Thermal Sensors in Grease ducts for Captive Air Hoods

January 31, 2011 · Don Pfleiderer

A KEC company had an exhaust system on a newer facility where the fans and make up air would not turn back on in the morning after cleaning and kept tripping the 110 volt control circuit breaker. This is a note from Captive Air, please read so you can take precautions and know what to do if you run into same issue:
Thermal sensors are being furnished on all projects to meet the International gas code. This code is in effect in most areas right now. The sensor is in a liquid tight quick seal, the same used for fire system nozzles. There is a small possibly that the water got into the wiring from inside the duct, unless there are water leaks in the welded duct. The water may have gotten between the fire wrap and the duct and ran down into the “j” box where the electrical connection is made. The sensor can be bypassed in the electrical panel, but may be a code issue later. - Captive Air
From Don: bypassing should not be a permanent option. Please watch out for leaking ductwork or seals that are leaking on the sensors that could compromise them as it will shut down the system is it shorts out. Contractors- please leak test all ductwork thoroughly. There is a section on proper water leak testing on the Enviromatic.com web site.

Originally published January 31, 2011 on Tales of the Greaser.

← What some call "Clean" part 2Issues outside the exhaust systems. →

← All Tales of the Greaser posts

Questions About Your Exhaust System?

Talk to the team that has set the standard for kitchen exhaust cleaning since 1971.

☎ 1-800-325-8476 Contact Us