An explosive gas leak detector is a device used to detect explosive

gas leak A gas leak refers to a leak of natural gas or another gaseous product from a pipeline or other containment into any area where the gas should not be present. Gas leaks can be hazardous to health as well as the environment. Even a small leak into ...

s in enclosed spaces. Typically, a local alarm will be triggered, and optionally a remote alarm may also be connected.

Application

Carbon monoxide detector A carbon monoxide detector or CO detector is a device that detects the presence of the carbon monoxide (CO) gas to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In the late 1990s, Underwriters Laboratories changed the definition of a single station CO dete ...

s will not detect

explosive An explosive (or explosive material) is a reactive substance that contains a great amount of potential energy that can produce an explosion if released suddenly, usually accompanied by the production of light, heat, sound, and pressure. An ex ...

mixtures; thus the device is often recommended to complement the CO detector. Combination explosive gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors exist.

Placement

A detector for

propane Propane () is a three-carbon chain alkane with the molecular formula . It is a gas at standard temperature and pressure, but becomes liquid when compressed for transportation and storage. A by-product of natural gas processing and petroleum ref ...

is best placed down low near the floor, as propane is heavier than air. A detector for

natural gas Natural gas (also fossil gas, methane gas, and gas) is a naturally occurring compound of gaseous hydrocarbons, primarily methane (95%), small amounts of higher alkanes, and traces of carbon dioxide and nitrogen, hydrogen sulfide and helium ...

(city gas) is best placed up high, near the ceiling. Some detectors can detect both natural gas or propane, but this requires a compromise location.

References

Detectors Active fire protection Fire detection and alarm Gas sensors Natural gas safety Safety equipment {{electronics-stub