Fire and its hazards are no strangers to those living in Malaysia’s hot tropical climate. Since most fires are accidental, it is hard to predict where and when they will occur. Therefore, fire protection systems are essential for all workplaces and households in Malaysia to protect lives and assets from unforeseeable danger.
Read more: Fire Hazard Awareness in Malaysia: Why Is It Important?
Primarily, restaurants and kitchens pose a significant fire risk. The most common causes of kitchen fires include open flames, electrical hazards, and flammable objects. Luckily, kitchen fires can be extinguished effectively with tools like wet chemical kitchen hood fire suppression systems.
It’s important to be prepared for any unfortunate scenario by installing the right fire protection systems in our spaces. Read on to learn about wet chemical fire systems and how one could be the right solution for you.
Read more: Fire Alarm Monitoring System: Keep Your Building Safe
What is a Wet Chemical Suppression System?
Photo: A1 Sprinkler & Systems Integration (Website)
Most people will think of the wet chemical suppression system when talking about the traditional fire suppression system. It is usually installed in commercial kitchens as it can effectively extinguish Class F fires that involve cooking oil or fat.
The main components typically included in the system are:
- Control module/panel
- Wet chemical agent storage cylinder
- Releasing mechanism
- Manual pull station
- Automatic detectors or fusible link
- Automatic gas/fuel shut-off valve
- Nozzles
- Supply piping
- Class F portable fire extinguisher
The control module is the component that receives signals and handles external operations, like the cylinder and shut-off valve. Moreover, the system’s nozzles are fitted in the kitchen hood exhaust so that the wet chemicals will be released directly over the source of the fire and the affected substance.
When the detector senses a high-temperature fire or smoke, the system automatically sprays a soapy solution over the area to mitigate the grease or fuel fire. The cooling effects also lower the temperature of the affected substance below its ignition point.
The pressurised solution released comes in the form of a fine mist and is made of various fire-combatting alkali salts. Due to its fine texture, you do not need to worry about hot oil or fat splashing back during the process.
Read more: Fire Emergency Evacuation Plan Malaysia: 5 Key Components to Consider
How Does a Wet Chemical Fire System Work?
For commercial kitchen owners, a wet chemical fire suppression system is a vital investment to keep their businesses and employees safe. Nevertheless, they should first understand how it functions before installing one for their premises.
Although there are various brands of fire suppression systems in the market, most operate with the same principle. The systems were designed to protect all cooking appliances under the kitchen hood, including stoves or deep-fat fryers.
There are two methods to activate the suppression system in the event of a fire:
1. Wet Chemical Automatic Activation
Photo: Imperial Fire Engineering (YouTube)
The fire detection fusible links detect the fire and send a signal to the control module. Once the system is triggered, the gas shut-off valve automatically turns off the supply to cut the stove’s fuel.
Kitchen fires, such as grease fires, can still burn and spread even though the gas has been turned off. However, the wet chemical cylinder will release a firefighting agent to the nozzles to suppress the fire and affected substance.
Once the fire has been put out, the kitchen hood will activate to remove smoke accumulated in the kitchen.
2. Wet Chemical Manual Activation
Photo: Imperial Fire Engineering (YouTube)
The suppression system can also be activated using the manual pull station. This method acts as a backup in case the system’s detectors or fusible links fail to detect the fire hazard.
Once you pull the handle on the station, the system will signal the control module to shut off the gas valve quickly. A similar process to automatic activation will follow from this point on.
Also, most suppression systems come with a manual-use wet chemical fire extinguisher as a backup in case the system fails to work as intended. This usually only happens because the systems are faulty or not well-maintained.
Why Is Having A Wet Chemical Suppression System Important?
A recent study has estimated that 60% of kitchen fires begin in the kitchen, forcing them to close their establishment. These statistics reveal the devastating consequences of kitchen fires that can shut down businesses and risk the lives of both employees and guests.
Fortunately, wet chemical kitchen-hood fire suppression systems are the best early-detection preventive solution for kitchen fires. The system protects all kitchen appliances and prevents fires without shutting down kitchen operations.
Thus, all restaurant and commercial kitchen owners should install a fire suppression system. It is a vital safety measure to control kitchen fires, protect your business, and save lives.
Industry-Standard Fire Safety Solutions
It is clear that a wet chemical fire system can benefit any setting, commercial or residential. It is a good preventative system that can save lives and businesses from cooking fires that often get out of control.
Therefore, it is crucial to have the system in place and running effectively for the safety of your environment. Understanding the risks that fire brings, Palcon seeks to equip Malaysians with the right fire protection systems.
As a fire expert, our extensive array of products and services has been aiding Malaysians against fire for over 40 years. For more information on our wet chemical fire suppression system and the other fire safety solutions we offer, visit palcon.com.my.
