Ansul standards???

[FSO]

Hi all
Im sure most people are aware of the Ansul R-102 (automatic fire suppression) system.

I have a property that is intending to install one above a cooker as a compensatory feature. Obviously we are very reluctant to allow this, however there is a concern of standards.

I know this system is a pretty popular system (especially with macdonalds), but none of the literature actually relates to any other standards than american ones.

I cant seem to find any standards that refer directly to this sort of apparatus, but I am assuming it is broadly covered in BS5306.

Has anybody come across this problem before, or does anybody know of the standard that should be applied to automatic fire suppression systems in kitchens.

any thoughts would be useful.

many thanks

Jim

[patrickhamblin]

The Ansul wet chemical system (R-102) is quite common in the UK. It is 'UL' (Underwriters Laboratory) listed and also 'Loss Prevention Certification Board' (LPCB) listed, so there is a UK listing in addition to the UL listing. (Page 598 of the 2007 LPCB Red Book). I would have no concerns regarding acceptance of such as system, provided it was designed in accordance with the Ansul design manual. There is some useful information on the 'Ansul R-102' website.
Patrick Hamblin.

[AnthonyB]

Why would you be reluctant to accept the use of a kitchen suppression system, particularly a well tried and tested system such as the Ansul?

[kurnal]

What is the proposed installation of the ansul system compensating for?  I have encountrered them in many buildings, usually for property protecton or to protect business continuity, or due to a lack of separation between kitchen and restaurant (Like in the Frank and Ben chain). No worries in those situations in my opinion.

[FSO]

Thank you for your replies.

The reason why I am reluctant is due to the fact that I am personally unfamiliar with this apparatus. Without any standard to apply this equipment to I would be treating it as an engineered solution to the problem.

However as there appears to be such a proven track record with this piece of equipment Im sure it would be suitable.

Thank you for your input.

Jim

[jokar]

Hi,

Jim that is exactly what this forum is for and I commend you for taking the stand you have.  feeling unsure you have asked a question and the stars on display have answered your doubts.

[The Reiver]

As designing the installations of Ansul R-102 (and Amerex KP) takes up about 60% of my working life, and has done so for the past 12 years or more, I may be a bit on the biased side as to its effectiveness.

The UK standard you require is LPCB / LPS 1223.
However UL 300 is the internationally recognised CoP. It is used worldwide as the benchmark for the design and testing of all "restaurant" wet chemical fire suppression systems.

LPS 1223 only backs up the UL 300 CoP. With the requirement of design and installation to be done by a manufacturers approved distributor and a strict following of the design and installation manuals of the manufacturer.

Simply because everyone in the UK recognises the kitemark, we and others (as distributors) and the two manufacturers mentioned, had been trying for years to get the BSI to set up a technical commitee to oversee a British Standard for specifying, designing  and installing wet chemical fire suppression systems.
Due to their lack of interest, it was finally agreed to use the LPCB instead. My only claim to fame in this is that I designed and installed the first LPCB registered system (nice little Amerex KP double tanker on a doughnut fryer).

We are still trying to move towards a BSI CoP but constant negativity from the institute tends to wear down your enthusiasm after a while.

One day the UK will catch up. Personally I would have thought after South Mimms Services and Heathrow Terminal 1 that we would have followed the USA's lead (we do with every thing else :/ ) and demanded as a legal requirement that a fixed fire suppression system be fitted to all commercial cooking ranges.

There ya go, that's me being biased again.  

Anyways, to try and help with some familiarity. I've downloaded the Ansul R-102 test video for you. The test was carried out at the Fire Service College, Moreton -in- Marsh with The Brigade in full attendance (and back up)

http://rapidshare.com/files/86460608/R102.zip.html

You'll need winzip or equivalent zip file opener and media player or equivalent.

Enjoy.

PS: Permission has previously been gained to upload the vid via Tyco Building Services
And I DO NOT work for the "W" company

[FSO]

Excellent, that is just what I am after.

Thank you for taking the time for such a comprehensive reply 'The Reiver'.

Again thank you all for your input.

Jim