Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a serious matter. Thousands of people visit the emergency room every year due to accidental exposure to this gas. Most people are in contact with CO on a daily basis, especially if you consider that tons of appliances – such as stoves or boilers – regularly need the gas to work properly. However, considering that CO is a gas, will a carbon monoxide detector detect a gas leak? The short answer is no, it won’t.
Your carbon monoxide detector won’t detect the natural gas utilized in certain household appliances. This is because the device has been specifically made to react upon being in contact with carbon monoxide, meaning that its sensors may not detect other gases (unless otherwise specified by the manufacturer). This is the reason why some supplies add a very characteristic small – which is sulfur-like or pretty much like rotten eggs – so that people can be alert and know when there’s a leak.
If there’s a gas leak in your house and your CO alarm has not gone off, that doesn’t necessarily mean that your alarm is faulty. It means that the device you have at hand has not been made to act on other gases than carbon monoxide.
How can you detect a gas leak?
Gas leaks can be particularly dangerous, especially if you consider that they’re flammable substances. While the smell becomes apparent very quickly, you may not notice it if you’re asleep. Hence, in these cases, the best thing you can do is to install a gas detector in your house so that everyone can be alert and take action as soon as the alarm goes off.
The fact that CO alarms can’t detect natural gas leaks doesn’t mean that they’re completely useless, though. Both gas alarms and CO alarms can coexist, and using both is recommended if you want to add an additional layer of protection to your house. Carbon monoxide is a silent threat; you can’t see it or smell it, but it will kill you if you’re exposed to it long enough. Thus, the alarms or detectors are fully necessary.
Some carbon monoxide alarms might be able to detect propane, methane or butane, but not all. When it’s time to replace your current CO alarm, you can also look for detectors that include sensors for other gases as well, allowing you to have an all-in-one device in the case of an emergency.
What to do in the case of a gas leak?
Here’s what you should do if a gas leak is happening at your home:
Evacuate the area
Suppose you notice that foul smell of rotten eggs, you should leave the house as soon as possible. Be sure to stay away from the gas source and call the emergency services.
Do NOT use electric devices, and avoid open flames.
Natural gas is extremely inflammable, meaning that even the slightest contact with a spark – even from a cigarette – may cause an explosion. Make sure to avoid matches and candles as well. Anything that could cause a spark or open flame should be avoided in the area where of a suspected gas leak.
Shut off the gas supply.
If it’s safe, you should shut off the gas supply to your house or building as it will prevent additional gas from leaking, reducing the risk of fire or explosion.
Call the emergency services.
Once you are at a safe distance from where the gas leak is happening, be sure to call the emergency services and report the gas leak. Then, wait for the professional assistance to arrive and sort out the situation. Do NOT re-enter your house under any circumstances.
Alert others
If there are other people in the vicinity, warn them about the gas leak and advise them to evacuate the area immediately. Alert neighbors or nearby occupants to the potential danger so they can take appropriate precautions.
Wrapping Up
Carbon monoxide alarms have been specifically made for that purpose: to alert the people who reside in a house about a CO buildup or leak. Unfortunately, most devices aren’t capable of detecting other gases, meaning that you’re pretty much left with your senses in the case of an emergency. The smell of gas is quite strong, meaning that you should be able to detect a leak pretty much immediately.
If you suspect that a gas leak might be happening, be sure to act quickly and ensure your safety and the safety of the people and animals that live with you. Evacuate the area, move to a safe location, and call both the fire department and the gas utility company to report the suspected leak and request assistance. Warn people in your vicinity about the issue so that they can take the necessary steps as well.
