BS EN 12101-3 (2015) and

the use of VSDs for smoke

control systems
By Ben Meek
BSc (Hons) BEng (Hons) (Fire Safety)
Design Manager, SCS Group

I
nverter drives (also known as variable
speed drives or VSDs) are commonly
used in smoke control applications to
limit and modulate fan speed to suit a
particular system design.
For example, when using smoke extract
to protect escape lobbies it is common
to vary the speed of the fan according
to the pressure in the lobby to prevent
the lobby becoming depressurised which
could make it difficult to open exit
doors.VSDs also provide useful soft-start
functionality to reduce large fan start-
up currents reducing stress on essential
power supply networks and generators.
The use of inverters in emergency con-
ditions has long been a topic of conver-
sation within the industry. Many manu-
facturers provide a fire mode option that
disables the control functions and motor
to switch from inverter control to DOL The most practical option, from a
protection in an emergency and allows
during smoke control mode system integration point of view, would
the motors to run to destruction if nec-
2. Each fan/motor is tested to- be to use a fully tested and certified
essary; however, as there have been very
gether with the VSD it will be used with matched smoke vent fan and VSD solu-
few tests carried out under fire condi-
in that specific application. This combina- tion, which fully complies with EN12101-
tions there is a lack of certainty about
tion is certified under BS EN12101-3 3 2015.
their performance. The latest version
3. The fan/motor is tested alone Using this approach would allow fan
of BS EN12101-3 (2015) ‘Specification
and certified to BS EN12101-3 and both and VCD selection methods to remain
for Powered Smoke and Heat Control’
of the following sub-conditions are met: unchanged, meaning that installers and
looks to enforce a number of control (i) The fan motor is derated (i.e. system designers would then not be
conditions on the use of VSDs for smoke oversized) by 20% forced to accommodate larger motors,
vent systems. BS EN12101-3 (2015) does (ii) All VSDs are supplied with out- fans or additional control equipment into
not prohibit VSDs and they may still put filters [dU/dt or Sine Wave]. Output their design.
be used in conjunction with the list of filters provide additional protection to Oversized fans and fan filters
conditions below. However, it’s clear that motor insulation. Of the three options mentioned, this is
the new rules will greatly impact system the most readily applicable from a prac-
design in relation to the size of fans (and l How easily applicable are the tical point of view. Fan motor ratings can
control panels), which in turn will affect above conditions? easily be increased to include a 20% safe-
system cost. Bypass ty margin and VSD output voltage filters
The table on the next page provides a Bypass systems can be used to run are available from specialist suppliers.
brief summary of the new prescriptive fans DOL only for systems in which fans What remains to be seen is whether
rules from BS EN12101-3 along with always run at full speed e.g. car park clients and specifiers appreciate that sys-
the impact to several smoke ventilation extract systems or mechanical extract tems will become more costly (due to
systems that commonly utilise VSDs. systems that don’t rely on pressure the need for expensive VSD filters, over-
control. Pressure control systems relying sized fan motors and increased power
l When can a VSD be used to on fan speed modulation are unable to supplies) and that plant space require-
control a smoke ventilation sys- comply with this condition. ments needed to accommodate fans and
tem? A VSD can be utilised to soft-start control panels will need to be increased.
BS EN12101-3 (2015) states that use the fan before switching out to DOL in Once this is appreciated, the appeal and
of a VSD is acceptable if any one of the emergency mode. advantage of using a fully tested and cer-
following conditions are met: Fan/Motor/VSD testing and certifi- tified matched smoke vent fan and VSD
1. The system has a bypass facility cation solution should then be recognised.
lThe effect of these changes on some common smoke ventilation systems are summarised in the following table:

POSSIBLE
SYSTEM TYPE USE OF VSD COURSE OF COMMENTS
ACTION

Use of pressure sensors
Stairwell Pressurisation
to modulate fan speed
System with
and control rate of air
mechanical air release
release
System is certifiable
VSD bypass not possible under BS EN12101-3
noting the following:
Oversize fans by 20% l Increased system
cost
Supply VSD output l Increased fan size
filters l Increased control
panel size

Stairwell Mechanical
Extract System with no
pressure control
Fan soft-start ramp up
This is a commercial-
Provide VSD bypass to
ly viable solution and
run fan DOL post ramp
would be certifiable
up
under BS EN12101-3

Stairwell Mechanical
Extract System with
dual smoke control
modes and no pressure
control
System is certifiable
VSD bypass not possible
under BS EN12101-3
for Means Of Escape
noting the following:
Provides dual speeds for
l Increased system
Means Of Escape and Oversize fans by 20%
cost
Firefighting modes
l Increased fan size
Supply VSD output
l Increased control
filters
panel size

Use of pressure sensors
Stairwell Mechanical
to modulate fan speed
Extract System with
and mitigate
pressure control
over-depressurisation
System is certifiable
VSD bypass not possible under BS EN12101-3
noting the following:
Oversize fans by 20% l Increased system
cost
Supply VSD output l Increased fan size
filters l Increased control
panel size

Carpark 10ach/hr
Extract System
This is a commercial-
Provide VSD bypass to
Extract fan/Jet fan soft- ly viable solution and
run fan DOL post ramp
start ramp up would be certifiable
up
under BS EN12101-3

Conclusion clarity from the approving authority to approaching clients and specifiers to
With so many pressure control systems advise how they intend to enforce the provide early warning of the impending
currently being specified or at design new rules. cost increases resulting from the use of
stage, the industry requires immediate Smoke vent specialists should be certain types of systems.