You really should have titled your post "A Word of Caution Regarding NYC inspections." This is not a problem with Bluestar or DCS. They make residential products - the issue is with the inspectors not realizing that. Two questions - I'm not familiar with an Ansul fire suppression hood - is it at all reasonable for you to install one in your apt? Question 2 - do you have any recourse to appeal the decision of the inspector, particularly since you have the approval of the NYC Buildings Dept.

There is a smaller hood manufactured with a fire suppression system designed for home use. It may be found on the cooksafe. com website. I have an email into them to see if they make a longer model. I am in the process of investigating the Ansul system. I believe that it may be reasonable to install, although not as aesthetic as some residential hoods.
The inspector is already taking this up with his superiors. By the time they get back to me, I suspect that it will have gone up the entire chain of command.

My issue with DCS and BlueStar is two fold. First, no one at either firm was able to provide any documentation regarding testing that may have been done to prove that the items were suitable for residential and not commercial use. It seems hard to believe that no person or department is responsible for obtaining some such certification.

Secondly, I would think that if the items are offered for sale in the NYC area, the companies would have taken steps to have them approved in that market area. There is a mechanism by which gas and electric items could be submitted for prior approval from NYC. Unfortunately the fact that this was never done didn't emerge until after the items were purchased. I feel that I should have received more support and assistance from Customer Service than was given.
I posted my message as a caution that persons considering the purchase of these items should clear them with their local authorities prior to purchase and not rely on the manufacturer's statement that the appliances are "for residential use".

Honestly I think the inspector simply needs a little incentive to be cooperative.

It's not uncommon to have building inspectors in many areas unfamiliar with new products. It would probably be a good idea for the manufacturers to set up a program to inform building inspectors of product changes, updates and specifications for recommended installation of the product. Maybe someone at the appliance advisor could organize something.

I'd pretty much take the cut sheet for the Blue Star salamander, with it's UL logo and every instance of the word "residential" "home" and "approved" highlighted, and I'd put that in the inspectors face.

If he still balks, I'd take it to his supervisor.

Here is a link that might be useful: Salamander cut sheet

I ditto thull's comment. Print off the spec sheets and highlight the "residential" and "UL" listing and ask the inspector to put in WRITING the reason for his objection. Unfortunately, NYC may have some weird product approval laws. My county has a weird one with fireplaces after a few house fires due to fireplace inserts in the 1980's.

Good luck.

Let me see, threats and demands, or a couple C-Notes to show your appreciation for any assistance the inspector could kindly provide. I know which route I'd take with the guy holding the rubber stamp.

If you knew the appliances were not to code it would be one matter. All you're looking for is a little cooperation.

>Let me see, threats and demands, or a couple C-Notes
>to show your appreciation for any assistance the
>inspector could kindly provide. I know which route
>I'd take with the guy holding the rubber stamp.

Then you are part of the problem. Or maybe you are just being humorous.

This isn't a manufacture's issue. Both are UL listed. That's enough certification for 99% of the USA. It's not the manufacturer's problem that your locality requires overkill paperwork to issue the proper permits. That's your GC's problem, and that's one of the ways they earn their money. So, make him earn his money by going over the local inspector's head to ask why a UL listing isn't good enough. In some older buildings, the inspector may be correct that even a residentially UL listed gas appliance of that amount of BTU's won't work because not enough gas pressure is available. Or, perhaps the location you anticipate installing it has issues with its sprinkler system and thus no high BTU appliances would be approved. There are a few legitimate reasons for denying you your choice for your remodel, but you have to communicate with the powers that be a bit better and find out exactly what the issue is.

Being picky or cautious about a new to the market powerful wok intended for the home kitchen doesn't seem out of line for an inspector, but a salamander? What is your insurance company's take on this? You would think they would be really current on an issue like fire suppression in the home kitchen.

Could be an interesting line extension for DCS, Bluestar, etc, and companies like Ansul to bring to the cutting edge home kitchen.

As a follow-up to my post, I was finally approved by NYC without the need for an Ansul fire system hood. Thanks to everyone who posted.

Great news. Bet your result will be a comfort to others considering similar kitchen plans.

Thanks - I would suggest that people make sure that they get these appliances cleared by the plumbing inspectors (or whatever other appropriate local authority) prior to purchase.