What type of controls should the exhaust fan serving a Type I hood have?

The correct choice indicates that exhaust fans serving a Type I hood should have automatic controls with interlock. This is essential for ensuring that the exhaust fan operates effectively and safely in conjunction with the hood. Type I hoods are typically used in commercial kitchen environments where cooking processes can generate significant heat, smoke, and fumes.

Automatic controls enhance safety by ensuring that the exhaust fan operates continuously while the hood is in use, which helps to maintain air quality and prevent the accumulation of hazardous fumes. The interlock feature is particularly important because it can prevent the cooking appliances from operating if the exhaust fan is not functioning properly. This safety measure helps to mitigate fire risks by ensuring that there is adequate ventilation whenever cooking is taking place, thereby protecting both personnel and property from potential hazards.

In contrast, other control types like manual or remote controls may not provide the necessary continuous operation or safety interlocks required for proper ventilation in environments with high cooking activity, which could lead to unsafe conditions. Programmable controls might offer some flexibility, but they lack the real-time safety interlocks that automatic controls provide. Therefore, the adoption of automatic controls with interlock is the most responsible and effective approach for managing the exhaust from a Type I hood.