We are under the threat of explosive gases in our homes, workplaces, where we frequently spend time in our daily lives. Even though we are not aware of it, we are faced with the risk of explosion in the kitchen and tea shops that we visit every day unless the necessary precautions are taken.

Natural gas or LPG is used while cooking or boiling in the kitchens. These gases are also classified as explosive gases. In case of explosive gases exceed a certain amount in the environment, risk of explosion created.

So what is this “certain amount of gas”? Each explosive gas has a “Lower Explosion Limit (LEL)”. In international standards, the lower explosion limit, referred to as the LEL (Lower Explosion Limit) indicates that a given gas is an explosion risk when the volume is at least what percentage of the ambient air.

For example, the LEL level of methane gas is 4.4. In other words, if the percentage of methane is 4.4 in 100 units of air, it means that the area is explosive. The LEL level of LPG (Butane + Propane) is 2.1. The lower the LEL level of an explosive gas, the more explosive it is because even if the amount of gas in the air is very small, it can easily make the environment explosive.

Gas detectors should be used in places such as kitchens and tea shops where there is danger of explosion. Thus, necessary emergency action plans can be performed and an explosion can be prevented before the explosive gases in these environments reach the LEL level.

It is necessary to pay attention to some parameters when selecting explosive gas detectors to be used in homes and workplaces. The alarm level of the detector, the type of location to be used, the automation to be applied in case of alarm, etc. these points are very important in the selection of the detector.

For example, it is recommended that natural gas detectors to be used in the kitchens of a high-rise residence project should be addressable. When the alarm comes from the detector, it is possible to turn on the evacuation fans, cut off the electricity, etc. within the scope of fire automation, operations can be performed automatically by addressable system components.

Another important point is the installation height of the gas detectors. The installation height of the gas detector must be determined according to the relative density of the gas to be detected. For example, the relative density of methane gas relative to air is less than 1, which means it is lighter than air. Therefore, when there is a gas leakage in the environment, the gas tends to rise. Therefore, methane detectors should be installed 5-15 cm below the ceiling. The LPG detector is heavier than air and tends to crash on the ground in the event of a gas leak. Therefore, LPG detectors should be installed 15-25 cm above the ground.

As a result, gas detectors should be used in places such as kitchens and tea shops where explosive gases such as natural gas and LPG are used. This is very important for the safety of life and property. Type of detectors, mounting locations, etc. careful examination of the parameters has great importance in terms of early and accurate detection.