Category: Portable Gas Detector

Gas detectors are designed to alert you and your staff members to the presence of gas. This may be caused by faulty equipment or damage to your incoming gas line. Gas can be odorless, or it may have a rotten egg scent, but, in a busy environment, such as a warehouse or commercial space, it can be easy to miss the scent of gas if it is associated. Exposure to gas can cause your staff to become sick, faint, or even die. As such, you must have gas detection equipment to ensure your employees are safe and that there are no gas leaks in your building.

If you want to purchase gas detection equipment for your commercial business, one of the questions you may have is whether a portable or fixed detector is right for you. Below, we will describe the differences between each type of detection equipment, and list the pros and cons, so you can make an informed and educated decision regarding which option may be right for you.

What Is a Fixed Gas Detector?

Fixed gas detectors work similarly to smoke detectors. They are located in one fixed area. When the detector detects gas presence, it will sound an alarm and may flash lights if you have a light detection system. This alerts you to the fact that there is a gas leak present. This allows you to shut down any equipment that utilizes gas and turn the valve on your incoming gas line off to prevent further gas from leaking into your space until a professional can determine where the leak is and how to repair it. This also allows you to evacuate your business so no one suffers from any symptoms related to gas exposure, including death.

What Are the Benefits of a Fixed Gas Detector?

Learning the benefits of a fixed gas detector can help you decide if this type of detector is ideal for your situation. One of the benefits of fixed gas detectors is that they are in a fixed location and can alert individuals to gas leaks 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This type of alarm can also be used in conjunction with smart systems that may be able to shut down equipment or even turn off the incoming gas supply if the alarm sounds. Lastly, a fixed gas detector can be cheaper than purchasing your employees their own portable gas detector.

What Are the Downsides of a Fixed Gas Detector?

One of the biggest downsides of a fixed gas detector is that it can only detect gas coming toward its sensors or detection system. If gas is five meters or more away from the detector, your detector will probably not detect it. A fixed gas detector also only works if the power is on. If your power goes out, your gas detection system may not work. Lastly, just like smoke detectors, gas detectors must be regularly tested to ensure they function properly. If you do not test them, they may not work when needed.

What Is a Portable Gas Detector?

Portable gas detectors are very different from fixed gas detectors. While a fixed detector is adhered to a wall or piece of equipment and remains in one spot, a portable gas detector is worn on your employees’ clothing. The gas detector moves from location to location as your employee moves from location to location. A portable gas detector is primarily designed to be used in places without space to fit a fixed gas detector. The gas detector helps to ensure your employees are safe and that there are no gas leaks or high gas levels in their working area. This type of detector immediately alerts employees to high gas levels in a particular area, allowing them to safely exit the building and turn off the incoming gas supply to address the leak.

What Are the Advantages of a Portable Gas Detector?

The biggest advantage to a portable gas detector is that these types of detectors can be used in places where a fixed detector cannot be placed. This is ideal in small, tight spaces or if your employees work in a location you do not own. Portable gas detectors help to protect individuals and alert them to the presence of gas. They can also be tracked using GPS tracking, helping you to track where your employees are.

What Are the Disadvantages of a Portable Gas Detector?

The number one disadvantage of a portable gas detector is that it is only effective if your employees know how to use it properly. If your employees miss the alert or do not use the equipment properly, it will not work properly. Portable gas detectors must also be regularly tested and calibrated to ensure they work correctly. The final downside is that portable gas detectors only detect gas leaks in the area where an employee is. If an employee is not near the gas leak, the portable gas detector may not pick up on that leak.

Both portable and fixed gas detection equipment have their own unique uses and their own pros and cons. At Highmark Analytics, we know the importance of having the right gas detection equipment for your needs. We work hard to understand our clients and their needs, helping to ensure that we can meet the needs of our clients. We have over 20 years of experience in the industry and can help you with advice and guidance. When you are looking for gas detection equipment, let us help you find the ideal equipment for your needs. Call us now to get started.