When dealing with gas burners, heaters, or large ovens – especially in commercial or industrial environments -safety must be your top priority. Gas safety valves and pressure relief systems are critical components designed to prevent catastrophic failures caused by gas leaks or overpressure scenarios.
This guide walks through the essentials of gas safety valves, including how they work, types of ignition systems, and why regular maintenance is crucial.
🔧 Versatile and Compliant Gas Safety Valves
These valves are used across a wide range of applications:
- Gas burners (commercial and industrial)
- Gas heaters
- Large ovens
Key Features:
- Compatible with Natural Gas and LPG
- In-built flame failure device for enhanced safety
- British Gas Approved
- ¾” stocked as standard, with ½” available by special order
⚙️ What are Gas Safety Valves?
A gas safety valve acts as a fail-safe mechanism. In the event that gas is flowing but not ignited, the valve stays closed to prevent dangerous accumulation and potential explosion.
Historically, safety valves were first developed for early steam boilers, where manual errors could easily lead to deadly outcomes. Today, they’re a crucial part of any gas-fueled system, from home ovens to large-scale industrial burners.
🔥 Types of Gas Safety Valves Ignition Systems
Modern gas systems use different ignition systems, each working in tandem with gas valves to ensure safe operation.
🔸 Glow Bar System
The glow bar and valve are wired in series. As the glow bar heats up:
- Its resistance drops
- Electricity flows to the valve
- Once hot enough to ignite gas, the valve opens
🔸 Pilot Ignition
This system uses a small pilot flame, either:
- Always lit (standing pilot), or
- Electronically ignited when needed
Gas is released to the burner only when the flame is confirmed, maintaining safe operation.
🔸 Direct Spark Ignition
Here, an electric spark ignites the burner directly when the thermostat calls for heat:
- The valve opens
- A spark ignites the gas
- A flame sensor confirms ignition
If no flame is detected after two attempts, the burner shuts down (locks out).
⚠️ Boiler Relief Valves
Relief valves play a key role in preventing overpressure in systems that circulate gas or oil under pressure.
🔹 Pressure Relief Valves (PRVs)
- Used in multi-appliance ring main systems
- Maintain pressure on the pump’s positive side
- Open when pressure exceeds a preset limit
🔹 Safety Relief Valves
- Protect pipelines and plant components
- Discharge excess pressure into the atmosphere or a safe outlet
- Act as a last line of defence
🔧 How They Work: Spring-Loaded Direct Acting Valves
- Pre-set to open between 5 mbar to 45 bar
- When system pressure exceeds the threshold, the spring gives way
- Pressure is released, and the valve automatically recloses once pressure normalizes
These valves are compact and available in a wide range of connection sizes, offering flexible installation options.
🧰 Maintenance and Replacement Tips
Just like any other mechanical part, gas safety valves wear over time. If a valve shows signs of degradation—or worse, fails—you should:
- Replace it immediately
- Keep spares in your maintenance kit, especially for critical systems
✅ Final Thoughts
Safety valves are not optional – they are essential. Whether you’re working with small domestic appliances or large commercial setups, having the correct gas safety systems in place can save lives, protect property, and ensure operational efficiency.
“The safest systems are those maintained before a failure ever occurs.”
