By the SightShield team · · 3 min read
Why a gas detector
Most Indian kitchens run on LPG cylinders, and many newer Bangalore apartments have piped natural gas. Leaks come from worn rubber tubes, loose regulators, knobs left half open and burners that go out when milk boils over. You may not smell a small leak when you are asleep, out, or have a cold. A gas detector sounds an alarm at a low concentration, long before the level that can ignite, and can shut the gas off automatically.
LPG and PNG behave differently
| Gas | Heavier or lighter than air | Where to mount the detector |
|---|---|---|
| LPG (cylinder) | Heavier: collects near the floor | Low on the wall, about 30 cm above the floor, within a few metres of the stove and cylinder |
| Piped natural gas (PNG) | Lighter: rises to the ceiling | High on the wall, about 30 cm below the ceiling, near the stove and meter |
Placement rules
- Choose a detector rated for your gas type; LPG and PNG detectors are not always interchangeable.
- Mount it within a few metres of the stove and the cylinder or meter, but not directly above the hob.
- Avoid spots next to exhaust fans, windows or chimneys where air moves fast.
- Keep it away from sinks and places it can get splashed with water or oil.
- Do not hide it behind cylinders, cabinets or curtains.
Standalone or connected?
A basic detector plugs into a socket and sounds a loud buzzer. That works when someone is home and awake. Connected detectors add more: they send alerts to your phone through a home automation hub or alarm panel, can switch off an exhaust fan or switch one on, and can trigger a motorised or solenoid valve that closes the gas line. For homes where elderly parents are often alone, or where the family is out all day, a connected detector with automatic shut-off is worth the extra cost.
Home automation and security together →If the alarm sounds
- Do not switch any electrical switch on or off, and do not light a match or lighter.
- Turn off the cylinder regulator or the gas valve at the meter.
- Open doors and windows to let the gas out.
- Get everyone out if the smell is strong, and call your gas distributor’s emergency number from outside.
- Have the source fixed before using the stove again.
Testing and replacement
Press the test button every month to check the buzzer and any linked alerts. Sensors age, and most manufacturers specify a working life of around five years; the date is usually on the label. Replace rubber LPG tubes as your gas company advises, and consider a steel-braided hose. In commercial kitchens, gas detection should be part of the fire alarm and gas installation designed for the premises.
Fire safety for restaurants and kitchens →Worked example
A couple in Koramangala whose mother cooks alone during the day had a near miss when a burner went out under a boiling pot. We fitted an LPG detector low on the kitchen wall, linked to their home automation hub, with a solenoid shut-off valve on the gas line and an alert to both their phones. The detector also switches on the kitchen exhaust. A monthly reminder prompts them to press the test button.
Quick answers
Where should an LPG detector be mounted?+
Low on the wall, about 30 cm above the floor, near the stove and cylinder, because LPG is heavier than air.
Where should a PNG detector be mounted?+
High on the wall, about 30 cm below the ceiling, because natural gas is lighter than air.
Can a gas detector shut off the gas?+
Yes, when linked to a solenoid or motorised shut-off valve on the gas line.
Do gas detectors expire?+
Yes. Most sensors have a life of around five years; check the label and replace on time.
Can I get gas leak alerts on my phone?+
Connected detectors linked to a home automation hub or alarm panel send phone alerts.