A Detailed Look at Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems – Kitchen fires are widespread in households in America. These fires are usually caused by leaving food on fire without attendance, leaving combustible materials near heat sources, or forgetting to switch off kitchen appliances.
All these causes come down to negligence on the part of most homeowners. Nevertheless, some fires are caused unintentionally, for example, kitchen fires resulting from faulty electric appliances or connections. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.
Cooking equipment contributes to more than half of the reported cases of kitchen fires. Many people are taking precautions to mitigate this trend, like installing a kitchen hood fire suppression system. The suppression system is designed to fight grease fires in the kitchen. You do not need government regulation to know that installing a kitchen fire suppression system will help prevent property loss and fatalities.
Fire suppression systems are installed in restaurants, hotels, residential flats, and even within student housing facilities. This move by building owners is both wise and cost-efficient. Economics dictates that it is cheaper to prevent than to repair and replace. Suppression systems can be attached to a wide range of kitchen equipment like cooking stoves and fryers. The system has nozzles attached to the kitchen hood exhaust, making it easy to discharge chemicals directly over the fire to put it out.
Fire suppression systems are not restricted to use in kitchen areas. The system has a wide range of chemicals used to put out the different types of fires. The system can be equipped with the right technology and chemicals to fight oil, gas, and electric fires.
How does the Kitchen Hood Suppression System Work?
A fire thrives when three necessary conditions are met: fuel, source of heat, and oxygen. The suppression system works by removing one of the elements from the equation. Once the fire alert system senses the presence of fire, a nozzle attached to the kitchen hood discharges wet chemicals on the appliance to put out the fire. The wet chemicals are designed to cover the fire source, denying it oxygen to catalyze the combustion process.
Activation of the suppression system automatically disables the gas supply to the equipment eliminating the source of fuel. This double approach is efficient in putting out fires quickly without interfering with the rest of the kitchen. Fires generate a lot of smoke that quickly fill up the kitchen. The smoke causes the hood to automatically turns to eject the smoke. The swift reaction of kitchen hood fire suppression systems helps to reduce damage and loss in the kitchen.
Benefits of Installing a Kitchen Fire Suppression System
1.Early detection and quick response
Different fire suppression systems work differently, having various response times. Nevertheless, all these systems have a swift and efficient response to fire during its early stages. Building owners install different detection packages that respond differently to fires.
2.Pre-engineered and approved
Fire suppression systems are made according to NFPA 17a and 96 guidelines and taken through several safety tests at Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Before hitting the market; these systems are also tested to determine their efficiency in handling different fires under different circumstances.
3.Removes fuel source
The kitchen has several fuel sources that can keep fires going. For example, gas pipes or electric components in cooking appliances. These fuel sources can continue to feed the flames after ignition. Fire suppression systems are designed to cut off these fuel supplies.
4.They are safe and easy to use
Fire suppression systems are designed to activate in the event of a kitchen fire automatically. This automatic response does require any human attention hence making the system easy and safe to use. However, the system is fitted with an emergency manual override option in case there is an emergency.
5.They are cost-efficient
Many people have previously incurred huge losses repairing and replacing the kitchen set. With a fire suppression system, the business or homeowner can enjoy some level of peace of mind. Putting in measures to protect your building from fire is less expensive than going back to the drawing board.
a. Most kitchen fires are closely related to cooking; this makes it prudent to observe a few fire safety tips when cooking in the kitchen.
b. Always keep an eye on your food when cooking. Do not leave your food unattended, especially when handling greasy foods.
c. Remember to keep a timer when using kitchen appliances, visiting the kitchen area at regular intervals.
d. Safely store all combustible materials like table cloths, paper towels, wooden utensils, and packaging away from heat sources.
e. Electric discipline is necessary for the kitchen, avoid plugging in too many appliances. Do a routine check on appliance cords for frays and cracks and replace them to prevent electrical fires.
f. Greasy utensils should be kept clean, dry, and away from heat sources when not used to prevent ignition.
g. Remember to turn off stoves and burners in the kitchen after use to prevent fuel leaks and possible fires.
h. When under medication or drugs, your judgment is generally impaired. It is wise to avoid the kitchen when under the influence of medicine and drugs.
i. Even with a kitchen fire suppression system, it does not hurt to purchase an ABC general fire extinguisher for emergency purposes checking it regularly as per manufacturer regulations.
Types of fire suppression systems
1.Gas System – these systems use nitrogen to pressurize the FM200 chemical stored in them. The FM200 chemical is designed to cause a chemical reaction that puts out fires.
2. Kitchen fire suppression – these systems use a chemical form, Amerex, to put out fires. The system is fitted with a nozzle connected to the kitchen hood propelling the chemical agent at the fuel source to stop the fire.
3.Water mist System – these systems work using the same principles of sprinklers. They work efficiently to put out fires caused by flammable liquids and electric shortages. When activated, the system disperses mist in the room, denying the fire enough oxygen.
4.Foam Deluge System – This system applies to fires where gas and water act as catalysts. The system has worked like a sprinkler dispersing a form concentrate mixed with water as an expanding agent.
Fire safety should not be taken lightly. As a homeowner or business owner, you should take the necessary steps in taking preventive measures against fire outbreaks. Consult the appropriate professionals to find a fire suppression system that works best for your building. Click here for the Best-Selling Fire Safety Products.