Halo Restoration Services

Access Panel Installation

Properly spaced access doors for kitchen exhaust ducts and upblast fans are key to removing combustible grease for thorough and fire-safe hood cleanings. Call Halo for a free estimate!

(214) 838-2200

Access panels allow for proper cleaning of kitchen exhaust systems.

High-volume commercial kitchens naturally have grease buildup in all components of their exhaust systems. To thoroughly clean the entire system, access to every nook and cranny is necessary.

Cleaning the entire kitchen exhaust system is possible with properly installed access panels. Per FPA requirements, each fan and duct access panel must be UL Listed. Additionally, panels should be designed to be opened and shut repeatedly while keeping a grease-proof, air- and fire-tight fit.

You can't clean a hood system if you can't access it.

Kitchen exhaust systems with insufficient access points are prone to grease buildup. This can lead to dangerous kitchen fires.

Grease builds up in the exhaust ducts.

The ductwork in a commercial kitchen exhaust system is one of the most important elements to keep clean. Kitchen fires can quickly spread into the entire exhaust system through the hood and into the ducts.

Combustible grease in the ductwork provides fuel for a fire to grow. As a result, large, hard-to-control fires could occur and inflict costly damage or loss of life.

Grease builds up in the exhaust fans.

For upblast fans, the NFPA requires an access opening on the curvature of the outer fan housing. Consequently, this allows for a thorough inspection and cleaning of the entire fan.

Upblast fans that lack a proper access panel are often cleaned insufficiently. As a result, grease builds up on the blades, rotation is off-balanced, and fan vibration or rattling occurs. Over time, this causes premature wear on the bearings and belt and degrades the effectiveness of the fan.

All interior surfaces of the exhaust system shall be reasonably accessible.

Horizontal Ductwork

To determine how many access panels are necessary in horizontal exhaust ductwork, consider these two primary factors:

The length of the ductwork. Install access panels every 12 feet.
The directional changes of the ductwork. For every change of direction, install an access panel.

These rules apply unless the duct is large enough for personnel entry (approximately two square feet).

Vertical Ductwork

For every floor of vertical ductwork, an access panels is required. If personnel entry into the ductwork is possible, install the access panel on top of the vertical riser.

Hoods that contain dampers require a special consideration. For example, dampers are often found in most water-wash hoods and block the duct opening. In these cases, install an access panel within 18 inches of the hood.

Exhaust Fans

When exhaust fans connect via ductwork, an access panel is required within three feet of the ends of each fan. As a result, this allows for efficient cleaning of fan blades and exhaust fans.

Efficient access saves time and money.

There are many models, brands and sizes of kitchen exhaust access panels. In some cases, access panels cannot be pulled off the shelf and must be custom made.

No two systems are alike, but efficient access to all parts of a system saves time and money in vent hood cleaning services.

For many access panel installations, a hole is cut and welding is not required. Installation is performed after cutting an appropriately-sized hole into the area and fitting the panel in place.

A wrong cut or a problem with the installation results in an unstable and subpar installation.

Halo has nearly 10 years of experience selecting and installing access panels for commercial kitchen exhaust systems. Access panel installations are one of our many system maintenance services offered for all commercial kitchens.

Installing the access door that fits your ductwork system shape, size and design is one component of keeping your kitchen exhaust system properly and efficiently cleaned. Additionally, it provides a fire-safe environment for your establishment, employees and guests.