Where should you put a natural gas detector?

Author: Vance Macejkovic  |  Last update: Thursday, February 27, 2025

A natural gas alarm should be installed indoors in any room that has a gas-fueled appliance. This can include a stove, furnace, water heater, gas fireplace, or a gas dryer. It should be installed on the wall, within 12 inches from the ceiling.

Should a natural gas detector be placed high or low?

Propane is more dense than air, so propane detectors must be near the floor or lowest point of the living space. Natural gas is lighter than air, so detectors for it should be on the ceiling.

What is the best height for a natural gas detector?

Heavier than air gases should typically be detected 6 in / 15 cm (sometimes 12 in / 30 cm) from the floor. Lighter than air gas sensors should typically be placed on or near the ceiling, and gases which have a density close to that of air should have sensors installed in the "breathing zone".

Does natural gas sink or rise?

Natural gas is lighter than air, so it will rise and disperse if allowed to vent freely. Although rare, natural gas leaks can be dangerous and result in fire, explosions, injury or death. If you suspect a leak, call 1-800-ALLIANT (800-255-4268) immediately.

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.

Best natural gas detectors

Where should I place my natural gas detector?

A natural gas alarm should be installed indoors in any room that has a gas-fueled appliance. This can include a stove, furnace, water heater, gas fireplace, or a gas dryer. It should be installed on the wall, within 12 inches from the ceiling.

What are the disadvantages of gas detectors?

Only one gas can be measured with each instrument. When heavy dust, steam or fog blocks the laser beam, the system will not be able to take measurements. This is also the case when a person or vehicle blocks the path.

What are the symptoms of natural gas exposure?

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

Does natural gas fall to the floor?

Natural gas is lighter than air, so leaking natural gas from vehicles parked outside will generally rise and disperse safely; however, natural gas leaks in an enclosed garage could pose a danger, as there is limited area for the gas to disperse.

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.

How many gas detectors do I need?

It is best to install a gas detector in every room where gas-consuming appliances are installed.

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.

Do natural gas detectors go bad?

Gas detection equipment won't last forever. Many sensors typically need to be replaced every two to three years as the components degrade over time. Cross-sensitivity to non-target gases can also lead to inaccurate results, including positive and negative readings.

What height should a natural gas detector be mounted?

Gases with a similar density to air, like carbon monoxide, should be detected within the “breathing zone,” which is typically between 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) from the floor—where most people breathe.

Is natural gas lighter or heavier than air?

Natural gas is lighter than air and rapidly dissipates into the air when it is released. When natural gas burns, a high-temperature blue flame is produced and complete combustion takes place producing only water vapor and carbon dioxide. It has a heating value of about 1000 BTUs per cubic foot.

What is the difference between a gas tester and a gas detector?

Gas detectors act as the first line of defence, rapidly alerting workers to immediate threats, while gas analysers offer deeper insights into the gas composition, both enabling informed decision-making and risk mitigation.

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.

Does natural gas travel up or down?

In conventional natural gas deposits, the natural gas generally flows easily up through wells to the surface.

How to find natural gas on your property?

To find out if your land has oil, you can hire a professional to conduct an oil and gas assessment. This assessment will involve drilling a few test wells on your property to see if any oil or gas is present.

How to tell if you have a natural gas leak in your house?

When you're looking for gas leak signs in your home, keep in mind that it might not have physical signs or smells. You can find a damaged gas pipe, dead houseplants, and if a smell is present, it'll be rotten eggs and sulfur. Near the gas line, you might see a white or dust cloud, and a whistling or hissing sound.

What happens if you breathe in natural gas fumes?

Inhalation: A natural gas leak in an outdoor environment is usually not concentrated enough to cause symptoms. A leak into a small-enclosed space can result in a lack of oxygen in the air and symptoms of hypoxia. These include headache, decreased vision, fatigue, shortness of breath and loss of consciousness.

Do CO detectors detect 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.

Do I really need a natural gas detector?

You can choose to not have the natural gas detector installed. However, the detector can provide valuable early warning of a gas leak emergency before it develops into a more serious situation, possibly involving a fire or an explosion. This could result in property damage, serious injuries, or death.

Are home gas detectors any good?

Natural gas detectors can alert you and your family of odorless and dangerous leaks. They may not be as common on the list of must haves for the home such as a smoke detector or fire extinguisher, but these devices are worth serious consideration and can detect potentially serious situations.

What triggers a gas detector?

MOS sensors can detect different gases, such as carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and ammonia. Since the 1990s, MOS sensors have become important environmental gas detectors. MOS sensors although very versatile, suffer from the problem of cross sensitivity with humidity and other gases.

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