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ANSUL

What Is an ANSUL System? How Restaurant Fire Suppression Works

An ANSUL system is a fire-protection product; in restaurants, the name often refers to a fixed hood and cooking-equipment system such as R-102.

By Bettesworth Construction Team 3 min read
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An ANSUL system is equipment made by ANSUL, a fire-protection brand. In a commercial kitchen, the phrase often means a fixed hood and cooking-equipment fire-suppression system such as ANSUL R-102. It detects heat and releases wet chemical through strategically placed nozzles to suppress a cooking fire and cool hot surfaces. The name alone does not identify a specific model or prove that an installation meets a building’s local requirements.

What does an ANSUL system protect?

ANSUL makes products for several fire-protection applications, so an “ANSUL system” is not one universal product. In restaurant settings, R-102 is a common example: ANSUL describes it as a pre-engineered system for cooking appliances and related ventilation hazards.

Depending on the engineered layout, R-102 can protect hoods, ducts, plenums, filters, grease-extraction equipment, and appliances such as fryers, griddles, ranges, broilers, and woks. The specific appliances and ventilation components covered depend on the system design and their arrangement. ANSUL lists these applications on its R-102 product page.

How does a restaurant ANSUL system work?

  1. Heat detection: Temperature-rated fusible links are positioned as part of the system. If heat rises above a link’s rating, the link separates and actuates the release mechanism.
  2. Agent discharge: The system releases premixed ANSULEX low-pH wet chemical through nozzles selected for the appliances and hazards. R-102 can also include a remote manual-actuation option.
  3. Fire suppression and cooling: ANSUL says the agent knocks down flames, cools cooking surfaces, and forms a foam-like layer over hot fats that helps limit flammable vapor and reflash. This is not a guarantee that a fire cannot reignite.

A system can also be integrated with other protection measures, such as fire alarms and automatic gas shutoff valves. Its activation is only one part of kitchen fire safety; it does not replace evacuation, emergency response, maintenance, or compliance with locally applicable requirements. These operating details are described by ANSUL in its R-102 information.

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#1 Best Overall
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
  • Ansul 55601 1 inch mechanical gas valve rated for natural and LP gas.
  • Compatible part for Ansul restaurant system.
  • UL listed: Includes the air cylinder, tubing, and fitting for connection to the release mechanism up to maximum operating pressure of 10 psi.

How do R-102, PIRANHA, and K-Guard differ?

Product What it is How it differs
R-102 A fixed, pre-engineered restaurant fire-suppression system. Uses ANSULEX low-pH wet chemical. Its nozzles and coverage are configured for the cooking and ventilation hazards.
PIRANHA A separate restaurant fire-suppression system. Applies wet chemical followed by water for additional cooling. It is not another name for R-102.
K-Guard A portable Class K extinguisher for cooking-fat and cooking-oil fires in commercial equipment. It is portable equipment that ANSUL describes as a complement to a restaurant suppression system, not a substitute for a fixed hood system.

Product descriptions are available from ANSUL for R-102, PIRANHA, and the K-Guard Class K extinguisher.

What do listings and standards say—and what do they not say?

ANSUL states that R-102 is UL/ULC listed, meets UL 300 requirements, and meets NFPA 96 and NFPA 17A requirements, among other approvals. Those are manufacturer product claims. They do not establish that a particular building’s system is correctly designed, installed, maintained, or accepted by its local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). ANSUL advises customers to consult the AHJ about local compliance. See the manufacturer’s R-102 information.

Rank #2
6' Integrated Exhaust Hood & Fan System with Kidde Fire Suppression | Patent Pending Low Box Vent Hood with Single Exhaust Fan Louver for Food Concession Trailer | Food Truck Equipment Made in USA
  • PATENT PENDING LOW BOX FOOD TRUCK HOOD SYSTEM – An industry first! Stainless range hood system features an integrated blower/motor design to reduce installation time with no roof fans required. This hood vent system is designed for use over cooking equipment in food trucks and food concession trailers.
  • COMMERCIAL HOOD SYSTEM INCLUDES – 6’ x 40” low box integrated concession (7” front, 24” back), integrated blower and motor, factory mounted duct grease with single exhaust louver, 2 full length hanging rails, built in 6” air gap, 1” ceiling enclosure built into top of hood, and side curtains (23” x 23”).
  • INTEGRATED LOUVERED EXHAUST – The single exhaust louver allows for more efficient airflow compared to conventional food truck hoods. Integrated louvered vent effectively prevents water, dirt, and unwanted elements from entering your concession trailer.
  • PRE-PIPED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM FOR FOOD TRUCK – Industrial range hood system effectively exhausts heat, smoke, and grease laden vapors. The pre-piped Kidde Fire Suppression System reliably protects your cooking facility for added safety.
  • STAINLESS STEEL COOKING EQUIPMENT ENSURED TO PASS CODE – Professional quality food truck equipment is built from 18-gauge stainless steel. All joints are welded liquid tight without seams. Made in America. UL listed. NSF and NFPA 96 approved. Backed by a 2-year warranty.

In an April 2024 announcement, ANSUL said R-102 received EN 17446 certification from BSI and had already complied with EN 16282-7, published in 2017. The announcement lists tested coverage for ranges and griddles up to 762 mm deep; fryers and tilt skillets up to 705 mm; gas radiant broilers up to 914 mm; electric broilers up to 863 mm; and multiple duct and plenum sizes. These are the tested coverage dimensions ANSUL announced, not universal dimensions for every installation; consult the system manual for applicable details. The announcement is available from ANSUL.

Who should design and service the system?

Because the design depends on the kitchen’s equipment and ventilation layout, a fixed suppression system is not a do-it-yourself project. ANSUL directs customers to authorized distributors. Its April 2024 announcement says ANSUL-certified technicians train in design, installation, commissioning, recharge, service, and maintenance. Contact an authorized distributor or qualified technician for system-specific work.

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Rank #3
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
  • Ansul 55610 2 inch mechanical gas valve rated for natural and LP gas.
  • Compatible part for Ansul restaurant system.
  • UL listed: Includes the air cylinder, tubing, and fitting for connection to the release mechanism up to maximum operating pressure of 10 psi.

A general inspection interval is not established here. For the schedule that applies to a particular installation, check its exact manual, service records, locally adopted code, and AHJ requirements with a qualified service provider.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What if “ANSUL” refers to something outside a kitchen?

ANSUL also offers industrial, vehicle, portable-extinguisher, and gaseous fire-suppression products. If the term appears on equipment outside a restaurant kitchen, identify the hazard and the protected equipment before assuming it is an R-102 hood system. ANSUL’s product families are described on its products page.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
Ansul 55601 1 inch mechanical gas valve rated for natural and LP gas.; Compatible part for Ansul restaurant system.
$610.01
Bestseller No. 3
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
ANSUL Mechanical Gas Valve Assembly for ANSUL R101 and R102 Fire Suppression System
Ansul 55610 2 inch mechanical gas valve rated for natural and LP gas.; Compatible part for Ansul restaurant system.
$704.59
Bestseller No. 4
Lifeline Racing Fire System Zero 2020
Lifeline Racing Fire System Zero 2020
Racing FIA 3 Liter Water Based AFFF Foam System; 5 Nozzles, 2- Pull Cables, Mounting Brackets and Tubing
$464.95
Best Value
HOODMART 4' UL/NSF Concession Trailer Hood System with FIRE SUPPRESSION for Food Truck | Commercial Range Hood with Exhaust Fan | Stainless Steel Kitchen Equipment with Install Kit Included
  • RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT MADE IN USA – HOODMART products are made in America and engineered for optimum performance. NSF and UL Approved. Backed by a 2-year warranty.
  • LOW PROFILE FOOD TRUCK HOOD SYSTEM – Specially designed for food trucks and food concession trailers, the stainless steel range hood is built with a smooth top allowing a low profile mount and maximum clearance for cooking.
  • PRE-PIPED FIRE SUPPRESSION SYSTEM INCLUDED FOR SAFETY – This commercial hood system is made for use over cooking equipment to effectively exhaust heat, smoke, and grease laden vapors. The included Kiddie Fire System reliably protects your cooking facility.
  • COMMERCIAL KITCHEN HOOD SYSTEM INCLUDES – 4’ x 30” concession hood (4” front, 18” back), HMEX10D exhaust fan with variable speed control, mounting curb (2” high concession style), pre-wired hood lights, baffle grease filters, stainless grease cups, hanging brackets, Kiddie Fire Suppression System, and install bolt kit.
  • HEAVY DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION – Industrial quality food truck equipment is built from 18-gauge steel. All joints are welded liquid tight without seams by an automatic wire fed MIG welder. Each grease trough is equipped with a stainless steel cup.
Rank #4
Lifeline Racing Fire System Zero 2020
  • Racing FIA 3 Liter Water Based AFFF Foam System
  • 5 Nozzles, 2- Pull Cables, Mounting Brackets and Tubing
  • Complete System Ready to Install - NOT for Food Trucks - No apto para camiones de comida
  • Small Lightweight System
  • 13.5" Height, 6" Diameter 12 Pounds Filled Weight

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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