requirements
• Variable kerb heights available for quick installation
• Thermally broken kerb reduces risk of condensation
• Dual-colour options available to match the external roofscape and internal décor

Glass lid Automatic Opening Vent

Glass lid AOV with weather cowl in closed position

Glass lid AOV with weather cowl opened for comfort ventilation

Glass lid AOV fully opened for smoke ventilation

Polycarbonate lid Automatic Opening Vent

Polycarbonate AOV with offset motor in closed position

Polycarbonate AOV with weather cowl opened for comfort ventilation

Polycarbonate AOV fully opened for smoke ventilation

Solid lid Automatic Opening Vent 

Solid lid AOV in closed position

Solid AOV with weather cowl opened for comfort ventilation

Solid lid fully opened for smoke ventilation

Functions

VELUX Commercial AOV Rooflights are multipurpose units that are suitable for providing natural smoke and heat exhaust, as well as comfort ventilation and natural light. They can also be used to provide safe and easy access to a roof for inspection or maintenance requirements. The AOV is electrically operated and opens upon detection of smoke. It can also be fully controlled through the building management system, giving building users and managers peace of mind.

AOVs can be fixed directly to the roof deck (with a minimum kerb height of 300mm, as the unit needs to be 300mm above the finished roof surface). Adapter kerbs are available for fixing to an upstand (with a minimum base kerb height of 300mm).

The AOV kerb and lifting frame is fabricated from aluminium, which can be insulated and thermally broken for use above a heated space. A non-insulated version can also be supplied, which is suitable for unheated areas such as smoke shafts.

VELUX Commercial also offers compatible control panels and sensors for easy specification.

Automatic Opening Vent lid options

Depending on your project requirements, AOV lids are available in glass, polycarbonate or insulated aluminium.

Double-glazed glass

These units can be supplied with low-emissivity (Low-E) glass to suit specification requirements. They typically comprise:

1. An outer pane made from 6mm clear, toughened Low-E glass
2. A 16mm argon-filled cavity
3. An inner pane made from 6.4mm laminated glass

There’s also an option for non-fragile glass tested to CWCT TN66 / 67, Class 2. These units have the same outer pane and cavity, with a 9.5mm laminated inner pane.

Triple-skin polycarbonate

Rated non-fragile to ACR[M]001:2019, these are available as single, double or triple skin polycarbonate domes or pyramids.

Thermal performance and weather resistance

VELUX Commercial AOVs are designed to be thermally efficient (as required) and resistant to wind and rain ingress. The thermally broken insulated aluminium kerbs are suitable for use above heated spaces and can provide U-values as low as 1.2 W/m²°K.

Typical whole-product Ud values are:

• 1000x1000mm AOV with glass lid: 1.25 W/m²/°K
• 1000x1000mm AOV with triple-skin polycarbonate lid: 1.54 W/m²/°K
• 1000x1000mm AOV with insulated aluminium lid: 1.66 W/m²/°K
• Uninsulated aluminium kerb (for unheated spaces only)

A weather cowl is provided as standard, which reduces the risk of rain or debris entering the building during adverse weather conditions when the AOV is used for natural ventilation. The maximum opening angle is 20° and tested to RE 10,000 cycles.

Performance values:

• Aerodynamic free area (Cv): 0.40 (According to EN 12101-2:2003, Annex B, B.1)
• Reliability (Re): 1000
• Snow load (SL): 600
• Low ambient temperature (T): -15
• Wind load (WL): 1500
• Resistance to heat (B): 300

Electrical information

Concealed actuators and wiring provide an unobstructed view through the rooflight. All AOVs are fitted with two actuators, each with the following specifications:

• Actuator reference: SA power single, SA power mini
• Actuator type: Rotating arm
• Actuator stroke / rotation: 0–155°
• Voltage: 24V DC
• Current draw: 2 amps, 4 amps, 6 amps (to suit size of AOV)
• Consumption under load: 72W
• Switching: 2NO micro-switches
• Flex type: 2 core silicone cable (Brown = positive, Blue = negative)
• Operating time: 50 seconds (±/-5 seconds)

Compatible control panels and sensors are available in a range of options, depending on the application and requirements. For more information about wiring and electrical details, please contact us.