A gas monitor, also referred to as a gas detector, is a device that detects the presence of gas in an area. The device has sensors in it that are programmed to detect the presence of specific gasses. If that type of gas is detected, the gas detector will alert the user via an alarm. The most common sensors used in at-height, industry, and construction are:
Combustable (LEL): Combustible (LEL), or combustible lower exposure level sensors are desinged to detect and monitor combustible hydrocarbon gasses in the air. The most common combustible gasses are: Methane, Butane, High Hydrogen Content (HHC), Nonane, Propane, and Hydrogen.
Oxygen: Oxygen sensors are essential for situations where having accurate oxygen measurements could prevent injury or death. Not all areas have safe oxygen levels, especially when in confined spaces.
Toxic: Toxic sensors are pretty sel-explanatory, but they measure the levels of toxic gasses. The most common toxic gasses are: Carbon Monoxide (CO), Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), and Sulfur Dioxide (S02).
The way the sensors work varies depending on the type of sensor the manufacturer used. The most common types of sensors are:
Electrochemical Sensors: Most commonly used for toxic gas detection. These sensors use electrodes to send signals when gas is detected.
MOS (Metal Oxide Semiconductors): Most commonly used for toxic gasses - carbon monoxide in partictular. Metal oxide semiconductors use a gas sensative film that triggers when the levels of gas become toxic.
Catalytic Sensors: Most modern gas monitors use catalytic sensors. Catalytic sensors have a platinum treated wire coil that heats up when exposed to gasses due to oxidation. When the resistance of the wire is changed, due to the heat generated by oxidation, a circuit detects this change and triggers the warning.
