
2-2
One of the most important considerations of efficient fryer operation is ventilation. Make sure the fryer
is installed so that products of combustion are removed efficiently, and that the kitchen ventilation
system does not produce drafts that interfere with burner operation.
A commercial, heavy-duty fryer must vent its combustion wastes to the outside of the building. A deep-
fat fryer must be installed under a powered exhaust hood, as exhaust gas temperatures are
approximately 800-1000°F (427-538°C). Check air movement during installation. Strong exhaust fans in
the exhaust hood or in the overall air conditioning system can produce slight air drafts in the room.
Do not place the fryer’s flue outlet directly into the plenum of the hood, as it will affect the gas
combustion of the fryer. The fryer flue opening must not be placed close to the intake of the exhaust
fan, and the fryer must never have its flue extended in a “chimney” fashion. An extended flue will
change the combustion characteristics of the fryer, causing longer recovery time. It also frequently
causes delayed ignition. To provide the airflow necessary for good combustion and burner operation,
the areas surrounding the fryer front, sides, and rear must be kept clear and unobstructed.
DANGER
This appliance must be installed with sufficient ventilation to prevent the occurrence of
unacceptable concentrations of substances harmful to the health of personnel in the room in
which it is installed.
Fryers must be installed in an area with an adequate air supply and adequate ventilation. Adequate
distances must be maintained from the flue outlet of the fryer to the lower edge of the ventilation filter
bank. Filters should be installed at an angle of 45º. Place a drip tray beneath the lowest edge of the
filter. For U.S. installation, NFPA standard No. 96 states, “A minimum distance of 18 in. (450 mm) should
be maintained between the flue outlet and the lower edge of the grease filter.” Frymaster recommends
that the minimum distance be 24 in. (600 mm) from the flue outlet to the bottom edge of the filter when the
appliance consumes more than 120,000 BTU per hour.
For installations in the United States, information on construction and installation of ventilating hoods
can be found in the NFPA standard cited above. A copy of the standard may be obtained from the
National Fire Protection Association, Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269.
Never use the interior of the fryer cabinet for storage or store items on shelving over or behind the
fryer. Exhaust temperatures can exceed 800°F (427°C) and may damage or melt items stored in or near
the fryer.
2.1.2 National Code Requirements
The type of gas for which the fryer is equipped is stamped on the data plate attached to the inside of the
fryer door. Connect a fryer stamped “NAT” only to natural gas, those stamped “PRO” only to propane
gas, and those stamped “MFG” only to manufactured gas.
Installation shall be made with a gas connector that complies with national and local codes, and, where
applicable, CE codes. A manual gas shut-off valve must be installed in the gas supply line ahead of the
fryers for safety and ease of future service. Ensure the shut-off valve is in a position where it can be
reached quickly in the event of an emergency. Quick-disconnect devices, if used, shall likewise comply
with national, local, and, if applicable, CE codes. In the absence of local codes, installation must conform
to the national Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, ANSIZ83.11, NFPA96,211 or the Natural Gas and
Propane Installation code, CSA B149.1, as applicable including:
1. The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected form the gas supply piping
system during any pressure testing of the system at test pressures in excess of ½ psi (3.5 kPa).