Aliso Viejo Fire Kitchen Service

Your hood system runs on a six-month clock

Commercial cooking suppression systems are inspected every six months under NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A. That's twice a year. Let one visit slide and the tag on your system goes out of date, which anyone walking through the kitchen can see.

A semi-annual visit usually covers:

• The agent cylinder: its pressure, its mounting and its hose connections
• New metal-alloy fusible links, which NFPA 96 requires at least every six months
• Nozzles over each appliance, including caps and aim
• The manual pull station and the detection line
• Fuel or power shutoff to the cooking line when the system trips
• The Class K portable extinguisher

Then the system gets a new tag. Keep the report on file.

UL 300 fire kitchen system upgrades

UL 300 is the test standard for pre-engineered wet chemical systems that protect cooking appliances. Older dry chemical systems don't meet it. Still have one?

If your hood is protected by a dry chemical system, ask about a UL 300 wet chemical replacement during your next service visit, and confirm the current requirement for your kitchen with the Orange County Fire Authority before you plan the work.

Moved a fryer? Added a range? The nozzle layout may no longer match the line. Cooking appliances change more often than hoods do, so a system laid out for an older appliance arrangement can leave a newer one under the hood without proper coverage. Any change to the line is a reason to check.

We install, service, upgrade and remove commercial kitchen systems.

Hood changes and OCFA plan review

Aliso Viejo's municipal code (Chapter 13.04) names OCFA as the fire authority having jurisdiction. Its Community Risk Reduction Department, formerly Fire Prevention, reviews construction plans, inspects construction and does annual life safety inspections of existing commercial buildings.

Timing matters here. One kitchen operator who called us from Aliso Viejo had an opening date about two weeks out and wanted to know whether the plan and permit process could push it back. Fair question.

If you're reconfiguring a hood or converting a space for a new menu, call before the ceiling is closed up, bring your opening date and your appliance list, and ask OCFA early how plan review applies to your project.

Who does the work

California work for 1 Pro Fire is performed by Hedrick Fire Protection. Hedrick holds C-16 (fire protection) and C-10 (electrical) contractor licenses, is licensed by the California State Fire Marshal under Title 19 for portable extinguisher service and water-based system inspection, testing and maintenance, and is licensed to install and service commercial kitchen hood fire suppression systems. That covers the hood system and the Class K unit beside it.

Aliso Viejo kitchen suppression questions

How often does a kitchen hood system need service?

Every six months, under NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A. Fusible links get replaced at least that often.

Should I call ahead, or can a technician just show up?

Call ahead. A cold line is easier and safer to work on, so book a time outside your service hours.

Can you work through plans and permits with OCFA?

Plan review and construction inspection in Aliso Viejo go through OCFA's Community Risk Reduction Department. Tell us about any hood changes and your opening date on the first call, so the system work and the review can be lined up.

Is my old dry chemical system still acceptable?

Older dry chemical systems don't meet UL 300. Confirm what OCFA expects for your kitchen, and ask us about a wet chemical replacement.

Do I still need a portable extinguisher?

Yes. Kitchens with suppression systems also need a Class K extinguisher, and wet chemical units are hydrostatically tested every 5 years.

To book a semi-annual inspection or price a UL 300 upgrade anywhere in Aliso Viejo (92656 and 92698), call (949) 558-2201 or email us at socal@1profire.com