Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Restaurants often present higher risks of fire emergencies. Studies reveal that more than half of the reported cases of restaurant fires are caused by cooking equipment. Here is what every restaurant owner needs to know.
Why Restaurants Need Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Restaurants often present higher risks of fire emergencies mainly because fire is the key medium used in a majority of food preparation processes. Studies reveal that more than half of the reported cases of restaurant fires are caused by cooking equipment.
Compared to other fire suppression alternatives like fire blankets and fire extinguishers, kitchen fire suppression systems are proven to be more effective. The main reason for that is because they can automatically activate prompt and effective response, thereby putting out fires safely and faster.
To get the most of this system in your restaurant, it is important that you also know how it operates, its applications, benefits and how to choose the right one.
How a Kitchen Fire Suppression System Works
Installation Location
A kitchen fire suppression system is installed in the cooker hood or inside the cupboards in the kitchen, which also helps with conserving space. The system is aimed at protecting cooking equipment like deep fryers, chip pans, hobs and kitchen staff during fire emergencies.
Heat Detection & Activation
The system is designed with heat sensors programmed to detect any abnormal temperatures in the kitchen. Whenever a fire is detected, the sensors will trigger the system's nozzles to discharge wet chemicals for extinguishing the flames.
Wet Chemical Suppression
The wet chemicals in the system are carefully engineered to immediately blanket the flames and suck oxygen from the burning materials, forcing the fire to stop. The system will also trip, cutting the gas supply to the cooking appliances that instantly eliminates the fuel source.
Key System Features
- Installed in cooker hood or kitchen cupboards — space-saving
- Protects deep fryers, chip pans, hobs and kitchen equipment
- Automated heat sensors for immediate detection
- Wet chemical discharge smothers flames and cuts oxygen
- Automatically trips gas supply to eliminate fuel source
- Hood system automatically drives out smoke
- Localised response — does not interrupt other cooking stations
Advantages of Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems
Automatic Fire Detection and Response
Due to their automated fire detection and response capabilities, kitchen fire suppression systems ensure that fires are stopped before any serious threats of accidents or structural damage.
Less Interruption to Business Activities
With a system that can immediately detect and extinguish kitchen fires, you will not have to disrupt all business operations whenever a fire occurs. The system can safely put out fires in specific areas of the kitchen without affecting other cooking equipment and processes.
Protects Staff and Equipment
Kitchen fire suppression systems have hoods at the top to automatically drive out smoke from the kitchen, significantly reducing the chances of accidents to workers whenever fires start.
Reduces Food Wastage
The prompt and effective response of kitchen fire suppression systems also reduces food wastage since not much will be destroyed in the fire.
Choosing Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems for Your Restaurant
Although kitchen fire suppression systems are undoubtedly the most essential fire protection systems for restaurants, do not just buy any system that you come across in the market. Consider these key factors.
Fire Extinguishing Agent
Wet chemical is most preferred as it can effectively extinguish a wide range of kitchen fires.
Coverage Area
Ensure the system properly covers all the potential fire threats including deep fryers, chip pans and hobs.
System Size & Performance
Look into the size and performance of the system to match the scale of your kitchen operations.
Type of Fires
Consider if the system needs to also handle electrical fires in addition to cooking oil fires.
If you are not familiar with kitchen fire suppression systems, choosing the right one for your restaurant could be challenging. Engaging a fire safety professional can provide the necessary assistance to enable you get the most suitable and efficient kitchen fire suppression system for your restaurant without a lot of stress.
Get Quality Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems in Singapore
Ezzogenics offers quality fire protection systems, fire safety products and QP consultancy services for restaurants and other commercial establishments in Singapore.