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Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,445 Likes: 3
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A fast-food place called me, complaining that they kept losing power to their deep-fryers. FWIW, it turned out that the fryers were gas, and used electirc only for the controls and igniters. I know why they were losing power; anyone out there care to guess? For a closer look:
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Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 23
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And they probably thought they were helping theirselves out. I cant stand those kind of calls, good cash but messy and busy to work around.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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That is a problem as non-dwelling kitchens require GFCI protection.
Sounds like they have a problem with the equipment if it's tripping the GFCI.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Joined: Jan 2005
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Well, I suppose I ought to explain some about this install.
First of all, the fryer cords connect outside of the hood. This means that they will NOT be turned off when the Ansul system is operated.
The immediate problem, though, is the presence of the cord connections and GFI unit just above the fryers. When food is placed in the fryer, a great deal of moisture / oil enters the air. This will then condense on anything in it's path that is cooler. TRhat would include "cold" electrical connections.
Condensing moisture would allow current to leak across the face of the plug, to both the neutral and ground prongs. The GFI would see this, and trip.
Simply re-locating the connection outside of the condensation area eliminated the problem. (Of course, this was done without using extension cords, etc.)
None of the electric has been tied into the Ansul as yet; a bid has been submitted.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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If condensation is causing current to "leak" from the receptacle, why not just install a GFCI OCPD as required by 210.8 (B) (2)?
(I love using those big electricial abbreviations)
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Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 821
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Oh wait... that wouldn't solve the problem.
My bad.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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John as these are 120 volt 20 amp circuits they can not provide the source of heat to the appliances.
It's not the power under a hood that must be killed it is the source of heat.
If these are Gas appliances a cable operated gas valve is in order.
At least that is how it's done in my area.
Bob
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Joined: Jan 2005
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I've only installed a few "Ansul" systems, Iwire, so I am no expert. However, here it is required, when the system is tripped, that ALL sources of ignition be disconnected, as well as make-up air be stopped. This meands that the lights under the hood, any receptacles, and all electric equipment be shut off- in addition to the gas being shut off.
You are quite correct; the circuit only powered the controls and the gas igniter. Were these deep fryers to be all electric, they would likely need a 100 amp circuit. (Bit much for that extension cord!)
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Joined: Jun 2004
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It is similar here, the last ansul I wired killed the make up air, the hood lights, and ran the exhuast fan for 30 seconds then shut it off. As the range was gas fired there was a cable operated valve that was tied into the trigger mechanism.
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Joined: Jan 2003
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Maybe I am wrong I will try to find the requirements.
As far as I can recall its not the source of ignition that needs to be killed....the ignition has already happened at the point the ansul trips.
But it is hard to extinguish a fire if heat is still being pumped into the bottom of the fire.
Remember the fire triangle Fuel, Oxygen, Heat.
I have never seen an Ansul system kill the under hood lights.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
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Posts: 57
Joined: August 2003
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