Gas Authorization – Restaurant Equipment

Ensuring proper installation and compliance of restaurant equipment is essential for safety and operations. Here’s what business owners need to know to meet legal requirements for gas piping, fire suppression systems, and utility connections.

Key Compliance Steps for Gas-Fueled Cooking Equipment and Fire Suppression Systems

1. Gas Piping and Ansul System Installation
   
   Alterations, relocations, or removals of any gas piping for commercial cooking equipment, along with the installation of Ansul fire suppression systems, must be performed by a Licensed Master Plumber. Additionally, range hood (Ansul) systems require installation by a Licensed Master Fire Suppression Piping Contractor, who will arrange a mandatory system test with an FDNY inspector.
   
2. Utility Activation Post-Inspection
   
   Utility companies can only initiate gas services for commercial kitchens after successful FDNY inspections of Ansul systems and Department of Buildings (DOB) inspections of installed gas-powered cooking equipment. Business owners should work closely with contractors to ensure all utility services are ready before their opening date.

Important Considerations Before Applying

• FDNY and Range Hood Requirements
  
  The FDNY inspects and regulates range hood installations in restaurants, cafeterias, and other commercial kitchens. Only licensed professionals may install range hoods and other required fire suppression and ventilation equipment.
  
• Portable Fire Extinguishers
  
  FDNY regulations specify the type, number, and placement of portable fire extinguishers, based on the establishment’s structure and business type.

Step-by-Step Guide to Obtain Gas Service Authorization

1. Hire Licensed Professionals and Submit Plans
   Engage a registered architect or licensed engineer to submit plans to the DOB for the gas system installation. This is the first step toward securing gas service authorization.
   
2. Installation of Systems by Licensed Contractors
   Upon plan approval, hire a Licensed Master Plumber and Licensed Fire Suppression Piping Contractor to install gas piping, cooking equipment, and the Ansul system. FDNY will then conduct inspections, including the review of portable fire extinguishers.
   Note: Some equipment, like pizza ovens, may not require an Ansul system.
   
3. FDNY Approval and Documentation
   After a successful inspection, the FDNY provides a certification letter, confirming that each Ansul valve installed has passed all required checks. This letter must be submitted to the DOB.
   
4. DOB Gas Inspection
   With the FDNY certification, the Master Plumber will request a DOB inspection. The DOB must inspect and approve all gas cooking equipment before authorizing the utility company to activate gas supply services.
   
5. Final Gas Authorization
   Upon DOB approval and FDNY certification, gas authorization is finalized through an online system accessible to utility companies to confirm compliance.
    
6. Scheduling Utility Services
   Gas authorization does not mean automatic gas activation. The business owner or authorized representative must contact the utility provider to set up a gas meter, create an account, and schedule the service start date.

Consult a Professional

For specific legal requirements related to your establishment’s construction, consult a licensed New York State professional. Major construction and alteration work typically requires the involvement of a registered architect or licensed engineer.