Propane Detectors
Propane is most commonly used as a heat source. It is often used in furnaces to heat homes. it can also be used in household water heaters. Other common household uses include powering dryers and certain stoves. Many users think of the propane tanks used with their backyard grills and barbecues. This is another use of propane. There are even some vehicles that use propane power.
Some users may know propane as LPG. This stands for liquid propane gas. Propane and liquid propane are actually the same substance, and the terms are used interchangeably in the grilling and barbecue industry. There are some technical aspects of explanation, which we will discuss in the following paragraph. But for the most part, propane and LPG are the same.
When propane gas is stored in a tank, it is put under pressure. This pressurized state causes the substance to convert into a liquid. This also causes a significant temperature drop for the substance. When propane is stored in a tank, its temperature drops to about negative forty (-40) degrees Fahrenheit. This explains why propane tanks usually feel cold to the touch and why condensation often develops on these tanks. Opening the tank valve causes the liquid propane to boil into propane gas. The gas is then sent to the grill to get the barbecue started.
Just like natural gas, propane usually has additives added to it. These additives have a distinct smell. This makes it relatively easy for an at-home user to detect a propane gas leak. But a propane gas leak that occurs while you are away can be impossible to detect without a propane detector. These devices connect with alarm systems either wirelessly or through a hardwired connection. If the detector senses an unusually high level of propane gas, it will alert the system. You can then receive remote alerts from your system through an interactive service platform like Total Connect 2.0 or Alarm.com. This way, you will know if a propane gas leak occurs no matter where you are.
A propane gas leak is a serious concern, as it can easily lead to a fire. Not to mention it also wastes propane gas and causes an increase in energy expenses. Breathing in propane gas is dangerous, but it is not as harmful as carbon monoxide. A propane gas leak does not warrant emergency personnel dispatch, but it is still something that should be addressed quickly. Some symptoms of propane gas exposure include a burning sensation, coughing, dizziness, fever, weakness, headache, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting. Additionally, touching liquid propane can result in symptoms similar to frostbite.