Why the gas goes off
Most commercial kitchens with mechanical extraction have a gas interlock. It only lets gas through to the cooking line when it can see the extraction (and any supply fan) running properly.
If the fan stops, slows down or the airflow switch can’t prove airflow, the interlock shuts the gas valve. That stops fumes and carbon monoxide building up in the kitchen.
Safe things to check first
- Is the extraction fan switched on at the panel, and can you hear it running?
- Has an emergency stop (gas stop) button been pressed? Twist or pull it to release, then press reset on the panel.
- Are all appliance taps turned off? Many interlocks won’t reset if an appliance is left on.
- Are the canopy filters heavily clogged? Badly blocked filters can stop the airflow switch proving.
What not to do
Never wedge, bridge or bypass the interlock or the airflow switch. It’s dangerous, it breaks gas safety rules, and it can invalidate your insurance.
When to call us
If the fan isn’t running, the fan is running but the gas still won’t reset, or the panel shows a fault light, call us. Our engineer tests the fan, airflow switch, solenoid valve and panel, finds the cause and gets you cooking again. If the fan has failed, we can replace it.
Need it fixed? See our gas interlocks repairs page.