Flammable Gas Detectors: Fault Causes & Troubleshooting
Considering all fault sources of flammable gas detectors, two major contributing factors cannot be ruled out: non‑standard construction practices and inadequate maintenance. Both may lead to detector malfunctions.
Non‑standard construction will trigger detection faults during operation. For example, if a flammable gas detector is not installed close to potential gas‑leak points, or is placed next to an exhaust fan, leaked flammable gas cannot diffuse sufficiently to reach the detector, and leakage hazards will fail to be detected in a timely manner.
For residential applications, flammable gas detectors shall be installed near gas pipelines and cookers in kitchens. For natural‑gas supply, the detector shall be mounted within 300 mm from the ceiling, as natural gas tends to rise. For liquefied‑petroleum‑gas supply, the detector shall be installed within 300 mm above the floor. Without reliable earthing, the detector cannot suppress electromagnetic interference, which will disturb voltage signals and result in inaccurate readings.
Therefore, reliable earthing must be ensured during installation. Detectors and wiring terminals shall not be placed in locations vulnerable to impact or water ingress, which may cause open‑circuit or short‑circuit faults. Non‑corrosive flux must be used for welding; otherwise, joints may corrode and separate or produce excessive line resistance, impairing normal detection. Detectors must not be dropped or thrown onto the ground. Commissioning shall be carried out upon completion of installation to guarantee proper operation of the flammable gas alarm.
Maintenance of flammable gas detectors is equally critical. Many detectors are deployed outdoors under harsh conditions and exposed to dust and polluted gases. To sense flammable gas, the detector sensor must be exposed to ambient air. It is therefore inevitable that contaminants and dust enter the sensor module and degrade its working conditions. Insufficient maintenance will obstruct detection and bring about reading deviations or complete detection failure. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential preventive measures against equipment faults.
Additional notes: Earthing connections shall be inspected periodically. Sub‑standard or missing earthing makes the detector susceptible to electromagnetic interference and subsequent malfunctions. Component ageing is another fault source. Practical experience shows that systems with flammable gas detectors in service for more than 10 years suffer increasingly frequent faults caused by component ageing. Instruments that have exceeded their specified service life shall be replaced in a timely manner.
