Gas fires are destructive and deadly! It is crucial to have a proactive approach to prevent such from happening and limiting its repercussions. Among others, one thing that can help is to have the best natural gas detectors.

Natural gas vapors are lighter compared to air. They will rise and dissipate. In high concentrations, they can be a potential fire hazard, especially when they are near ignition sources. It can also cause respiratory health problems.

To prevent natural gas from bringing dangers, detection is the key. You cannot rely on your nose since the natural gas leak is odorless. Although, some companies add smell to the gas to make it easy to detect. Despite this, using a gas leak detector is a better alternative.

Are you looking for the best natural gas detector in the market? Keep on reading and learn from the valuable insights we’ll share in this short buying guide.

What is Natural Gas?

Natural gas is a fossil energy source that forms deep on the surface of the earth, making them naturally present in the atmosphere. This mixture of gases is rich in hydrocarbons.

It is used for the generation of fuel and electricity. However, it should be noted that they are not used in their purest form. Instead, they go through processing to make them cleaner.

Whether it is at home or businesses, natural gas has plenty of uses. The most popular is the generation of electric power. Gas turbines are used in power plants.

In the United States, more than half of the homes are supplied with natural gas through tanks ad pipelines. They are used for space heating and water heating.

For industrial applications, on the other hand, natural gas can be a raw material or a source of heating.

Mercaptan is often added to natural gas. This is the one responsible for giving the gas a smell similar to a rotten egg. This makes its detection a lot easier.

The Dangers of Natural Gas

The need for a high-quality detector arises from the fact that natural gas is dangerous. It may be invisible, but it has huge hazards, making it important to detect its presence.

Natural gas is dangerous when it enters the body through inhalation. Breathing gas emissions can cause health problems. These will become worse the longer the exposure is.

Exposure to high levels of natural gas can cause nausea, loss of consciousness, fatigue, severe headache, and death by suffocation. Despite the health dangers, take note that natural gas is non-toxic. This is also its main difference from carbon monoxide.

When natural gas leaks, it can also be a risk of explosion. An odorant is often added by the providers of natural gas to prevent such a problem.

More so, natural gas leaks can be bad for the environment. It is a powerful greenhouse gas that can contribute to global warming and climate change, especially methane.

Our Top Picks for the Best Natural Gas Detectors

Clueless about what to buy? Here are some of the products that should be on your radar! We’ll also talk about some of the things that make them exceptional.

Kidde KN-COEG-3 AC Plug-in Natural Gas Detector Alarm

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Whether it is for detecting methane or propane, this is one of the best products worth considering! It also detects carbon monoxide, making it a must-have safety device.

It comes with a plug-in design, which means that you need to connect it to an electrical outlet. The best thing is that it has a dual power source. It also uses 9V batteries, which will let it provide continuous gas detection even in case of a power outage.

There is an audible alarm pattern, which will provide an immediate warning when the unit detects a gas leak. It will beep every other second and the display will read GAS if there is methane.

Aside from natural gas, it can also detect carbon monoxide, making it good if you are after versatility. When it detects unhealthy levels of carbon monoxide, there will be four quick beeps every five seconds.

It is also worth noting that it comes with a bright and easy-to-see display, whether it is day or night. This provides a convenient way to detect natural gas that can be a potential hazard.

The LED sensor status is another feature that most users appreciate in this product. If the light on the lower right-hand corner is blinking, the device is working. Otherwise, this means that it is not functioning.

TechAmor Y201 Portable Methane Combustible Natural Gas Detector

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The portability of this natural gas detector is one of its best assets. It is lightweight and compact, making it easy and comfortable to use.

This detector comes with a 12-inch flexible probe. This means that it will be easy to detect leaks even in tight spaces and areas that are normally hard to reach.

We also love how it provides warnings in two ways. There is an 85-decibel audible alert, which becomes louder the more concentration is detected. Alternatively, the device also has six red LEDs for visual notification of the presence of natural gas.

To function, you will need 3 AAA batteries. With new batteries, you can expect it to last for up to 20 hours. Even in large spaces, this gas detector can do wonders!

However, some users noted that adjusting the sensitivity can be quite a struggle. The key here is to read the instructions and follow religiously the steps outlined.

EG Propane/Natural Gas Detector

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If you prefer a plug-in gas detector compared to a portable device, this is one product that should be on your list.

It is hard to not notice the alarm that the unit will generate once it detects the presence of natural gas, specifically methane. It has a sound rating of 80 dB, which will be audible enough for most people. This will let you act quickly before the leak can turn into a hazard.

The LED screen will show the exact amount of gas that the unit detects. Aside from the display and the alarm, there is also a speaking voice that you can hear as a warning.

This is also a great choice if you are looking for something that will be economical in the long run. There’s no need to worry even if it is left plugged. It has a minimal consumption of only less than three watts.

Another good thing about this product is the durable double-sided ABS plastic shell. This protects the internal components from wear, making sure of its long-term functionality.

As a bonus, when you purchase this product, you will receive an eBook with 20+ pages. This is a great way to expand your knowledge about gas and air quality.

UEi Test Instruments CD100A Combustible Gas Leak Detector

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With this detector, you can enjoy easy one-hand operation. There’s no need to deal with complicated installation, and it is almost ready to be used out of the box.

This is an excellent choice for those who are looking for portability since it is lightweight and compact. It is also battery-powered, which means that you can bring it anywhere.

It comes with a flexible 18-inch gooseneck, which will come handy if you have to work in tight spaces.

The sensor at the tip of the gooseneck is equipped with a light. This makes it easy to see the area where there is a leak.

The visual display and sound are adjustable. You can make the alarm louder or quieter. The display, on the other hand, can be brighter or darker.

To ensure accurate results from the use of this gas detector, one of the most important is to let it warm up. After this, adjust the sensitivity dial. Once you hear a series of clicks, the unit is ready.

RIDGID 36163 CD-100 Combustible Gas Detector

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This is another promising option if you are after versatility. Aside from natural gas (methane), it is also effective for identifying the presence of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, toluene, and ethanol, among others.

One of the best features of this product is the automatic calibration. This will make it user-friendly since there are no complicated adjustments that you will need to make.

The rugged construction is also a plus. It has a tough body, which protects the internal components. More so, it comes with an ergonomic design, making it comfortable to hold.

Another great feature of this product is tri-mode detection. Like most of the brands and models mentioned in this guide, it has visual and audible alarms. What makes this product unique, however, is that it also has vibrations.

It is also worth noting that it comes with a field-replaceable sensor. This means that you can change the sensor easily when there is a problem, unlike others that will render the entire product unusable.

Pangaea Portable Propane, Methane, and Natural Gas Leak Detector

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Affordable but reliable – this is what you can expect from this option for a gas leak detector. This proves that even if you are on a budget, there’s no need to compromise performance.

Turn the gas detector on as you walk around. When it detects a leak, there is an immediate warning in the form of an alarm or light.

We can attribute the reliability of this product to the highly-sensitive sensor, which you can find at the top of a flexible tube. The tube is made of stainless steel and is compact enough to fit even in tight spaces.

The sensitivity, meanwhile, is variable. The minimum is 50 PPM for methane.

When purchased, you will already receive three AA batteries. This makes the device ready to use within seconds of unboxing!

Gas Knight Natural Gas and Propane Detector

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Of all the natural gas detectors that are included in our list, this is one of the most futuristic in terms of its design. With it looks, it will never be an eyesore.

One of the best things about this product is the plug-and-play functionality, which is a great way to save time and effort. There is no need for complicated installation or having to change the batteries.

As an all-in-one detector, it detects all deadly gases, making it provide peace of mind. For natural gases, it detects methane, ethane, and butane, among others. It also detects LPG.

The best thing is that the manufacturer is offering a two-year warranty. This shows how confident they are of the quality of this product. Plus, if you are unhappy, let the manufacturer know and they will issue an unconditional refund.

ZORVO Propane Natural Gas Detector

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The versatility of this product is one thing that we like the most as it can detect many types of gases. Aside from natural gas, it is equally effective in identifying the presence of artificial gases.

It has also been given words of praise by many of its users because of its ease of installation. It is designed to be plugged directly into an outlet. There’s no need for complicated assembly since it is ready to be used right out of its packaging. You just have to wait for about five minutes, and it is ready!

With this detector, you will have both visual and audible alarms, making it easy to be notified when gases are at dangerously high levels.

DEEPLITE Natural Gas Leak Detector

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This detector will help accurately determine the presence of natural gas (methane), as well as propane, butane, and LPG, among others.

With the digital display, you will quickly know if there is a dangerous concentration of natural gases. It lets you know how much gas is present in a specific location so you can accurately pinpoint the source of the leak.

Aside from the display, like most of the gas detectors, it will also produce an audible sound. This alarm is an easy notification to let you know the presence of natural gas.

The 12-inch flexible probe is another good feature of this product. You can twist and bend the probe. Plus, it can also be inserted in tight spaces, making it easy to work even on hard to reach areas.

Klein Tools ET120 Natural Gas Leak Detector

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This product is built to detect combustible gases, including natural gas. It has both audible and visual alarms, which will warn you that the gas concentration is more than 50 ppm.

With this product, you can enjoy two levels of sensitivity. Low is from 1,000 to 10,000 ppm. On the other hand, high is for 50 to 1,000 ppm.

The device is equipped with five LEDs, which will let you know the concentration of the gas detected. To add, there is also an audible alarm, which can produce a maximum sound of 85 decibels.

The 18-inch gooseneck is another good feature of this product. It is flexible, making it easy to insert on tight spaces.

It is made to be gripped on your hand as it looks for the presence of natural gas. Luckily, it comes with an over-molded body, which means that it will be comfortable to hold.

The power of this unit comes from four AAA batteries, which are already included upon purchase. It has an automatic power-off feature after ten minutes of inactivity, which is a great way to save battery.

CAZONER Propane/Natural Gas Detector

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With advanced semiconductor sensors, you can expect that this will be an excellent product if you are after sensitivity. It detects not only the presence of natural gas (methane), but it also works for LPG.

The LCD digital screen is a great feature, providing visual feedback on the concentration of natural gas present. Once it detects an abnormally high concentration of gas, you will hear a loud beep. There will also be a quick flash of red light.

Another notable feature of this product is the dual LCD power supply. Aside from being plugged to an electric outlet, there is also a USB port that will let you use a portable battery.

Lastly, the manufacturer is providing a 100% guarantee of your satisfaction. If you are unhappy with how the product works, let the manufacturer know and they will issue an unconditional refund.

Our Job OJB-RQ706-Y Natural Gas Detector

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To prevent a gas explosion, this is another natural gas detector worth considering. Among others, we love the unique design that makes it stylish. It has a steel mesh material that surrounds the display.

For maximum effectiveness, make sure that it is installed 30 centimeters under the ceiling. To add, it should be 1.5 to 4 meters away from the gas supply. Being lighter than air, natural gas will accumulate near the ceiling when there is a leak, so the detector should be near it.

Ease of installation is one more reason why this will make an exceptional product. It has a plug-and-play functionality. After plugging the device, you need to wait for a minute to warm-up.

With the visual warning in the digital display, it is easy to see signs of natural gas concentration. If it is green, it means that it is on. If it is yellow, it means there is a problem with the sensor. If it is red and accompanied by an alarm, this means that gas is at a high concentration.

As for the alarm, it has a loudness level of 85 decibels. This will make it easy to be heard so that you can act immediately.

RobinAir TIF8800X Combustible Gas Detector

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The first thing that you will notice in this product is its price. This is one of the most expensive products on our list. However, looking at the features and performance, the steep price is justifiable.

Its simplicity has been praised by many, especially its one-handed operation. Despite being simple, it is accurate in the detection of natural gas, especially methane.

On the left-hand side of the unit, there is a thumbwheel. This can be used to adjust the sensitivity of the gas detector, depending on what a specific situation requires.

There is a LED leak level detector, making it easy to visually represent the threat that is present.

To add, it has an ergonomic housing, making it comfortable to hold. Meanwhile, it is also made of a rugged material, which protects against damages, even with long-term use.

Being battery-powered, you will enjoy the portability of this device. The battery is rechargeable, making it economical in the long run. However, take note that the batteries can last only four hours, which can be a problem for some users.

Inficon Combustible Gas Detector

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This is one of the lightest and most compact of our recommendations in this guide. It may be expensive, but given its overall quality, the price will be worth it.

Unlike others, it does not have a bulky body. What this means is that holding the device will be effortless. It will be easy and comfortable to grip.

It can detect up to 5 ppm of methane, which is one of the most popular types of natural gas. According to the manufacturer, it has twice the sensitivity that is offered by most of its competitors.

You will also love how there is no more need for calibration. This is another reason why using this natural gas detector will be straightforward. After turning the unit on, you just have to wait for a few seconds, and it will be ready!

To warn you of the presence of natural, there are multiple LEDs. Even better, it also has an alarm with adjustable intensity.

Lastly, it has a three-year over-the-counter warranty, which is unrivaled by most of the alternative products you will find in the market. Within such a period, they can replace the unit if it encounters a problem.

TechAmor Y301 Natural Gas Leak Detector

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Wrapping up our list of the best natural gas detectors is another affordable but accurate product. It provides 24-hour monitoring of natural gas, as well as LPG.

The digital display will let you know the precise concentration of gases in a specific environment. You can act before the gasses will reach an explosive level. To add, it will also generate an audible warning.

The installation of the product will be quick. It has a plug that connects directly to an outlet. The main unit itself, on the other hand, can be fixed on the wall using double-sided tape.

To make sure that the detector is working as it should, check the display. Under normal conditions, the green power indicator should be on. Otherwise, this means that the detector is not working.

There is also a yellow fault indicator light. When this shows up, immediately contact the manufacturer. This is an indication that there is something wrong with the unit.

How to Choose Natural Gas Detectors

Especially if you are buying one for the first time, you will be overwhelmed with the long list of alternatives. To help you narrow down the choices, below are the most important considerations.

Types of Gas Detectors

The first thing that you need to do is to know the type of gas detectors available on the market. This way, you can easily decide which one is most suitable for your needs.

  • Single-Gas Detector: As the name implies, this is designed to detect only the presence of one type of gas.
  • Multi-Gas Detector: In contrast, it comes with sensors that are built to identify the presence of several gas types.
  • Personal Gas Detector: This is common in industrial applications or workplaces where natural gas is a high risk. It is worn by the worker.
  • Portable Gas Detector: This is a compact and lightweight natural gas detector. This means that you can move it from one place or another depending on where it will be used.
  • Fixed Gas Detector: With this type of a natural gas detector, it will be permanently installed in a specific location.

Ease of Use

It can be frustrating to have a natural gas detector that is a pain to use. Make sure that it will be straightforward to operate to maximize its functionality.

The manufacturer should also provide detailed instructions on how you can use the detector. This will make it easier to make the most out of the device.

To be easy to use, it will be good if there is a display that will show the concentration of natural gas that it present. Aside from the audible alarm, the display makes it easy to determine the presence of a risk that warrants immediate attention.

Another thing that makes the detector easy to use is a flexible probe. This way, you can use the device easily even in hard to reach places.

Sensors

You also have to pay attention to the sensors that are used in the natural gas detector. Their sensitivity is important. The higher the sensitivity is, the more reliable the readings will be as it can easily detect natural gas.

The sensors will be directly linked to the accuracy of the detector. So, do not hesitate to spend more if this means getting a more accurate product, which will keep you safe and sound.

Display

The display is one of the most important in a natural gas detector as it will warn you if the concentration is at a dangerous level. Look for a device with a bright and large display, so that you won’t miss the warning.

Alarm

Aside from the visual cue, a natural gas detector will also have an audible alarm. It must be loud enough so that you can hear it from afar, allowing you to quickly remedy the situation before it gets worse.

Power Source

Some natural gas detectors are battery-powered, which are good in terms of portability. You can bring them anywhere. On the other hand, some have a plug-and-play function, so you have to connect it to an electrical outlet.

Tips and Tricks for Natural Gas Safety

Aside from using a natural gas detector, here are other things that can help to stay safe:

  • Know how to spot the presence of natural gas even without a leak detector. It smells like a rotten egg when there is mercaptan added. There is also a hissing sound and bubbles can form near the source. Dying plants will also be apparent.
  • Regularly inspect appliances, devices, and sources of natural gas. It is best to do this once or twice a year to detect any problem.
  • Keep children away from sources of natural gas. They can bust pipes that can cause a leak and eventually result in an explosion.
  • Learn how you can shut off the supply of natural gas. This is a great preventive measure, which should be done upon the first sign of a gas leak.

FAQs

Got questions about natural gas detectors? We’ll try to answer some of them before we conclude this article.

Are there natural gas detectors for the home?

Yes, there are natural gas detectors that are specifically made for residential use. They are known for being affordable, so there is no reason to not have one in your house.

Will a carbon monoxide alarm detect natural gas?

No, a carbon monoxide alarm will not detect natural gas. The two gases have different compositions, so you need to use a different detector for each of them.

Where should I place a natural gas detector?

The best place to install a natural gas detector is somewhere higher than the doors and windows. It should also be about six inches away from the ceiling. It should be away from windows as the fresh air coming in can be misrepresented as natural gas.

Can you smell a natural gas leak?

In its natural form, natural gas is odorless, so that means you cannot smell any leak. However, some companies add an odorant, which will make it easier to detect a leak through odor.

Conclusion

Detecting the presence of natural gas is difficult by sniffing. Luckily, the best natural gas detectors can do an excellent job! They are powerful and reliable to detect invisible gas particles!

Whether it is at home or in the workplace, among others, consider our recommendations above. They are designed to offer reliable functionality, making it easy to stay safe and sound from the dangers that natural gas can bring.

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