Hood & Duct Systems
California Fire Code requires a wet-chemical fire suppression system meeting UL 300 Standards anytime grease-laden vapors are produced during the cooking process. This requirement applies to all occupancy groups, except single-family dwellings.
If you fry hamburgers, potatoes, or only one slice of bacon, you need a Class 1 hood as defined by the California Mechanical Code and a UL 300 fire suppression system.
UL 300 recognizes the majority of restaurants have changed from cooking oil containing animal fats to vegetable oils over the past decade.
- Vegetable oils heat to higher temperatures creating a greater challenge to the old Ansul and Pyrochem suppression systems. Older systems may not put out the fire. Only systems designed and installed to UL 300 Standards can be modified and upgraded.
- If cooking appliances located beneath a commercial hood have been exchanged, relocated, or modified from the original installation, the Stockton Fire Department requires a new fire suppression system to be installed that meets UL 300 Standards.
Required Fire Suppression System
K-Class Extinguisher
The 2001 California Fire Code Section 1005.2.7 and local City of Stockton Ordinance 4-012 requires all locations with commercial hoods, both new and existing, be equipped with a K-class fire extinguisher.
Exhaust and Makeup Air
California Fire Code Section 1005.2.4.2 requires shutdown of all electrical located under the hood (not in the hood). Shutdown of makeup or supply air is recommended with system actuation.
Likewise, exhaust fans in the ventilation system should remain on during the system discharge to help disperse chemical in the hood and exhaust shaft.
Note: Both Ansul and Pyrochem state their equipment is UL 300 listed with or without makeup air or exhaust fan shutdown.
Plans and Fees
Submit plans and fees for new fire suppression systems to the Fire Prevention Division:
- Three sets of plans
- Fee for up to a four nozzle system or five or more nozzles; we count the number of pull stations to determine the number of systems. Fee includes plan check and inspection.
A permit to install a hood and construct the protected exhaust shaft must be obtained from the Stockton Community Development Department Building & Life Safety Division.
For question or ready for an inspection, please contact the Fire Prevention Division.
External Links
Office of the State Fire Marshal - California
This City of Stockton web page last reviewed on --- 5/1/2023