Exhaust fan access panels are a must for any commercial kitchen ventilation system. Similar to a duct access panel, this type of cleanout port allows direct access to areas of your upblast fan that would normally be out of reach.
This makes is easier to both inspect and to clean. But that’s not the only benefit you’ll reap from installing an access port. Let’s review the many reasons why you should install an exhaust fan access panel on your upblast fan.
Easy Access To Fan Blades
When it comes to cleaning, servicing, and maintaining upblast fans, it is particularly important to have access to the fan blades. Fan blades are typically concealed and this makes it very difficult to clean them from above. An exhaust fan access panel gives you direct access into the blower wheel. But why is it so important?
When grease builds up on your upblast fan blades the fan can quickly become unbalanced. When your fan is unbalanced, it will be noisy, won’t work efficiently, and will cause roof vibrations as well as fan belt wear and premature bearing failure. Having to get your fan rebalanced – or worse, having your fan repaired – can cost you hundreds of dollars or more.
By installing an access cleanout port makes fan blades easier to inspect and clean away heavy carbon and grease buildup. Being proactive and thorough with your cleaning and maintenance will help you avoid any nasty surprises. And this helps extend the life of your upblast exhaust fan as well as saves you money!
Required By NFPA Fire Code
Aside from protecting the integrity of your equipment and staying clear of costly repairs, another really good reason to install an exhaust fan access panel is that it’s required by NFPA Fire Codes 8.1.5.3.1 and 8.1.5.3.2.
The first part of the code discusses the requirement for upblast fans to “be supplied with an access opening of a minimum 76 mm by 127 mm (3 in. by 5 in.) or a circular diameter of 101 mm (4 in.) on the curvature of the outer fan housing to allow for cleaning and inspection of the fan blades.” The second part of the code states that existing upblast fans are required to install “an approved hinge mechanism or access panel” for the removal of grease contamination.
What Exactly Is An Exhaust Fan Access Panel?
An exhaust fan access panel is simple and small, but incredibly effective. The panel is constructed of a 5” in diameter circular piece of HNBR rubber bonded to closed cell foam. It is rugged, weatherproof, features corrosion resistant zinc plated hardware, and comes with a lifetime warranty for the service life of the fan.
The panel has four metal retaining spring arms that firmly clamp the panel to the fan. The center eyebolt acts as a handle and is helpful when inserting and removing the access panel. As for cost? Access panels are not at all expensive. In fact, this affordable solution is available for less than $12!
Take a closer look at an exhaust fan access port in this brief tutorial video from the experts at HoodFilters.com:
Are They Difficult To Install?
Exhaust fan access panels aren’t just an affordable solution to meet fire codes and improve the ability to access the inside of your fan for maintenance, inspection, and cleaning – it’s also super easy to install. The space saving design fits nearly any commercial fan base. And using a 4” bi-metal saw, you can be done in 30 minutes or less!
It’s really just a few simples steps. First, turn off the fan and determine where the fan blade assembly is. This is where you’ll want to drill the hole for installing the access panel. Using a 4” bi-metal saw, drill a hole. Clean up any frayed edges and be sure to remove the piece you cut out from inside of the fan bowl.
Next, install the exhaust fan access panel by raising the four spring arm latches, folding it in half, and then inserting it into the hole you drilled. The flexible gasket will form to the shape of your fan for a tight fit. Once it is situated in the correct location, lower the latches down to secure it into place.
If You Can’t See It, You Can’t Clean It
We’re sure you’ve heard this saying a million times before: If you can’t see it, you can’t clean it. But it’s true! One of the most important parts of maintaining your kitchen exhaust and ventilation system is making sure that it is properly inspected, cleaned, and maintained. Installing an access port on your fan is integral to making that happen.
If you don’t already have an access panel installed on your upblast fan, you really need to get one. Here’s a reminder of some of the many ways that installing an exhaust fan access fan access panel will save you both time and money:
• Allows for easy inspection of fan blades so you can be proactive about grease buildup
• Allows direct access to thoroughly clean and maintain your upblast exhaust fan
• Reduces chance of fan becoming unbalanced which causes noise and vibrations
• Reduced chances of vibrations means less premature wearing of fan belts and bearings
• Avoid fines by making your upblast exhaust fan compliant with NFPA Fire Codes
HoodFilters.com has everything you need to keep your commercial kitchen exhaust equipment running smoothly. Check out our full selection of restaurant and exhaust fan accessories at www.HoodFilters.com. Whether you have questions about access panels or need advice on setting up a ventilation system, we’re here to help. Drop us an email, live chat with us online, or give us a call at 877-394-9731.