Blog Overview: Automatic Fire Protection in Three Different Systems
Kitchen fire suppression systems provide rapid, autonomous fire detection and suppression. But knowing how to choose the right type for your kitchen can be challenging. In this guide, we’ll explore what makes each system unique, how they work and offer tips to help you choose the perfect system for your business.
Choosing the Right Kitchen Fire Suppression System
Every commercial kitchen is different. Fires, too, will start differently depending on whether you are working in a small café or a large restaurant. Therefore, your suppression system must match its environment.
At OHEAP Fire & Security, we supply, design and install three leading systems: Ansul, Amerex and Ceasefire.
Ansul Kitchen Suppression Systems
Ansul is widely considered the global benchmark for commercial kitchen fire suppression. Known for its reliability, adaptability and rapid response, Ansul suppression systems remain one of the most popular solutions across the UK hospitality sector.
How Are Ansul Fire Suppression Systems Activated?
Ansul systems typically use fusible links and mechanical detection nozzles connected to cartridge-operated cylinders. They can be configured in appliance-specific or overlapping nozzle patterns.
Crucially, Ansul systems emphasise adaptability by having flexible layouts for many appliance types and kitchen layouts.
Features of Ansul Kitchen Suppression Systems
Extinguishing Agents
Ansul systems use their own unique ANSULEX low-pH wet chemical agent to combat grease fires through saponification.
While the agent is non-corrosive and safe to handle, it will leave a foamy residue that must be cleaned from cooking surfaces after discharge and never ingested.
Ansul System Installation
Ansul’s overlapping nozzle design enables them to be tailored to most commercial kitchen environments. From single fryers to full-line kitchens, Ansul can offer direct fire suppression.
Why Businesses Choose Ansul
- Restaurants, hotels, and commercial kitchens needing a proven, flexible solution
- Sites that may reconfigure equipment or expand in future
- Businesses seeking widely supported UK service and maintenance
Ceasefire Kitchen Suppression Systems
Ceasefire’s LPCB-certified Kitchen Fire Suppression Systems are designed specifically for the challenges of commercial kitchens. They are ideal for protecting most commercial kitchens, ranging from small cafés to industrial food production lines.
They are the only system in our range offering both wet chemical and water-mist variants, appealing to eco-conscious or specialist installations.
How Are Ceasefire Systems Activated?
Ceasefire use their specialised Quick Response System to react to developing fire threat rapidly and to apply extinguishing agents directly to the source.
Ceasefire systems have heat-sensitive polymenr tubing that is connected at one end to the Ceasefire extinguishing agent. When the tubing is exposed to temperatures between 150-180°C, it will burst precisely at the point of contact to create a minature nozzle. This burst instantly activates the release of the extinguishing agent through the tube and directly onto the flames.
Unlike Ansul’s fusible links, the Ceasefire’s tubing is more reliable, easier to clean and applies the extinguishing agent directly to the source.
Features of Ceasefire Kitchen Suppression Systems
Extinguishing Agents
- Wet Chemical: A biodegradable, non-conductive agent that cools and smothers grease fires quickly while being gentle on stainless steel and electrical appliances.
- Water-Mist: Uses ultra-fine droplets to smother flames and rapidly cool hot surfaces without chemicals, reducing environmental impact and clean-up time.
Both variants are LPCB (LPS 1223) certified and meet BS EN 16282-7 standards, ensuring compliance with UK fire safety requirements.
Ceasefire Suppression System Design and Installation
CeaseFire promotes in-house design capability, which can be an advantage if you want highly customised nozzle placements or a water mist solution instead of a wet chemical solution. This can help with non-standard equipment or where water-mist is preferred for specific appliances.
Why Businesses Choose Ceasefire Systems
- Fully LPCB-approved, EN 16282-7-compliant
- Environmentally sustainable suppression options
- Custom design for complex or bespoke commercial kitchens
Amerex Kitchen Suppression Systems
Amerex systems are renowned for their reliability and mechanical simplicity. Their unique Zone Defence design positions nozzles higher within the hood canopy, providing wide coverage with fewer nozzles. This keeps your kitchen cleaner, less cluttered and easier to maintain.
Extinguishing Agent
Amerex uses a low-pH wet chemical that quickly cools and suppresses grease fires. The overlapping spray design uses less agent to reduce clean-up and long-term costs.
Amerex systems store the wet chemical agent in on-site pressurised cylinders or tanks. This ensures that everything is self-contained for lower maintenance costs.
Two Configurations to Choose From
Amerex Kitchen Protection System – For fixed appliance layouts such as quick-service restaurants, school canteens, or cruise ships.
- Lower installation and maintenance costs
- Appliance-specific protection
Amerex Zone Defence System – For reconfigurable kitchens such as hotels, hospitals, or fine-dining restaurants.
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- Adjustable nozzle positions for layout flexibility
- Ideal for operations that move or upgrade cooking lines frequently
Why Businesses Choose Amerex Suppression Systems
- Compact and discreet designs
- Flexible installation and design without high maintenance
- To protect fixed or semi-permanent appliance layouts
How Often Should Kitchen Suppression Systems Be Inspected?
In the UK, there are currently no laws defining how often kitchen fire suppression systems must be inspected. However, the responsible person must be aware that BS EN 16282-7 and LPCB guidance recommend at least annual servicing by a qualified technician, with routine visual checks throughout the year.
What’s important to remember is how quickly commercial kitchens can become susceptible to fire risk. Given the constant risks of open flames alongside hot oils and high traffic, OHEAP advises annual inspections and testing to ensure your system activates instantly when needed.
Expert Tip: Combine your annual fire suppression inspection with your fire alarm or extinguisher servicing to minimise downtime and disruption.
Choose OHEAP For Complete Kitchen Fire Protection
At OHEAP Fire & Security, we pride ourselves on designing, installing and maintaining LPCB-approved kitchen fire suppression systems that meet EN 16282-7 and BAFE SP206 standards.
Alongside our kitchen suppression services, we also provide end-to-end fire alarm services, extinguisher servicing and fire risk assessments led by BS 8674:2025 qualified assessors.
Whatever the size or layout of your commercial kitchen, our experts will help you choose a system that’s compliant, effective, and built to last.
