Smoke exhaust fans

A SHE fan, short for Smoke and Heat Exhaust, is a vital part of a properly functioning smoke control system. Whether it concerns commercial buildings, parking garages or industrial halls, our fans ensure that smoke and heat are extracted safely during a fire. This improves occupant safety and helps reduce building damage.

SHE fans are increasingly used for dual-purpose operation, including day-to-day ventilation (S1 mode). In that case, the fan serves two roles: (1) standard ventilation based on air quality, and (2) emergency smoke and heat extraction in the event of fire (S2 mode). For example, in parking garages, fans are typically controlled by CO sensors and frequency inverters to maintain safe air quality. If a fire breaks out, the system automatically switches to emergency mode.

Our SHE fans comply with the strict European standard EN 12101-3 and are specifically designed to perform under high temperatures and extreme conditions. Discover our range of high-performance SHE fans below and find the right model for your project.

Need expert advice? Get in touch!
Call us at +31 (0)416 391 999 or email info@ventinet.nl

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What is a SHE fan?

A smoke exhaust fan is a specially engineered unit that extracts smoke and heat in the event of a fire. The fan is automatically activated by a smoke control system once smoke detectors or a fire alarm system is triggered. This prevents smoke from accumulating in the building, keeping escape routes visible and allowing emergency services to respond quickly.

Smoke exhaust fans are built to withstand extreme heat. Our models are certified to handle temperatures up to 600°C for 120 minutes, meeting the requirements of European standard EN 12101-3. Unlike regular ventilation systems, smoke exhaust fans are designed for critical emergency use and are an essential part of any building’s fire safety strategy.

Daily ventilation and fire mode in one system

Many modern ventilation systems combine daily operation with smoke exhaust functionality. This brings several important technical considerations:

  • Frequency control and CO monitoring: In parking garages, fans often operate in S1 mode using CO sensors and variable frequency drives for energy-efficient control.
  • EMC cabling required: When using frequency inverters, shielded EMC cables must be used and installed correctly to avoid interference.
  • Direct On Line (DOL) during fire: In fire mode (S2), the fan must switch to full-speed DOL operation without frequency control. The system must be designed accordingly.
  • Power supply integrity: During fire mode, the power supply must remain operational. Cables must comply with F200, F300, F400 or F600 classifications depending on the project.
  • Replace after activation: If a fan has operated in fire mode (S2), it must be replaced due to the extreme conditions affecting its components.

Is a smoke exhaust system mandatory?

In many cases, a smoke exhaust system is required. According to building regulations, a facility must meet strict requirements regarding smoke control and escape route accessibility. In parking structures, stairwells, commercial buildings and large public areas, smoke exhaust systems are often mandated by fire departments and building authorities. The exact requirement depends on the building’s function, size and layout.

Types of smoke exhaust fans

We offer a range of certified smoke exhaust fan types:

  • Axial smoke exhaust fans: High air volume, ideal for straight duct runs
  • Radial / centrifugal somke exhaust fans: For longer ducting and higher pressure systems
  • Roof-mounted smoke exhaust fans: For vertical smoke exhaust
  • Inline duct smoke exhaust fans: Compact and easy to integrate into plant rooms
  • Smoke exhaust fans for stairwells and elevator shafts: Specifically developed for vertical escape routes in tall buildings

Key features

  • Certified for 200°C, 300°C, 400°C or 600°C operation for 120 minutes
  • Robust casing, built for demanding environments
  • Long service life with proper maintenance
  • Easy to integrate into new or existing systems
  • Compatible with smoke detection and control panels
  • Suitable for both frequency-controlled (S1) and emergency (S2) modes

Applications of our smoke exhaust fans

You’ll find our smoke exhaust fans in:

  • Distribution centers and warehouses
  • Mechanical and utility rooms
  • Underground parking facilities
  • Stairwells and elevator shafts in high-rise buildings
  • Public buildings
  • Shopping malls
  • Care facilities
  • Hospitals
  • Hotels

Always as part of a permanent smoke and heat extraction solution.

What to consider when choosing a smoke exhaust fan

  • Required temperature class: F200, F300, F400 or F600
  • Mounting position: wall, roof, or duct
  • Capacity and pressure demands
  • Type and function of the building
  • Requirements for cabling and power integrity during fire mode
  • Control via frequency inverter and CO detection?

 

Our experts are here to help. Contact us for personal advice – no strings attached. Call us at  +31 (0)416 391 999 or email info@ventinet.nl

Frequently asked questions about smoke exhaust fans

What do F200, F300, F400 and F600 mean for fans?

These indicate the maximum temperature the fan can operate at for 120 minutes. F200 = 200°C, and so on. The right class depends on the specific building and application.

Yes. Many systems combine S1 (daily ventilation) and S2 (emergency) functions. Especially in garages, fans are CO-controlled during normal use. EMC-compliant cabling and DOL fire mode switching are essential.

Yes. Exposure to extreme heat affects performance and safety. Always replace a fan that has run in fire mode.

Yes. All our smoke exhaust fans are certified to EN 12101-3 and delivered with full documentation.

In many cases, yes. Regulations such as the Dutch Building Code and standards like NEN 6093 require smoke control systems in garages, tall buildings, industrial spaces and public areas.

Yes, smoke exhaust fans require specific maintenance due to their critical role in fire safety systems. In addition to regular maintenance, such as checking motors and bearings, it’s essential to test the fan’s operation under fire conditions. This includes verifying the response time upon fire detection and the fan’s performance at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, smoke exhaust fans must comply with specific standards and certifications, such as EN 12101-3, which means they should be tested for their ability to effectively extract smoke and heat during a fire. It’s advisable to enter into a maintenance contract with a specialist experienced in smoke exhaust systems to ensure the safety and reliability of the system.