Testing Your Hood, Duct, and Suppression Systems Before You Cook
Buying a Restaurant with Existing Equipment? Make Sure It's FDNY Fire Code Compliant First
If you're in the process of buying a restaurant in NYC and the space already includes kitchen equipment—such as a hood system, blower, exhaust fan, suppression system, and ductwork—you may be wondering: Can I just start cooking? Not so fast. Before opening your doors to customers, you’ll need to make sure that all kitchen fire protection systems are tested, operational, and FDNY Fire Code compliant.
That’s where Master Fire Systems comes in.
Why Existing Equipment Needs Inspection
Just because a commercial kitchen comes with equipment doesn't mean it’s up to code or functioning properly. Over time, even the best systems can degrade—nozzles clog, ducts get packed with grease, blowers wear down, and suppression systems fall out of certification.
The NYC Fire Department has strict guidelines on the installation, maintenance, and operation of commercial kitchen fire safety systems. If your setup doesn’t pass FDNY inspection, your business license can be delayed—or worse, denied.
Master Fire’s Comprehensive Equipment Testing
At Master Fire, we specialize in inspecting and testing all components of your restaurant’s fire protection system, including:
• Fire suppression systems (wet chemical systems)
• Exhaust ducts and grease hoods
• Make-up air units, blowers, and exhaust fans
• Control panels and alarms
We check for leaks, mechanical damage, expired tags, worn motors, and grease accumulation. Our certified technicians also verify system activation and ensure the entire kitchen ventilation system is compliant with NYC Fire Code and NFPA 96.
Does the Type of Food You Cook Matter?
Yes—what you cook absolutely impacts fire safety requirements. For example:
• A restaurant cooking greasy, high-fat foods like fried chicken or burgers will produce more flammable grease vapors, requiring more frequent hood cleanings and stronger ventilation.
• A bakery or salad bar with minimal stovetop cooking will have different needs.
During our inspection, we’ll evaluate your menu and cooking processes to recommend the correct system settings, nozzle placements, and cleaning schedule for safe operation.
Before You Sign the Lease, Call Master Fire
Don’t take chances with outdated or faulty equipment. Before finalizing your restaurant purchase or lease, call Master Fire to schedule a same-day or next-day inspection. We’ll provide a full compliance report and advise you on any repairs or upgrades needed to get FDNY approval—fast.
Contact Master Fire Systems today and cook with confidence knowing your kitchen is safe, certified, and code compliant.
