Did you realize there are over 24,000 food trucks in the United States? During the pandemic, owners of these food trucks saw a significant increase in business. If you entering the mobile food service industry, educating yourself about the importance of fire safety equipment is imperative. The last thing you want is for your food truck to go up in smoke due to a lack of fire suppression systems and fire extinguishers. 

Failing to equip your food truck with the right equipment can also lead to fines and the inability to get work permits in different areas. Here are some tips designed to help you mitigate the risk posed by food truck fires. 

Invest In the Right Fire Suppression System

Providing food to hungry customers will require the use of specialized cooking equipment. When using things like a deep fryer or griddle, you create a very dangerous working environment. Confining these sources of heat in a food truck can be disastrous, which is why investing in a fire suppression system is vital. If a fire erupts under the hood of these suppression systems, they will be doused with chemicals. These chemicals are designed to put the fire out quickly and effectively. 

Some food truck owners think that fire suppression hood and system installation is a DIY project they can handle alone. In reality, this is an extremely complicated process that needs to be handled by professionals. Once you have your hood in place, the team at Atlantic Fire Protection will equip it with a state-of-the-art fire suppression system. Having this system on board can help you cook with peace of mind. 

Put the Right Extinguishers in Place

As the owner of a mobile food truck, you have to be passionate about fire prevention. Fighting a fire is much easier if you have a variety of equipment at your disposal. This means you need to have both a fire suppression system and fire extinguishers on board. If you are new to the world of food service, you may fail to realize that there are specialized fire extinguishers made for restaurants. 

The Class K fire extinguisher contains a special chemical that is designed to put out fires involving fats, grease and other cooking oils. After you have the right fire safety equipment in place, you have to keep it maintained. Fire protection professionals can inspect and maintain this equipment to ensure it works when needed. 

Be Careful About Where You Park Your Food Truck 

Mobile food truck owners love the flexibility in their work environment. Being able to park in a new area and serve food to hungry consumers can be a lot of fun. However, you need to be mindful of where you park your food truck before you start cooking. You need to park at least 10 feet away from all structures to keep everyone around your food truck safe. 

Are you looking for a great deal on new fire extinguishers or a fire suppression system? If so, Atlantic Fire Protection is here to help. 

Fire extinguishers are a vital part of fire safety plans. Ranging from residential, commercial, and recreational settings, fire extinguishers are designed for specific services and special fire hazards. When determining which type of fire extinguisher to purchase for your needs, you should understand the fire hazards present in your home or workplace. Contacting your local fire marshal or a qualified and licensed fire extinguisher company is the best way to ensure you purchase a suitable device. 

Portable, Wheeled, And Fixed Devices

When purchasing a portable, wheeled, or fixed fire extinguisher, it is essential to your safety to do so through a qualified licensed company. Licensed fire extinguisher companies are factory authorized and manufacturer certified to sell, install, and service portable, wheeled, and fixed extinguishers. 

Such companies will assist you with the right equipment for your needs and advise you or your business on compliance with fire codes in your area. Complying with local fire codes can include installing fire extinguisher devices by licensed fire extinguisher companies.

Classes And Performance Ratings 

Fire extinguishers are designed to meet specific requirements of different types of fire hazards. Fire types are categorized as Class A, B, C, D, and K, distinguishing which fire extinguisher devices should be used for each fire class. Manufactures affix visible labels to each device that provide necessary information such as performance review and rating. When buying your device, look for these stickers that should display  ‘UL, ANSI, FM’ to assess its rating and performance.

Personal Home Purchasing

If you are purchasing fire extinguishing devices and systems for your personal home use, your needs will differ from those of a commercial property. By shopping with a qualified, certified, licensed, and factory-trained fire extinguisher company, you will be provided a detailed cost analysis for the maintanenece of your equipment. Such costs associated with personal fire extinguisher use include purchase, service, maintenance, and devices’ replacement. 

Commercial And Large Scale Purchasing

If you are purchasing equipment for a larger company such as a franchise, government agency, industrial organization, or retail chain, you may qualify for discounts. Depending on the quantity and types of fire extinguishing systems you choose, the service package will differ and may also be subject to a value. Service packages can include refill, recharging, inspection, and annual certification of your equipment. 

Choosing A Reputable Company

Safety is a top priority when it comes to the purchase of personal or commercial fire extinguishment devices. Licensed and certified companies should only be used to ensure products are correct for what you need and safely maintained. 

ANSUL systems consist of several methods and products used for extinguishing fires. These sophisticated systems can be used individually or combined for the utmost in fire safety. Mainly used in commercial, restaurant, and industrial settings, ANSUL systems provide an advanced approach to fire extinguishment.

Function As Extinguisher

ANSUL fire extinguisher systems use a two-pronged approach to eliminating fire. Applying an agent, the system either displaces the fire’s oxygen or cools the burning fuel to smother fires effectively. Most often, carbon dioxide is used as the agent that smothers the fire.

ANSUL Features

In its most complete form, ANSUL includes fire and heat detectors with an alarm system. The alarm system’s purpose is to notify occupants of a building to leave the property before the system automatically releases its fire smothering agent. ANSUL is designed to administer an appropriate amount of chemicals to contain and smother the fire before extensive damage can be caused, significantly reducing the risk of catastrophic loss of life and property.

Types Of ANSUL Products

In its simplest form, ANSUL is a portable fire extinguisher that can be operated manually. This type of ANUSL is appropriate for residential and small business uses where highly combustible material is not present. Larger companies can benefit from the extensive piped system that dispenses a more generous amount of chemicals.

Type F class ANSUL systems are appropriate for commercial kitchens as they direct the chemical agent at hot spot areas such as stoves and fry baskets. The ability to control a fire at its source allows for less property damage during the containment process. The enormous scale ANSUL systems are used on firetrucks for extinguishing major property fires.

Application Considerations

ANSUL fire extinguishing systems are appropriate for a wide range of applications. You must consider your risk level and fire safety plans when determining the right strategy for your needs. ANSUL systems provide a multi-layered approach to fire safety, giving you options that will increase your ability to handle small to large-scale fires with varied methods.

Professional Fire Protection Services

Atlantic Fire Protection Services offers professional and experienced sales, installation, service, and inspection of ANSUL fire extinguisher systems and more. When it comes to planning your fire safety, Atlantic Fire Protection Services will ensure that you are protected by what you need to keep you safe and nothing more. Let us help you and your property stay safe, Atlantic Fire Protection Services today.

Fire suppression systems for restaurants are a necessity for everyday activity in the foodservice industry. Unfortunately, fires are more prevalent in restaurants than in any other business. Fires can start harmlessly enough from any number of sources but can quickly get out of hand. A fire suppression system is an absolute must for restaurants and other commercial kitchens.  

A Kitchen Fire Could Shut Down a Restaurant

When your livelihood is at stake, you can’t afford to take chances. Your cooking equipment is the lifeline of your restaurant, but also the apparatus most used when involved in fires. Fires often happen from old equipment, poor installation and maintenance, and a lack of a good cleaning regimen. Rags are plentiful around the kitchen but can present a fire hazard when left around. Be sure to store clean and dirty rags separately in metal containers with lids that can close. A fire can happen even from a small amount of oil or grease.  

Detect Fires Before They Start

Fire suppression systems detect fires and heat almost before they start. By using heat sensors, fire detection happens immediately. Fire suppression systems identify problem areas before they start. They work by shutting off access to gas lines immediately once a fire is detected. This mechanism not only saves lives but the restauranteur’s business as well. In the recent past, dry chemical systems most frequently, but now wet systems are here to stay. It’s quite amazing to consider how much damage could have happened had it not been for these fantastic systems.  

Pick the Right System

It’s important to note that all fire suppression systems are not appropriate for every industry. Some made are for warehouses meant to extinguish paper, while others are engineered explicitly for the restaurant industry and grease fires. Some functions are essential for a commercial kitchen or restaurant, like mechanical gas shut-off, remote pull station, and distribution piping. A rapid response system is especially crucial in smothering a fire and limiting injuries or death. It is not easy to install a system and should only be done by industry professionals. Survey of the space includes inspecting the kitchen equipment, allowing for the size of the hood, accounting for the length of the duct, and will be able to prescribe the best suppression system for your needs. 

Pick the Right Company

When choosing a fire suppression company, pick one that supplies all of your needs, whether you work in restaurants, healthcare, or warehouses.  Atlantic Fire Protection is here to help and can cater to your needs.  

A fire extinguisher plays a vital role in the fire safety of any residential or commercial property. As the name implies, this fire-protection device controls and stops small flames before they escalate into a fire outbreak during emergency situations. It works by cooling the burning materials, preventing oxygen from touching the flame, and blocking chemical reactions. This is why it’s easy to see them installed in various places, whether in business establishments or residential communities.

According to manufacturers, the average lifespan of a fire extinguisher ranges from 5 to 15 years. However, there are a few factors that can influence its longevity. While some variables prolong its lifespan, a few others can make it wear out prematurely. 

When you are trying to determine the lifespan of your fire protection device, here are four factors to consider:

1. Disposable fire extinguishers for homes

Most homeowners opt for disposable home fire extinguishers. As the name implies, they can be disposed of because they are typically made of plastic valves and aluminum cylinders. Most of these devices have a shelf life of twelve years as per most manufacturers. To identify this, all it takes is to check the cylinder and read the manufacturer’s dates and instructions. Of course, with constant fire extinguisher service, expect them to last longer than usual.

2. Commercial fire extinguishers for business

Similar to disposable home fire extinguishers, commercial fire extinguishers are expected to last for twelve years on average. They are typically installed in various areas in a given building for fire safety and protection. These devices can also last longer with regular upkeep, where they should be internally inspected every six years. For the most part, they should be hydrostatically tested to ensure that they’re in top shape and working condition. Finally, keep in mind that they must be inspected by licensed fire protection professionally and annually per the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).

3. Uses and applications of fire extinguishers

For the most part, fire extinguishers are installed per fire safety guidelines in your commercial property. Even if you have one in your home, know where to position it visibly. However, part of the overall equation is to have proper installation and use because you don’t want your family members or employees to play with them that can potentially lead to injuries and damages. To make them last longer than usual, be sure to take good care of them.

4. Maintenance service and its frequency

As fire extinguishers aren’t designed to last forever, scheduling regular maintenance for them makes all the difference. As mentioned above, they must be inspected once a year by professionals and be internally tested every six years to see if they still can be used. With this required upkeep, expect them to last for as long as possible!

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what to consider when assessing the lifespan of your fire extinguisher. When you consider the factors mentioned above, you’ll be able to predict how long your fire protection devices will last. Ultimately, you have to ensure they are highly functional and useful just when you need them the most!

We offer a wide selection of fire protection systems and services for your restaurant, commercial business, and apartment buildings. If you need a fire extinguisher inspection in New Jersey, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

In an emergency, you need to find your way out of a facility in the quickest way possible. A property owner or manager should ensure that their building has fully-functional exit signs and emergency lights. 

These signs and lights keep people orderly and put them at ease while they evacuate. These also help keep your building LIFE SAFETY and OSHA-compliant. Keeping yourself up to code will also help you avoid fines. 

When you get exit signs installed, take it as a chance to have fire extinguisher inspections as well. Fire inspection personnel can instruct you or your building manager on how to care for fire protection devices, and they can replace these if they fail or burn out. You can also replace the damaged lights yourself. Here are some things to keep in mind when replacing emergency exit lights.

Why do emergency lights burn out?

You need to keep emergency lights on 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Naturally, exit sign bulbs will wear out faster and burn out. There are three components to emergency signs that might cause burning out: the primary bulbs, the low-voltage ones, and the reserve batteries.

The primary bulb ensures that people can read the sign at all times. It is the first thing you should inspect if you notice issues with your emergency light. Meanwhile, the device uses low-voltage bulbs when you are on emergency light systems. Finally, the reserve battery powers the low-voltage bulb when the power goes out. If your low-voltage bulb is not working, you should check the battery for issues.

How to fix your emergency exit sign

If the light is not working, there are two things you could do to fix your sign. You could either replace the broken part or the entire device. Before buying a new emergency light, see if you can isolate the malfunctioning part. If you figure it out, you can buy a replacement for the defective piece only. Remove the front panel of the sign and find the bulb or battery that is causing the issue. If you need help with it, you can call a fire extinguisher service for assistance. If the repairs do not work, you can replace the sign outright.

Keep in mind that some types of bulbs burn out faster than others. If your exit sign uses incandescent light, you have to replace the bulbs at a faster rate. Save resources and install an LED sign; these lights consume less energy and save you money over time.

Conclusion

Building owners want to guarantee their occupants’ safety, and fire protection devices like emergency lights and extinguishers help with that. Apart from keeping your facilities compliant with regulations, these devices help you keep things orderly during an emergency. 

Ideally, you want your exit sign working at all times. When it does burn out, it could be because of several things. Before changing your emergency lights, check with your local fire protection company if you can still have the sign repaired. If not, there are plenty of shops where you can get a replacement.

Don’t keep people using your building in the dark; install Atlantic Fire Pro emergency lights and exit signs today! We are a New Jersey and Pennsylvania fire suppression installation service, helping facilities protect themselves and keep their systems up and running. We have you covered from emergency lights to Ansul suppression systems; get in touch today for a free estimate!

Businesses often overlook commercial kitchen hood installations on their premises due to their lack of knowledge and experience. This results in many business problems, such as exposing employees to dangerous and unbearable smoke fumes. Some unfortunate businesses have even been affected by fires due to the lack of preventative measures. That is why you should make well-informed decisions with your commercial kitchen hood to maximize profitability and safety. 

This article will discuss four key commercial kitchen hood buying tips to help you through the process. Take this as an opportunity to invest in long-term assets that will define your business’s future scalability by maintaining your employees’ and customers’ welfare and safety. 

• Find the best hood designs for your commercial kitchen needs 

There are many kinds of commercial kitchen hoods that you can pick for your business, but you have to make the best choice. You can do so by doing comprehensive research on the different commercial kitchen hoods and consulting with kitchen systems experts. 

For example, let’s say your commercial business is mainly composed of a food truck fleet that serves Mexican food in New Jersey. You need to design the best kitchen for that kind of setup and choose the best commercial kitchen hood. You can research, but you may have limited industry knowledge.  

Fortunately, there are experts that you can approach to assist you. Consult with our food truck build experts to make the best cost-effective kitchen designs for your business. 

• Decide on an ideal exhaust rate

You need a commercial kitchen hood with the most efficient exhaust rate, which depends on the heat, smoke, and grease produced by your appliances and the different cooking methods you use. Doing so ensures that no harmful fumes or odors stay in your commercial kitchen, granting safety and well-being among your employees and customers. 

To calculate the ideal exhaust rate, look into the cubic feet per minute or CFM ratio within your commercial kitchen setup. You should also determine the kinds of kitchen appliances and cooking methods you use to ensure you can pick the appropriate hood. That way, you can design your commercial kitchen for maximized efficiency and profitability. 

• Consider commercial kitchen hood add-ons 

Some commercial kitchens require certain hood add-ons suitable for your business setting. For example, you may need a charcoal filter because you require grilling setups for your business. However, make sure that the add-ons you purchase are also compatible with the kitchen hood and exhaust system that you installed. 

As such, consult with kitchen hood suppliers and experts to make cost-effective add-on purchases that will benefit your business. You can also look at different review websites and commercial kitchen online forums to lead you through your commercial kitchen designing process. 

• Prioritize fire suppression installations 

Your commercial kitchen is highly susceptible to fires, meaning you need to invest in fire suppression installations to ensure that no kind of fire-based disaster can ruin your business. For your convenience, our experts can also provide you with the best commercial kitchen solutions. Contact us to make the best-informed decisions about commercial kitchen hoods. 

Conclusion

Deciding on a commercial kitchen hood can be a challenge, but this can easily be accomplished if you access the best sources. You also now know the tips that will guide you through the process. Remember all the previously mentioned information and design the best commercial kitchen for your business today!

Atlantic Fire Protection can provide you with the best fire suppression installations for your commercial kitchen hoods in New Jersey. We can also replace, upgrade, and clean your hood to assure you of convenient, cost-effective measures to protect your business from fires. We can also provide you with other solutions, like our Ansul systems, to upgrade your business’s fire prevention. Contact us today to ensure that your business is prepared against any fire incident. 

If you run a restaurant, it’s important to comply with your local building codes and regulations. One vital safety measure is to have a robust fire protection system set in place. When it comes to this, installing an Ansul fire suppression system on your restaurant hoods is a must. Having this will quickly and easily suppress and stop a fire before it escalates into a major outbreak.

In this article, we’ll cover what you need to know about the Ansul fire suppression system, how it works, and why you should have one installed on your restaurant hoods.

What an Ansul fire suppression system 

The Ansul R-102 Restaurant Fire Suppression System is designed to suppress a fire in your restaurant, particularly in your kitchen. It works by promptly knocking down flames, quickly cooling hot surfaces, and simultaneously generating a vapor-securing blanket to prevent re-ignition. The system typically connects to cooking and ventilating equipment pieces such as restaurant hoods, ducts, filters, and plenums, among many others. 

Ansul consists of special hazard fire protection products designed to meet strict standards and tested by independent labs and approval agencies. It also caters to the aviation, hospitality, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and not to mention the restaurant industries. 

Why it’s effective for restaurant fire outbreak

It’s essential to avoid any potential fire outbreak in any restaurant, which is more likely to happen due to the constant use of fire and regular exposure to heat. 

When a fire starts, it’s vital to suppress it as soon as possible. Unfortunately, using water isn’t a viable solution in stopping a fire, as grease flame spreads when mixed with water. Using a fire extinguisher also won’t do the trick as it will affect the kitchen’s products. That is where a fire suppression system comes into the picture.

How an Ansul fire suppression system works

In most cases, a fire suppression system is connected to the hood over the cooking station and the gas line through it. When it is tripped, it will automatically be triggered to turn the gas line off.

When a fire breaks, this system will quickly knock down the flame. Furthermore, it will promptly cool the hot surfaces to prevent any flare trigger, and it creates a vapor securing blanket to prevent the fire from rekindling. 

What to know about a restaurant hood

An exhaust hood is a device with a mechanical fan that hangs above the stove or cooktop in the kitchen. It is designed to get rid of airborne grease, combustion products, fumes, smoke, heat, and steam from the air. As it essentially provides proper ventilation to enhance the kitchen safety and foster everybody’s good health in the establishment, be sure to have it installed along with your fire suppression system.

Conclusion

At this point, you now know what an Ansul fire suppression system is. Be sure to have this system installed on your restaurant hoods and consider all the valuable information discussed above. 

Because of this, it’s best to hire a professional service to have this installed in your restaurant’s kitchen. If you already have one, it’s a good idea to set a regular Ansul fire suppression system maintenance in place to ensure it’s working optimally. To that end, the Ansul system aims to protect your property, your employees, customers, and the business in general!

Are you looking to have an Ansul system installation in New Jersey for your kitchen? You’ve come to the right place as we offer a wide range of fire protection systems and services. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help!

If you run a restaurant business, your commercial kitchen is the area that’s most vulnerable to a fire outbreak. This is mostly because it gets subject to constant heat and flames during cooking and food preparation. If your chefs aren’t highly critical and your kitchen appliances aren’t properly maintained, a sudden flare can easily occur. The good thing is that most business establishments have fire protection set in place. However, the problem is that they tend to commit some mistakes when it comes to their fire suppression system.

If you want to avoid burning down your establishment, here are five common mistakes your restaurant must avoid with the fire suppression systems:

1. Your cooking appliances aren’t positioned properly

This is one of the most common mistakes usually committed by staff members, as your kitchen appliances and equipment pieces are constantly moved around for food preparation and cleaning. The problem is that they aren’t used or put back in place within the range of your fire suppression system. When an unexpected flame occurs, your system is rendered useless. For this reason, be sure that all your kitchen appliances are inspected and maintained for proper positioning.

2. You have expanded your kitchen without considering the fire suppression system

It’s inevitable for you to add space in your commercial kitchen and upgrade your appliances for ample workspace and overall efficiency. The problem, however, is when you tend to neglect your fire suppression system during these upgrades. The chances are that the equipment pieces are moved out of the system’s range, making them prone to flare. As a rule of thumb, be sure to have a fire suppression installation or upgrade when updating your commercial kitchen.

3. You don’t regularly clean your walls and floors

It’s quick and easy for kitchen surfaces to have grease buildup as a result of constant cooking. This buildup gets spread on the floors, walls, and other surface areas. Because of this, regular cleaning is a must. Unfortunately, some staff tends to neglect this vital aspect of a restaurant business and fail to perform cleaning for long periods. As a result, the greasy surfaces serve as a route for the flame to spread. Hence, the best course of action is to clean your kitchen regularly!

4. You haven’t set regular upkeep

Apart from cleaning, the regular maintenance of your kitchen appliances and equipment is also imperative. Poorly maintained ones lead to a potential hazard that even your suppression system won’t be able to handle. Keep in mind that the fire safety codes require regular inspection and cleaning of commercial kitchens. For this reason, you must always remember to schedule a routine inspection, and should there be damages or issues with your appliances that could cause a fire, have them fixed as soon as possible.

5. You have a malfunctioned fire suppression system

If your suppression system isn’t working as expected, you risk the flame growing bigger than you can contend with—that defeats the purpose of having one in the first place! Be sure to have your system inspected regularly. If it’s already malfunctioned, have it repaired or replaced as soon as possible.

Conclusion

At this point, we’ve covered the five common mistakes associated with the fire suppression system in a restaurant business—improperly positioned appliances, expanded kitchen without considering the fire suppression system, uncleaned walls and floors, no regular upkeep, and malfunctioned system. Ultimately, you or your property manager must be wary of all these to ensure your fire suppression system works properly and avoid a potential fire outbreak!

At Atlantic Fire Pro, we provide a wide selection of Ansul suppression systems in New Jersey, along with inspection, installation, and maintenance services. If you’re looking for a fire suppression installation, get in touch with us today to see how we can help!