The Benefits of Installing Access Doors in Your Exhaust Duct System
Maintaining an efficient and clean exhaust system is crucial for any industrial kitchen or commercial operation. One essential component often overlooked is the installation of access doors in the duct system. These doors provide access to the interior of ducts, enabling thorough inspections, cleanings, and repairs. In accordance with European regulations, they are mandatory for ensuring compliance with fire safety and hygiene standards.
In this article, we’ll explain the importance of access doors in your duct system, how they improve the efficiency of your exhaust system maintenance, and why they are a must-have for a clean and safe kitchen environment.
What are access doors and why are they important?
Access doors are specially designed entry points installed in your exhaust duct system. These doors allow easy entry into the ducts, making it possible to conduct routine inspections, cleaning, repairs, and maintenance. Without these access points, it becomes much more difficult—if not impossible—to properly clean and maintain duct systems, especially in areas that are hard to reach, such as angled bends or sections with equipment like fire dampers or filters.
The EU regulation NP 1037-4 and EN 12097:2006 set specific requirements for the installation of access doors in exhaust systems. According to these standards, access doors must be installed:
- Every 3 meters in horizontal sections.
- At every directional change over 30 degrees.
- In areas where components such as fire dampers, regulation dampers, and humidifiers are present.
The proper placement of access doors is crucial for ensuring your ducts remain in optimal condition and compliant with EU safety regulations.
Key benefits of installing access doors in exhaust systems
1. Enables thorough cleaning
Grease, oil, and other residues tend to accumulate inside duct systems, particularly in commercial kitchens. Without access doors, it becomes incredibly difficult to reach deep into the ducts to clean these deposits effectively. By installing access doors at the appropriate intervals, your cleaning team can access the ducts easily, ensuring that every inch is thoroughly cleaned.
At Servilar, we install inox access doors, which allow our team to safely use powerful cleaning equipment, including mechanical rotative brushes and active foam that dissolves grease. These high-quality doors are more durable and efficient than cheaper, galvanized alternatives, allowing for easier access and better long-term maintenance.
2. Compliant with safety standards
European regulations, particularly NP 1037-4 and EN 12097:2006, mandate that access doors be installed at specific locations to ensure regular access for inspection and cleaning. Installing access doors helps businesses meet these important safety and hygiene requirements, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties or even operational shutdowns.
According to the regulations, duct systems must not exceed 7.5 meters without an access door, and any change in direction of more than 45 degrees must have a door installed. Compliance with these guidelines ensures that your kitchen remains safe and your duct system performs optimally.
3. Easier access for inspections and repairs
Over time, ducts can experience wear and tear that requires regular inspection and maintenance. With strategically placed access doors, technicians can quickly access different parts of the duct system to perform essential checks. Whether it's inspecting for cracks, blockages, or signs of corrosion, access doors make these tasks easier and less time-consuming.
This access is also crucial in the event of a fire damper malfunction or when needing to repair other vital components, such as heating or cooling batteries, filters, and ventilation fans. Servilar’s inox access doors ensure a secure and efficient solution for accessing these areas.
4. Fire protection
In kitchen exhaust systems, grease build-up is not just a hygiene concern—it’s a fire hazard. Grease is highly flammable, and when it accumulates in ducts, it can lead to dangerous situations if not removed. Installing access doors at critical points, such as at bends or where fire dampers are located, allows regular cleaning and inspection to prevent grease accumulation, reducing the risk of fire.
At Servilar, we prioritize safety and install only high-quality inox access doors that can withstand the heat generated within duct systems, ensuring long-lasting protection.
5. Cost-Effective Maintenance
Without access doors, cleaning and repairing duct systems can become costly and time-consuming. The ability to access every part of the duct system with ease reduces the need for disruptive dismantling and allows for more efficient cleaning and repairs. Regular maintenance through these access points extends the life of your exhaust system and prevents major breakdowns, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Why Choose Servilar for Your Access Doors?
At Servilar, we install inox access doors that are specifically designed to comply with EU regulations. Unlike cheaper, thin, galvanized doors, our inox access doors provide superior durability, ensuring that your duct system remains in excellent condition even in high-heat environments.
We understand the importance of maintaining clean and safe duct systems, which is why we install access doors in all the necessary locations, including:
- Top and bottom of risers.
- Before and after equipment that may obstruct cleaning, such as humidifiers, fire dampers, and control valves.
Our expert team ensures that your exhaust system meets all regulatory requirements, improving safety, efficiency, and ease of maintenance.
Contact us
Installing access doors in your exhaust duct system is not just a matter of convenience—it’s a critical component of maintaining a clean, efficient, and compliant kitchen. With Servilar’s high-quality inox access doors, your kitchen will benefit from easier maintenance, thorough cleanings, and compliance with all relevant EU regulations.
Ensure the long-term safety and functionality of your kitchen’s exhaust system by contacting Servilar today for professional installation of access doors and comprehensive maintenance services.
