What is Propane Gas
Propane gas is a colorless, flammable gas that can be explosive if it escapes and mixes with air.  Propane is stored as a liquid under pressure.  When propane leaks, it becomes a gas and can be ignited by a spark or flame.  Propane gas does have an odor, but many people can not detect its smell until dangerous levels have accumulated.  Like natural gas, propane gas is toxic, but its primary threat is its propensity to explode.  

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Sources of Propane Gas
The following is a list of common sources of propane gas in the home:
- Propane gas appliances
- Propane furnace
- Propane water heater
- Propane stove/range
- Propane heater
- Propane barbecue
- Propane refrigerator
- Service entry points
- Rupture of gas line outside the building  
                             

 Propane gas leaks may occur at connections to appliances, at the service point of entry to the building, or a gas leak outside the building in a buried gas line leading from the storage tank may travel along the pipe, enter the building and accumulate to dangerous levels.

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Where to Locate a Propane Gas Detector
Propane gas is heavier in weight than air and will normally accumulate near the floor.  Accordingly, detectors should be placed low on the wall (but at least 4 to 6” [10 to 15 cm] above from where the floor and wall meet because air in these spaces is dead air, which does not circulate).

 Because most propane gas leaks occur at connections to appliances, detectors should be located near a propane appliance but at least 6 feet away from the appliance or in a room below the appliance.  For example, a propane gas leak in the kitchen can create a build-up in the basement directly below the kitchen.  Additional detectors should be installed at the point where the service enters the building.  For the consumer’s protection, separate propane gas detector should be installed on every level of the home and in every room with a natural gas appliance.

A propane gas detector will not detect the presence of carbon monoxide.

American Sensors™ offers both a  plug-in (LP200) and hardwire models (LP400, LP401A, LP405A).  The plug-in model can be placed directly into a standard 120-volt electrical outlet.

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What To Do In A Propane Gas Alarm Condition
Consumers should consult their owner’s manual for a propane gas alarm procedure.  However, the following is a general procedure: 

1.  Evacuate the building immediately.  Do not unplug the detector or operate any light switches or electrical devices before leaving the building. High levels of propane gas may be very explosive. 

2.  Do a head count outside your home and check that everybody is accounted for.

 3.  Call the fire department and ask them to determine the source of the propane gas.  Do not re-enter the premises until the problem has been corrected and the propane gas has been dispersed.

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