Use Sprinklers for Ductwork/Cooking Equipment?

3/10/2021

We're under the International Fire Code, Section 903.2.11.5. This section allows fire sprinklers to be installed in commercial hood/duct systems.

Is this intended to be in the ductwork only, or also protecting the cooking equipment?

I've never seen this before, but it seems to go against everything we're taught about cooking and grease fires (don't put water on them)! Thanks in advance.

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7 Comments

Franck

3/10/2021 09:14:46 am

You can either protect the hood by sprinklers and the cooking area by other means (saponification, gas...) or protect also under the hood by sprinklers.

This is part of NFPA 13

Special sprinklers dedicated for that, I will give you refrences in a separate message

Julie

11/28/2023 04:24:45 pm

Can I please get a list of these heads as well? I am dealing with old fryers protected by water based sprinklers and I am trying to find some that are listed for this use. Thank you!

Mike

3/10/2021 09:18:54 am

CaptiveAire has a system that sprays water mixed with a chemical that helps water "bond" to grease to put a fire out. A 1" water serves the hood.

Franck

3/10/2021 09:26:33 am

Sprinkler or automatic spray nozzle used for protection of deep fat fryers should be listed for that application.

NFPA 13 § 8.9 Commercial-Type Cooking Equipment and Ventilation (2019 Edition).

You also have a lot of information regarding the protection of cooking areas in this part of the NFPA 13 standard.

Such as:
8.9.1 General.
In cooking areas protected by automatic sprinklers, additional sprinklers or automatic spray nozzles shall be provided to protect commercial-type cooking equipment and ventilation systems that are designed to carry away grease-laden vapors unless otherwise protected.

8.9.2.2
Unless the requirements of 8.9.2.4 are met, standard spray sprinklers or automatic spray nozzles shall be so located as to provide for the protection of cooking equipment and cooking surfaces.

8.9.2.4
Cooking equipment below hoods that contain automatic fire-extinguishing equipment is protected and shall not require protection from the overhead sprinkler system.

8.9.8.2 Deep Fat Fryers.
8.9.8.2.1
A sprinkler or automatic spray nozzle used for protection of deep fat fryers shall be listed for that application.

8.9.8.2.2
The position, arrangement, location, and water supply for each sprinkler or automatic spray nozzle shall be in accordance with its listing.

In the Annex section of NFPA 13, there is a very useful layout for sprinkler installation : Figure A.‍8.9.2 Typical Installation Showing Automatic Sprinklers or Automatic Nozzles Being Used for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment and Ventilation Systems

Other information (useful) availbale with NFPA 96 - Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations (but not so much with sprinkler systems) or NFPA 12 - Standard on Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems (for the protection by CO2 under the hood).

You can also find information on specific sprinklers for deep fat fryers at:
https://www.gwsprinkler.com/products/commercial-fat-fryer-protection/10-manual/file

Jesse

3/10/2021 09:54:44 am

Yeah, I know. It seems counterintuitive - but yes you can. It doesn't meet UL-300 though.

Darin

3/10/2021 11:15:08 am

Automatic fire sprinkler systems that protect commercial cooking equipment are not required to meet UL 300.

UL 300 is the standard for stand-alone, engineered, wet chemical commercial cooking extinguishing systems.

sean

3/10/2021 12:30:33 pm

you can do it but people don't because it is such a pain in the butt.

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Use Sprinklers for Ductwork/Cooking Equipment?

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