System Controls

The kitchen ventilation system should be in operation from the beginning of food preparation, with all fans running at low speeds from switching on the appliances. The Ventilation systems should be run at the commissioned design duty during food production. The Kitchen ventilation system should be run on for a minimum of one hour from the end of food production and equipment being switched off to alleviate any heat build-up occurring during the service. The ventilation systems may be run permanently at lower speeds (providing the EHO have not imposed restrictions upon the operation due to noise complaints) to prevent heat build-up from refrigeration motors etc.

To operate the systems the fans should be turned on. This is done by ensuring electrical power is provided at the speed controller. For location of speed controller, see kitchen services drawing. The model number of the speed controller is clearly marked on all speed controllers.

On larger fans, a direct online push button starter is installed. This device acts as an isolator, but also provides overload protection (in accordance with current electrical regulations) to the fan motor. This switch is operated by depressing the relevant button. Green to start the system, and red to stop the system.


The fan is then turned on by means of the rocker switch or stepped control dial situated on the facia of the speed controller, on and off positions are marked adjacent to the rocker switch. Power on, is confirmed by the neon indicator situated on the front facia of the speed controller. The level of ventilation achieved is then dictated by the fan speed control dial. The adjusting of the dial in a clockwise direction will increase the level of ventilation and anti-clockwise will reduce the level of ventilation.

With all speed controllers care should be taken to ensure that the control dial is not forced beyond its upper and lower-level stop positions, which are marked on the front facia by the extremes of the adjacent control arrow or positions “0” and “5”. As this can result in damage to the control dial spindle, which will be deemed as “Operator abuse” and charges would be made for replacement.

In the unlikely event that the kitchen ventilation system fails to operate following the above procedures we would firstly advise that the main kitchen distribution / fuse board be checked to ensure that the relevant fuses / trip switches have not activated.
Should the ventilation equipment be found to be at fault please make contact to arrange for an engineer with replacement parts to attend as soon as possible. To be of assistance please quote speed controller reference located on the component label.

Gas Interlock Control Panel
The interlock control panel is designed to monitor the fans proven operation prior to energising the gas solenid valve to permit operation of gas fired catering equipment. The panel provides emergency stop to the system. See manufactures detaisl (link on graphic) for further details.
NB: If Co monitoring is provided within the system the sensor requires an annual calibration to ensure continued safe operation.

The interlock installed also has additional functions to operate the kitchen ventilation in accordance with the demand of the catering appliances to provide energy efficiency. These elements are commissioned to operate automatically with no user input required.