A fire suppression system can be the difference between a bad day in a kitchen and taking a total loss on the entire building. You want to know that your setup will have everything needed for the job. Kitchen owners and operators should look for these five features.

Suppression Agents

You need to know which suppression agents will be present in the lines. Due to the diverse range of potential fire sources in cooking spaces, a kitchen suppression system must employ multiple agents. For example, the system requires an agent that won't spread oil and cause a fire to expand. Most modern systems have independent lines to disperse dry or wet agents depending on the localized need.

Also, you want to know that the agents are kitchen-safe and compliant with regulations. After all, your goal is to save the kitchen and get it restarted as quickly as possible.

Automatic Shutoffs

The fuel source is a potential trigger for an even bigger fire. Ideally, a fire suppression system should connect with the shutoffs to the fuel source. Many kitchens use natural gas or propane, and this involves installing automated valves that can kill the fuel supply almost instantaneously. With the rise of induction cooking methods in commercial settings, though, some kitchens will need systems that can automatically cut the electrical supply.

Backup Power for the Kitchen Suppression System

Fires can take out the main electrical systems in a kitchen. Likewise, other emergencies like floods and windstorms can take out the power before a subsequent fire happens. If there isn't a backup power source, the entire fire suppression system will be down. Rather than triggering during a fire, the system fails and the fire spreads out of control.

Monitoring and Reporting

You want the system to notify fire responders when it detects a problem. Also, you probably want it to notify you. Even if the alarm ends and someone gets the situation under control, you'll want status updates. An automated monitoring and reporting system can help you keep up with an evolving situation in the kitchen.

Sufficient Coverage

Even a small kitchen can have a large number of potential fire sources. You want coverage on every stove, oven, hood, and duct in and adjacent to the kitchen. Also, the design should ensure that dispersal is greater than the area where a fire could happen because you need to anticipate spread. Coverage is an issue that requires tailored designs for each kitchen.

For more information, contact a fire suppression system installation service near you.