Lets Start the new year off with some grease.

They know who they are, I maybe should have included Douglas in the mix. I call them know it alls with utmost respect. They tend to rank among the more experienced members of this board.
 
not the know it all

I know allmost nothing......(keeps me humble).....just begining 2nd year in this industry..:eek:
 
Yes Tim that helps. I have saved that in my hood file in favorites. I'll have to read that several more times to fully understand the information. Of course that leads to more questions, such as when we test fire alarm systems are we supossed to check the functions of the smoke dampers in HVAC ducts. Some HVAC ducts have smoke detectors that shut smoke dampers so the gaseous by-products of fire will not be spread through the building by the duct work. That would be a good question for the fire alarm board. I did send risklogic an e-mail asking for more information.

Keeping the fire in the exhaust hood may be a good idea. As we all have seen, not all ducts are capable of keeping the grease and fire inside the duct. Leaks lead to a fire outside the duct, where there is no fire protection. When there is a fire suppression system and a damper, there is suppose to be a nozzle/nozzles above the duct fire damper. But sometimes it is nearly impossible to remove the nozzles for cleaning because of the damper. It is difficult to clean the duct bacause of the damper also.

Speaking of leaks, on Sunday I am going to a burger joint to take measurements so we can repair the duct. The duct was installed in 2002. Two years ago I noticed grease dripping from the ceiling grid. The vertical duct leaks grease. We will remove the duct insulation, clean inside and out. Then drop in a new vertical duct, put on a new curb top, new insulation. I figure about 5 hours to clean, and then 10 hours x 2 for the repair work. The parts list includes flat sheet metal for the unforseen work, the new duct, insualtion, banding material, tape. Tools will include welder, lights, ladders, sheet metal hand tools, double cuts, levels, lasers. I was asked for a quote, I told them T & M, but not to be surprised at $5,000.00. We area also going to close the resurant. I love it when folks go for the cheapest bidder on new construction. And I already changed the Ansul system at the first service.

Lou, the more I learn, the more questions I have. I am doing a job now that is keeping me humble (somewhat). So far I have upset the City inspectors w/my questions, then hired an engineer and an archetect to cover my shortcomings. I have showed my ignorance, more than once. But I have learned a lot, which is good because I am loosing my butte, financially. Keep reading the boards, asking questions, looking at the standards. There are classes available, that do not cost $6,000.00. Contact Captive Aire and ask if you can attend one of their hood classes. There is one in Seattle on Tuesday and in Portland on Wednseday. One day, some newby will ask a question that has a really obvious answer. You will get that superior feeling, then get ready to fire off a response pointing out how ignorant that person is. Before you do, stop and remember when you were the newby. And if you are really lucky, you will keep learning and will always have a bit of newby in you.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
 
Douglas. About the HVAC units. If the dampers are intagrated into the hood fire supression system then I would say yes, they should be tested also. At an additional fee of course.$$$$$
 
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OK, new terminology
Smoke Damper is a door found in HVAC ducts. A smoke detector sends a signal to the Damper Door Motor in the HVAC duct. The signal can be sent directly or through the fire alarm panel. The motor can be low voltage or 110V. The motor then closes the smoke damper door. the purpose is the prevent the spread of smoke into areas of the building that are not on fire. NFPA 72-2002. Information can also be found in http://www.ul.com/regulators/dampers.cfm, as previously sent by Mr Cotter.

I did not find a definition for a fire door, but that is what we see in a commercial cooking duct. That door is designed to a different standard and operates in a different environment than the duct damper. Tommorrow I'll search my current NFPA 96 and see what I can find.

Tim, you be careful, you might find yourself being thought of as an expert. Have you thought of joining PAFED and NAFED? Last year I went to my first NAFED conference in Las Vegas. Cost was less than $1,000 for trip, hotel, conference and meals. The only problem was the amount of info made my head hurt. I did learn a lot and met a number of people.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipement Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
 
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