A household combustible gas detector: a key player in preventing kitchen explosions.


Release time:

2024-11-05

Recently, a couple was cooking in the kitchen when a gas explosion suddenly occurred. The husband, who suffered burns over 92% of his body, endured the pain to rush back into the house and rescue his wife, moving countless netizens to tears.

When a gas leak was ignited, a sudden explosion sent a massive fireball bursting through the kitchen’s doors and windows. After being taken to the hospital, Mr. Liu was diagnosed with 92% burns, while his wife sustained 69%. A few days later, Mr. Liu tragically passed away, leaving behind his wife, who is still undergoing treatment, and their son and daughter. Tragically, such incidents are all too common.

When using gas, ensure adequate ventilation, never leave a flame unattended, and always turn off the valve after use. Regularly inspect gas pipelines and rubber hoses, and replace any aged components promptly. It is strictly prohibited to store flammable or explosive materials, and unauthorized modifications to gas appliances are forbidden. If a leak is detected, immediately shut off the valve, open windows for ventilation, refrain from operating any electrical switches, evacuate quickly, and call emergency services.
In addition, household combustible gas detection is equally essential.

When a combustible gas detector senses gas at a certain concentration, it triggers an alarm and simultaneously activates the shut-off valve to automatically isolate the gas supply, ensuring safe gas usage. Failure to install a combustible gas detection system, or improper installation, can result in undetected gas leaks, posing significant safety risks.

Household combustible gas detectors (hereinafter referred to as “alarms”) are designed to detect gases such as natural gas (CH4/C3H8) and carbon monoxide (optional). The alarms feature an LCD display and operate on a 12 V DC power supply. They employ catalytic combustion‑type gas sensors, offering high stability, excellent sensitivity, minimal drift, strong anti‑interference performance, and broad environmental adaptability. Additionally, the alarms integrate a modern smart IoT system—requiring optional connectivity modules such as CAT1, LoRa, RS‑485, Wi‑Fi, or NB‑IoT—enabling real‑time display of alarm notifications, fault information, and gas concentration data on a monitoring platform or WeChat mini‑program. Upon activation, the device promptly sends alert messages and calls to notify users.

Installation Instructions

1. Recommended installation area.

It is recommended to install the alarm near bedrooms and living areas, or in any location where you suspect a gas leak may occur. For propane detection, mount the device within 30 cm of the floor and no more than 1.5 meters from the gas source; for methane detection, position it within 30 cm of the ceiling and no more than 1.5 meters from the gas source.

2. Installation Precautions

(1) Do not install the device outdoors, inside a kitchen cabinet, or in other damp, humid, dusty, or greasy environments. For example, kitchens, garages, and areas exposed to oil, dust, or household chemicals can damage the detector’s sensing element, causing the alarm to malfunction.

(2) Do not install the device in poorly ventilated areas, such as under arched ceilings or at the peak of a pitched roof. If installed too high, the carbon monoxide alarm may fail to sound an alert in a timely manner.

(3) Do not install the device in locations where the temperature falls below 0°C or exceeds 50°C, such as rooms, attics, hallways, and garages. Extreme temperatures can compromise the sensitivity of the carbon monoxide detector.

(4) Do not block the alarm’s ventilation openings. Install the alarm in a location where it will not be obstructed by curtains, furniture, or other objects.

(5) Do not install the alarm too close to the appliance, as it may trigger frequent alarms and cause noise pollution.

(6) Do not install the device near doors or windows that lead outdoors, near fresh-air vents, or in any other well-ventilated area. Rapid air circulation from a fan or outdoor fresh air can interfere with the alarm’s response.

3. Installation

                      

The alarm can be mounted either on the ceiling or on the wall. After selecting the installation location, mark the mounting holes on the bracket, drill holes at the marked spots, insert plastic anchors into the holes, and secure the bracket with self-tapping screws. If drilling is inconvenient, you can also use adhesive backing for attachment.

Align the hook groove on the back panel of the alarm with the latch on the mounting base, then press down from top to bottom to secure the alarm to the base. Installation is now complete.

4. Wiring Instructions

                      

In the figure above, there are two control outputs: one is used to connect the exhaust fan, and the other is used to shut off the gas supply.

The control output port for the exhaust fan can accommodate an exhaust fan with a maximum rating of 220V/1A.

The power port of the solenoid valve can accommodate a shut-off solenoid valve rated up to DC 12 V/1.5 A.

The power adapter interface is used to supply power to the device and only supports connection to a DC 12V power adapter.

Operating Instructions

1. User Instructions

After the alarm is powered on, a beep sounds, and the green, yellow, and red indicator lights flash alternately in sequence. The LCD display counts down from 180 to 0, signaling the end of the warm-up period; the alarm then enters fault‑detection mode. Once the self‑test is complete and no faults are detected, it switches to normal monitoring mode, with the green indicator light remaining steadily on. When the concentration of the gas being measured exceeds 50 ppm or the combustible gas concentration surpasses 3% LEL, the LCD backlight illuminates, and the display shows the real-time concentration of the gas in the environment.

When the concentration of the target gas in the environment reaches the alarm setpoint, the alarm device emits an audible and visual alert and activates its control output (a 12 V DC pulse output, closing the relay’s normally open contacts). A red indicator light signals the alarm status; during an alarm, the red light flashes while the buzzer sounds five beeps—“beep, beep, beep”—at six-second intervals, repeating until the carbon monoxide or combustible gas concentration drops below the alarm‑clearance threshold. Upon triggering, the alarm information is remotely transmitted to the user’s platform and mobile app.

The yellow indicator light signals a fault condition. When the sensor malfunctions, the yellow light remains steadily on, accompanied by an audible “beep‑beep‑beep” alarm, while the LCD screen displays the fault code “Gas Open Short Circuit Fault Er2.” The system also sends the fault information to a WeChat mini‑program to notify the user.

When the sensor reaches its service life, the yellow indicator light flashes, and the LCD screen displays “En2,” indicating that the gas sensor has reached the end of its lifespan. The system also sends a fault notification to the WeChat mini‑program to alert the user.

2. Method for testing the mute button

Press the “TEST” button to initiate a product test: the green indicator light remains steadily on, the red indicator light flashes four times, and a beep sequence of “beep, beep, beep” is emitted, with the test data displayed in the WeChat mini‑program. Simultaneously, the LCD backlight illuminates for 15 seconds, and the screen displays the current concentration value. Verify that the sensor, indicator lights, and LCD display are functioning properly. In the event of an alarm, press and hold the TEST button for 5 seconds to silence the alarm beep and deactivate the output signal; the device will then cease its detection function. After approximately 10 minutes, the detection and alarm functions will resume. If the device is powered on without being connected to a power source, pressing the TEST button during startup will activate the system for 6 seconds, allowing you to switch between Chinese and English alarm thresholds.

3. Network Connectivity Instructions (requires optional network module)

Please refer to the online user manual.

                      

Gas Safety Knowledge

1. Introduction to Gas

Gas is further classified into natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas. Gas itself poses no significant health risks; it is non‑carcinogenic and does not adversely affect human health. Consequently, no regulatory agency has established exposure‑limit guidelines for it. However, at high concentrations, gas can displace oxygen in the air, creating an oxygen‑deficient environment that endangers human health and even life. When mixed with air, it forms an explosive mixture that may ignite or explode upon contact with open flames or elevated temperatures. Its vapors are heavier than air, allowing them to spread over considerable distances in low‑lying areas and potentially ignite and flashback when exposed to an ignition source. Under conditions of intense heat, the pressure inside containers increases, posing a risk of rupture and explosion.

                       Caution: In enclosed spaces, if the gas concentration exceeds 5% by volume, exposure to an open flame may result in an explosion.

2. Introduction to Gas

Frequently open indoor doors and windows to ensure adequate ventilation, and install combustible gas detectors in appropriate locations to continuously monitor gas concentrations. If the detector triggers an alarm, promptly evacuate personnel from the hazardous area to prevent explosions or poisoning.

 

3. Incident Handling

When the gas concentration in the air exceeds the alarm’s set threshold, the detector will sound an audible alarm and activate its indicator light. In this situation, take the following steps: immediately shut off the valve to stop the gas supply, open windows and doors to ensure adequate ventilation, and evacuate the hazardous area. If the alarm continues to sound, contact the relevant authorities or qualified professionals for assistance. If the alarm is determined to be a false trigger, verify that the detector is installed in an appropriate location.

4. Alarm Trigger Conditions

            

                Gas alarm threshold: >8% LEL

Warranty Information for the Alarm System

1. Fault Analysis and Troubleshooting

When the alarm emits a “beep, beep, beep” sound, the yellow light remains steadily on, and the LCD screen displays Er1, Er2, ES1, or ES2, indicating a sensor malfunction. Please contact your dealer for service and maintenance.

When the alarm’s service‑life indicator flashes yellow and the LCD displays “En1/En2,” it indicates that the alarm has reached the end of its service life and must be replaced.

When the “TEST” button is pressed and no response occurs, please check the power supply. If the power connection is confirmed to be normal but there is still no reaction, please contact your dealer for service.

2. Precautions

● This product must be powered by the correct power supply; if the power supply is faulty, the alarm will not function properly.

● This product must be maintained regularly in accordance with the instructions.

● Clean once a month; during cleaning, use a household vacuum cleaner together with a soft-bristle brush.

● Do not wipe the alarm with detergents or solvents; chemicals may permanently damage or temporarily contaminate the sensor.

● Avoid spraying air fresheners, hairspray, paint, or other aerosols near the alarm.

● Alarm devices have a limited service life; they should be tested by qualified professionals every six months, and any signs of malfunction must be promptly repaired or replaced.

● This product can help reduce the occurrence of accidents, but it cannot guarantee absolute safety. For your safety, in addition to using this product correctly, you should remain vigilant and strengthen your awareness of potential risks in everyday life.

● Please read the instruction manual and precautions carefully before use. This product is covered by a free warranty under normal usage conditions; damage resulting from human error or improper use is not covered. From the date of purchase, if a malfunction occurs under normal use, please present the product along with the sales receipt to avail yourself of warranty service. The product is warranted for one year.

There are no small matters when it comes to gas safety.

Be sure to identify and address safety hazards.

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