The new European Union standard for equipment in commercial kitchens is long-awaited and comprehensive, covering everything from the hood to the cleaning point. Finalized after 14 years of work, it aims to harmonize competition within the EU while setting quality standards for functionality, safety and environmental concerns.

The requirements for kitchen exhaust air treatment equipment are defined in this regulation, which discusses air purification technologies. In addition to reducing fire hazards and odors, air treatment is necessary to enable heat recovery from exhaust streams by installing heat exchangers.

In response to the new European standard, energy use and CO2 emissions have been greatly reduced across Europe, as is evident by the rapid spread of the rule throughout Europe.  

EN 16282 Standard

The EN 16282 standard for ventilation in commercial kitchens, published in autumn 2017, is a step forward for the creation of sustainable commercial kitchens. This article aims to describe and discuss the new regulations and requirements for commercial air treatment methods. Before choosing your treatment method, take a minute to read this.

This regulation also focusses on air purification technologies, including what equipment must be used to treat kitchen exhaust air. The air treatment reduces fire hazards while also eliminating odors. The methodology is spreading in Europe and will significantly reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, as heat exchangers are installed in the exhaust air stream to enable heat recovery.

Based on a thorough review of the standard, we have outlined how some of the treatment technologies may be affected.

The eight sections of the new EU standard EN 16282 include:

  1. Air inlets and outlets
  2. Air ducts
  3. Aerosol separators
  4. General requirements
  5. Kitchen ventilation hoods
  6. Kitchen ventilation ceilings
  7. Fixed fire extinguishing systems
  8. Installations for treatment of aerosols; requirements and testing

In accordance with the EU standard EN 16282-8, you can acquire the EU standard EN 16282-8 from your national authority. This standard also gives recommendations about using an ozone generator. Here are some notable points to consider.

Requirements for Ozone Generators

Installation, repair, and maintenance shall be performed by personnel trained by the manufacturer of the ozone generator fed with oxygen.

In addition to flow sensors, pressure sensors are also sufficient to ensure that ozone is not released into the building. If the system is equipped with a pressure sensor, it must be setup so that when the differential pressure falls below 20 Pa, the ozone system is shut down.

A warning sign that reads “WARNING – Ozone Treatment” should be displayed on inspection hatches on exhaust ducts.