Fire Suppression

What is a fire suppression system?

 

A fire suppression system is a very important part of the overall safety plan of any type of business where the spread of fire is a threat to property or people. Once a fire starts, the fire suppression system will hinder the spread of flames and ensure that no further damage is done. In a restaurant kitchen, the fire suppression system is part of the kitchen hood, placing it directly above where the fire is most likely to start. These are commonly referred to as kitchen hood suppression systems. It is important not to choose just any kitchen hood for your restaurant. This is a vital piece of equipment that not only keeps your kitchen safe, but also clean and sanitary, as well.

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What are the primary functions of a kitchen hood?

 

Adding a fire suppression system to the kitchen hood in your restaurant kitchen is an excellent safety measure. However, the kitchen hood has several functions on its own that are independent of the fire suppression system. The kitchen hood has a special mechanical fan that is strategically placed above the areas of your kitchen that are most likely to emit smoke, steam, and grease particles. The fan in the kitchen hood helps remove these from the air and filters them out of the kitchen and away from your employees and guests.

 

How does a fire suppression system work?

 

There are a few different types of fire suppression systems that are available for businesses. Each system uses different types of agents to suppress the fire and prevent the spread of flames and further damage. These agents can come in the form of dry chemicals, foam, or even gaseous agents. When the system detects elements of a fire, such as smoke or heat, the system is triggered, and it releases the chemical, foam, or gaseous agent to control the fire until emergency services can arrive on the scene. Kitchen hood suppression systems are specifically designed to work within kitchens, which dictates the type of agent that can be used.

 

What is the difference between a sprinkler system and a fire suppression system?

 

Both a sprinkler system and a fire suppression system have the same function: stopping the spread of fire. The type of system you choose will depend on your industry and the type of area and equipment you wish to protect from fire. The primary difference between these two systems is that a sprinkler system uses only water to stop the fire from spreading. On the other hand, a fire suppression system can use other types of agents to extinguish fires. 

 

What are the features of a fire suppression system that utilizes a gaseous agent to extinguish the flames?

 

While a qualified installer can help you determine if this type of fire suppression system is the right choice for your business, there are certain factors to consider when utilizing a gaseous agent in your system. Carbon dioxide, for example, is a type of gaseous agent that can be used to control fires. While carbon dioxide works very well to protect things like storage units or isolated areas of facilities, it is poisonous to people. Therefore, it cannot be used in places where employees, guests, or members of the public could be exposed. Another type of gas that can be used in these systems goes by a few names, but it is most commonly referred to as FM200. This gas has no color or smell, and it does not leave behind any type of residue. Plus, it is highly effective at extinguishing flames quickly, making it an excellent choice for your kitchen hood fire suppression system.

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Is a system that uses chemical agents to suppress fires a suitable choice for a restaurant kitchen hood system?

 

Chemical agents are commonly used when a fire is started by a substance that is highly flammable. These are usually areas where flammable substances are being stored and that are also rarely used by people. Fire safety for areas like a furnace room or a storage facility that stores flammable liquids commonly involves a fire suppression system that utilizes dry chemical agents, so it is not a good choice for restaurants.

 

What type of wet agent can be used in a fire suppression system?

 

While sprinkler systems use water to control fires, fire suppression systems can use another type of wet agent called vapor suppression foam. The main benefit of choosing a fire suppression system that utilizes vapor suppression foam is that it prevents the fire from reigniting. Because reignition is a concern in restaurant kitchens and because it will not damage your equipment, it is a quality choice to protect restaurants from fire damage. 

 

Why do restaurants need fire suppression systems more than other types of businesses?

 

While it is a good idea for any type of business to have a fire safety plan, suppression systems are especially important to have as part of your restaurant kitchen. This is simply because in a kitchen, fire is a part of the job. You and your employees will be working with fire to cook every day, and the fire is sometimes left unattended for periods of time. The combination of equipment malfunction and user error make it more likely that a restaurant kitchen will experience damage from a fire. To keep your expensive equipment and your employees and guests safe, a reliable fire suppression system is the right choice. 

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How can I be sure my kitchen hood and other systems are following all regulations?

 

Our expert team is up to date on all federal regulations related to our products and services. We provide efficient installation of your new kitchen hood that is completely up to code. Our kitchen hoods will help keep your restaurant kitchen safe while also helping to increase the cleanliness of your restaurant. Compliance with these standards is necessary to ensure you never have any fire code penalties, and a quality kitchen hood with professional installation will keep you and your employees safe in the event of a fire, as well as protect your business during government inspections. With our systems, you will have the safest, cleanest kitchen in town.