AVANSA 100M vs AVANSA 150MC vs AVANSA 200M: comparison and recommended use
Why compare exactly these three models
The AVANSA detector range is among the most commonly installed solutions for gas leak detection in Slovak households, boiler rooms, restaurants, workshops, and industrial facilities. When a customer asks, "Which detector should I buy," they almost always choose between three levels of this range – the basic model AVANSA 100M, the extended model AVANSA 150MC, and the industrially oriented model AVANSA 200M. At first glance, these are similar boxes with similar functions (they detect escaping gas and trigger an alarm, possibly also closing the gas supply), but in reality, they differ in the range of functions, the number of connectable sensors, the method of signaling, and the type of operation for which they were designed. This article is primarily intended for technicians, inspection technicians, installation companies, and operators who need to quickly and accurately assess which model truly belongs in a specific installation.
When selecting a gas detector, it is always true that the brand or model series alone is just one of the criteria. Equally important is whether the space is heated with natural gas or propane-butane, the height of the room, how many technological zones need to be monitored, and whether the detector should only signal an alarm or also automatically close the gas supply via a solenoid valve. These related topics are also covered in separate articles – for example, How to choose a gas leak detector for a household and business, Gas detector for natural gas vs propane-butane, or Placement and installation height of a gas detector according to gas type. This text focuses specifically on the differences between the three mentioned models and on when it is appropriate to choose each of them.
Basic philosophy of the AVANSA range
All three models operate on the same principle – they contain a sensor sensitive to the presence of flammable gas (most often a semiconductor sensor reacting to a change in conductivity upon contact with gas molecules), evaluation electronics, and an output circuit that triggers acoustic and optical signaling when the set concentration is exceeded, possibly also a dry relay contact for connecting to a signaling system, sirens, or directly to a solenoid valve to close the gas supply. The difference between the individual models is therefore not in the detection principle itself, but in the range of options, the number of inputs/outputs, the method of operation, and the size and type of operation for which they are intended.
Simplified, the range can be described as follows: AVANSA 100M is a single-channel, simple detector primarily intended for households, small businesses, and apartment boiler rooms. AVANSA 150MC is an extended version with added functions – it usually allows the connection of multiple sensor heads or additional communication/control functions, making it suitable for somewhat more complex installations with multiple measurement points. AVANSA 200M represents the highest level of the range – it is designed for industrial and larger commercial operations, where it is necessary to report a leak in multiple technological zones simultaneously, or to integrate detection into a higher-level control or BMS system.
AVANSA 100M – basic detector for household and small business use
Gas detector AVANSA 100M is the most sold and at the same time the most universal model in the entire range. It is a compact wall-mounted detector with one sensor that continuously monitors the air in the room and triggers an acoustic and visual alarm when the gas concentration threshold is reached (typically set to a certain percentage of the lower explosive limit, LEL). The device is intended for direct mounting on a wall or ceiling, depending on the type of gas being detected – natural gas is lighter than air and rises, so the detector is mounted on the ceiling, while propane-butane is heavier than air and sinks to the floor, where the detector is mounted at a low height.
Who is 100M intended for
In practice, AVANSA 100M is most often installed in family homes with gas boilers, apartments with gas stoves, small boiler rooms, garages with LPG heating, or small restaurants with one gas appliance. It is the choice for situations where it is sufficient to monitor one room or one risk source and there is no need to handle multiple zones at once. The advantage is simple installation, low purchase price, and intuitive operation – it is essentially a "mount and connect" device, without the need to set complex parameters.
Important is also the possibility of combining it with a solenoid valve. The detector itself can trigger an alarm, but if the operator wants to ensure automatic gas supply shutdown in case of a leak (which is even required by inspection technicians or insurance contracts in many operations), it is necessary to supplement it with a solenoid valve. That is why this model is also sold in complete kits that simplify selection and installation:
- Gas detector AVANSA 100M + solenoid valve G1/2" DN15 – suitable for smaller pipe dimensions, typically family homes and apartments
- Gas detector AVANSA 100M + solenoid valve G3/4", DN 20 – medium dimensions, apartment buildings, larger boiler rooms
- Gas detector AVANSA 100M + solenoid valve G1" DN25 – larger flows, commercial and industrial boiler rooms
The choice of valve size always depends on the diameter of the existing gas pipe and the planned gas flow, not on the whim of the installer – this topic is discussed in detail in the article How to choose the correct solenoid valve for the detector.
AVANSA 150MC – extended version with greater flexibility
Detector AVANSA 150MC continues the basic concept of the 100M, but brings several functional extensions that you will appreciate especially where a single simple detection point is not enough. The designation "MC" in practice corresponds to extended control and communication options – this model usually allows for more precise setting of threshold values, additional status signaling (for example, distinguishing between a sensor fault and a real leak), and in many installations is used where it is necessary to connect detection with other technological elements – for example, with forced ventilation, with a central protection panel, or with multiple output relays for different scenarios (shutting down the boiler, starting the fan, activating the siren).
Typical deployment scenarios for 150MC
From practice, we know that model 150MC is most often ordered for operations where the investor or designer requires more than just "it beeps and that's it." For example:
- larger apartment boiler rooms, where it is necessary to close the valve and start emergency ventilation simultaneously during an alarm,
- restaurant and kitchen operations with multiple gas appliances in one room, where a more sophisticated evaluation logic is appropriate,
- smaller industrial workshops, warehouses with gas heaters, where in addition to the alarm, it is also required to connect to an existing EPS or other signaling system,
- buildings where an inspection technician or fire department technician requires documentation of separate signaling of a sensor fault from signaling of a gas leak during commissioning.
Simplified, if during an inspection you find out that the customer needs "something extra" compared to basic alarm reporting, i.e., a combination of multiple actions or connection to additional technology, the 150MC is a logical step up from the 100M, without the need to immediately reach for a fully industrial solution.
AVANSA 200M – solution for industrial and larger operations
AVANSA 200M represents the top of this range and is designed for more demanding applications – larger industrial boiler rooms, production halls with multiple technological units, large-capacity kitchens, or buildings where it is necessary to monitor gas leaks in multiple separate zones simultaneously and evaluate them centrally. Compared to lower models, it is designed for higher resistance to false alarms in variable environments (temperature fluctuations, humidity, presence of other volatile substances in the air), the possibility of connecting a larger number of external sensor heads, and more sophisticated outputs for controlling multiple actuators at once (multiple valves, multiple sirens, connection to a dispatch center).
In practice, we recommend this model when dealing with an object consisting of multiple separate rooms that need to be monitored individually, but at the same time the operator wants a single central point for evaluation and control – typically an industrial site with multiple boiler rooms or workshops, a larger food processing facility with multiple cooking areas, or a technological building where gas is used not only for heating, but also as part of the production process. Since this is a solution for more complex tasks, the specific configuration (number of sensors, type of outputs, connection to existing technology) should always be discussed directly during the project design – current availability and exact technical specifications can be found in the detectors category, where we can also help you choose a specific variant tailored to the particular facility.
Comparison of three models in a clear table
| Criterion | AVANSA 100M | AVANSA 150MC | AVANSA 200M |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | Households, small facilities | Medium facilities, apartment boiler rooms | Industrial and larger commercial buildings |
| Number of monitored zones/sensors | 1 | 1 with extended outputs, possibility of additional logic | Multiple zones/sensors simultaneously |
| Typical signaling | Acoustic + optical, relay output | Acoustic + optical, multiple output relays, fault differentiation | Comprehensive signaling, connection to dispatching/BMS |
| Combination with solenoid valve | Yes, ready-made assemblies available | Yes | Yes, usually multiple valves |
| Installation complexity | Low | Moderate | Higher, requires design planning |
| Typical installation location | Single-family house, apartment, small boiler room | Apartment boiler room, restaurant, workshop | Industrial hall, large kitchen, multi-zone site |
Visual comparison – scope of application for individual models
The following diagram illustrates the approximate relationship between the complexity/size of the facility and the recommended model. It is not intended as an exact measure, but as a quick decision-making aid during an inspection.
Detector placement according to gas type – why it is crucial for all three models
Regardless of which model you choose, the installation height of the detector is crucial for its functionality. Natural gas (mainly methane) is lighter than air, so it accumulates near the ceiling and the detector is typically mounted 15–30 cm below the ceiling. Propane-butane, on the other hand, is heavier than air, it sinks to the floor and the detector is mounted low above the floor, usually at a height of 20–30 cm. This principle applies equally to AVANSA 100M, 150MC and 200M – the difference between the models is not in this principle, but in how many such detection points need to be addressed simultaneously in the building and how these points are interconnected.
Wiring diagram of the detector with a solenoid valve
In all AVANSA models, the most common implementation of the safety function is that the detector switches an internal relay when the threshold gas concentration is exceeded, which interrupts the power supply to the solenoid valve, causing the valve (type NC – normally open, closing upon loss of voltage, or NO according to the type of application) to close and cut off the gas supply to the appliance or the entire building. At the same time, acoustic and optical signaling is triggered. This logic applies equally to a standalone detector with an external valve, as well as to ready-made AVANSA 100M assemblies with a valve.
How to proceed with selection – decision-making process
In practice, we have found a simple procedure that we use during inspections and that we can also recommend to installation companies and designers. First, it is necessary to determine the type of gas (natural gas vs propane-butane), as this affects the choice of sensor and the installation position. Next, it is necessary to find out the number and location of risk sources – that is, how many gas appliances or areas need to be monitored and whether they are spatially separated. Finally, it is necessary to decide whether alarm signaling alone is sufficient, or whether automatic closure of the gas supply is also required, or connection to other building systems.
Practical examples from real customer orders
The following cases are based on common practice in the design and installation of gas detectors and illustrate how to decide between individual models.
Detached house with a gas boiler in the basement
A typical scenario – one gas boiler, one room, natural gas. In such a case, the standard choice is AVANSA 100M, mounted on the ceiling of the boiler room. If the customer or inspection technician requires automatic gas shut-off in case of an alarm, we recommend choosing a ready-made assembly with a valve, for example AVANSA 100M + solenoid valve G1/2" DN15, since the pipe dimension in family homes most often corresponds to this size.
Apartment boiler room with two boilers and forced ventilation
In larger apartment boiler rooms, where it is necessary to control forced ventilation or connect to another signaling circuit in addition to gas detection, AVANSA 150MC is more commonly used in practice. The reason is the extended output logic, which allows multiple actions to be performed in one alarm situation without the need to purchase separate auxiliary relays.
Restaurant kitchen with multiple gas appliances
If there are multiple gas appliances (stove, fryer, grill) in one room of the kitchen, one detector per room is usually sufficient. However, due to higher operational load and requirements from the hygiene officer or inspection technician, a model with extended signaling options is often chosen, again AVANSA 150MC, or even AVANSA 200M in larger operations with separate cooking areas.
Industrial hall with multiple technological units
In production halls where gas is used simultaneously in multiple locations (e.g., dryers, ovens, technological burners), it is common for the inspection technician or fire safety officer to require centralized evaluation of the status from all points at once, with the possibility of connecting to a control room or EPS. Here, AVANSA 200M is the right choice, as it is specifically designed for this type of task. The exact configuration should be addressed individually according to the number of zones and required outputs.
Garage with LPG heating
A less common, but not exceptional case – heating with propane-butane in a closed garage space. In this case, the correct placement of the detector is crucial, low on the wall above the floor (LPG is heavier than air), and the basic model AVANSA 100M is usually sufficient, or in combination with a valve if automatic shut-off of the cylinder supply is required.
Installation and wiring – what not to forget
Regardless of the selected model, there are several principles that repeatedly prove to be critical for the correct operation of the detector in practice. The detector should not be placed too close to doors, windows, or ventilation openings, as air flow can dilute the gas concentration before it reaches the sensor. Similarly, the detector should not be mounted directly above or below an appliance that produces heat or steam, as this can cause false alarms or reduce sensor sensitivity. Power supply should be handled according to the manufacturer's documentation – most models are connected to the mains voltage of 230 V, while the output relay for controlling the valve or siren is typically voltage-free and dimensioned for a specific load current, which should be verified before connecting a larger appliance (e.g., a more powerful siren). A detailed installation and wiring procedure is covered in the article "Installation and wiring of gas detectors with solenoid valves."
Maintenance, calibration, and false alarms
Sensors sensitive to gas have a limited lifespan, which in normal operation is measured in years, but the exact value is always provided by the manufacturer in the documentation for a specific model. As the sensor ages, its sensitivity may decrease, which is why regular functionality checks (e.g., with a test gas) and replacement of the sensor head at intervals recommended by the manufacturer are recommended in industrial operations and larger boiler rooms. False alarms are most often caused by incorrect placement of the detector, proximity to sources of steam or cleaning agents with volatile components, or voltage fluctuations. This topic is discussed in more detail in the articles "Common faults and false alarms of gas detectors" and "Maintenance, calibration, and sensor lifetime of gas detectors."
Stand-alone detector vs detector with solenoid valve
For all three models, it is important to note that the detector itself only handles signaling – that is, it alerts the operator or the surrounding area that there is an increased gas concentration in the space. If no one is present during an alarm (typically at night, or in an unmanned boiler room), signaling alone may not be sufficient to prevent the risk. Therefore, in an increasing number of installations, especially where required by the project or inspection technician, the detector is combined with a solenoid valve that automatically cuts off the gas supply regardless of the operator's presence. The difference between choosing a standalone detector and a combined assembly is discussed in detail in the article "Gas detector with solenoid valve vs standalone detector: which to choose."
Summary of recommendations by type of operation
- Family home, apartment, small boiler room with one gas source – AVANSA 100M, optionally in combination with a solenoid valve of the appropriate size.
- Apartment boiler room, restaurant, workshop with extended control logic required – AVANSA 150MC.
- Industrial hall, multi-zone site, large-scale operation – AVANSA 200M, ideally with an individual configuration design.
This division is general and in borderline cases (e.g., a medium-sized operation with two to three boiler rooms), it is always better to consult the specific task directly with a technician, as the model choice also affects the subsequent installation cost, the number of required valves, and the setting of the inspection documentation.
Frequently asked questions
Can the AVANSA 100M be extended with a solenoid valve after purchase, if I already bought it separately?
Yes, the detector and the valve are functionally separate components connected via a relay output, so the valve can be added even later. It is only necessary to verify whether the relay output of the detector can handle the switching current of the selected valve, and to choose the correct size according to the pipe diameter.
Is the AVANSA 150MC suitable for a standard family house, or is it an unnecessarily "overdimensioned" solution?
For a classic family house with a single boiler, the AVANSA 100M is usually sufficient, since the 150MC brings additional features (extended outputs, additional logic) that are rarely used in a simple home installation. The 150MC makes sense where it is necessary to handle multiple actions simultaneously or connect to other technologies.
Can the three AVANSA models be combined in one building, for example 100M in the caretaker's apartment and 200M in the technical hall?
Yes, the individual models can be combined within one building according to the needs of a specific area – it is not necessary to use the same model throughout the entire building; it is only important to correctly assign the model to the scope and complexity of the given zone.
How often should the detector sensor be checked or replaced?
The exact interval is specified by the manufacturer in the documentation for the specific model and usually ranges in the order of years of operation. In industrial and commercial operations, regular functional testing is recommended, while in households, it is sufficient to monitor the fault indication displayed by the detector separately from the gas leak alarm.
Does the type of gas (natural gas vs. propane-butane) affect the choice between 100M, 150MC and 200M?
The type of gas does not directly determine which of the three models to choose – this depends on the scope and complexity of the operation – but it significantly affects the installation position of the detector and the sensor setting. Therefore, it is always necessary to specify whether it is natural gas or propane-butane when ordering, regardless of the selected model.
What to do if the detector frequently triggers false alarms?
The most common cause is an unsuitable location (near a steam source, draft or chemical vapours) or sensor aging. We recommend checking the installation location according to the manufacturer's recommendations and, in case of repeated problems, consider replacing the sensor head, as described in the article on common detector faults.
Conclusion
The choice between AVANSA 100M, AVANSA 150MC and AVANSA 200M in practice is not determined by "which is the best", but by the scope and complexity of the specific operation. For a standard household or a small boiler room with a single risk source, the AVANSA 100M is a reliable and cost-effective option that can be supplemented with a solenoid valve of the appropriate size if needed. Where extended control logic or connection to other systems is required, the AVANSA 150MC is more suitable. The AVANSA 200M is intended for industrial and larger multi-zone operations, where it is advisable to consult the configuration with a technician in advance. In case of any uncertainty, we recommend also reviewing the related topics in the Knowledge Centre – especially selection according to gas type, correct detector placement and selection of a suitable solenoid valve – or browsing the full range directly in the detectors category.
Do you have a question on this topic?
Having trouble deciding or dealing with a specific situation in your home? Write to us – we are happy to help.