Commercial kitchens in Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, and the wider West Yorkshire area rely on complex gas systems to operate safely and efficiently. From high-volume restaurants to hotel kitchens and catering facilities, maintaining control over gas supply is essential for safety, compliance, and uninterrupted operations.
At Union Plumbing & Heating, we specialise in the installation, testing, maintenance, and repair of commercial kitchen gas interlock panels and solenoid valves, ensuring that your gas systems are fully compliant, safe, and energy-efficient.
What Are Commercial Kitchen Gas Interlock Panels?
A commercial kitchen gas interlock panel is a safety device designed to prevent gas appliances from operating unless certain conditions are met. Typically, interlock panels are connected to:
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Kitchen ventilation systems (extractor hoods and fans)
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Fire suppression systems
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Emergency shut-off circuits
The purpose of an interlock system is to ensure that gas appliances cannot operate without proper ventilation, reducing the risk of gas build-up, carbon monoxide poisoning, and fire hazards.
Key Features of Interlock Panels:
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Automatically shut off gas supply if ventilation fails
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Integrate with fire and safety systems for emergency response
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Enable safe start-up and shutdown sequences
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Provide centralised control and monitoring of kitchen gas appliances
In commercial kitchens, interlock panels are essential for compliance with Gas Safe regulations, Building Regulations Part J, and fire safety legislation, protecting staff, customers, and property.
What Are Solenoid Valves and Why Are They Important?
Solenoid valves are electrically controlled valves that regulate the flow of gas in commercial kitchen systems. They work in tandem with interlock panels and other safety systems to:
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Automatically stop gas flow when unsafe conditions are detected
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Control the operation of boilers, hobs, ovens, fryers, and other appliances
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Enable remote or automated shut-off for maintenance or emergencies
Solenoid valves are critical components because they act as a last line of defence against gas leaks or unsafe operation. Without functioning solenoid valves, a kitchen gas system can become a serious safety hazard.
How Interlock Panels and Solenoid Valves Work Together
In a commercial kitchen, interlock panels and solenoid valves operate as a coordinated safety system:
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Detection: Sensors in extractor fans, hoods, or fire suppression systems detect unsafe conditions.
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Signal: The interlock panel receives a signal from the sensor.
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Action: If ventilation fails or a fire is detected, the interlock panel triggers the solenoid valves to shut off the gas supply immediately.
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Alert: Some interlock panels also provide visual or audio alerts to kitchen staff or building management.
This integrated approach ensures that gas appliances cannot operate unsafely, protecting your business from fire risks, carbon monoxide hazards, and compliance violations.
Installation of Commercial Kitchen Gas Interlock Panels
Proper installation is crucial for the safe and reliable operation of interlock systems and solenoid valves. At Union Plumbing & Heating, our engineers handle the entire process:
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System Assessment: Surveying the kitchen layout, appliances, and ventilation system
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Custom Design: Designing an interlock panel that integrates with your kitchen’s appliances and safety systems
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Installation: Fitting panels, solenoid valves, wiring, and sensors according to Gas Safe and Building Regulations standards
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Commissioning & Testing: Performing full safety checks, pressure testing, and functional verification before commissioning
A professionally installed interlock system ensures compliance, safety, and reliable operation from day one.
Testing and Maintenance of Interlock Panels & Solenoid Valves
Regular testing and maintenance are essential for commercial kitchens. Faulty interlock panels or solenoid valves can result in:
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Unsafe gas operation
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Increased fire risk
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Regulatory non-compliance and potential fines
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Downtime or operational interruptions
Testing Procedures:
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Functional Tests: Simulating fan failure, fire suppression activation, or emergency shut-offs to verify system response
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Gas Flow Checks: Ensuring solenoid valves open and close correctly under operational pressures
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Electrical Safety Checks: Verifying wiring, relays, and control circuits are functioning correctly
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Integration Testing: Ensuring interlock panels communicate effectively with fire suppression and ventilation systems
Maintenance Recommendations:
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Schedule annual inspections for all commercial kitchen gas systems
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Replace aging solenoid valves before failure occurs
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Keep records of testing, maintenance, and repairs to satisfy insurance and Gas Safe requirements
Decommissioning and Upgrading Old Gas Systems
Over time, commercial kitchen gas systems may require decommissioning or upgrades. Common reasons include:
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Aging appliances or valves
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Changes to kitchen layout or ventilation
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Upgrading to energy-efficient or low-carbon systems
Our decommissioning service includes:
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Safe removal of old interlock panels, solenoid valves, and associated piping
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Isolation of the gas supply and purging of residual gas
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Documentation for compliance and insurance purposes
Upgrading your gas systems ensures that your Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, or West Yorkshire kitchen remains safe, energy-efficient, and compliant with current regulations.
Decarbonisation of Commercial Kitchen Gas Systems
With increasing environmental regulations, decarbonisation is a key consideration for commercial kitchens. Interlock panels and solenoid valves play a role in optimising energy use and reducing carbon emissions:
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Modern systems allow precise control of gas flow, reducing waste
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Integration with energy-efficient appliances reduces overall gas consumption
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Hybrid systems combining gas with electric or heat pump technologies are increasingly viable
By decarbonising your commercial kitchen, your business benefits from lower running costs, environmental compliance, and improved corporate responsibility.
Why Choose Union Plumbing & Heating for Commercial Kitchen Gas Systems
✅ Gas Safe Registered Engineers
All our engineers are fully certified, insured, and experienced in interlock panels, solenoid valves, and commercial kitchen gas systems.
✅ Local Expertise Across West Yorkshire and Manchester
We serve businesses in Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, and the wider West Yorkshire area, providing fast response times and tailored solutions.
✅ Comprehensive Service
From installation, testing, and maintenance to decommissioning and decarbonisation, we manage every stage of your commercial kitchen gas system.
✅ Compliance and Safety First
Our engineers ensure full compliance with Gas Safe regulations, Building Regulations Part J, and fire safety legislation, giving you peace of mind.
✅ Energy Efficiency & Sustainability
We help businesses implement energy-efficient solutions to reduce costs and carbon emissions while maintaining optimal kitchen performance.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of a gas interlock panel in a commercial kitchen?
A: It ensures that gas appliances only operate when ventilation and safety systems are functioning, reducing the risk of leaks, fire, and carbon monoxide hazards.
Q: How do solenoid valves work with interlock panels?
A: Solenoid valves act as an automatic shut-off mechanism, closing gas supply when unsafe conditions are detected by the interlock panel.
Q: How often should interlock panels and solenoid valves be tested?
A: Annual inspections and functional testing are recommended, though high-use kitchens may require more frequent checks.
Q: Can you upgrade or decarbonise existing kitchen gas systems?
A: Yes. We can retrofit interlock systems, install energy-efficient valves, and integrate low-carbon solutions.
Q: Do you provide services in Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, and West Yorkshire?
A: Yes, our engineers are fully equipped to provide installation, maintenance, testing, and upgrades across the region.
CTA
Protect your commercial kitchen with professional gas interlock panels and solenoid valve services. Contact Union Plumbing & Heating today for installation, testing, maintenance, decommissioning, or decarbonisation services in Huddersfield, Leeds, Manchester, and West Yorkshire.
Phone: 01484 509191
Email: contact@union-plumbing.co.uk
Website: www.union-plumbing.co.uk
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