A gas interlock system controls when gas is allowed to flow. It links the gas supply to the ventilation, to emergency stop buttons and, where fitted, to gas detection, so gas is only available when conditions are safe. We supply, install and maintain gas interlock systems for commercial kitchens, boiler rooms, laboratories, school science labs and home economics rooms across Ireland.
At its centre is a control panel and a gas solenoid valve on the supply to the room. The valve is normally closed and only opens when the panel is satisfied that it is safe. If any condition fails, the panel closes the valve and gas stops.
Depending on the site, an interlock can do some or all of the following:
Gas cooking appliances burn fuel and produce combustion products, including carbon dioxide and, if combustion is poor, carbon monoxide. The Health and Safety Authority describes carbon monoxide as colourless, odourless and produced by the incomplete burning of carbon based fuels, including natural gas and LPG. Extraction removes these from the room.
A gas ventilation interlock connects the canopy extraction fan to the gas supply. The panel monitors the fan, usually with an airflow or current sensor. If the fan is off or fails, the gas solenoid valve closes. Cooking with the extraction switched off is no longer possible. Some kitchen panels also monitor carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide levels directly and shut the gas if they rise.
When gas has been shut off, for example after an emergency stop or overnight, there is a risk in turning it straight back on. If a burner tap was left open, gas would escape into the room.
A gas proving system prevents this. Before the main valve opens, the panel tests the pipework downstream. If the pressure holds, the pipework is sound and all appliance valves are closed, and gas is restored. If the pressure drops, gas stays off and the panel shows a fault. This is especially useful in school science labs and home economics rooms, where many outlets are used by students.
Schools have specific needs. Teachers need a simple way to turn gas on for a class and off at the end, an emergency stop within reach, and confidence that gas cannot be restored with a tap open. A teacher key switch, gas proving and emergency stop buttons cover all three.
We install and service interlock and gas safety equipment in schools and universities across Ireland, using products from Flamefast, Medem, S&S Northern and Coster.
In a boiler room the interlock usually links the gas supply to plant room ventilation and to gas detection. If a gas leak is detected, or ventilation fails, the panel closes the emergency gas shut off valve on the incoming supply. Panels such as the Medem AGDS 2EM combine detection and automatic valve control. Read more on boiler room gas detection.
The gas solenoid valve is the part that actually stops the gas. We supply MADAS automatic valves for natural gas and LPG, and a range of auxiliary items and valves for interlock and detection systems.
In Ireland, I.S. 820:2019, published by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, is the standard for non-domestic gas installations. It specifies requirements for the design, operation, maintenance and testing of natural gas and LPG installations in non-domestic premises. Your gas installer and designer will work to it. Our guide to I.S. 820 gas safety explains more.
In most cases, yes. The panel is linked to the existing extraction and a solenoid valve is fitted on the kitchen gas supply. We survey the site first to confirm what is needed.
The panel detects the fan has stopped and closes the gas valve. Once the fan is running again, gas can be restored through the normal reset procedure.
A trained member of staff, once the cause has been found and dealt with. We train staff at handover on how the system works and how to reset after an alarm or shutdown.
Yes. Sensors need calibration, valves need checking and emergency stops need testing. We offer maintenance contracts and one-off service visits, and we service equipment from many manufacturers.
We supply interlock, detection and valve equipment from manufacturers including Flamefast, Medem, S&S Northern and Coster. All equipment we supply is CE certified.
Tell us about your kitchen, lab or plant room and we will recommend the right interlock setup. Call 01 289 7720 or email info@vistec.ie.
© 2026 Vistec Gas Detection Ltd
Descriptions
