UK SPECIALIST IN CATERING EQUIPMENT SPARE PARTS

Gas Interlock System Installation

Items Needed for a Gas Interlock System Installation & BS6173 Compliance

  1. Control Panel: Main unit to control and monitor the system.
  2. Gas Solenoid Valve: Shuts off gas supply when needed.
  3. Air Pressure Switch: Detects ventilation airflow.
  4. Exhaust Fan: Removes smoke and heat.
  5. Make-Up Air Fan: Supplies fresh air to balance airflow.
  6. Wiring and Electrical Components: Cables for connections. Power supply unit. Conduits and junction boxes.
  7. Emergency Gas Shut-Off Button: For manual shut-off in emergencies.
  8. Gas Pressure Test Points: To check gas pressure during installation.
  9. Gas Line Components: Fittings, couplings, (for connection of gas solenoid valve)
  10. System Indicators and Alarms: Lights or alarms for faults and status. (Usually part of the control panel).
  11. Integration Hardware (if needed): For connecting with other systems like fire alarms / fire suppression systems.
  12. Labels and Documentation: Compliance stickers and user manuals.
  13. Spare Parts (optional): Extra valves, switches, and fuses for backups.

Pre Site Survey For Gas Interlock System Installation

1. General Site Assessment

  • Purpose of Installation: Confirm the specific requirements for the gas interlock system (e.g., compliance, safety, operational needs). There are different types of gas interlock systems that are for use in a commercial catering environment. Gas interlock system, gas proving system, gas interlock system with gas detection, solid fuel gas interlock system. There are different options to monitor fans such as current monitors and air pressure switches… as well as gas fumes from solid fuel.
  • Site Location: Document the address and any logistical challenges or requirements for installation. The main things to remember are that if a gas solenoid valve needs to be fitted the gas supply must be shut down and isolated to allow safe installation. This will have an impact on downtime which needs to be communicated to your client/staff so the installation can be planned properly.
  • Building Layout: Review kitchen dimensions and layout for system placement. Several things are really important when planning the gas interlock system installation. The main things to consider are…1) Where can the panel itself be fitted? The gas interlock panel dimensions need to be considered to find an adequate location. Bear in mind commercial kitchens are often limited for space.
    2) How are the fans being monitored through the system and how far away is the gas solenoid valve from the panel? This will determine the amount of work for an electrician there is to run cabling between the gas interlock panel and gas solenoid valve and air pressure switches (bare in mind if this is an existing installation you could end up running cables to the fan location (as the air flow detection switches may be fitted adjacent to the fan unit which could be on the roof?)
    3) Some quick hacks to make the installation easier for you…

2.Existing Gas Installation 

  • Gas Supply Line:
    • Check the size, material, and condition of the gas supply line. You might need copper to irons? If the space is limited or for ease of installation, if you are replacing the gas valve due to it being faulty or old… try to get the same model.
    • Verify the location of the main gas shut-off valve.
  • Gas Appliance Inventory:
    • List all appliances that will connect to the gas supply. If an appliance is old it may not have flame failure devices… so a gas-proving valve system may be required. Double-check this!

3. Electrical Installation 

  • Power Supply:
    • Verify the electrical power supply for the interlock system is available. As well as space for power supply. As mentioned above this could determine the location of the panel.
    • Identify power supply location and confirm compatibility with the system.
  • Existing Control Systems:
    • Inspect any existing ventilation or gas shut-off controls. As mentioned, the system is detected through electrical current OR air flow (or potentially both).
    • Assess if integration with the existing gas solenoid valve or any other controls are required.

4. Ventilation System

  • Fan and Ducting:
    • Inspect exhaust and make-up air fan functionality. If there is a local controller that can be interfaced with OR the location of the fan (for installation of air pressure switch).
    • Assess duct condition and cleanliness to avoid airflow issues.
  • Airflow Measurements:
    • The airflow requirements whilst not directly important to the gas interlock system operation technically, it is an important thing to note especially if using airflow switches.

5. Compliance and Regulation

  • Codes and Standards:
    • Ensure the system complies with BS6173 gas regulations as well as following DW172 guidelines.
    • Check for specific interlock requirements from the landlord etc.
  • Certification Requirements:
    • Confirm the need for system certification post-installation. Would recommend a full gas safety certificate.

6. Operational Needs

  • User Training:
    • Often gas interlock systems are very simple to operate but staff training and demonstration is an absolute must to give kitchen staff and owners a clear understanding and confidence in using new equipment. It will also lower the chance of unnecessary callouts relating to user error!
  • Maintenance Accessibility:
    • Ensure the system will be installed in a location accessible for maintenance and inspection. Often gas solenoid valves are hidden in the cook line which can always be frustrating when maintaining. So be mindful of this, but also try to change the location if installing a new gas valve. Where the panel is concerned make sure that it is fitted somewhere that can be worked on at chest height within the kitchen area. With pressure switches or other monitoring equipment or interfaces if ceiling spaces are unavoidable make sure you make a note of where the equipment is fitted.

8. Documentation

  • As-Built Drawings:
    • Review or request existing mechanical, gas, and electrical drawings for better planning and information on the job at hand. If these don’t exist, a site survey documenting the location of where things are fitted will be helpful. If a survey is not possible a video call with the client / a list of photographs for the kitchen staff to document for you.
  • Inspection Report:
    • Document all findings, including potential issues or upgrades required. Highlight this to the client on a certificate or email to allow them to understand the issues and what action is required.
  • Installation Plan:
    • Outline steps for installation and estimated timelines and shutdown times for the client.

9. Recommendations

  • Provide a list of any modifications or upgrades required for the site to support the gas interlock system. This is important so that the client has a clear understanding of what is needed to comply with current regulations, especially around supply air and extraction airflow.
  • Detail any corrective actions needed for compliance.

This outline ensures a comprehensive assessment of the site and prepares for a seamless installation of the commercial kitchen gas interlock system.

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