Check kitchen duct gauge in field

[cdxx139]

I am looking at an existing kitchen duct system and client is looking to replace the fan. Any tricks to checking the thickness of the duct guage to see if it meets current code?

I assume a caliper, but if its a built system, so where can I measure?
I found digital ultrasonic material thickness guage tools online (but have not priced it out yet).

If it doesn't meet IMC code, and I replace the fan, I assume I will need to bring the whole system up to code? oif that is the case, the client will not be able to afford it, so it may be best to do maintenance on the existing fan.

knowledge is power

 

[berkshire]

Can you find an edge where you can place a wire gauge or a caliper ? If this is a grease duct it may be welded so you would have a hard time finding an edge. If it is not a grease duct you could drill a hole and put a patch over it.
Are there any inspection or clean out doors in the duct?
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[IRstuff]

http://www.davis.com/Product/Phase_II_UTG_1500_Ultrasonic_Wall_Thickness_Gauge/DO-54103-15

$579

TTFN
faq731-376
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[berkshire]

IR stuff,
that machine will be right at the bottom of its measurement scale. If it is grease duct the thickness should be .08". if it is a wet table duct it can be as low as .03.
B.E.

You are judged not by what you know, but by what you can do.

 

[cdxx139]

Thank you both.

The plan is to bring a caliper hope to find something to measure, but doubtful. If it is not welded, then that will be the easiest determination that the duct dos not meet current codes and replacing the fan will require replacing the duct system. My concern is if it is welded then I need to determine duct gauge for my due diligence.

I am surveying this week, so looking for ideas until then.

The electronic tool is interesting (and expensive) I iwll see if i can find a used tool on EBAY for future. Per IMC the carbon steel gunge is 0.0575" so very close to that tools minimum.





knowledge is power

 

[cdxx139]

Got out easy, the duct was riveted and not to code, so it will need to be ripped out if touched.


knowledge is power

 

[317069]

Does fan replacing need a permit from the city.

 

[cdxx139]

I assume so.


knowledge is power

 

[317069]

I don't know, but to me it is not a logic, fan's motor could burn out at anytime, then we have to close the business until we get a permit to replace the fan.

 

[cdxx139]

My understanding is changing a motor is repair; therefore the system does not have to upgraded.

If you are replacing the fan, the system needs to be brought up to code.

knowledge is power

 

[317069]

did you check with the city or you assume you need to upgrade.