Fire Suppression Systems for Washington, DC Restaurants

As a restaurant owner in the DC area, you’re busy making important decisions for your business. You don’t have a lot of time to spend thinking about fire safety, but it’s a vital part of running a compliant restaurant.

That’s why you should take a few minutes to learn about the different types of fire suppression systems available for Washington, DC restaurants. With a little information about what’s out there, you’ll be able to make the right choice for your kitchen.

Types of Fire Suppression Systems for Restaurants in Washington, DC

In DC, restaurant fires most often occur in the kitchen area where overheated grease and cooking oil can ignite a dangerous blaze. This makes the kitchen the number one place to install a fire suppression system in your restaurant.

Ordinary sprinklers won’t do the job because water and flammable liquids don’t mix. In fact, throwing water on a grease fire can actually make the flames spread. Here’s a look at three types of fire suppression systems for Washington, DC restaurants you might have heard about and how they work.

FM-200 Fire Suppression

FM-200 is a clean agent fire suppression system that uses Heptafluoropropane, a gas that initiates fast-acting chemical and physical mechanisms, to put out grease fires quickly – usually in 10 seconds or less – without damaging sensitive cooking equipment.

The clean agent characteristic of FM-200 fire suppression means no sticky, wet or particle residue is left behind after the system initiates. This makes FM-200 perfect for restaurants as well as any building with sensitive equipment, computers or electronics.

Foam Fire Suppression

Another water-free way to put out cooking fires is with foam fire suppression systems.

This option works by cutting off the fuel source from oxygen in the room, thus preventing combustion and extinguishing the fire.

The main firefighting agents used in foam systems include fluoro-chemical surfactants, hydrocarbon surfactants and solvents. Once deployed on a surface, the foam expands quickly to smother the fire completely.

Halon Fire Suppression

The third option for suppressing fires in your restaurant is Halon 1301. However, scientific findings from decades ago revealed that Halon 1301 is an ozone depleting substance. In accordance with the Clean Air Act of 1994, manufacturing of Halon 1301 has discontinued and new systems are no longer installed.

However, if you already have a Halon fire suppression system in your restaurant, you are permitted to continue owning and operating it. Whether you need your Halon system inspected, recharged, repaired or replaced with a more modern fire suppression system, Guardian Fire Protection has you covered.

Choose Guardian Fire Protection for Fire Suppression System Services

With over 30 years of experience offering fire protection services to customers in the Washington, DC area, you can count on us to help you achieve optimal fire safety at your restaurant. Our experienced technicians can help you with all aspects of your fire suppression system, including installation, inspections, repairs, recharges and replacements.

Contact us online or by phone at 301-861-0972 to schedule the services you require from a true fire safety professional.