FloAire BI-FARM Use of Utility Sets Indoors User Manual

Use of utility sets indoors

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Use of Utility Sets Indoors

(Suggestions based on UL and NFPA documents )


Some situations prevent the installation of exhaust fans on the
roof or other outdoor location. An indoor installation may be the
only alternative.

Of the various types of fans that might be employed, the
BI-RM Series seems most appropriate because it readily
accommodates the connection of inlet and outlet ducts.
Fans designed for curb mounting would present inlet duct
connection difficulties.

But is it safe, and how should it be installed? The logical organi-
zations to check for information are UL and NFPA. Their stan-
dards are usually the basis for local codes.

Standard UL762 (officially called a “Subject”) “Power Roof
Ventilators for Restaurant Exhaust
Appliances
This standard has two primary tests. The first test has the fan

exhaust air for several hours at the maximum temperature the manufacturer wishes to list the fan,
such a 300 F. The second part imitates a grease fire by igniting grease in a pan near an inlet duct. If
the fan keeps running and does not display any unsafe results it passes those tests. They also exam-
ine the fan for any characteristics that might be unsuitable.

In the scope, section 1.1, it says “these requirements cover roof or wall-mounted ventilators for res-
taurant exhaust appliances.” It would seem at first that the phrase “roof or wall mounted” would pre-
clude applicability of the label indoors. However, in the very next paragraph it goes on to say “Power
ventilators...covered by these requirements are intended for installation in accordance with ...NFPA
96.” NFPA 96 clearly defines how to install a traditional “roof mounted ventilator” indoors.

So, on to NFPA

NFPA 96 (Standard for Ventilation Control and Fire Protection of Commercial Cooking Operations.)

Happily, beginning with NFPA 96, there is specific ref-
erence to fans installed within the building in section
8.1.3.2. .

Our interpretation:
1. The fan inlet and outlet must be connected to the
ducts using companion flanges and high temperature
(1500F) gasketing.

This is the only troublesome requirement. The contractor
will need to provide and install the companion flanges
and gasketing. For the round inlet they need companion
flange, rolled angle rings, which are available from
various sources like

http://www.cmrp.com

. For the rec-

tangular outlet common angle iron welded into a frame
will suffice.

The high temperature gasketing can probably be obtained from the manufacturers of grease duct ac-
cess doors, like DuctMate, or an industrial supply house.

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