BRITISH STANDARD BS 7346-1:

1990
Incorporating
Amendment No. 1

Components for smoke

and heat control
systems —
Part 1: Specification for natural smoke
and heat exhaust ventilators
BS 7346-1:1990

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Fire Standards
Policy Committee (FSM/-) to Technical Committee FSM/14, upon which the
following bodies were represented:

Association of Metropolitan Authorities Electricity Supply Industry in England

British Fire Services’ Association and Wales
British Gas plc Fire Brigades Union
British Retailers’ Association Health and Safety Executive
Building Employers’ Confederation Home Office
Chartered Institution of Building Services Incorporated Association of Architects and
Engineers Surveyors
Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’ Institute of Building Control
Association Institution of Fire Engineers
Consumer Policy Committee of BSI Institution of Gas Engineers
Department of Education and Science Institution of Structural Engineers
Department of Health London Fire and Civil Defence Authority
Department of the Environment Loss Prevention Council
(Building Research Establishment) National Council of Building Material
Department of the Environment Producers
(Construction Industries Directorate) Royal Institute of British Architects
Department of the Environment Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
(Property Services Agency) Scottish Development Department
Department of the Environment for Timber Research and Development Association
Northern Ireland

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:

Access Committee for England Building Services Research and

Association of Consulting Engineers Information Association
Association of Rooflights Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
Manufacturers (Arms) Intumescent Fire Seals Association
British Automatic Sprinkler Association London District Surveyors Association
British Council of Shopping Centres Smoke Ventilation Association
British Fire Protection Systems Society of Fire Safety Engineers
Association Ltd. Warrington Fire Research Centre
British Property Federation

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Fire Standards
Policy Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Board of BSI and comes
into effect on Amendments issued since publication
31 July 1990

© BSI 02-1999 Amd. No. Date of issue Comments

7193 July 1992 Indicated by a sideline in the margin

The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference FSM/14
Draft for comment 89/47310 DC

ISBN 0 580 18814 0

 BS 7346-1:1990

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Construction 1
4 Heat and coefficient of performance testing of smoke and
heat exhaust ventilators 2
5 Climatic performance and testing of smoke and heat exhaust
ventilators 3
6 Certification of performance data 3
7 Servicing 3
Appendix A Coefficient of discharge test 4
Appendix B Temperature rise and expansion test 5
Appendix C Fire/heat test 6
Appendix D Rain testing of natural ventilators 7
Appendix E Service schedule 8
Figure 1 — Wind tunnel 4
Figure 2 — Apparatus for rain testing 8
Publications referred to Inside back cover

© BSI 02-1999 i
BS 7346-1:1990

Foreword

This Part of BS 7346 has been prepared under the direction of the Fire Standards
Policy Committee and is based on a draft prepared by the Smoke Ventilation
Association. It is one of a series of specifications for components of smoke and heat
control systems. The other Parts are as follows:
— Part 2: Specification for powered heat and smoke exhaust ventilators;
— Part 3: Specification for smoke curtains.
The use of smoke and heat exhaust ventilators has become widespread and their
value in assisting in the evacuation of people from buildings, reducing fire
damage and financial loss by preventing smoke logging, facilitating fire fighting,
reducing roof temperatures and retarding the lateral spread of fire is firmly
established. For these benefits to be obtained it is essential that smoke and heat
exhaust ventilators operate fully and reliably whenever called upon to do so
during their installed life.
A heat and smoke ventilation installation is intended to perform a positive role in
a fire emergency. Smoke and heat exhaust ventilators should be installed as part
of a properly designed smoke and heat exhaust scheme.
Assessed capability. Users of this British Standard are advised to consider the
desirability of assessment and registration of a supplier’s quality systems against
the appropriate Part of BS 5750 by a third party certification body.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 12, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

ii © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

1 Scope 2.7
thermal link
This Part of BS 7346 specifies performance
requirements for natural smoke and heat exhaust a heat sensitive mechanical linkage which parts
ventilators that are intended to be installed in when its temperature exceeds a specified limit
buildings to release the products of combustion in NOTE Thermal links can also be specified by time constant, so
the event of a fire. that they operate in a predetermined period.

NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard

are listed on the inside back cover. 3 Construction
3.1 General
2 Definitions
3.1.1 The smoke and heat exhaust ventilator shall
For the purposes of this standard the following be constructed so that when correctly installed and
definitions apply. in use there is no possibility of flames or hot gases
2.1 emerging from the ventilator being deflected
automatic smoke and heat exhaust ventilator directly onto an adjacent structure.
a ventilator that is installed into a building and is 3.1.2 The design of the ventilator shall ensure that
designed to open automatically after the outbreak of when in use none of the component parts reduce the
fire if called upon to do so, to allow smoke and hot ventilation opening if the ventilator disintegrates or
gases to escape collapses due to the effects of fire.
NOTE Such ventilators are sometimes referred to as fire vents. 3.1.3 The materials used shall have a class 1 surface
2.2 spread of flame rating when tested in accordance
dual purpose ventilator with BS 476-7.
NOTE The materials used in the construction of the heat and
a smoke and heat exhaust ventilator which has smoke ventilator should not add to the fire risk of the building,
provision to allow its use for comfort ventilation nor contribute significantly to a fire during use.

2.3 3.1.4 The design of all moving parts, bearings,

natural ventilation sliding surfaces, fastenings and other components of
the operating mechanisms and the materials from
ventilation that is caused by buoyancy forces due to which they are constructed, shall ensure
difference in density of the air because of the effects satisfactory operation of the heat and smoke
of temperature differences exhaust ventilator during its expected lifetime,
2.4 which shall be not less than 10 years.
measured free area 3.1.5 Each heat and smoke exhaust ventilator shall
the actual measured throat area of the natural heat be fitted with a means of automatically opening to
and smoke exhaust ventilator vent hot smoke or air. This may take one of the
NOTE This is normally the smallest clear opening between the following forms.
drainage channels; no reduction is made for controls, louvres or a) Thermal link. The thermal link shall be
other obstructions.
mounted within the throat of the ventilator; with
2.5 flap type ventilators there shall be a single link,
aerodynamic free area so that the parting of the link will release the
the measured free area (2.4) above multiplied by the opening flaps or louvres. It shall be fitted into the
coefficient of discharge ventilator control system in such a way that the
2.6 load on the thermal link does not exceed the load
coefficient of discharge (CD) stamped on the link or the manufacturer’s
recommendations.
the ratio of actual flow rate to theoretical flow rate NOTE These links normally fuse at approximately 68 °C
through the ventilator to 74 °C.
NOTE The theoretical flow rate (see Appendix A) is calculated b) Multiple control of several ventilators via a
for an opening with the same area. The actual flow rate is
measured over a range of pressure differences across the
frangible bulb activated valve or fusible plug. The
ventilator in a suitable wind tunnel. The coefficient is normally valve or plug shall be positioned at high level and
constant over the range of pressure differences, and takes into shall release compressed air from pressurized
account any obstructions in the ventilator such as controls, pipework. Unless an alternative temperature is
louvres, dampers, or other obstructions.
specified, the frangible bulb shall break at 68 °C.
Loss of pressure in the pipework shall
automatically result in the opening of the
ventilators.

© BSI 02-1999 1
BS 7346-1:1990

c) Automatic smoke detection system. The 4.4 The ventilator shall be mounted either
ventilator shall open following an alarm horizontally or vertically on a suitable test rig,
condition initiated by an automatic smoke depending on whether it is intended for roof or wall
detection system complying with BS 5839-1. application, to check its response to heat and to
3.1.6 The ventilator shall be so designed that it will determine the effects of differential expansion, in
always fail to the fully open position under fire accordance with 4.5, 4.6 and 4.7.
conditions. 4.5 The ventilator shall be subjected to a slow rate
3.1.7 When the ventilator has a life safety of temperature rise in accordance with B.4.1. The
(i.e. means of escape) application it shall be ventilator shall open smoothly to the fully open
activated in accordance with 3.1.5 c). position, and it shall remain in this position without
reduction in the ventilation area. Even if the gas
3.1.8 Manual overriding controls shall be provided
struts fail the ventilator shall be maintained in the
as part of the control system.
open position.
3.1.9 It shall be possible to test the ventilator,
4.6 The ventilator shall be subjected to a fast rate of
remotely open and closed, from working level in the
temperature rise in accordance with B.4.3. The
building.
ventilator shall open smoothly to the fully open
3.2 Resistance to corrosion position, and it shall remain in this position without
The ventilators and control system shall be reduction in the ventilation area. Even if the gas
constructed from materials resistant to natural struts fail the ventilator shall be maintained in the
atmospheric corrosion and sunlight, and shall be open position.
selected so as to prevent the possibility of galvanic 4.7 The ventilator shall open as follows:
corrosion between adjacent components. a) for both slow and rapid rate of rise of
3.3 Springs temperature tests, smoothly and swiftly to a fully
All springs shall be of stainless steel complying with open position so that there is no obstruction of
grade 316S31 of BS 970-1 or equivalent. passage of air through the ventilator at any time
during test;
NOTE Other types of device, such as gas springs, may also be
used in place of tension and compression springs. NOTE If the ventilator opens prematurely it is not deemed
to have failed the tests.
3.4 Bearings
b) for the slow rate of rise of temperature test,
All pivot points/bearings shall be designed to ensure within 3 min of the air temperature reaching the
free movement at all times. stated operating temperature of the heat
detector/operating mechanism;
4 Heat and coefficient of performance c) for the rapid rate of rise of temperature test,
testing of smoke and heat exhaust within 90 s of the air temperature reaching the
ventilators stated operating temperature of the heat
4.1 A standard production ventilator with a nominal detector/operating mechanism.
throat size of 1.5 m wide by 2.5 m long shall be 4.8 The ventilator shall open and close as intended,
submitted to the test schedule described in 4.2 without failure of any of the components necessary
to 4.7. If the size range is less than the specified size for operation, when the smoke and heat exhaust
above, then the largest ventilator in the range shall ventilator is operated 2 000 times, unless it is a dual
be tested. Ventilator designs for use in the vertical purpose ventilator, in which case it shall be
and horizontal positions shall be tested in both operated 30 000 times.
planes. 4.9 When tested in accordance with Appendix C, the
NOTE A test on one size of ventilator will allow an appraisal of ventilation opening shall remain clear from
other similar ventilators in the range even with different aspect obstruction throughout the test.
ratios except for coefficients of performance (see 4.3).
Ventilators of larger area or with unusual aspect ratios may need A similar ventilator of a smaller size may be used:
to be tested on an ad hoc basis. the ventilator shall have a minimum measured
4.2 The ventilator shall be inspected to ensure that throat area of 1.2 m × 1.2 m or the largest in the
it complies with the published performance data. range if smaller than this. If gas struts are used in
4.3 The coefficient of discharge of the ventilator the ventilator these should be carefully examined
shall be determined in accordance with Appendix A. for failure.
NOTE 1 If the gas struts fail the ventilator should be
maintained in the open position.
NOTE 2 If a range of gas struts is available for the ventilator, it
is to be tested with the highest pressure struts fitted.

2 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

A ventilator shall have failed the test if one of the 5.5 Uninsulated roof mounted ventilators shall be
following apply: designed to withstand a snow load of 125 N/m2 and
a) it failed to open; shall be capable of opening with the snow load
applied. Insulated roof mounted ventilators shall be
b) it failed to open fully;
designed to withstand and operate with a snow load
c) when open, the ventilator, because of its of 300 N/m2. With roof angles a of between 30°
design: and 60° the load shall be modified by a correction
1) disturbed the free flow of smoke and hot factor of (60 – a)/30. If the roof angle exceeds 60°
gases from the rig; then the snow load shall be nil. If higher snow loads
2) deflected smoke and/or hot air onto the are required these shall be calculated in accordance
surface of the rig; with BS 6399-3.
d) having opened, it reclosed or partially closed 5.6 The ventilator shall be designed to open and
subsequently; withstand a side wind of 18 m/s (Beaufort Force 8)
when in the open position without flaps or louvres
e) the ventilator area became blocked or partially
closing.
blocked after the ventilator had opened.
NOTE 3 If the ventilator failed the test because of d) or e), the
manufacturer has the right to retest the ventilator to determine
6 Certification of performance data
the partially closed/blocked coefficient. Two further ventilators The manufacturer of the ventilator shall be able to
should then be fully tested in accordance with C.4. These also
should be tested as described in Appendix A, and the lowest
supply a Certificate of conformity to the
coefficient of discharge of all three ventilators can be used in the requirements set out in clause 4. This certificate
manufacturer’s published literature. Under these conditions the shall list the performance criteria and state where
ventilator will be said to have a “qualified” pass. the tests were carried out.
5 Climatic performance and testing of All instruments used shall carry a current
calibration certificate, traceable to a recognized
smoke and heat exhaust ventilators standard.
5.1 A standard production ventilator with a nominal
throat size of 1.5 m wide by 2.5 m long shall be 7 Servicing
submitted to the test schedule described in 5.2
The suppliers of the equipment shall be able to
to 5.6. If the size range is less than the specified size
provide a regular maintenance contract and/or to
above, then the largest ventilator in the range shall
recommend one or more servicing companies.
be tested. Ventilator designs for use in the vertical
NOTE It is recommended that after installation the ventilator
and horizontal positions shall be tested in both should be serviced at least once per year. The frequency may have
planes. to be increased if the application is in a particularly sensitive or
NOTE A test on one size of ventilator will allow an appraisal of dirty environment, i.e. such occupancies as bleach works and
other similar ventilators in the range. electroplating shops. The minimum recommended annual service
is shown in Appendix E.
5.2 The ventilator shall be inspected to ensure that For life safety (i.e. means of escape) applications the smoke
it complies with the published performance data ventilation system should be tested once per week.
and is a production sample.
5.3 When tested in accordance with Appendix D,
rain shall not visibly penetrate within the ventilator
boundary.
5.4 The ventilator shall be designed to withstand a
minimum wind load of 2.4 kN/m2 suction and
pressure, or higher where such wind loads are likely
to be imposed on the ventilator
(see CP3:Chapter V-2).
The ventilator shall be mounted on a suitable test
rig and tested to the design wind load. Loads shall
be applied as specified in CP 118, BS 449 or
BS 5950.

© BSI 02-1999 3
BS 7346-1:1990

Appendix A Coefficient of discharge A.3.3 A calibrated orifice plate or pitot tube scan, or
test other suitable method, to measure accurately the air
flows through the ventilator.
A.1 Principle
A.4 Test procedure
The ventilator is mounted in a wind tunnel, and the
air flow and pressure across the ventilator is A.4.1 Mount the open ventilator into the face of the
tunnel as shown in Figure 1.
measured over a range of values. The average
coefficient of discharge is calculated by comparison NOTE The minimum of 0.2 of the throat width at each side and
the minimum of 0.2 of the throat length at the top and bottom is
with the theoretical air flow through an equivalent to ensure that the static pressure tappings inside the tunnel are
opening, so that the aerodynamic free area can be not disturbed by the air flow.
calculated. The air flow shall be in the correct direction.
A.2 Scope There shall be a clear space in front of the tunnel
This test can be used for all natural smoke and heat equal to 1.5 times the largest throat dimension of
ventilators. the ventilator.
A.3 Apparatus A.4.2 Operate the fan driving the tunnel to produce
A.3.1 A suitable wind tunnel, with the facility to a range of different airflows through the ventilator.
cater for a range of air flow rates and pressures Record the static pressure, barometer pressure,
(see Figure 1). The face of the tunnel shall be large airflow and ambient temperature for each flow rate.
enough to accommodate the test ventilator. Take six sets of readings between 10 N/m2 and the
highest pressure difference available. Calculate the
A.3.2 A suitable manometer, to measure the static
coefficient of discharge of the ventilator from these
pressures inside the tunnel. readings.

Figure 1 — Wind tunnel

4 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

A.5 Calculations where

By graphical or calculation methods, determine the Qn is actual flow determined by test.
best straight line through the plotted points of Qn2
against differential pressure, and passing through A.6 Results
zero, where Qn is the air flow through the ventilator Record full details of the ventilator under test,
in m3/s. If all the points lie within ± 5 % differential including details of the size and type, the
pressure of the best line, then values from any point measurements recorded during the tests, and the
on the line may be used in the calculation of CD as calculations to determine the coefficient of
the derived value of CD will be independent of flow discharge.
rate throughout the range tested. A.7 Determination of leakage coefficient
If isolated points fall outside the ± 5 % band, then Use the procedure given in A.4 with the ventilator
tests shall be repeated at the relevant flow rates to closed to determine the leakage coefficient.
check the validity of the data.
If groups of points fall outside the ± 5 % band Appendix B Temperature rise and
indicating that the test results do not follow a linear expansion test
relationship between Qn2 and differential pressure,
then calculate CD for each of the test points and plot B.1 Principle
CD against Qn and determine the best line (curve) This test simulates the rise in temperature above a
through the points. If the points fall within ± 5 % of developing fire and tests the response of the heat
CD of the best line, then values from points on the sensitive detecting element of the ventilator to this
line may be used in the interpolation of CD. Derived rise in temperature, and the effects of expansion on
data shall include at least the values of CD at the the operation of the ventilator. Two sets of
minimum, median and maximum test flow rates. conditions are simulated:
Flow measurements shall be in accordance with a) a slowly developing fire producing a slow rate
BS 1042 (air flow measurement accuracy ± 2.5 %, of rise of temperature;
pressure difference accuracy ± 0.25 %), using b) a rapidly developing fire producing a rapid rate
instruments that carry a current calibration of rise of temperature.
certificate, traceable to a defined national standard.
B.2 Scope
Calculate the air density from the equation
This test is applicable to ventilators having an
346.8 × P integral heat sensitive detection element similar to
r = -------------------------------------
1000 ( 273 + t ) that described in 3.1.5 a). It can also be used for
where ventilators without a heat sensitive device by the
use of a manual actuator which can be operated
P is the barometric pressure (in mbara); after a specified time period.
t is the ambient air temperature (in °C). B.3 Temperature rise test rig
a
1 mbar = 102 N/m2 = 102 Pa. B.3.1 The rig shall consist of an open top box
Calculate the theoretical flow, Qt (in m3/s), from the constructed from materials that would be classified
equation as non-combustible if tested to BS 476-4.
B.3.2 A horizontal ventilator to be tested shall form
part of the lid of the box. Any gaps between the
ventilator and the rig shall be sealed with suitable
where heat resistant materials.
A is the ventilator throat area (in m2); B.3.3 A vertical ventilator shall be mounted in a
specially constructed enclosure forming the lid of
∆Ps is the static pressure difference at the test
the box.
flow rate (in Pa);
r The enclosure shall have walls and roof constructed
is the air density (in kg/m3). of non-combustible materials and all gaps between
Calculate the coefficient of the ventilator from the the ventilator and the enclosure, and the enclosure
aerodynamic tests using the equation and the rig, shall be sealed with suitable heat
resistant materials.
Q
C D = -------n
Qt

© BSI 02-1999 5
BS 7346-1:1990

B.3.4 The rig shall be provided with a means of B.4.3 Repeat the test as in B.4.1 but raise the air
controlling the air temperature within the rig and temperature at a rate of 60 °C/min until the heat
the rate of rise of this temperature. The sensitive device parts. Ventilators without a heat
temperature control of the rig shall be such that: sensitive device shall be manually actuated 3 min
a) the air temperature can be raised at 3 °C/min after the start of the test. Do not allow a 1 h dwell
with the air temperature in the rig being at all period in this test.
times within ± 5 °C of that required by the set B.5 Results
rate of change of temperature; B.5.1 Record full details of the ventilator under test,
b) the air temperature can be raised at 60 °C/min including details of the heat detector operating
with either: mechanism, e.g. fusible link, and its temperature
1) the air temperature in the rig being at all rating.
times within ± 10 °C of that required by the set B.5.2 The report shall state:
rate of change of temperature; or a) the air temperature at which the ventilator
2) the area under the temperature/time curve operated;
being at all times within ± 15 % of the area b) the time since the beginning of the test when
under the temperature/time curve resulting the ventilator operated;
from the test described in B.4.3. The tolerance
c) the time since the beginning of the test at
shall be calculated in accordance with 3.1.2 of
which the air temperature reached the stated
BS 476-20:1987.
operating temperature of the heat
It shall be possible to control the rate of rise of detector/operating mechanism, or the
temperature as described at least over the temperature reached at the time of manual
range 20 °C to 200 °C. actuation.
B.3.5 The air temperature in the rig shall be Record a) to c) for both the slow and the rapid rate
measured by temperature measuring equipment, of rise of temperature tests.
e.g. thermocouples, having a time constant not
B.5.3 Record any distortion or defect which
greater than 2 s. The temperature measuring
impaired the operation of the detector.
device(s) shall be situated as close as possible to the
heat detector/operating mechanism, i.e. fusible link,
of the ventilator where fitted.
Appendix C Fire/heat test
B.3.6 As well as controlling the temperature in the C.1 Principle
rig via a temperature controller, the temperature The ventilator is tested to destruction to ensure that
measured by the temperature measuring device(s) the ventilator opens under fire/extreme heat
shall also be continuously recorded against time. conditions and to ensure that the ventilator throat
B.4 Test procedure area does not reduce the available airway for smoke
release.
B.4.1 With the ventilator in position, and the chart
recorder running, raise the air temperature in the C.2 Scope
rig from ambient (25 °C maximum) at 3 °C/min The test can be used for ventilators incorporating
until 65 °C is reached. It shall be held at this any of the detectors and operating mechanisms
temperature for 1 h and then increased by 3 °C/min described in 3.1.5. However, if the detector
until the heat sensitive device operates. Ventilators mechanism is not integral with the ventilator
without a heat sensitive device shall be actuated [as in 3.1.5 b) and 3.1.5 c)] it is not practical for the
manually 3 min after the initiation of the increase detector mechanism to be incorporated into the test.
in temperature after the 1 h period. Note both the In such cases operation of the ventilator can be
air temperature and the time at which the manually initiated provided this is done in a similar
ventilator opens. In addition note any distortion of way to operation under fire conditions, e.g. air may
defect which impairs the operation of the ventilator. be released from a compressed air line to simulate
If gas struts are used in the ventilator these should the breaking of a frangible bulb, or an electric signal
be carefully examined for failure. may be used to simulate the operation of an electric
B.4.2 When the ventilator has operated, switch off heat or smoke detection system. Nevertheless, any
the heating elements or burners. Allow the rig to test and subsequent appraisal of a ventilator with a
cool to 25 °C or less and fit a new heat non-integral detection mechanism is not an
detector/operating mechanism to the ventilator appraisal of that detection mechanism.
where necessary.

6 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

C.3 Apparatus c) a graph of time against air temperature and, if

C.3.1 Suitable rig, constructed of non-combustible required, graphs of any other temperatures
materials and large enough to accommodate the test measured; the temperature at which the
ventilator. The rig design shall ensure that ventilator opened shall be noted in the report;
adequate air for combustion is always available. d) any structural damage to the ventilator and
NOTE The furnace described in BS 476-20 is suitable. whether or not this influenced the release of
C.3.2 A means of combustion fitted to the rig. smoke;
NOTE This will normally be gas or oil fired burners; other e) whether the ventilator passed or failed the test.
means of combustion may also be used.
C.3.3 A multi-channel pen recorder, in conjunction Appendix D Rain testing of natural
with thermocouples to monitor temperatures as ventilators
required, to measure the following temperatures:
D.1 Principle
a) the air temperature immediately below or
behind the ventilator. In the case of a vertically The weatherproof characteristics of natural
mounted ventilator, air temperatures shall be ventilators in the closed position are tested at a
monitored in line with the top and bottom of the variety of angles by driving rain at them.
ventilator; D.2 Scope
b) where applicable, the temperature as close to D.2.1 This test procedure is intended for the testing
the heat detecting/operating mechanism as of natural ventilators.
possible. D.2.2 Weather conditions/roof angles which are to
C.4 Test procedure be simulated in this test are as follows:
C.4.1 Set up the ventilator in the rig in either a a) wind and rain straight on to the ventilator,
horizontal or vertical position depending on its rain test rig angles 0°, 15°, 45° and 90° to the
intended use when installed in a building. horizontal;
C.4.2 Position the thermocouples, connect them to b) wind and rain at 45° to the ventilator, rain test
the chart recorder, and start the chart recorder. rig angles 0°, 45° and 90° to the horizontal;
C.4.3 Start the burners or other means of c) wind and rain at 90°, i.e. across the ventilator,
combustion. Adjust the burning rate to provide the rain test rig angles 0°, 45° and 90° to the
time/temperature curve specified in BS 476-20. The horizontal.
test shall be for a minimum period of 10 min. NOTE Before testing any ventilator reference should be made
C.4.4 If the opening of the ventilator is to be to its normal applications; in particular any limitations on roof
angles, maximum or minimum, should be observed and testing
initiated manually as described in C.2 this shall be modified to suit.
done when the air temperature reaches 100 °C. D.3 Apparatus
C.4.5 Observe the ventilator throughout the test NOTE The test apparatus is shown in Figure 2.
and note anything that may affect the successful D.3.1 Variable angle rain test rig
operation of the ventilator (see 4.9). D.3.2 Rain nozzle boom
C.4.6 On completion of the test allow the ventilator D.3.3 Wind machine.
to cool and then examine it to ensure that the
fire/heat has not caused any blockage of the airway, D.3.4 127 mm (5 inch) rain gauge and 250 mL
thus reducing its efficiency in the release of smoke measuring cylinder.
and hot gases. D.3.5 Anemometer
C.5 Test report D.4 Test procedure
The test report shall state the following: D.4.1 Fix the ventilator in the closed position
a) full details of the ventilator under test, securely to the top of the test rig using either bolts
including details of the heat sensitive/detector or clamps.
mechanism, i.e. fusible link, and its rating; if D.4.2 Fill any open area around the ventilator with
opening of the ventilator was initiated manually suitable sheeting and seal with waterproof material,
as described in C.2, this shall be clearly stated, so as to minimize extraneous water leaks and hence
including details of the exact method used; make it easier to observe any water entry on the test
b) the time, after ignition, that the ventilator ventilator.
opened, and any other observations, with the D.4.3 The rainfall rate shall be 75 mm/h. Set and
relevant times, noted during the course of the measure the rainfall rate as follows.
test; a) Position the rain nozzle boom to give a good
“rain” covering.

© BSI 02-1999 7
BS 7346-1:1990

NOTE One or more nozzles may be used depending on the Appendix E Service schedule
ventilator size.
b) To measure the rainfall rate, proceed as E.1 Principle
follows. Where smoke and heat exhaust systems are
1) Place the rain gauge in front of the test rig installed it is essential that they are serviced
within the spread of the nozzle. regularly and maintained in good working
condition. This service schedule sets the minimum
2) Turn on the nozzle or nozzles to be used
annual service requirements which shall be
having first covered the rain gauge to prevent
undertaken.
premature collection.
E.2 Scope
3) When the water emitted from the nozzles
has settled to an even flow rate uncover the This service schedule applies to equipment used in
rain gauge and collect the water for 15 min. natural smoke and heat exhaust ventilation
systems, i.e. ventilators, compressors, controls and
4) Calculate the rainfall. Adjust the water flow
interconnections.
rate and repeat 1) to 3) until a rainfall
of 75 mm/h is established. E.3 Service schedule
D.4.4 Wind speed shall be 13 m/s. E.3.1 Check ventilator fixing and weathering, and
clean off all dirt with a stiff (not wire) brush from
Position the anemometer directly in front of the rain
internal and external weathering channels and
test rig.
surfaces of the ventilator.
D.4.5 The test rig and ventilator shall be set at the
Check operation of the louvres, flaps and/or
required angle as given in D.2.2.
dampers, clean bearings and lubricate as necessary.
D.4.6 Turn the “rain” on and leave for 5 min before
Check operation of ventilators to ensure they open
turning on the “wind”. Leave the system under test
and close correctly. Replace any failed, distorted, or
for a further 15 min. During this time examine the
badly worn components or repair as necessary.
ventilator closely from below to determine if any
leaks are present and where they go. E.3.2 Fully service compressors once per year in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
D.4.7 After a further 15 min terminate the test and
recommendations and instructions by an approved
position the ventilator for the next part of the test.
agent. Leave the compressor operating at the
D.5 Results specified pressure. In addition to this annual service
D.5.1 Record full details of the ventilator under test. the client should ensure that on a weekly basis the
D.5.2 Note the wind speed and rainfall. oil level is checked and topped up as necessary, the
filter is cleaned, and condensate is drained if an
D.5.3 Note any leaks through the ventilator automatic drain is not fitted.
including where the leak originates and where it
NOTE The electrical supply to the compressor should be on
travels. automatic reset after loss of power.

Figure 2 — Apparatus for rain testing

8 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

E.3.3 Check the operation of each control panel and E.4 Testing
override controls. Check the integrity of all internal E.4.1 After carrying out the service detailed in E.3,
connections and tighten/remake as necessary. the whole system should be tested to ensure that it
Where components are found to be faulty replace operates in accordance with the manufacturer’s
these. Check any remote sensors or detectors to specification.
ensure they are operating correctly.
E.4.2 A certificate (see E.5) should be issued to the
E.3.4 Check all interconnecting pneumatic user which details the service work and the tests
pipework and electrical systems to ensure the which have been carried out. Any repairs or
system functions correctly. modifications should be reported.
E.3.5 It is recommended that after installation the E.4.3 For life safety (i.e. means of escape)
ventilator should be serviced at least once per year. applications the user should test the smoke
The frequency may have to be increased if the ventilation system on a weekly basis and maintain
application is in a particularly sensitive or dirty a record of testing (see E.6).
environment, i.e. such occupancies as bleach works NOTE To comply with the requirements of the Health and
and electroplating shops. Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the IEE Regulations, it will be
necessary for the service work to be carried out by a suitably
qualified technician.

© BSI 02-1999 9
BS 7346-1:1990

E.5 Specimen service certificate for smoke ventilation systems

10 © BSI 02-1999
 BS 7346-1:1990

E.6 Specimen test record sheet

© BSI 02-1999 11
12 blank
 BS 7346-1:1990

Publications referred to

BS 449, Specification for the use of structural steel in building.

BS 476, Fire tests on building materials and structures.
BS 476-4, Non-combustibility test for materials.
BS 476-7, Method for classification of the surface spread of flame of products.
BS 476-20, Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles).
BS 970, Specification for wrought steels for mechanical and allied engineering purposes.
BS 970-1, General inspection and testing procedures and specific requirements for carbon, carbon
manganese, alloy and stainless steels.
BS 1042, Measurement of fluid flow in closed conduits.
BS 5750, Quality systems1).
BS 5839, Fire detection and alarm systems for buildings.
BS 5839-1, Code of practice for system design, installation and servicing.
BS 5950, Structural use of steelwork in building.
BS 6399, Loading for buildings.
BS 6399-3, Code of practice for imposed roof loads.
CP3, Code of basic data for the design of buildings.
CP3:Chapter V, Loading.
CP3-2, Wind loads.
CP 118, The structural use of aluminium.

1) Referred to in the foreword only.

© BSI 02-1999
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