Get FP-524C Combustible Gas Sensor (0-100% LEL)

IR LEL sensors are excellent for the detection of common combustible gases like methane and propane.

An LEL Monitor is an instrument used to detect hazardous levels of a combustible gas or solvent vapor in air, expressed in % LEL, or Lower Explosive Limit. An LEL Monitor is also referred to as an LEL Gas Detection System, LEL Gas Detector or simply a fixed gas detection system.

In its natural state, natural gas is odorless and colorless. To make gas leaks easier to detect, gas companies add chemicals called odorants to create a natural gas smell similar to sulphur or rotting eggs. The stronger this smell, the more likely it is that you have a gas leak.

What is LEL, you may ask? LEL stands for “Lower Explosive Limit” and is the lowest concentration of a particular gas that has the potential to be flammable or combustible. In other words, it's the minimum amount of gas that will catch fire or explode when an ignition source is present.

Temperature Range Operating: –67°F to +257°F (–55°C to +125°C). Performance: –40°F to +167°F (–40°C to +75°C). Humidity Range 0 to 99% RH, non-condensing. Recovery Time < 30 seconds after exposure to pure methane.

For example, methane or natural gas has a 5% by volume LEL and 17% by volume UEL. The upper limit is not important when considering the risk of explosion, but if the percent volume of methane present was 5% gas then the gas monitor would display 100% LEL.

Propane and Natural Gas Detectors If you need to locate the exact source of a gas leak, it's best to go with a portable gas detector like the Y201 Portable Propane and Natural Gas Leak Detector. With this device, you can trace gas leaks indoors or outdoors.

Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) A 100% LEL indicates an atmosphere with gas as its lower flammable limit. This relationship tends to differ from one gas to the next. As an example, methane (also known as natural gas) isn't flammable at concentrations below 5%. The mixture is said to be too lean to burn or ignite.