At what angle can grease filters be installed at a minimum?

Grease filters play a critical role in reducing the risk of fire in commercial kitchens by trapping grease and other flammable particles from cooking processes. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 96 Standard specifies that grease filters must be installed at a minimum angle of 45 degrees.

Installing grease filters at a 45-degree angle is optimal as it facilitates the effective drainage of grease into the drip pan. This positioning helps to prevent grease buildup on the filters, which could lead to increased fire risks and decreased filtration effectiveness. The angle is steep enough to allow gravity to assist in the removal of grease, while still ensuring that the filter material can effectively capture airborne particles.

Angles less than 45 degrees may hinder proper drainage and allow more grease to accumulate, thereby increasing the potential for ignition. Installing them at a steeper angle (like 60 degrees or more) may not significantly improve grease collection and could complicate maintenance or cleaning efforts. Therefore, adhering to the standard of a 45-degree minimum angle ensures that the filters work effectively while promoting safety in the kitchen environment.