Mr Piedmont, you need to get a copy of NFPA 96-2008. NFPA is National Fire Protection Association, generally recognized as the authority on fire protection. 96-2008 specifaclly tells us that if you are not experienced in suppression system service, do not disarm the suppression system. Your phrase "pin out the fire suppression systems" leads me to think you are not experienced with suppression systems. Not all systems use pins, some do and some don't.

As far as the chemical/equipment used on exhaust systems, each system is different, so different techniques, equipment and chemicals are used.

Actually I am versed in installing and servicing several systems including Kiddie and Pyro Chem. The term 'Pin Out" is just a general term that relates to the old kiddie systems and just kind of stuck as a term in the industry. Pyro chem uses a gas cartridge that can be unscrewed. The point is that some of the old systems can be a bit touchy so i was wondering if this was a standard safety practice or not. Of course if one did disable a system it would have to be tagged as out of service at the control head and any pull stations.

If you are already working on fire suppression systems, and get in to the cleaning, then you would be able to disable the fire suppression while you are cleaning the hood. Most hood cleaners are not, and must take the risk of activating the system when cleaning the links.

I've never pinned out or unscrewed a system. I like all the chemicals and tools, every tool and every chem serves a distinct purpose.

Josh D. Dodson
CHDCA member
The Grease Police
GO RAMS