Ansul Interlock FAQ
An interlock is a safety mechanism designed to automatically shut down specific systems or equipment in response to a particular event. In this case an activation of a Ansul suppression or extinguishing system interlocking with protected cooking appliances and canopy air supply that could mitigate the spread of fire throughout a building.
Why is Ansul interlocking important?
- Safety: Prevents re-ignition of fires by stopping fuel or power supply and removing air supply.
- Compliance: Required by fire safety codes, insurance, and system manufacturers.
- System Integrity: Ensures the Ansul system performs as designed in an emergency.
- Fire Triangle: Interlocking removes components of the fire triangle
The Fire Triangle Components:
- Heat: A source of ignition (e.g., open flame, hot surface, electrical spark)
- Fuel: Any combustible material (e.g., oil, grease, wood, paper, gas)
- Oxygen: Typically, from the air (about 21% oxygen is enough to support combustion)
A fire can only occur when all three elements are present at the same time. If you remove any one of the components, the fire will either not start or will be extinguished.
If a fire starts in a commercial kitchen, the Ansul interlocking system works to break the fire triangle
Is an interlock system required for my Ansul system?
Yes. Whether you have an existing or newly installed Ansul R-102 or Piranha system, interlock shutdown is a mandatory requirement.
Is it necessary to connect the Ansul system to the fire alarm system?
No, a connection between the Ansul system and the fire alarm system is recommended, it is not mandatory.
Can the Ansul system be interlocked via the fire alarm system?
Yes. Interlocking via the fire alarm system is possible using appropriate interfaces. In this setup, the fire alarm system must be properly connected to the interlock components and maintained in accordance with regulatory standards.
However, we recommend a dedicated interlock setup using an Ansul isolator and controller for greater reliability and system integrity.
What equipment needs to be interlocked with the Ansul system?
The required interlock connections depend on the type of kitchen appliances protected by the Ansul system:
- Gas and electric appliances: Shutdown of both appliance types covered by the Ansul system.
- Canopy supply air: Shutdown to prevent additional oxygen feeding the fire.
- Extraction system: This is to be left running and operational, although this would still be UL listed if shut down.