Hydrostatic Test for Kitchen Suppression Systems

Hydrostatic Test for Kitchen Suppression Systems

Kitchen suppression systems are designed, tested, and approved to provide fire protection for commercial kitchen cooking appliances, hoods, and ducts. The suppression systems consist of an agent storage tank, manual release station, an automatic releasing mechanism, and supply piping that directs the agent to nozzles strategically positioned at heat sources in the kitchen. 

Kitchen’s hood suppression system includes a tank which contains the wet chemical suppression agent. Hydro testing is when that tank is removed from service and taken in for testing. 

The wet chemical storage tank, whether pre-pressurized or non-pressurized, will be emptied of the chemical suppression agent, then filled with water or oil. It will then be sealed and pressurized to two to three times its operating pressure, and it will be kept at that pressure for at least one minute. If the pressure holds, the tank has passed the hydro test. 

If the tank passes the test, it will be cleaned out and refilled with suppression agent to be put back in service. If it is a non-pressurized system that uses a cartridge, such as Ansul systems, then the cartridge must also be hydro tested or replaced at that time. 

Additionally, during this time, many companies like SSA Integrate will also replace your hood suppression system’s hoses as well. 

NFPA 17 requires that every 12 years the agent-holding tank, whether it is a pressurized or non-pressurized system tank, must be pulled out of service to be tested. But pre-pressurized systems have DOT requirements, requiring that the first test occur after 12 years, but then every 7 years after that, as they can weaken and lose their pressure over time. 

For all systems, the agent storage tank must be pressure tested to ensure the integrity of the cylinder. There are many types and manufactures of kitchen commercial wet chemical systems, each one has different test pressures for the cylinder, which are set by the manufacturer. Once filled with water, and sometimes oil, the cylinder is capped off, then pressurized to the manufacture test pressure and held at that pressure for no less than 1 minute. These systems are often tested to almost two times the service pressure.

On a non-pressurized system, there is a cartridge that pushes the agent out of the cylinder. This cartridge is replaced every 12 years. In some instances, these systems can have a burst disc that would need to be replaced before the 12-year hydrostatic test is scheduled.

Pressurized systems have valve stems, O-rings, and pins that need to be replaced. This is called a rebuild kit. Once all of the cylinders are tested, dried, and documented they get filled back up with the proper wet chemical agent and put back into service if there is not any issues with the test pressures. All systems, both pressurized and non-pressurized, get new agent during a 12-year hydrostatic test. For certain suppression systems, hoses will need to be replaced at the 12-year hydrostatic test.

Inspections, tests, and maintenance on kitchen ventilation hoods and fire suppression systems shall be performed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, NFPA 17 (latest edition), 17a (latest edition), 72 (latest edition), and NFPA 96 (latest edition). 

Monthly inspections are an important tool to ensure that your system stays in good working order. But inspections do not eliminate the need for routine maintenance of your system. NFPA 17A requires a full inspection of your system at least twice a year (semiannually) and after any activation.

Like your monthly inspections, these inspections must follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. However, they are much more comprehensive and detailed in nature and as such, require more time and expertise than monthly inspections do. At minimum, these inspections require the following:

❏ An evaluation of your system from a hazard perspective – Has the hazard changed in any way that might make the system less effective?

❏ An examination of every component of your system – This includes your fire detectors, the containers that hold the extinguishing agent, your system’s releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, and signals as well as any auxiliary equipment.

❏ A check of the agent distribution piping throughout your system – are there any obstructions that might prevent the release and/or proper flow of extinguishing agent?

❏ An examination of the wet chemical in your system – If there is any evidence of corrosion or pitting or structural damage to the cylinders, the chemical may not feed properly through your distribution system and should be replaced and the system recharged.

Monthly and annual maintenance tags shall be attached to each fire suppression system for recording the inspector’s initials, date, and confirmation on maintenance/inspections performed. Where fusible links are used, the manufacture and the installation dates for the links shall be marked on the system inspection tag. In addition, a signed and dated log of maintenance and a certificate showing date of exhaust system inspection or cleaning shall be available in the food service manager’s office and the facility manager’s office.

ITEM	ACTIVITY	FREQUENCY	NFPA REF
Extinguishing system nozzles are located directly above grease producing equipment	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
The Manual actuators are unobstructed	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2,
			17:11.2.1.1
The tamper indicator’s and seals are intact	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
The maintenance tag or certificate in place	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
No obvious physical damage or condition exists that might prevent operation	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
The pressure gauge(s) are in operable range.	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
The nozzle blow-off caps are intact and   undamaged.	Inspection	Monthly	17A:7.2.2
			17:11.2.1.1
Neither protected equipment nor hazard has been replaced, modified, or relocated	Inspection	Monthly	17:11.2.1.1
			17A: 7.2.2
Gas and electric power shutoff are operational	Test	Semiannually	17:11.3.1.4
Water-wash hood cleaning systems are operational in conjunction with hoods   protected by sprinkler systems	Test	Semiannually	96:11.2.1
Remove grease from exhaust system	Maintenance	Quarterly/ Semiannually	96 :11.3,
			96 :11.4,
Recirculating systems operation and safety interlocks perform in accordance with mfg’s instructions	Test	Every 6 mos or more frequently	96:13.6.5
Recirculating systems.  Electrostatic Precipitators cleaned	Maintenance	Weekly	96:13.6.3
Recirculating systems.  Clean entire hood Plenum and blower section.	Maintenance	Quarterly	96:13.6.4
Fixed temperature sensing elements of the fusible alloy type	Replace	Annually	17:11.3.2,
			17A:7.3.3,
			96:8.2.1.2
Clean fixed temperature sensing elements other than the fusible metal alloy type	Maintenance	Annually	17:11.3.3
			17A:7.3.4
Manual release stations are operational and send a signal to the building fire alarm control panel.	Test	Semiannually	17:11.3.1.4
			17A:7.3.2.3
Automatic release devices are operational and send a signal to the building fire alarm control panel.	Test	Semiannually	17:11.3.1.4
			17A:7.3.2.3
Water flow, valve tamper, and low water pressure cut-offs are operational	Test	Quarterly	72: Table
			7-2.2 - 13i
Examine detectors, expellant gas containers, agent containers, releasing devices, piping, hose assemblies, nozzles, signals, and all auxiliary equipment	Maintenance	Semiannually	17:11.3.1.
			17A:7.3.2.3
Verify that the agent distribution piping is not obstructed	Test	Semiannually	17:11.3.1
			17A:3.2.1
Examine dry chemical in stored pressure systems for caking	Inspection	Every 6 years	17:11.3.1
Hydrostatic pressure test on wet and dry chemical extinguishing systems (agent containers, aux. pressure containers, hose assemblies)	Test	Every 12 years	17:11.5.1
			17A:7.5.1

Ref:
NFPA 17 (latest edition), 17a (latest edition), 72 (latest edition), and NFPA 96 (latest edition).

Why UL listing important

Why UL listing important

Standards are all around us, even if we are not always aware of them. One example of a widely-used standard is the A4 size for sheets of paper.

A standard is a document that sets out requirements for a specific item, material, component, system or service, or describes in detail a particular method or procedure. Standards facilitate international trade by ensuring compatibility and interoperability of components, products and services. They bring benefits to businesses and consumers in terms of reducing costs, enhancing performance and improving safety.

Standards are developed and defined through a process of sharing knowledge and building consensus among technical experts nominated by interested parties and other stakeholders - including businesses, consumers and environmental groups, among others.

“UL” is short for Underwriters Laboratories, an organization which has been testing and approving products for consumer safety since 1894. Originally known as the Underwriters Electrical Bureau, UL was founded in Chicago by William Merrill, and has since expanded to include 182 service centers in more than 70 countries. Underwriters Laboratories performs safety testing on 18,750 categories of electrical, mechanical and chemical products. So, UL a third-party certification company that’s been around for over a century.

When it comes to UL certification. Certifying products within your business can get expensive, fast. However, one thing that’s never worth skimping on is safety. Your customers’ and workforce’s safety are the most important thing to ensure brand loyalty. Safety and reliability can be the difference between long-term success and catastrophic failure.

UL markers are most commonly seen on industrial equipment and home appliances. These include furnaces, fuses, electrical panels, fire control panel, circuit breakers, cameras, smoke and CO2 alarms, fire extinguishers, sprinklers, glass, and thousands of low voltage equipment. UL Listing in this case means that the product is compliant with the American National Electrical Code (NEC), and is therefore regarded as "safe", i.e., not prone to electrical faults or failures which may cause damage to equipment, facilities, or people.

If your surveillance or safety equipment is not UL listed, it can be ripped out. Technically speaking, cameras and other low-voltage devices do not require UL listing, as they fall under the limited power source (LPS) category. Products in this category do not require listing themselves. Instead, the power source, whether it be a low-voltage supply, midspan, or PoE switch, is to be listed. In practice, however, inspectors often do not follow this, requiring the UL mark other products, as well.

In the surveillance industry, UL listing varies. Many mainstream brands are UL listed. However, it may not apply to every camera in their portfolio, with some lower-cost or SMB/SOHO product being unlisted. Others have only listed the current generations of their equipment. Finally, many lower-cost brands are completely unlisted, limiting their use in some jurisdictions. Users should be aware of these variances when selecting product, and make no assumptions.

In the safety industry, UL listing must be in Detector, Fire Control Panel, MCP, Module, sprinkler, Pump etc. Some OEM follow EN listing of said item for safety i.e., not prone to electrical faults or failures which may cause damage to equipment, facilities, or people.

Listing can generally be found on data sheets, normally in an "approvals" section, though not always. Sometimes it is found only in installation manuals, and other times users must contact the company to get listing information. All these variables make UL compliance a tedious process.

While 'UL Certification' implies electrical safety, the actual standard number it satisfies varies.

For surveillance gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

• UL 60950: Is the most common for cameras, and applies to low voltage safety (ie: non combustibility)
• UL 1492: Audio/Video Products and Accessories
• UL 1995: Heating and Cooling Equipment
• UL 2802: Tests related to performance quality of Camera image quality.
• UL 2043: Standard for Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.
• UL 60065: Audio, Video and Similar Electronic Apparatuses: Safety Requirements

For Life Safety gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

·        UL 217: Single- and Multiple- Station Smoke Alarms

·        UL 268: Smoke Detectors for Fire Protective Signalling Systems

·        UL 268A: Smoke Detectors for Duct Application

·        UL 294: Standard for Access Control System Units

·        UL 1023: Standard for Household Burglar-Alarm System Units

·        UL 1610: Standard for Central-Station Burglar-Alarm Units

·        UL 864: Standard for Control Units and Accessories for Fire Alarm Systems

·        UL 1626: Residential Sprinklers for Fire Protection Service

·        UL 1971: Signalling Devices for the Hearing Impaired

·        UL 1741: Inverters, Converters, Controllers and Interconnection System Equipment for Use with Distributed Energy Resources

For Wire and Cable gear, there are below certification standards that address different safety aspects:

·        UL 62: Flexible Cords and Cables

·        UL 758: Appliance Wiring Material (AWM)

·        UL 817: Cord Sets and Power Supply Cords

·        UL 2556: Wire and Cable Test Methods

 

Someone is shopping for a new circuit breaker or contactor; UL certification might sway their decision. If two identical products or services are side-by-side and one is UL certified and one isn’t, which one would you likely choose? It’s been shown that the UL mark can be a powerful marketing tool for businesses, and so many of them strive to get their products approved. The UL logo gives the consumer peace of mind, and the business a public seal of approval.

Whether the UL mark is required on all electrical parts in an installation varies tremendously, depending on the municipality, and even between different inspectors. We have seen various requirements for listing, in different municipalities:

• No UL listing required: Some municipalities are extremely lenient, never checking any product for UL certification. 
• Ceiling-mounted products: One of the most arbitrary requirements we have seen is that all ceiling-mounted equipment must be listed, but no other parts of the system were checked. 
• High-voltage only: In other cases, only high-voltage products require UL listing. This means that electricians are required to comply, but low-voltage security equipment is exempt. 
• Strict, 100% listing: In the most extreme cases, the building inspector will require every last part of an installation to bear the UL mark, whether it be servers, cameras, cable, or any other components. 

These variations, and others, are why we suggest users should check with their AHJ before installation. In some cases, bids and RFPs may also provide requirements for UL certification, taking the guesswork out of the process.

Since the level of compliance required may vary significantly, it is recommended that users check requirements with the authority having jurisdiction before installation takes place, or even before furnishing estimates.

If unlisted products are being used, but the inspector requires certification, users have two options:

1. Replace the non-compliant product with compliant. This is often the simplest way to gain compliance. The major downside is, of course, that product must be removed and replaced, incurring additional material, shipping, and labor costs.
2. Contract UL to provide a one-time certification of the system of the whole. In this case, a UL engineer visits the site and performs testing of the system in place. While this may alleviate listing issues, it is extremely expensive, commonly in the $10,000+ range for even small installations. It is therefore considered a last resort.

UL Certification allows a company to innovate its safety standards and align themselves with industry-wide best practices. Being UL certified illustrates a businesses’ dedication to consumer safety, as well as the quality of their products. Another important caveat of UL certification is for insurance purposes and customer security.

Why is this important? If, say, an inspector determines a fire was caused by a circuit breaker that was not UL certified, an insurance company can choose to deny the claim. For this reason alone, many consumers opt for certified products, not just for large appliances but for small ones as well as laptop and cell phone chargers. UL certification adds a layer of protection and accountability for accidents, as well. UL is a third-party service; consumers of your products can be confident that the UL seal is not a superficial sales ploy. Instead, it’s a true indication of an item’s safety and longevity. It protects brand’s reputation by having an established certification company standing behind what you sell. Remember if you use UL product due to some malfunction you decided to repair your device / panel. Then you must involve said product OEM/ authorised professional. Do not repair through technician / engineer / repairing centre, if you do then UL listing is void. It assumed as zero safety. In case further malfunction or electrical hazard happened then OEM are not responsible for it.

So, don’t immediately assume your products aren’t safe just because it doesn’t have a UL certification. It’s never a bad idea, however, to seek out UL certification when designing into new electronics and appliances.

Even if it might cost a bit more for your business or take extra testing time, UL gives a consumer the peace of mind and a brand a big marketing boost. In the long run, third-party certifications from a trusted source will only help your business. UL Certifications have the ability to add accountability and enhance your brand’s reputation over time.

Hopefully, now you feel a bit more familiar with that little UL logo and have a better idea of what it means and why it’s important for you and your business. When manufacturers are UL certified is shows their continued commitment to safety and quality.

Ready to upgrade your home or workplace with UL certified parts and products? Shop our full assortment of devices, switches, and other electronics.

In the fire alarm and life safety industry, UL (Underwriters Laboratories) is the "gold standard" for reliability. Without it, you are essentially guessing if a life-saving device will work when a building is on fire.

Fire Detection & Signaling System - UL
Product Short Name	UL Standard	Letest Edition	Brand	Model
Fire Alarm Control Panel	UL 864	10th	Edwards	EST4  and EDGE
			Notifier	INSPIRE  and ONYX Series
			Simplex	4100ES, 4010ES, 4007ES
			Morley-IAS	STX and SMX Series
			Kentec	Taktis
Smoke Detector (Commercial Systems)	UL 268	7th	Edwards	SIGA-OSD
			Notifier	FSP-951 Series
			Simplex	4098-9754, 4098-9714, 4098-5601
			Morley-IAS	HM-PSE-UL-W
			Kentec	KSU-OPT-7
Smoke Alarm (Residential Alarms)	UL 217	8th	Kidde	20SAR (Hardwired), P3010k-CO
			First Alert  / BRK	ZCOMBO (Z-Wave), SA304CN3 (with Escape Light), PRC700 (Slim Profile)
Heat Detector	UL 521	8th	Edwards	SIGA-HRD, SIGA-HFD, 281B-PL, 282B-P, SIGA-PHS.
			Notifier	FST-951,FST-951R, FST-951H and FST-851, FST-851R
			Simplex	4098-9733, 4098-9734, 4098-9754, 4098-9401 / 9402
			Morley-IAS	MI-HSE-S2-IV/WH, MI-RHSE-S2-IV/WH, MI-HTSE-S2-IV/WH
			Kentec	ATJ-EA, ATG-EA, 55000-400APO, ACC-V
Notification Appliances - hooters, horns, sirens, and bells.	UL 464	11th	Edwards	EG1-HDVM, EG1H-HDVM, G4AVRF, G4LF Series, 757 Series (Integrity), 860 Series
			Notifier	P2RL / P2WL, HRL / HWL, PC2RL / PC2WL, HWL-LF / HRL-LF, P2R / P2W
			Simplex	49AO-WRF / 49AO-WWF, 49HF-WRF / 49HF-WWF, 4901-9820
			Morley-IAS	System Sensor L-Series, P2RL / P2WL, HRL / HWL, HRL-LF / P2RL-LF
			Kentec	GEC3-24WR, P2RL / P2WL, HRL-LF, ASBL-LF,
Notification Appliances - Speakers	UL 1480	7th	Edwards	Genesis LED GCS Series, Genesis GC Series, Genesis G4 Series, 757 Series
			Notifier	System Sensor L-Series, SPSWL-LF / SPSRL-LF, SPRK / SPWK,
			Simplex	49SO-WRF / 49SO-WWF, 49SOP-WRF / 49SOP-WWF, 49SOC-WRF / 49SOC-WWF
			Morley-IAS	System Sensor L-Series, SPSWL-LF / SPSRL-LF, SPRK / SPWK,
			Kentec	System Sensor L-Series, SPSWL-LF / SPSRL-LF, SPRK / SPWK,
Notification Signaling Devices for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing	UL 1971	3rd	Edwards	Genesis LED Series, Integrity Series
			Notifier	System Sensor L-Series,
			Simplex	TrueAlert ES Series
			Morley-IAS	System Sensor L-Series,
			Kentec	System Sensor L-Series,
Visible Notification  Signaling Devices	UL 1638	6th	Edwards	Genesis Series, Integrity Series
			Notifier	SpectrAlert Advance,  System Sensor L-Series,
			Simplex	TrueAlert ES Series,  4906-9101
			Morley-IAS	SpectrAlert Advance,  System Sensor L-Series,
			Kentec	SpectrAlert Advance,  System Sensor L-Series,
Visible Notification  Signaling Devices	UL 1971	3rd	Edwards	Genesis LED (EG1/G4)
			Notifier	System Sensor L-Series
			Simplex	TrueAlert ES
			Morley-IAS	MI-HSR / MI-HSW
			Kentec	System Sensor L-Series
Manual Signaling Boxes . MCP , MPS	UL 38	8th	Edwards	SIGA-278 and SIGA-270
			Notifier	NBG-12LX
			Simplex	4099-9005
			Morley-IAS	System Sensor M400K, MI-MCP or F/MCP
			Kentec	DCP-AMS
Control, Relay, and Monitor modules.	UL 864	11Th	Edwards	SIGA CT1, SIGA CC1, SIGA CR, SIGA CT2, SIGA MM, SIGA IM
			Notifier	FRM-1, FCM-1, FMM-1
			Simplex	4090-9001, 4090-9002, 4090-9008, 4090-9117, 4090-9116, 4007-9801
			Morley-IAS	HM-D240CMO-UL
			Kentec	DCP-FRCME-M, DCP-FRCME-4, DCP-SOM-A, DCP-SCI, K758
Power Supplies	UL 1481	5Th	Edwards	3-BPS/M, 4-PPS/M
			Notifier	AMPS-24 / AMPS-24E, HPF24S6 / HPF24S8, FCPS-24S6 / FCPS-24S8
			Simplex	4100-5125 / 5126, 4905-9929, 4009-9201 / 9301, 4009-9401
			Morley-IAS
			Kentec

 Ref:

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UL_(safety_organization)

2. https://standardscatalog.ul.com/

3. https://ipvm.com/reports/ul-listing-overview