Commercial kitchens are very busy areas with employees rushing to prepare meals for customers. Such an active environment combined with food and heating elements are a favourable ground for sudden fire, putting both people and property at risk. A quick response is a necessity, but it’s not always easy to decide for a solution.
Why commercial kitchen fires must be prevented
Preventing a commercial kitchen fire is vital for a series of reasons. Some are obvious ones: you protect staff from serious and critical injuries; you minimize potential damage to your equipment and thus costs resulting from it; or you significantly reduce downtime in case of fire outbreak. But you also maximize your chance of attracting high-end customers and you empower your brand as a high-quality restaurant.
Fusible links and their limits
Fusible links are often used in commercial kitchens. Although this solution has been on the market for a long time, it has some limits. Fusible links are typically two small metal plates that are held together by solder that melts at a certain temperature allowing the links to separate when under tension. The solution effectiveness is highly diminished when the links are encrusted with grease. It can indeed result in excessive delays in actuation. Additionally, they are not easy to install and hide some long-term costs since they must be replaced every six months.
Automatic suppression through pneumatic tube detection by Rotarex Firetec
Rotarex TRIPLESTAR system uses a linear pneumatic tube to detect and actuate release of extinguishing agents. The system is not only highly dependable but is also incredibly effective in suppressing fires. It has endured rigorous testing and has been certified by the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board).
Furthermore, the TRIPLESTAR system can be installed with absolute ease. Only standard tools are required to mount the system. Installation is made easy through the single type of nozzle; the ready-to-use fittings; the flexible sensor tube that can adapt to any kitchen designs or even the easy-to-plug manual discharge device.
Customer testimonial
Mohammad Azhar, CEO from BTFS Fire Protection said: ‘Picking the TRIPLESTAR Kitchen hood suppression system from Rotarex Firetec was an easy decision to make. There are numerous factors around why we chose TRIPLESTAR for the UAE’s exclusive stocking, installation, maintenance and servicing agreement. Having Gary Sherrington Boyd (Sales Director – Firetec Middle East & Africa) and his team in Dubai is a significant advantage for BTFS. When we have client and engineering meetings, he is always there with us to help explain the technical side of the TRIPLESTAR system. The UAE is flooded with American systems, no real local representation and long lead times helped us make our decision to partner with the Firetec division.’
Mr Azhar also stated that: ‘Commercially we have already seen that we have a substantial advantage over our competitors with the use of Pneumatic detection tube, meaning, as well as TRIPLESTAR being a strong commercially positioned system, we are enjoying improved productivity with local stock and through the speed of installation over more traditional detection methods.’
Rotarex Middle East & Africa are based in Dubai and can be contacted via email at middle-east@rotarex.com
For more information, go to www.rotarexfiretec.com
