What function do smoke control systems serve in a building?

Smoke control systems are specifically designed to manage smoke movement during a fire, which is critical for the safety of building occupants. Their primary function is to limit the spread of smoke throughout a building, thereby creating a safe environment for evacuation and aiding firefighting efforts. By controlling the distribution and concentration of smoke, these systems help maintain visibility and reduce toxic smoke inhalation risks, which can be life-threatening in the event of a fire.

This function is achieved through various methods, such as pressurization, smoke barrier creation, and exhaust systems, all aimed at directing smoke to designated areas or outside the structure.

While enhancing indoor air quality and reducing heat build-up are significant aspects of building safety, they do not fall under the specific purpose of smoke control systems. Similarly, although automated fire suppression systems exist to extinguish fires, they serve a different role from smoke control, which focuses on smoke rather than flames.