Signs Your Gas Detector Needs Servicing

Gas detectors are critical safety tools in environments where hazardous gases may be present—such as industrial sites, confined spaces, laboratories, and utilities. These devices are the first line of defence against invisible and often deadly threats like carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, methane, and other toxic or combustible gases. But like any piece of equipment, gas detectors degrade over time and can give inaccurate readings or fail altogether if not maintained properly.

Knowing the signs that your gas detector needs servicing could make the difference between life and death. Below, we explore the most common signs and symptoms that your gas detector is overdue for a check-up—and what you should do about it.

1. Slow Response Time

One of the most common indicators that your gas detector needs servicing is a slow response to gas exposure. A properly functioning detector should respond within seconds when exposed to a known concentration of gas during bump testing or calibration. If there's a noticeable delay, it could mean that the sensors are deteriorating, blocked, or contaminated. Slow response times may compromise safety by delaying alarm activation during a hazardous release.

Solution: Perform a bump test regularly and compare the detector’s response time to manufacturer specifications. If response time is slower than expected, servicing or sensor replacement is necessary.

2. Frequent False Alarms

If your detector is triggering alarms when there’s no detectable hazard present, it may be malfunctioning. False alarms can desensitise personnel and lead to alarm fatigue, where people begin to ignore or silence alarms without investigating. Over time, this behaviour introduces severe safety risks.

Common Causes: Sensor drift, electronic interference, or software glitches.

Solution: Inspect the environment for potential interference sources. If none are found, a professional inspection or recalibration may be required.

3. Sensor Error Codes or Fault Messages

Modern gas detectors often include self-diagnostic features. These will alert the user via an error code, warning light, or fault message if the sensor isn’t functioning correctly or if there’s an internal failure. Ignoring these messages is a recipe for disaster.

Examples include:

• “Sensor Error”

• “Cal Fault”

• “Low Signal”

• “Pump Fail”

Solution: Consult the user manual to interpret error codes. Many of these faults will require immediate servicing or sensor replacement.

4. Failed Bump Test or Calibration

A bump test checks that the detector’s sensor and alarms are working by exposing it to a known concentration of gas. A calibration adjusts the sensor’s response to ensure accuracy. If your gas detector fails either test, it's not fit for use.

Reasons for failure include:

• Sensor aging

• Contaminated filters

• Blocked inlets

• Damaged circuitry

Solution: Never ignore a failed test. Take the unit out of service, log the failure, and have it checked or recalibrated by qualified personnel or the manufacturer.

5. Physical Damage

Any visible damage—cracked casings, worn-out buttons, broken screens, or corroded battery contacts—should raise red flags. Even if the detector still powers on, physical damage can compromise sensor integrity, cause electrical faults, or lead to moisture ingress.

Solution: Immediately tag and remove any damaged detectors from service. Do not use a physically compromised detector in a hazardous environment.

6. Battery and Power Issues

A failing or swollen battery, short operating time between charges, or sudden shutdowns are all signs the power system is deteriorating. Insufficient power can impair the detector’s ability to operate or trigger alarms reliably.

Solution: Replace batteries regularly and according to the manufacturer's guidelines. If issues persist, the internal electronics may need inspection or servicing.

7. Obsolete or Expired Sensors

All sensors have a lifespan, usually between 2 to 5 years depending on the gas type and detector use. After this period, sensors can become unreliable—even if they appear to function normally.

How to Check: Most detectors have an expiration or manufacture date on the device or sensor. Always track usage hours and environmental conditions, as harsh conditions shorten sensor life.

Solution: Replace sensors before their expiry date or as soon as performance degradation is observed.

8. Inconsistent Readings

Inconsistent or unstable gas readings—especially in a controlled environment—indicate sensor issues. For example, if the detector is reading fluctuating levels of gas where none is present, or if it fails to detect known hazards in one test and then does in another, there's a reliability problem.

Solution: Cross-check readings with another calibrated device or test source. If the inconsistency remains, service is required.

9. Environmental Exposure

Exposure to high temperatures, humidity, water, chemicals, or dust can damage internal components or degrade filters and membranes, even if the damage isn’t visible. Detectors exposed to such conditions more frequently require accelerated servicing.

Solution: After any event involving harsh exposure, perform a bump test and visual inspection. Schedule preventive servicing if in doubt.

10. Audible or Visual Alarm Malfunctions

If the device's alarm sounds are weak, distorted, or not functioning at all—or if LED indicators are dim or inactive—it may fail to alert users during a real emergency.

Solution: Test the alarm system regularly (usually part of the bump test routine). If alarms are unresponsive or erratic, get the device inspected and repaired.

Preventive Measures: Don’t Wait for Failure

Waiting for a gas detector to show signs of failure before acting can be fatal. Instead, implement a structured maintenance and servicing program that includes:

• Daily visual inspections

• Routine bump tests

• Scheduled calibrations

• Sensor replacements before expiry

• Battery maintenance

• Professional servicing as per manufacturer recommendations

Conclusion

A gas detector is only as reliable as its maintenance schedule. Even the most advanced units are susceptible to wear, environmental damage, and sensor degradation. Learning to recognise the warning signs—such as slow response times, error codes, inconsistent readings, or failed bump tests—can help prevent serious safety incidents.

Proactive servicing not only extends the lifespan of your gas detector but also ensures it functions when you need it most. Think of it like a parachute: you don’t want to discover it doesn’t work when you're already in freefall.

When in doubt, consult the manufacturer or your gas detector service provider. A timely service call today could prevent a catastrophic event tomorrow.