Description
Roof Ventilators in Fire Risk Areas
In consideration of the possibility that flying debris could somehow enter the Condor Ventilator during a fire storm Condor engineers have developed a device to arrest that possibility and ensure greater safety.
The ‘basket’ ( optional equipment) is a fabricated in perforated 2mm stainless steel tubular section with a sealed steel catchment tray, is fitted to the underside of the ventilator
…(as per diagram)
The ‘basket’ is designed to have the minimum proportional surface free air value of 120% of ventilator throat.
Note: Free Air is the unresisted value of the open area and not the size of the opening.
Flow resistance should be noted when sizing the ventilator and the next size up be considered an appropriate alternative
When installing any roof ventilator to a building in a fire risk area,
DO NOT INSERT FLYWIRE SCREENING INTO THE THROAT OF A VENTILATOR
Not only is this a potentially dangerous practice and can result in creating the very thing you were attempting to guard against but it will also diminish ventilator performance
Dust and fibre. carried by the flow, will rapidly seal the flywire on the underside and seal the throat of the roof ventilator rendering it inoperable.
Should a fire come within close proximity to the ventilator, the dust/fibre mass on the screen can ignite and fall down INSIDE the roof space. Egress of roof air volume is not possible if roof ventilator is choked by dust.
In 35 years Condor has found no evidence supporting the introduction of fine screening to the throat of a Condor roof ventilator.
There is a great deal of evidence showing that burning embers do gain entry through,
inappropriate roof ventilator installed
incorrect installation of flashings
inadequate flashing design
incorrect selection of flashings
inappropriate air intake, eave and gable vents
The Condor Roof Ventilator or Cupola, installed as per manufacturers recommendations, does not fall into any of these categories.
The prevention of ember entry is a separate function and not part of the overall design of generic roof ventilators.
Any change to the original design renders the ventilation product ineffective and possibly dangerous.
Advice should be sought from Condor engineers whenever variations are being entertained.
Visit Condor Kinetic website for more information.
