The possibility of a gas leak occurring and then causing an explosion is a remote possibility. Still, it happens more than we would like to admit. If you add to that the fact there are other possible interactions with gas, like cigarettes and stoves with burners left on, leaking gas is a concern that needs to be addressed by the average family.
These days the way many people deal with the problem is by purchasing “natural gas detectors.” The problem is that people don’t always know how to assess natural gas detectors.
But why would you need a natural gas detector since gas companies add a fake odor to the gas which has no natural odor? The fact is that there are many, many people that have smelling disorders and of course people sleep so if they are unlucky enough for a leak to occur during the night then they are in trouble.
What should I consider when buying a natural gas detector?
It is important that the alarm activation is sensitive only to natural gas fumes. If it is too sensitive to things such as cooking food or cigarette smoke then it will be going off all of the time.
Lower explosive limit (LEL) refers to the percentage of gas in the environment that will set off an explosion. Some machines are set at 15% of the LEL and others are set at 20%. The lower the percentage that it is set at within the workings of any given machine the quicker it will warn the occupants.
The location of the gas detector is very important. Much like a smoke detector the closer to the source of the problem the detector is if there is a problem the more comprehensive the protection will be.
If there are a large number of sources of gas in your home you may need more than one detector.
Some detectors have a light with them to help orient you to your location in an emergency.
Different gas detectors require different types of maintenance. Most are battery-operated and these batteries must be changed on a routine basis even if the machine doesn’t operate.
Sometimes the gas detector must be calibrated before use. That means it needs to be fine-tuned.
If the instructions on the packaging say that the product has to be serviced then it is a good idea to find out what company or person close by can do the work.
What should I do if my gas detector alerts me to a leak?
You should leave the house immediately.
Do not make phone calls; do not light a match, turn a light switch on or off or unplug any electrical appliances and, under no circumstances should you re-enter the house once you have escaped.
You can breathe low amounts of natural gas safely. However if you get to dangerous levels the symptoms you may experience could include dizziness, irregular breathing, headache, fatigue and nausea.
Elderly people are at risk because as we age our sense of smell can wane.
It makes no sense to have a smoke alarm and be open to a problem with gas.
As with most potential dangers in life, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”
References:
What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors,” Fact Sheet, March 2004, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 1-301-496-7243
www.nidcd.gov
Reference:
“What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors,” Fact Sheet, March 2004, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders”
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, 1-301-496-7243
