Looking for one of the best exhaust fan hinge kits on the market? The original Omni Super Hinge is a durable, versatile workhorse of a hinge that comes with a lifetime warranty.
But what is a hinge kit, and why exactly does my exhaust fan need one? If you already know and just want to hear about the Omni Super Hinge, then you can skip the next part. Otherwise, read on to learn more!
What is an exhaust fan hinge kit and why do I need one?
As you know, commercial kitchens have to adhere to a lot of safety rules and regulations. Sometimes, they get overlooked. One that is often neglected or just not known about is the requirement to install a commercial exhaust fan hinge kit.
NFPA 96 Fire Code
Exhaust fan hinge kits are required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The code is outlined in Chapter 8 of the NFPA 96 Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.
“8.1.1.1 Approved upblast fans with motors surrounded by the airstream shall be hinged, supplied with flexible weatherproof electrical cable and service hold-open retainers, and listed for this use.” – NFPA 96
What is an exhaust fan hinge kit?
Commercial fan hinge kits are all designed with the same simple process in mind: Provide a way for upblast exhaust fans to be opened and closed without lifting the entire thing off of the roof curb.
Hinge kits are typically attached to the outside edge of the exhaust fan base as well as the roof curb. When hinges are installed on fans with bases larger than 36” or the fan is extremely heavy, the addition of a safety chain kit is recommended.
Some hinges look a bit like door hinges, some are shaped like the letter “L” and are called “L-bar” hinges. Other upblast exhaust fan hinge kits, such as the Omni Super Hinge, have more unique design features.
Why are hinge kits required?
So why does the NFPA require exhaust fan hinge kits to be installed? Does it help reduce the risk of fire? Does it protect your roof? Does it make it easier to clean your kitchen ventilation system? Does it reduce rooftop grease and oil buildup?
The answer is all of the above – and more!
Having an exhaust fan hinge installed will reduce the risk of fire by allowing easier access to the fan for cleaning and maintenance. Better access to the fan means it’s easier to clean. And when a fan is easier to clean, it will have less grease and oil build up.
Less grease and oil buildup
Removing build up from the fan means that your fan stays cleaner. It also means that your rooftop will stay cleaner. If grease and oil build up in your fan or seep out onto your roof, it greatly increases the fire hazard. But that’s not all.
Fan runs better and more efficiently
Grease and oil build up in your exhaust fan can also cause mechanical problems with your system. The buildup leaves residue on the fan blades and causes them to become unbalanced.
Unbalanced fans become noisy, are less efficient, and eventually the fan motor just stops working. They can also lead to misaligned block bearings, premature wear of fan belts, and damage to the fan base due to excessive vibration. Installing exhaust fan hinges on your fan can help you avoid costly repairs and replacement costs.
Adds strength and rigidity to fan
Installing a commercial fan hinge kit makes your fan more stable and adds strength and rigidity to the fan base which minimizes metal fatigue. They also add support the areas of your fan base that are mostoften prone to failure.
Protects fan housing and rooftop from being damaged
An exhaust fan hinge will help protect both your roof and the fan from potential damage due to the fan being lifted on and off of the base and being placed (or dropped!) directly onto the surface of the roof.
Protects fan wiring
Hinge kits will also help protect the expensive housing, fan wiring, and the base of your exhaust fan.
Protects workers accessing fan
Exhaust fan hinge kits protect more than your roof though. They also protect the people who are on your roof doing maintenance and cleaning of your fan. Exhaust fans are big and bulky and can weigh upwards of 75-lbs or more. Hinges make accessing your exhaust fan both safer and easier. This alone is reason enough to install an exhaust fan hinge kit.
Let’s have a look at one of the most popular and durable hinge kits you can get: the original Omni Super Hinge.
Why Install the Original Omni Super Hinge?
As we mentioned earlier, all hinge kits are designed with the same goal in mind.
However, as with many things, not all hinge kits are created equally. In addition, not all exhaust fan set ups will work with every hinge kit.
If you want a convenient, versatile hinge kit that will work in almost any situation and last for the lifetime of your exhaust fan, the original Omni Super Hinge is a great choice.
You can even use it on a side mount exhaust fan. Let’s take a closer look at the Omni Super Hinge and why it might be right for you.
What is the Original Omni Super Hinge?
The Omni Super Hinge features patented technology that combines durability with versatility to provide a fan hinge you can count on for a lifetime of service (guaranteed).
The Omni Super Hinge is constructed of heavy gauge, hot rolled, powder-coated steel. Components are laser-cut and all fasteners and other support pieces are made of Grade 5, corrosion-proof stainless steel. The expansion spacers are made of nylon 66.
The Omni Super Hinge is designed to operate at temperatures of up to 2500° F. The added durability in its construction help the Super Hinge eliminate stress from repetitive flexing that occurs to a fan base during maintenance and cleaning. Installation of the Omni Super Hinge onto your upblast exhaust fan is simple.
Watch this video demonstration of the install process to see just how quick and easy it is.
Once installed, the hinge allows one-person to easily open and close the exhaust fan. The Omni Super Hinge creates a safer work environment by providing a more stabilized foundation. The hinge covers more than 60 percent of the fan base, which helps it to evenly distribute the weight of the exhaust fan over a larger area.
The Omni Super Hinge’s built-in service hold-open retainer further protects anyone accessing the fan by keeping it from closing unexpectedly. The solid steel locking pin allows the fan to be locked into position at either 45° or 90°. It holds the fan in place and doesn’t get in the way or impede access like chains and cables might. Because the locking pin is extremely strong, it won’t break or pull away from the fan base due to a sudden jolt or in severe weather.
Benefits and Features:
• Simple Installation
• Can be Installed on Large Fan Base/Fan Curb Offsets While Maintaining the Fan Curb Seal
• Model for Every Fan
• One Person Operation
• Eliminates Damage to Fan During Service and Cleaning
• NFPA 96 Compliant
• Satisfies Any “Hold-Open Retainer” Requirements
• Life Time Warranty for Service Life of Fan
• Won’t Distort the Fan Base
• Increases Stability of the Fan Base
• Reduces Fire Risk and Roof Damage
• Ensures Proper Seal Between Duct and Fan
• Protects the Environment
• No Vacuum Leaks
• No Grease and Oil Seepage
• Reduces Conduit and Roof Damage
• Patented Design
• Made in the USA with UL Listed Approved Materials
What size exhaust fan hinge do I need to order?
When purchasing an Omni Super Hinge, it is recommended you choose one that supports between 2/3 and the full size of the entire fan base. This will help ensure that there is safe support for the fan base’s thin material.
Selecting the correct size hinge also helps keep the fan base of flexing and bending which can cause the seal between the fan base and duct to fail. Seal failure can cause the fan to operate less efficiently, create vacuum leaks, and allow grease to seep out of the fan and onto the roof. See the HoodFilters.com Hinge Sizing Guide for more details.
How do I know if this hinge is right for me?
The Omni Super Hinge is one of the most versatile exhaust fan hinge kits on the market and will work with almost any fan configuration both large and small. It may not be right for everyone, though.
If your fan has a wind band less than two inches from the edge of the fan base, you probably should not use the Omni Super Hinge. And if you want to be able to access the fan during installation, this is not the hinge for you. (Instead, you’ll want to get the Omni Quick Fit Exhaust Fan Hinge Kit.)
So there you have it. If you want one of the best commercial fan hinge kits you can buy, you can’t go wrong with the Omni Super Hinge. It’s a top-of-the-line exhaust fan hinge that meets all NFPA 96 codes including hold-open retainer requirements. It works with almost any exhaust fan. It’s easy to install. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.
The original Omni Super Hinge is available in a wide variety of sizes from 14” to 48”. If you need help determining what size Omni Super Hinge is best for your needs, give us a call at 877-394-9731. One of our product specialists would be happy to assist you! You can also email us or live chat online.
As always, our goal at HoodFilters.com is to provide you with the best products, the lowest prices, and unbeatable customer service. Check out our full selection of exhaust fan hinge kits and commercial kitchen ventilation products.