Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of our frequent questions from customers about the care and maintenance of their Paltech products.

If you’re question is not listed why not contact us, we’re always more than happy to help.

Frequently asked questions
Can I download technical data
Compliance certificates and other technical data is available for download below.
Can I paint my grilles and registers?
It is preferable to leave Paltech grilles, registers and diffusers unpainted. Painting plastic can increase the dust and grime accumulation on the product, and make the product more difficult to clean. The unpainted finish will age much better than paint, and retain a high quality finish for many years.

If the product is to be painted, follow these basic rules:

  • Always remove the product to paint – do not paint in situ
  • Prime the surface with a good quality primer such as ESP – Easy Surface Prep, made by Flood Australia, and available from paint retailers
  • Use a good quality household acrylic paint
  • A sprayed finish gives the best results, but brushing will suffice
What is the best way to clean my return air grille?
Return air grilles can be cleaned by removing the grille from the frame or adaptor, and taking outside and hosing off with water. Spray from both sides to ensure that all dust is removed. After hosing, let the grille drip dry for an hour or so before refitting. The filter is made of polyester fibre and can be replaced.
What standards should rangehood ducting comply with?
In general, normal domestic rangehood ducting must comply with the fire requirements of normal flexible duct set out in AS4254, however consideration should be given to the accumulation of fats and oils within the duct and whether there is adequate filtering. It is worth noting that flexible duct is connected to ducted gas furnaces, sometimes with an outlet temperature of 70 to 80 degrees C. Flexible duct in large domestic or commercial kitchens must comply with a more stringent fire requirement. Installers should check the current regulations.

 

BCA (2008) 3.7.1.9 Fire hazard properties, states:

  • (b) Flexible ductwork used for the transfer of products initiating from a heat source that contains a flame must comply with the hazard properties set out in AS4254.

BCA (2008) F.4.12 states:

A commercial kitchen must be provided with a kitchen exhaust hood complying with AS/NZS 1668.1 and AS 1668.2 where:

  • (a) any cooking apparatus has –
    (i) a total maximum electrical power input exceeding 8 kW; or
    (ii) a total gas power input exceeding 29 MJ/h; or
  • (b) the total maximum power input to more than one apparatus exceeds –
    (i) 0.5 kW electrical power; or
    (ii) 1.8 MJ gas,
    per m2 of floor area of the room or enclosure

AS4254 2.8.3 states:

  • (b) Duct system, i.e the assembled final product, shall have a smoke developed index not greater than 3 and spread of flame index not greater than 0 when tested in accordance with AS 1530.3
  • (c) Duct system, i.e the assembled final product, shall pass the UL181 burning test.
  • (d) Duct core, when separately tested shall pass the UL181 burning test
What are the fire requirements for supply grilles?

Fire hazard resistance of supply air outlets

BCA (2009), Part C1 , FIRE RESISTANCE AND STABILITY – Deemed to satisfy provisions states:

C1.10 (a) The fire hazard properties of any material ar assembly in a Class 2 to 9 building must comply with

  • (i) for floor materials, wall coverings and ceiling lining materials, Specification C1.10a and
  • (ii) for other materials, Specification C1.10

(c) The requirements of (a) do not apply to a material of assembly if it is –

  • (x) a face plate or neck adaptor of supply and return air outlets of an air handling system

When quoting or supplying air outlets, contractors also need to consider whether a specifier, builder or consultant has included other fire resistance provisions. These may be additional requirements to the NCC/BCA deemed-to-satisfy provisions. There may also be state or local regulations that vary the NCC/BCA deemed-to-satisfy provisions.

Paltech cone diffusers, Downjets, and MDO’s are made from ABS (Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) polymers. In a review of the literature, Rutowksi and Levin (1986) conclude that:
(1) Many combustion products are generated during the decomposition of ABS.
(2) The principal gases which appear to be responsible for the observed toxicity are HCN and CO.
(3) The thermal degradation products of ABS plastics demonstrate a measurable degree of toxicity. However, the toxicity of ABS combustion products is comparable with the toxicity of the degradation products of other common polymetric materials.

How do I use the Loc-it-in mounting clips?
Download instruction on how to use the Loc-it-in mounting clips when installing either the Elevent, Multi Directional Outlet (MDO), Multi Directional Register (MDR) or Return Air Grille (RAG).

 

 

Download Instructions

Order Sheet

Already a trade customer but need our order sheet? Download it now.