How Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Systems Work

A commercial kitchen hood fire suppression system is engineered to detect heat or flame conditions and automatically release a fire suppressant agent when triggered.

Most systems include:

• Heat detection links or sensors
• Manual pull station
• Control panel and gas shut-off connection
• Suppressant storage cylinder
• Piping network and discharge nozzles inside the hood and duct

When excessive heat is detected, the system activates automatically. The fuel source (gas or electric) is shut off, and the suppressant agent is discharged through strategically placed nozzles. The agent suppresses the fire by cooling the cooking surface and cutting off the oxygen supply.



These systems are designed to address grease fires commonly found in commercial cooking environments.

Types of Fire Suppression Agents Used in Commercial Kitchens

Several fire suppressant agents are used in kitchen hood systems. The correct agent depends on equipment type and fire risk classification.

Wet Chemical Systems (Most Common)

Wet chemical suppression systems are the industry standard for commercial kitchens. These systems discharge a potassium-based solution that reacts with hot grease to create a foam blanket over the cooking surface. This process, known as saponification, cools the fire and prevents re-ignition.

Foam Suppression Systems

Foam agents create a thick blanket over burning oils, cutting off oxygen and suppressing flames. These systems are commonly used in high-grease environments such as deep-fat fryers.



CO₂ Suppression Systems

CO₂ systems reduce oxygen levels around the fire to extinguish flames. However, wet chemical systems are more commonly used today due to improved performance with cooking oil fires.

Why Fire Suppression System Maintenance Is Required

Fire suppression systems must be professionally inspected and maintained to remain compliant with fire safety standards.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requires semi-annual inspection and servicing of commercial kitchen fire suppression systems under NFPA 17A and NFPA 96 standards.

Regular service includes:

• Inspection of detection links
• Verification of nozzle placement and caps
• Cylinder pressure checks
• Manual pull station testing
• Fuel shut-off verification
• Tag updates and documentation

Failure to maintain your system can result in:

• Failed fire inspections
• Insurance claim denial
• Fire code violations
• Business closure



Restaurants in Charlotte, NC must remain compliant with local fire code enforcement requirements to continue operating legally.

Fire Suppression Compliance in Charlotte, NC

Commercial kitchens in Charlotte are required to have a properly installed and maintained hood fire suppression system. Inspections are typically conducted by local fire authorities, and documentation must be available upon request.

If your system has not been inspected in the past six months, you may already be out of compliance. Many restaurant owners schedule inspections alongside their commercial kitchen hood cleaning services to streamline fire code compliance.

Staying proactive with scheduled inspections helps avoid emergency repairs, failed inspections, and costly downtime.

Professional Kitchen Hood Fire Suppression Services in Charlotte

Charlotte Hood Cleaning provides professional fire suppression system services in Charlotte, NC for restaurants and commercial kitchens throughout the area.

Our services include:

• Semi-annual fire suppression inspections
• System testing and compliance verification
• Nozzle cleaning and repositioning
• Link replacement
• Cylinder recharge coordination
• Emergency service after system discharge

We help restaurant owners protect their staff, customers, and property while maintaining full compliance with local fire regulations.

Protect Your Restaurant with Proper Fire Suppression Maintenance

A properly maintained kitchen hood fire suppression system can mean the difference between a contained incident and catastrophic damage. Fire protection is not optional — it is a mandatory component of operating a commercial kitchen in Charlotte.



If your restaurant’s fire suppression system is due for inspection, schedule service to ensure your kitchen remains safe and compliant year-round.