Regulations for Installing Gas Cookers

What We Cover

• Who is legally allowed to install a gas cooker
• Clearances to combustible surfaces
• Ventilation and air supply requirements
• Stability chains and anti-tip requirements
• Flexible hose and bayonet connection rules
• Commissioning records and certification

Who May Install a Gas Cooker

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 any work on a gas appliance must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered business, and the engineer must hold the correct appliance category — domestic cooker qualifications do not cover commercial catering ranges. Installing a cooker yourself in a business or rented property is an offence, and any resulting damage is usually uninsured.

Clearances, Ventilation and Air Supply

Cookers need specified clearances to combustible surfaces above and beside the hob and grill, set by the manufacturer's instructions. Commercial kitchens additionally need ventilation sized to the total gross heat input of the appliances, with mechanical extract and, where required, a gas interlock that shuts off the supply if extraction fails. Openable windows do not count as ventilation for commercial catering appliances.

Stability, Connection and Testing

Freestanding cookers connected by a flexible hose must be fitted with a stability chain or bracket so the hose cannot be strained. Bayonet fittings must be the correct orientation and rating. After installation the engineer carries out a tightness test, checks the operating pressure, analyses combustion and confirms the flue and ventilation before handing over.

Records You Must Keep

You should receive commissioning paperwork for a new commercial cooker and, thereafter, an annual gas safety record. In a commercial kitchen that record is a CP42, which covers the cooker along with the interlock and ventilation system.

Frequently Asked Questions