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Topic: Ansul Heat Sensor question

User: Scranton84, Location: United States

Asked on: Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 4:10 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:26 am EST

Question: I had to rebuild my business a decade ago. Long story short, we never intended to use our kitchen but had to install everything to code at the time.The heat sensor in the hood would call for the fans to turn on in the summer months when it got very hot(small kitchen space). So the heat sensor was disconnected at that time and the Ansul was deemed inactive.We are now looking to attempt the kitchen this year and I need to hook the sensor back up, but don't recall how it was taken apart. Is there a diagram that shows how itwould go? I'll see if I can upload a picture of the setup.

Okay, I understand. Re-activating a previously disabled commercial kitchen hood system, especially the heat sensor and Ansul system, requires a cautious and informed approach. Here's how to proceed, emphasizing safety and compliance

Crucial First Steps - Before You Touch Anything:

1. Contact a Certified Ansul Technician

This is absolutely the

most important
step. Ansul systems are life-safety devices. Do NOT attempt to reconnect or troubleshoot anything without a qualified technician present or at least guiding you remotely. Tampering with a fire suppression system can be extremely dangerous and create a liability issue. They will be able to help you with the disconnection and reconnection of your system.2. Document Everything

Before you do anything, take very clear and detailed photographs of the entire hood system, including: The location where the heat sensor was disconnected. Any visible wiring, connections, or labels on the sensor itself. The control panel for the hood system. The Ansul tank and any related components (nozzles, piping). Any wiring diagrams or manuals you can find near the system.3.

Identify the System

Determine the exact make and model of your hood system, the Ansul system, and the heat sensor. This information will be vital for finding the correct diagrams and troubleshooting guides.

Why a Technician is Essential



Safety

Ansul systems use chemicals under pressure. Improper handling can cause serious injury.

Liability

Operating a commercial kitchen with a non-functional or improperly installed fire suppression system can result in significant fines and legal repercussions in the event of a fire.


Proper Functionality

The technician will ensure the entire system, including the heat sensor, fusible links, piping, nozzles, and extinguishing agent, are in good working order. They will also verify the system is properly charged and capable of suppressing a fire.

Code Compliance

Fire codes vary by location. A certified technician will ensure your system meets current requirements and can provide documentation for inspections.

Once you've contacted a technician, here's information they may need


Pictures

Upload the pictures you mentioned you would take to a file sharing service like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Imgur, and share the link with the technician. The more detailed the pictures, the better.2.

Model Numbers and Serial Numbers

Gather all model numbers and serial numbers from the hood, the Ansul system, the heat sensor, and the control panel.3.

Wiring Diagrams/Manuals

Look for any existing wiring diagrams or manuals near the equipment. These may be taped to the inside of the hood or in a nearby electrical panel. If you find anything, take photos of them and share them with the technician.

General Information (DO NOT USE FOR RECONNECTION - Only for Information)

Without specific model information, I can only provide general information. Heat sensors in commercial kitchen hood systems typically work as follows:


Type

They are usually thermal detectors (heat sensors) that trigger an alarm and the fan when a specific temperature is reached.

Wiring

The heat sensor likely has two or three wires. One or two wires provide power to the sensor (if it's an electronic type), and the other wire(s) is the signal wire that triggers the control panel to activate the fan and potentially other components (like shutting off gas or electric appliances).


Location

The sensor is usually located directly above the cooking surface, near the grease filters in the hood.

Diagrams

Generic diagrams are of limited use without knowing the specific system components. The technician will be able to access the correct diagrams based on the model numbers you provide.

In summary: Your priority is to contact a certified Ansul technician. They will have the expertise and resources to safely and correctly reconnect your heat sensor and ensure the entire fire suppression system is fully functional and compliant with all applicable codes.
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