HotLine, I have no problem with your description.

The problems arise when there is no fresh air piped directly to the hood. I routinely see the 'hood guys' hanging their tissues on every air supply in sight, expecting them to be shut down. In some instances the kitchen is connected to the dining area with a pass-through, bar-like opening, and the fresh air comes from that other room. I wanted to stress that the only make up air that is required to be shut down is the air supplied directly to the hood, and not these indirect supplies.

Likewise, I have witnessed tests where the hood guys expected the exhaust fan to start up when they tripped the unit, even when everything was shut down. Again, NFPA 96 specifically explains that this is not required.

I suppose I ought to add two other 'refinements,' details that apply only in some cases:
1) If there is no alarm system, you need to mount some manner of alarm (bell, strobe, etc.) that will sound off if the unit trips; and,
2) If the cooking equipment uses 'old fashioned' pilot lights, you need a gas shut-off that has to be manually reset, rather than one that automatically resets when you reset the unit.

I've done these hoods in a few different jurisdictions, alongside several different hood guys, and ... this is the part that annoys me ... I have yet to encounter either a hood guy or a fire marshal who has ever actually held NFPA 96 in their hands. They know 'all about' the requirements, but have never read them. Ah, the look of wonder and amazement when I produce my copy ...

The other thing that annoys me is when I hear 'it's a pre-packaged unit, all you need to do is bring power to it.' Yea, right. Invariably I end up doing a lot more than just that.

A final note: At least once I've encountered a hood guy who did not want to pass inspection. No, his 'game' involved charging for each visit .... so, if he could give me non-functioning equipment and incomplete/erroneous instructions that would allow him to charge for another test, all the better! All I can say is that he picked the wrong guy to annoy.

Last edited by renosteinke; 04/11/12 09:21 AM.