Inficon-718-202-G1 Combustible Gas Detector

I had a slow propane leak in my RV that kept setting off the RV propane alarm at inconvenient times. After repeated attempts, the RV dealer was unable to find the source of this leak. With this Infinicon Gas-Mate, I was able to correctly identify the source of the leak. The offending hose was replaced and the problem was solved. This was the perfect tool for the job. Also very easy to use. Saved me time and money, plus I can now camp safely. This quality instrument is coming on all my RV camping trips from now on. And it's even American made.

This is an excellent product everybody should save. When they have natural gas in their houses, this will help to save lives.

It is my opinion that if you have natural gas as a utility in your residence, you should have a gas detector.I have a Macurco detector that monitors 24/7 for leaks that exceed the lel, but I also wanted a detector that was more sensitive and that could be moved around. You see in my community over the past few years, we have had two (that I am aware of) terrible tragedies in the news, of homes exploding from gas leaks. In both cases natural gas with the utility additive (usually methyl mercaptan) was smelled by the occupants, the gas utility was summoned, the utility inspectors gave the all clear, and a few hours later there were explosions with injury and fatality. The detectors the utility issues to their inspectors are not as sensitive as this device. The 718-202-G1 can sense down to 5 ppm and allows multiple sensitivity settings all the way up to 25 ppm. So not only are you able to locate a leak, but you are able to quantify its level as well.Some people may be wondering why not just use some MegaBubble or dish detergent and water to spray onto the gas pipes in your residence. Well, that will not tell you the level of the leak, and bubblers are useless on items that should not be sprayed like thermostatic valves on water heaters or electronic gas valves on boilers. You also cannot spray a gas smell that is coming from a crack in the wall or a crawlspace. Sometimes you just need a sensitive detector.The usual gas pressure in pipes to your stove, boiler, or water heater is about 0.5 to 1.0 psi. But the service pressure before the regulator is 40 to 60 psi. If your regulator or main cutoff develops a leak, you can fill that floor of your residence with an explosive level of gas very rapidly at that pressure. Being able to isolate a leak to these high pressure devices lets you tell the utilty, " It is a high pressure leak and you need emergency response immediately!"This happened to a friend. His main cutoff had been cycled twice during a boiler and hot water heater replacement. Several weeks later the main cutoff began to leak into his basement. A knowledgeable friend who was visiting him recognized that it was a high pressure leak and called the utility and told them. The utility inspector arrived in 3 minutes. The utility determined that the packing on the high pressure cutoff had dried out from 75 years of service and when disturbed formed a widening gap. The utility effected a repair and all has been well since.With a detector you will find the source and with this detector you can determine relatively accurately the level of the leak. I would never want to be without one in a residence that had natural gas service.Only caution (other than the obvious ones with gas like don't turn on a light or use a non-intrinsicaly safe flashlight) is that the sensor is right at the tip so you don't want to plunge it into something like gooey pipe dope at pipe joints. It can be replaced, but it is expensive. Keep it clean, change your batteries regularly, and you've got a great tool.I have used mine to find a leaky gas valve (8 ppm) and had my plumber replace it and I use it to check my pipes and valves periodically.5 star and I would buy again.I also recommend to anyone reading this, if you have natural gas service, to get a Macurco detector to watch over you while you are sleeping and an intrinscally safe flashlight if you need light where a bad smell is coming from.Use your head and you will get to keep it. :-)

During our fall furnace inspection, The inspector discovered a leak at the natural gas fireplace insert. He declined to fix it, claiming that he was not a certified natural gas repair man. Instead, he turned off the main gas valve and wrapped it with out of service tape. He then told us to call a repair man. In an attempt to save money, I instead bought this gas leak detector from Amazon. After I installed the batteries, I was able to immediately find the small gas leak along side the outlet of the fireplace gas valve by using this device. That nut on the gas pipe was loose. One and a half turns later, I tested the system again to detect gas leaks, and I found none. I saved myself $125 for a repair call and a five second repair, not counting the time I saved from not having to wait for the repair man all day to show up at my home. The device comes with a very nice carrying case that is actually more rugged than the device housing itself. I give the unit one star less than five stars because the battery compartment is rather cheaply made. You will definitely have to store this device in the carrying case in order to avoid inadvertent damage.

American-Made Quality. In my testing, it worked well.I purchased this gas detector just for "peace of mind" purposes. I could find no leaks.I placed the sensor in our fireplace, (natural gas), and just cracked the gas valve open. Within a few seconds it was squealing like a banshee. I then closed the gas valve completely, and over about a one minute period of time the unit started scaling back on its reading. After about one minute, the alarm sound stopped.I then tested the unit with a butane lighter. I turned on the lighter, and then blew out the flame and placed it near the sensor. Again, it started squealing like a banshee.I find the unit to be solid and well made. I would try to protect the sensor head from physical damage. My only MINOR quibble is I found the battery cover a little hard to get off. Once you find the trick of depressing a little tab, this operation is easy.A fine American-made tool.

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