Rangehood Fire-Suppression Systems

Rangehood fire-suppression systems help keep commercial kitchens safe. They are very important during the early stages of a fire.

These systems protect ventilating equipment like:

• Hoods
• Ducts
• Filters

They also protect cooking equipment like:

• Fryers
• Griddles
• Range tops
• Broilers
• Woks

These systems are the first line of defense against kitchen fires. They help keep people and property safe.

It is very important that these systems are installed correctly. They must follow the New York City Fire Code.

All new installations and changes to existing systems must follow the 2022 New York City Fire Code (FC) §609 and §904.3.8, and the 2022 Building Code §904.12 "Commercial Cooking Systems." They must also follow standards like UL300 "Fire Testing of Fire Extinguishing Systems for Protection of Commercial Cooking Equipment." You can find the design requirements in the manufacturer's manual or the Certificate of Approvals for the system.

Relevant Fire Code sections: FC609.6, FC904.1 and FC904.3.8.

When do I need to file?

You need to file a Rangehood Application (Fire Suppression plans) for:

• All new kitchen installations and systems, including change of ownership
• Changes to an existing installation to a UL300 system that does not require changes to the hood/duct, fan system, plumbing or gas shut-off valve, or changes of cooking equipment
• Changes to the fire suppression system due to re-arrangement of existing cooking equipment under the same hood
• Changes to the fire suppression system due to the removal of equipment under the same hood
• Changes to plumbing or gas shut-off valve(s)

Note: Maintenance does not require plan filing. Maintenance means replacing an existing fire suppression system component.

You cannot submit an amendment before the initial plan is approved. There is no need to include a note to differentiate between submission types (New/Upgrade).

• Select the right category
  Choose the Rangehood Application category on the FDNY business website.

• Submit documents as unlocked PDFs

  • Each document must be an unlocked PDF.
  • Do not use dynamic PDFs or lock the files.
  • Ensure Rangehood Plan PDFs are flattened.
  • Avoid free text boxes and markups.
  • Submit each document as a separate PDF.

• Include DOB documentation

  • All applications must have DOB approval for commercial cooking use of space.

  • Acceptable documents:

    • Certificate of Occupancy
    • Schedule A
    • Letter of No Objection from Borough Office

• Complete and sign the TM-R2 application

  • Fill out the TM-R2 application.
  • Include a note describing the specific work, like "This Rangehood Application is for an upgrade installation for a manufacturer X-500 system."

• Prepare the Rangehood Plan

  • Use 11x17 format.

  • Get it stamped by a Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor (LMFSC), Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA).

  • Include:

    • Name of system manufacturer
    • Current Materials and Equipment Acceptance (MEA) or Fire Department Certificate of Approval (COA)
    • Control head details, fusible link temperature, number and size of cylinders, nozzles, total flow points and cooking equipment dimensions
    • Parts and part numbers from the design manual
    • Clearance between open flame and deep fat fryers
    • Type, size and length of piping
    • Location and type of gas valve and location and distance of manual pull station
    • A 3" x 5" space for FDNY stamping
    • Note stating plans are per 2022 Buildings Code Sections BC 904.1 and 2022 Fire Code sections 904.3.8

• Submit an affidavit

  • Completed by the LMFSC.
  • State the location, proposed work and suppression system details.

• Provide Proof of Occupancy

  • Acceptable documents:

    • Certificate of Occupancy
    • Approved Schedule A/Approved PW1 document
    • Letter of No Objection from DOB

  • Schedule B documents are not accepted.

• Asbestos abatement compliance

  • Submit DEP form ACP-5 if no asbestos abatement is needed.
  • Provide a Certificate of Occupancy if exempt from asbestos requirements.
  • DEP forms ACP-7 and ACP-21 are not accepted.

• Include any other supporting documents

• Include DOB documentation for new and amended applications

  • Acceptable documents:

    • Certificate of Occupancy
    • Schedule A
    • Letter of No Objection from Borough Office

• More information: You might need to give more details or papers.
• Review: Someone will check your papers. They will decide if your application is acceptable or needs changes.
• Approval: If acceptable, you will get a Letter of Acceptance with conditions.
• Not approved: If not acceptable, you will get a Letter of Deficiency. This letter will tell you what to change or add.
• Project authorization: The Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor (LMFSC) must ask for Project Authorization.

Project authorization

Project authorization means the FDNY lets you start the work. You need this after your plan gets approved. These plans need it:

• Fire Alarm Plan
• Rangehood Plan
• Non-water Fire Suppression Plan
• Radio Communication System Plan

Who can file: The owner, contractor or licensed professional can file. To file or renew, go to FDNY Business and choose Project Authorization Request.

• You must file a Project Authorization request for all approved plans.
• You will not get Project Authorization until you file online.
• Note: This does not apply to plans not filed online.

Inspection

After you get Project Authorization and finish the work, you need an inspection. The Licensed Master Fire Suppression Contractor (LMFSC) must:

• Schedule the inspection
• Attend the inspection with all needed papers

• Application fees

  • New Application: $375
  • Complex Technical Analysis Fee: $525 (if required)
  • Resubmission Fees: No fee if within six months of Letter of Deficiency. After six months, a new filing fee may be required.

• Submit the application online

  • Include all supporting documents.

• Make payment on FDNY Business

  • Online (preferred):
    • Pay at FDNY Business (credit, debit or e-check accepted)
  • US mail:
    • Send check with FDNY Business Record ID to:
      NYC Fire Department (FDNY)
      Bureau of Fire Prevention
      9 MetroTech Center, Attn: Cashier's Unit (1st Floor)
      Brooklyn, NY 11201