The standard that deals with the protection of restaurant cooking equipment is NFPA __________.

• A. NFPA 13
• B. NFPA 101
• C. NFPA 96
• D. NFPA 20

Answer: (C)

This item tests which NFPA standard specifically protects restaurant cooking equipment. NFPA 96, the Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Restaurant Cooking Areas, directly addresses the protection of kitchen cooking equipment and its associated exhaust system. It covers the design, installation, operation, inspection, and maintenance of kitchen hoods, grease-removal devices, ductwork, exhaust fans, and the automatic fire suppression systems installed above the cooking surface. The goal is to minimize grease buildup, control heat and ignition sources, and ensure proper fire suppression in cooking areas.

The other standards address different fire-protection topics: NFPA 13 covers sprinkler systems; NFPA 101 is the Life Safety Code; NFPA 20 covers the installation of stationary fire pumps. Therefore, NFPA 96 is the standard that applies to protecting restaurant cooking equipment.