Associated Fire Protection

Why UL 300?
In November, 1994, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) published UL 300 -- the stringent new testing requirements for manufacturers of kitchen hood and duct fire protection systems. These requirements were driven by the fact that many restaurant owners had installed new, high efficiency burners that heated cooking oils to higher temperatures than in the past, and installed new fryers with better insulation that reduced the cooling rate of oils thus keeping them above their auto-ignition point for a longer time. The obvious result was more kitchen fires. The new standard for testing mandates tougher, more realistic tests for fryers, ranges, griddles, certain types of broilers and new woks.

Kitchen System Manufacturers Comply:
The manufacturers of kitchen fire suppression systems were required to redesign and re-test all of their systems in order to comply with UL 300s standards. None of the existing dry chemical systems could pass the new testing requirements. Most wet chemical systems failed as well. Only wet chemical systems with increased flow rates, additional flow points and increased agent capacity have been able to meet UL 300 standards.

What Does This Mean to You?
As an owner of a restaurant, you should seriously consider upgrading to the new UL 300 standard since your current system(s) most likely do not adequately protect your cooking area(s). In addition, area fire marshals have agreed that
any new system installed after April 1, 1995, must meet the new UL 300 standard which will likely require an additional cost for you. Also, any current system(s) to which new appliances have been added will require a complete system upgrade to meet the new UL 300 standards.

Associated Fire Protection's UL 300 Compliance Policy:
Based on the requirements of our insurance carriers and kitchen fire systems manufacturers, Associated Fire Protection's policy will be to cease all inspections, modifications and repairs of non-UL 300 compliant fire suppression systems as of July 1, 2005.

New wet chemical systems installed after November 20, 1994, are the only systems that are acceptable.  If your system was installed prior to November 20, 1994, we strongly recommend replacement with a new UL 300 compliant wet chemical kitchen fire suppression system.

If your kitchen is currently protected by a non-UL 300 compliant fire suppression system, AFP would appreciate the opportunity to work with you to install an effective, new system that will be complaint with all local fire codes.

For additional information give us a call at 866-812-3473 or contact us via email.