Gas Detectors

A wide range of selections exist in the realm of home security systems. From anti-intruder geared devices (motion sensors, video surveillance systems, to name two) to more specialized monitoring devices like smoke alarms and gas detectors, one would be lost in prioritizing which to get first. In this new age of advanced technology, you see a vast selection of home security systems. You should be aware that gas detectors are easy to install and easy on your pocket, too.

Of course, the available wide array of devices once could choose from provide benefits to homeowners maximizing their usage. In these times, one just can’t underestimate the value of a well rounded home security system.

Gas Detectors

Upon the mere mention of this device, jokes involving flatulence instantly come to mind. Green as the thought is, the function of a gas detector isn’t, much less are these devices a joke. A joker (referring to someone who makes fun of gas detectors because of the name) may not know it, but a gas detector could actually save his life.

Since the effect of dangerous gases has been brought up to public knowledge, the monitoring of oxidizable and reducible gases has become a concern for people. From industrial plants, residential sources that burn fuel or even from motor vehicles, toxic and environmental pollutants could come from these sources and get inside your home, threatening your health, as well as your home safety.


Most gas detectors depend on a photoionization detector for their successful operation. The detector utilizes an ultraviolet (UV) source to break down molecules to positively charged ions. These ions can be counted easily with a detector, and when ionization occurs (This happens when a molecule absorbs high energy UV light, thus resulting in the temporary loss of a negatively charged electron, making the formation of a positively charged ion) the gas becomes electrically charged, leading to readings regarding the “gas situation” the detector had detected.

As charged particles produce a current, the photoionization detector amplifies this and is measured as “ppm”(parts per million) or “ppb” (parts per billion). After passing through the detector, the ions return to their original molecules, recombined.

A concentration level of 1 ppb to 10,000 ppm is often the detection range a typical gas detector utilizing photoionization detectors. It’s the preferred gas detector considering it inexpensive and quite effective in its function.

Aside from simply just safeguarding a home, gas detectors (PID) could be commonly found in industrial production structures, as well as in military and generally restricted working facilities. Their “services” aren’t exactly just limited to be gas detectors, and are often found in arson investigations, industrial hygiene operations, hazardous material handling, indoor air quality inspections, cleanroom facility maintenance procedures, and in environmental contamination and remediation operations.

Since these devices are very selective, they will detect materials that have similar ionization energy wavelengths to the ones the detector uses. This comes in handy when analyzing areas of particular interest. This makes them very reliable devices as home security accessories. With these devices installed in your home, that runny nose problem won’t get in the way of your gas awareness situation. Once the detector “notices” the presence of dangerous gases within your premises, you’d be alerted to the situation at once, giving you time to take the necessary action to redeem the situation.

As lives have been saved and property loss denied from transpiring, gas detectors have proven their purpose and importance in being part of any home security system these days. For peace of mind and true security, a home should not be without these devices as your life could depend on them.