Smoke is one of the primary risks associated with structural fires. It can reduce visibility, create unsafe evacuation conditions, and cause harm before flames reach occupants or equipment. Smoke control services are essential for maintaining code compliance and minimizing risk in commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities.
State Systems provides engineered smoke control solutions that are fully integrated with fire alarms, suppression systems, and life safety systems. These services are part of a comprehensive fire protection strategy designed to improve building safety and emergency response.
Purpose of Smoke Control
Smoke control systems are designed to manage the movement of smoke during a fire. These systems help ensure that designated evacuation routes, such as stairwells and corridors, remain tenable for a specified period. This supports safe occupant evacuation and allows emergency personnel to enter the building with increased visibility and reduced exposure to hazardous conditions.
Smoke can spread quickly through HVAC systems, elevator shafts, and open areas. Without proper control measures, a localized fire can compromise an entire structure within minutes.
Smoke Control Services Offered
1. Design and Engineering
Each system is customized based on building layout, use classification, and applicable codes (such as IBC and NFPA standards). Engineering services include pressure zone calculations, airflow modeling, and system specification.
2. Installation
Components may include smoke exhaust fans, automatic dampers, pressurization systems, and motorized control panels. All systems are installed to ensure compatibility with existing fire protection equipment.
3. Testing and Commissioning
Smoke control systems must be performance-tested per code requirements. Functional testing includes verifying airflow rates, damper operation, and system response to fire alarm signals.
4. Scheduled Inspection and Maintenance
Routine inspections identify operational issues before they become failures. Maintenance includes damper cycling, fan testing, control panel checks, and alarm integration verification.
5. Repair and Upgrades
Technicians are trained to identify and correct deficiencies in existing systems. Services also include component upgrades to meet updated building codes or performance requirements.
System Integration
All smoke control solutions are designed to integrate with the facility’s broader fire protection infrastructure. Coordination with:
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Fire alarm systems ensures automated activation based on detection zones
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Fire suppression systems enables complementary operation during system discharge
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Emergency lighting and exit signage supports visibility during evacuation
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Building automation systems provides centralized control and monitoring
Integration ensures that all life safety systems function as a cohesive unit during a fire event.
Compliance and Standards
Smoke control systems must comply with multiple codes and standards, including:
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NFPA 92: Standard for Smoke Control Systems
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NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
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Local and jurisdictional amendments
State Systems provides documentation and reports as required for permitting and inspections.
Applications
Smoke control services are applicable in a wide range of environments:
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High-rise buildings
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Healthcare facilities
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Manufacturing plants
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Warehouses and distribution centers
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Educational institutions
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Office buildings
Smoke Control Services: Building Safety and Peace of Mind
Understanding how smoke control services protect your facility is the first step, but putting them into action is what creates true safety. These systems are not only vital for compliance with building and fire codes, they also protect the people inside your property during an emergency by directing smoke away from escape routes and buying valuable time for evacuation.
Well-designed and professionally maintained smoke control services provide consistent performance, ensuring that stairwells, hallways, and exits remain usable during a fire. For building owners and managers, this means more than meeting regulations it means protecting lives, reducing liability, and maintaining confidence that the property is as safe as possible.
When paired with other fire protection measures such as alarms, sprinklers, and suppression systems, smoke control services become part of a complete fire and life safety strategy. This layered approach strengthens overall protection, minimizes damage, and demonstrates your commitment to safety for employees, tenants, and visitors alike.
If you are exploring ways to enhance your building’s fire safety plan, smoke control services are an essential place to start. From design and installation to inspection and maintenance, State Systems provides the expertise and support needed to ensure your system performs exactly as intended.
Your next step is simple: evaluate your current fire safety plan and identify where smoke control fits into your overall strategy. By taking action today, you can create a safer environment, strengthen compliance, and give everyone who enters your building greater peace of mind.
