Although kitchen exhaust system fans are supposed to be supplied with a hinge kit when installed, we still see a lot of fans without them. Hinge Kits are an important part of the make up of an exhaust fan although it has become an item that is typically not enforced by the authority having jurisdiction in each area. In order to walk you through the importance of the hinge kit, I want to list the three main reasons that you need a hinge kit. Those reasons are listed below.
Code:
NFPA 96 8.1.1.1 States that “Approved up-blast fans with motors surrounded by the air stream shall be hinged, supplied with flexible weatherproof electrical cable and service hold-open retainers, and listed for this use.”
Material that the fan is made of:
The up-blast fan on your roof top is made up of spun aluminum. Spun aluminum is a very light weight and pliable material. To give an example of how pliable its is, you can take a pair of pliers and bend the frame.
Cleaning Process:
In order to clean your kitchen exhaust system to code, your exhaust cleaning company has to access the bottom of the blades of the exhaust fan and the vertical duct leading down to the hood in the kitchen. Most cleaning companies try and treat your equipment as if it was there own. However, if your system does not have a hinge kit installed, the technician has to maneuver a 125 plus pound fan off the duct curb that is covered in grease as well as water from the cleaning.
In summary, even with the best of intentions, there are variables that can cause damage to your exhaust fan during the kitchen exhaust cleaning process. Assuring that you have a hinge kit on your exhaust fan will help prevent damage to the fan molding due to normal wear and tear from the exhaust cleaning service, damage to the roof top, and allow your service provider to have the proper access to clean your system properly.
If we can be of any assistance to you please do not hesitate to call at 972-704-1812 or you can visit us at our website at www.thehoodboss.com.
