Do carbon monoxide detectors detect natural gas?

Author: Rodger Huel  |  Last update: Friday, July 25, 2025

To answer the question, "does a co detector detect natural gas," no, most carbon monoxide detectors will not detect natural gas, as they are different types of gas entirely. Also, most smoke detectors will detect carbon monoxide rather than natural gas.

Will natural gas set off carbon monoxide alarm?

No, carbon monoxide (CO) alarms cannot detect natural gas leaks. They are designed to detect the presence of carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas formed during incomplete combustion of fuels like oil, gas, propane, and wood.

What kind of detector do I need for natural gas?

Detector Options

Some manufacturers of carbon monoxide detectors offer combination or 3-in-1 detectors to alert when carbon monoxide or an explosive gas such as natural gas or propane is detected.

How to find a natural gas leak?

Signs of a Leak
  1. Dirt being blown or appearing to be thrown in the air.
  2. Water bubbling or being blown into the air at a pond, creek, river or other wet area.
  3. Fire coming from the ground or appearing to burn above the ground.
  4. Dead or dying vegetation on or near a pipeline right of way in an otherwise green area.

What kind of gas does a carbon monoxide detector detect?

Most CO detectors use a sensor with a defined, limited lifespan, and will not work indefinitely. CO is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas produced by incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials. It is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it is virtually undetectable by humans.

Selecting a carbon monoxide detector and natural gas alarm

Can a carbon monoxide detector detect other gas?

To answer the question, "does a co detector detect natural gas," no, most carbon monoxide detectors will not detect natural gas, as they are different types of gas entirely. Also, most smoke detectors will detect carbon monoxide rather than natural gas.

Does natural gas cause carbon monoxide?

Natural gas appliances can produce carbon monoxide if not properly maintained. Ensure your CO detectors are working and know the signs of CO poisoning: headache, dizziness, nausea.

What are the signs of a natural gas leak?

Here are some signs of a natural gas leak:
  • An odor like rotten eggs caused by the Mercaptin mixed with the natural gas.
  • Roaring sound like an engine.
  • White vapor that looks like smoke.
  • A hissing or whistling noise.
  • Fire coming out of a hole or on top of the ground.
  • Dirt blowing from a hole in the ground.

How common are natural gas leaks in homes?

With nearly 70 million American households with natural gas lines in their homes, there is an increased need for awareness regarding gas leak safety. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that fire departments respond to around 125,000 residential gas leaks annually.

Where do most natural gas leaks occur?

Gas is generally considered to be a safe energy source, but it can quickly become dangerous when there is a gas leak. Most leaks occur at utility pipelines, but leaks occasionally happen in residential areas, including in-home leaks.

Is there an alarm for natural gas leaks?

This Gas leak detector is designed to detect explosive gases(natural gas and LPG) in the air for houses, offices and similar places etc. It is an electrical alarm apparatus that is located in a fixed place that works constantly that can give out a visual and audible alarm.

How do I test my home for natural gas?

8 Ways to Detect a Gas Leak
  1. Use a Gas Leak Detector. ...
  2. Use Your Senses. ...
  3. The Soapy Water Test. ...
  4. Air Bubbles in Mud or Puddles. ...
  5. Unhealthy Plants. ...
  6. Physical Symptoms of Natural Gas Poisoning. ...
  7. Higher-Than-Normal Gas Usage. ...
  8. Check the Stove or Range Top.

Can you smell a natural gas leak?

If you smell a sulfur or rotten-egg-like odor, you could have a gas leak. Natural gas is naturally colorless and odorless. We add an odorant called mercaptan to natural gas, which gives it a distinctive smell. In some cases, you can also identify natural gas by sight or sound.

What do I do if my house smells like gas?

What To Do When You Smell Gas
  1. Immediately evacuate everyone in the house.
  2. Do not use anything that can produce a spark or flame.
  3. Open windows and doors as you got to provide ventilation.
  4. Turn off your gas meter if you know where it is.
  5. Call emergency services to inform them of the issues.

Can carbon monoxide leak when gas is off?

Summary. While a switched-off boiler cannot produce carbon monoxide, vigilance is still crucial. Leaking gas, faulty flues, and malfunctioning appliances can all pose CO threats.

Should you have a natural gas detector in your home?

Natural gas and carbon monoxide detectors benefit your home, and they are both necessary, as they serve different purposes. Having both types of sensors in your home can help you detect potential hazards early and take action to prevent harm.

How do I find a natural gas leak in my house?

In addition to having a distinct smell, natural gas leaks are often visual, causing bubbling water, blowing dirt or dead vegetation. You may also see sinkholes or exposed pipe. It's also possible to hear a hissing sound near a natural gas line or meter.

How serious is a small gas leak?

A gas leak is when natural gas leaks from a pipeline and then into an area where it shouldn't be. Leaks are considered very dangerous since they can build into an explosive concentration. They can kill vegetation and trees, cause explosions and fires, and might release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak?

Will a carbon monoxide alarm detect gas leaks? Answer: While a carbon monoxide detector is helpful to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, you cannot rely on a carbon monoxide detector to detect a gas leak. A carbon monoxide detector will sense carbon monoxide, not raw fuel or gas fumes.

What is the most common cause of a natural gas leak?

Poor Maintenance of Appliances

Gas-powered appliances are frequently in use today. Regular use of an appliance such as a water heater can eventually cause wear-and-tear-related problems, resulting in leaks.

Can dogs smell gas leaks?

Clive Wynne, the director of the Canine Science Collaboratory at Arizona State University, said dogs can indeed detect gas — especially when mercaptan is present.

How does a plumber find a gas leak?

We locate gas leaks by inducing helium into the gas lines and using a sensitive helium “sniffer” to identify where walls may need to be opened if the leak is not found at any exposed section of pipe. Sometimes we can get hits via gaps in the walls around outlets and switches or coming up through the floor upstairs.

Do you need a carbon monoxide detector with natural gas?

While smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are a critical part of protecting your home and family, they will not detect a natural gas leak; you'll need a natural gas detector for that. However, carbon monoxide detectors can alert you when your appliances improperly burn natural gas.

What are the symptoms of being exposed to natural gas?

Common short-term symptoms of exposure to natural gas include:
  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness.
  • Nausea.
  • Breathing difficulties.
  • Throat and eye irritation.
  • Ringing ears.
  • Drowsiness.
  • Reduced appetite.

Is there a detector for natural gas?

The DeNova Detect 10-Year 100% Battery-Powered Natural Gas Alarm offers superior performance with revolutionary Micro-Electromechanical System (MEMS) sensor technology. What to Look for In a Natural Gas Alarm? The fastest Natural Gas Alarm available with a 10% LEL alerting you to emergencies 11 minutes sooner.

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