10 Best Gas Leak Detectors

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Gas leakage detection is the process of identifying the presence of potentially hazardous gas for the safety of all living beings. The detectors are typically used in industries, homes, and offices as tools for routine security check-up. They turn ON and start beeping to warn the users on detection of any harmful gas leakage. They can also detect flammable, toxic gases as well as oxygen depletion in an area.

Wonderful Engineering today, brings you the very best among the gas leakage detectors available in the market.

10. Bacharach Gas Leak Detector ($190.93)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This combustible gas leak detector measures only 6 inches in length and is easy to use. It is a portable sensor capable of pinpointing large and small leaks quickly with absolutely no calibration required. It is extensively used in industrial applications. This combustible gas detector includes a sensor, a soft case, and batteries. It has an integrated Visual ON/OFF LCD and audible tick rate indication. It features a quick (60 sec) warm up time.

So all my co-workers told me to get this one, this is what they use. It is great. The two detection sensitivities are excellent. The high mode allows you to find the universal fitting or area that is leaking and the low mode allows you to find exactly what part of the fitting is leaking. Every leak it has found I can place my nose on and usually smell it right there (our gas has the rotten eggs smell additive) some I can’t smell, but the bubbles test shows it. The beeping sound it makes is terrifying enough that it immediately opens customers’ wallets. A tool that has paid for itself ten times these past three months. And it has saved lives!!! My only complaint and this could just be the batteries that came with it, if it is jarred while using it, it will sometimes shut off, and I have to turn it back on waiting for it to warm up again. I rotated the batteries a bit and put some dielectric grease on the contacts, and this has only happened once since then. This is a sensitive instrument, and I protect it with an inexpensive padded pistol case. Cheap + Saving lives = excellent Return on investment what more can you ask for.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

 

9. Ridgid Gas Leak Detector ($136.20)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This tri-mode, rugged combustible gas detector opens to give alerts via visual, audible or vibration (can be adjusted by the user). The adjustment sensitivity settings help to find the precise leaking spot for repair. It is well-built and features excellent quality. 

“$167.45 from the UK including shipping (Amazon). Got to shop around. My version came without the nice case, but I’m not using it for daily field work .. but we do have four dwellings and three RV’s (trailers) that all use LPG. 40PPM is the next best thing to an OSHA-grade instrument costing $1k and up. Flick your BIC and blow out the flame .. this thing goes off almost immediately. The other detectors are 25% less sensitive and cost about $100 more domestically. For DIY in the boonies, get one. A Solid Five Stars.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

8. Extech Gas Leak Detector ($86.37)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This highly-sensitive gas leakage detector can locate the slightest of the leaks. It features visible and audible alarms and has an integrated 16″ gooseneck for ease of access to nooks and crannies. The one-hand operation and adjustable sensitivity make the operation smooth and accurate. The unit comes with an excellent case for easy storage.

“Sensitive to natural gas leaks – even at levels, you may not be able to smell. I did use it to check the quality of a repair and found that the repair work had not been done completely. Gas line repair person initially did not believe it but confirmed with his equipment that he had not tightened one pipe clamp screw leading to the gas line meter adequately.

USAGE TIPS — It helps to turn it on *outdoors* far from where you think there may be gas leaking. It may squeal initially unless you turn down the sensitivity. I then turn the dial until I start hearing chirps. The level where the chirping start will drift for a few minutes: It takes about 4 to 5 minutes of warm up a time to equilibrate – which seems typical for the kind of sensor used (not a defect). During this period, you will need to adjust the dial. Patience is required but rewarded. Once stable, I set the dial so the instrument chirps about once every second. Then I proceed to the suspected leak listening for how often it chirps. It is very sensitive, and if gas is detected, it increases in some chirps per minute proportionally to the level of leakage (similar to a Geiger counter), then to “motorboating,” and finally to a continuous squeal.

Avoid banging the sensor (as it is reportedly fragile) or letting kids get grubby or sweaty hands on the sensor, and it should give you longer service.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

7. Inficon Gas Leak Detector ($154.29)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This unit is sensitive to 5 ppm Methane and can also detect natural gas, propane, butane, cyclopentane, ethane, ethanol, isobutane, and ammonia. It features LEDs and variable-intensity audio alarms which indicate the leak strength. You can adjust the sensitivity to adapt to your required level. It can also ignore background gas levels in leak testing area.

“I bought this tester because I wanted the most sensitive detector I could find/afford, to check for natural gas leaks. I emailed the manufacturer about sensitivity specs, and someone emailed me the documentation the next day. It detects about 17 volatile chemicals — hydrocarbons, alcohols, chlorine-based chemicals — at levels below 50ppm. The sensitivity of these detectors depends on the type of sensor at the wand tip. This instrument is several times more sensitive to methane than the TIF 8900 I also own, but TIF detects a wider range of substances. I used the TIF to find several minute gas leaks in the gas supply piping in my basement. The Gas-Mate confirmed the same leaks and didn’t find any leaks not found by the TIF. I already broke the on/off/sensitivity dial on the TIF just by turning the dial down with my thumb. The Gas-Mate has a push on/off button and a sensitivity finger slide so seems less prone to accidental breaking. Both devices have thin plastic cases so be careful not be bang around or crush. Both devices have corrugated metal wand, but Gas-Mate has a smaller size of the sensor at the tip which fits into tighter spots.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

 

6. Robinair Gas Leak Detector ($159.30)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This combustible gas detector comes with a super sensitive long cord that can go in places not reachable otherwise. This unit detects a broad range of natural gases which include propane, methanol, butane, and gasoline. The product is incredibly sensitive and easy to use.  It, however, comes with poor documentation. You can find micro-leaks as well as adjust its sensitivity to adapt to your environment.

“I bought this because we had a small LP gas leak that the HVAC guy couldn’t find. He said it was so small that we did not need to worry about it. Frankly, I didn’t like the answer. As soon as I received the detector, I charged it as per the included instructions. After charging, I tested it outside and found it seemed to work OK, so I took it to the furnace, and within seconds I had pinpointed the leak to a location on a fitting on the gas valve. I called the HVAC rep and reported my findings. He replaced the gas valve and no more leak. I had used it to check for leaks at our LP tank and used it when I reconnected our gas range and again when replacing with a gas cooktop. It performed the tests with no issues, and in fact, I was able to find a small leak where I had not tightened the coupling under the cooktop. I knew the leak was there as I could smell the gas, and this detector helped me locate the precise source immediately. I am very pleased with its performance. I have had it over a year now and have used it multiple times. The HVAC rep was so impressed he bought one as well and is now able to serve his other customers better.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

 

5. Amprobe Gas Leak Detector ($160.21)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This unit detects gas in the closed piping system. It features an integrated semiconductor sensor which detects methane and propane gas. The flexible stainless steel probes provide access to nooks and crannies. It comes with an audible buzzer and a display panel with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that indicate presence and concentration of detected gas. The automatic calibration at start-up helps to ensure accuracy. 

“This is a high-quality electronic device backed by a respected American company. It performed exactly as described, is EXTREMELY sensitive, and will help locate the tiniest leaks. It can detect propane starting at only 35 ppm (parts per million), which is LONG before a human nose at about 400 ppm.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

4. Signstek Gas Leak Detector ($39.97)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This high-sensitivity gas leak detector measures 14 inches and has a flexible stainless steel probe which can reach to any tight nook or cranny. The unit has an integrated unicolor LED with six level leak alarm. It comes with an extra sensing tip. You can detect many kinds of refrigerants via this detector. You can also make changes in the real and reset time sensitivity adjustments. The product works flawlessly for detection of gas leakage.

“Item works Great as described. I like the sensitivity button as well as the optical light to identify a leak. The only drawback is the beep sound is hard to hear, but on the flip side, you do have the visible red light when a leak is detected. This one is a Big upgrade from my old one. I would recommend this item.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

3. Arikon Gas Leak Detector ($18.98)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This gas detector comes with an alarm and a digital display. The unit comes with a 9 Volts battery backup. It uses highly reliable catalytic combustion method and gas concentration showing for detection. It has four intelligent processors which control the unit. It features automatic low battery warning, alarm memory function and auto-detect sensor failure. The unit displays the gas concentration as well. Its performance can be affected by sharp pounding and shock in transit or installation. The product can not detect a poisonous gas such as CO.

“This Arikon is an excellent and sensitive wall-mounted sensor. I bought and compared three combustible gas detectors, the Heiman HM-701N- AC ($20), this one, the Arikon Voice prompt detector, AC with 9-volt backup, ($18) and the Mastech MS 6310 wand detector ($43). Each was tested after their warm-up periods by putting them near my gas grill. The Heiman was the least sensitive by far…it only detected gas when putting directly on the gas grill, by which time the gas was overwhelming in smell. Moreover, the alarm turned on only after about 10 seconds and turned off for no apparent reason until I put it back in and redid the test with the same results. The Mastech detector and this one, the Arikon were very sensitive and were triggered outside the closed grill within seconds. They continued to alarm until turned off or moved well away. The Arikon also has a ppm digital and keeps a .memory of the last gas level and is much like a smoke detector. The Mastech is more of a mobile leak detector wand but is much like a Geiger counter and alarms at different sensitivities depending on how close you are to the gas source. Thus you can go easily home in on the origin of a leak. Thus, the Arikon and Mastech are highly complementary, and I would highly recommend both for their different uses. All three detectors are very easy to set up. I ended up buying two of this Arikon detector due to its more general use as a routine wall mounted unit. I will put one in my furnace/water heater room and one in the kitchen.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

2. UEi Gas Leak Detector ($201.30)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This combustible gas leak detector features a long 18-inch gooseneck for reaching every area. The tip light in the sensor cap illuminates the search area. The unit responds with an incredibly sensitive response and can detect up to 50-ppm methane. The package comes with a protective leather boot and a 9-Volt battery.

“On a whim, I decided to drop $135 to see for myself if I had any gas leaks. I had a feeling my builder cuts some corners, so I figured, why not? It’ll cost me $100 to get a plumber out to check for gas; I’ll just buy the detector.

This was one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. Within 20 minutes of opening the package (including reading the manual), I had found two gas leaks. After calling the gas company, it turns out that the leak was small enough that you couldn’t smell it but large enough that there was gas throughout the whole house. It turns out the builder got sloppy with a flex joint and left a burr on the tube, which created a small leak. This leak was able to be seen with the soap test, but another leak was too small to be seen with the soap test. The fix there was to simply disassemble and reassemble the joint with a little joint compound.

I ended up getting a plumber out to make sure my system didn’t leak, so maybe I didn’t save any money. But I’ve got the comfort of knowing that I don’t have gas in the house. And I can check at any time…” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

 

1. Kiddie Gas Leak Detector ($47.43)

Image Credits: Amazon
Image Credits: Amazon

This product is in fact, a plug-in CO (carbon monoxide) and explosive gas detector alarm. You can detect two signals in one sensor, i.e., CO and combustible gas. It has three convenient mounting options and a digital display. The peak level button shows the peak level of CO as recorded. It comes with a 9-Volt battery.

“I own several products from this same manufacturer for I have everything from smoke detectors to carbon monoxide detectors to natural gas detectors to fire extinguishers for the garage and washer and dryer area and kitchen and that probably already states that I am a fan of this company for I have found that they make a good product that works as described that is solidly built and so I have not had any complaints for I had purchased several of their products just after buying my new house and everything that I own that they make has worked exactly as described so what more could you ask for.” – Amazon’s Customer Review.

Available here.

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