IMPORTANT
If you smell natural gas or suspect an emergency, leave the area now and call 9-1-1. Then call PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
24-hour Customer Service Line: 1-877-660-6789
What is a natural gas detector?
Natural gas detectors (NGDs) are electronic safety devices designed to identify the presence of natural gas in the surrounding air. Because methane is the primary component of natural gas, NGDs use sensors to detect methane levels and activate alarms to alert building occupants.
This technology has gained significant attention for its potential to help prevent accidents and save lives. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends installing natural gas alarms that meet National Fire Protection Association 715 (NFPA 715) specifications in businesses, residences, and other buildings where people gather and may be affected by a natural gas leak.
How natural gas detectors work
Natural gas detectors operate similarly to smoke or carbon monoxide detectors by continuously monitoring the air for methane and issuing audible alerts to warn building occupants of a potential natural gas leak. Equipped with advanced sensors, these devices continually assess the surrounding environment.
When methane concentrations exceed safe limits, the devices activate an alarm. Detectors are designed to alert occupants and prompt evacuation well before conditions become dangerous, approximately when gas concentrations reach 10% of the level at which a hazardous situation could occur. Because conditions can deteriorate rapidly after an alarm is activated, occupants should immediately notify others, evacuate the premises, and contact emergency services.
Power sources
Natural gas detectors typically use one of four power source types:
- Plug-in: Connects to an electrical outlet but may be affected by power outages or accidental disconnection.
- Hardwired: Professionally installed with battery backup and may support integration with other alarms or Advanced Metering Infrastructure.
- Replaceable batteries: Offers flexible placement but requires periodic battery replacement.
- Lifetime batteries: Designed to last for the full lifespan of the device without battery replacement.
Natural gas detector installation tips
For best protection, place natural gas detectors in key areas of your home. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the device.
- Install indoors near gas appliances, such as a furnace, stove, oven, water heater, garage appliance, or laundry room appliance.
- Place the detector 3 to 10 feet from gas appliances.
- Mount it within 12 inches of the ceiling because natural gas rises.
- Keep it away from windows, vents, and forced-air returns.
Do not place it near surfaces that are cleaned often. Cleaning products may affect the detector.
What to do if your natural gas detector sounds an alarm
Do not use anything that could be a source of ignition until you are a safe distance away. Vehicles, cell phones, matches, electric switches, doorbells, and garage door openers might create a spark.
- Alert others, evacuate, and move to an upwind location.
- Do not attempt to cut off the flow of gas. Don't squeeze or try to tie off the gas line and stay away from gas line valves.
- Call 9-1-1 to notify first responders.
- Contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
- Do not go back inside until PG&E says it is safe.
Where to buy natural gas detectors?
Natural gas detectors are available at local hardware stores, home improvement centers, and online retailers, making them an accessible and affordable safety investment.
When selecting a device, look for the UL 1484 listing, which indicates the product has been tested to the safety standard for residential natural gas detectors.
Install natural gas detectors according to the manufacturer’s instructions printed on the device packaging or included with the detector.
Natural gas detector alarms should always be treated as a potential gas leak. If your alarm sounds, leave the area immediately, do not do anything that could create a spark or flame, call 9-1-1, and contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 once you are safely outside. Do not re-enter the home or building until emergency responders or PG&E say it is safe.
After the area has been determined safe, review the manufacturer’s instructions for information about testing, maintenance, placement, or replacement of the detector.
Replace the natural gas detector when the End-of-Service-Life, or EOL, alert activates. For detectors provided by PG&E through its pilot programs, the Trouble indicator light will blink twice every 10 seconds, and the audible alert will beep twice and say “please replace detector” once every minute. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the detector for replacement guidance.
Yes. The natural gas detector is designed to be low-maintenance. Gently dust or wipe the outside of the unit once a month. Do not use water, cleaning products, or sprays on the detector.
If the detector gives a low-battery signal, contact the device manufacturer for instructions. A single intermittent chirp may mean the battery is low. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the detector for maintenance and replacement guidance.
Yes. The natural gas detector has an internal battery and is designed to continue operating during a power outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions included with the detector for battery, maintenance, and replacement guidance.
No. The natural gas detector only detects natural gas in the area where it is installed. It does not detect smoke, fire, heat, carbon monoxide (CO), or other gases. Continue to use approved smoke and carbon monoxide alarms as required for your home.
No. A natural gas detector only monitors the area where it is installed. Natural gas leaks may occur in other areas or on other floors of your home and may not reach the detector. Doors, walls, distance, and airflow can also affect whether natural gas reaches the detector. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for placement and consider additional detectors in areas where natural gas appliances are used.
Not necessarily. The alarm may not be heard in all rooms or on all floors of your home. Distance, closed doors, walls, background noise, and the detector's location can affect whether the alarm is heard. The detector is intended to alert people near the area where it is installed and may not be heard by people who are sleeping, far away, or hearing impaired.
No. PG&E is not automatically notified when a natural gas detector alarm sounds or if there is an issue with the device. You are responsible for monitoring the alarm, evacuating the area if it sounds, and calling 911, then PG&E at 1-800-743-5000.
No. PG&E will not maintain or replace your natural gas detector. The customer is responsible for maintaining and replacing the detector as needed. For questions about maintenance, troubleshooting, warranty coverage, or replacement instructions, customers should work directly with the device manufacturer and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
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