It is very important for firehouses to have their own laundry room with washers. The National Fire Prevention Association recommends washing turnout gear on a regular basis. Soil buildup from previous fires can cause the gear to catch fire itself, expose the firefighters to harmful carcinogenic soot, and increase the chance of electrical shock when exposed to live wires. Keeping gear clean is important. Having to take gear to be laundered can be time consuming and expensive. That is why most departments have deemed it more cost effective to have a laundry room in the firehouse.
At T & L Laundry Equipment we know how overwhelming it is to shop for commercial grade washing machines. There are many factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right size of machine for your firehouse. Even though we're not Maytag dealers in Charlotte, NC, we proudly offers the latest Energy Star rated appliances from Speed Queen and Continental.
Choosing the right type of washing machine is important for the care of the gear. Top load washers that have center agitators can be hard on the seams and fabric of turnout gear. Choosing a washer that doesn’t have a high final spin cycle above 100 G-Force is also important because these spin cycles can cause irreparable damage to the gear, specifically the moisture liners.
Considering the more expensive ‘soft mount’ washers that have shocks and springs to dampen forces exerted on the floor is not necessary unless the laundry space will not be on a ground level floor. These soft mount washers do have very high extract speeds which can be very harsh on turnout gear. If choosing a soft mount washer, be sure to have it reprogrammed to safe speeds for turnout gear. T & L can help with all the adjustments and setting changes that your new equipment may require. We also offer planned maintenance programs to help ensure that your new equipment stays functioning at its best.
Getting a washing machine with a large enough capacity is very important when planning the laundry room. Figuring out how big the space will be is key. You need to know whether you have space for multiple machines, or just one large one. The washers will need to be at least 30 pound capacity machines, but most firehouses prefer at least 40 pound capacity washers because of their large doors and tubs which make laundering turnout gear easier. If you have a particularly large station, bigger washers like 60 or 80 pound capacity machines may work best for your needs. Your T & L sales rep can help you decide which capacity is best.
When planning your laundry room space, you will need to get down to the inches space wise. Commercial front load washers are usually bolted down to the floor, making them somewhat permanent. Due to this, you will need an additional 18 to 24 inches behind the unit to allow for utility connections and any future maintenance. Commercial laundry equipment also requires a circuit breaker for each piece of equipment due to safety concerns. Not having them on their own circuit can void the warranty on your machines.
Once you have your space dimensions and the capacity of the machine you will need, contact us and we will be able to give you a list of washers that will suit your needs. T & L will also be able to tell you what you need to make it fit your firehouse laundry needs.
Stop Searching for Maytag Dealers in Charlotte, NC!
Whether you are outfitting a laundromat or a firehouse with new washers and dryers, T & L Laundry Equipment has everything you need. We carry ergonomic folding tables, laundry carts, seating, bill changers and more. Find out why T & L has been Charlotte's first choice for more than 40 years. Whether you're searching for Maytag dealers in Charlotte, NC, or Speed Queen and Continental, please give us a call!
