Gas leak alarm with 3/4" shut-off solenoid valve PNI Safe House 230, 85 dB siren, natural gas and LPG

Product detailed description

The PNI Safe House 230 combines a detector that warns of a gas leak with a valve that cuts off the supply at the same moment. The set includes a gas alarm and an electromagnetic valve with a 3/4-inch female thread. The alarm monitors natural gas (methane), LPG (propane-butane) and coal gas. Once the concentration rises above 20% of the lower explosive limit, it triggers a continuous siren of 85 dB or more and switches on a red LED.

Simultaneously it sends a brief 9–12 V electrical pulse to the valve, which shuts the gas line in under one second. Once the cause has been dealt with, the valve is reset by hand. The set comes ready to connect: plug the alarm into a 230 V socket and link the valve to it using the supplied 90 cm cable.

The manufacturer quotes a service life of up to 5 years for the semiconductor sensor, and the fire-retardant ABS casing wipes clean easily. Consumption does not exceed 3 W. Typical locations include kitchens, boiler rooms, garages and small business premises. Please note: the alarm does not respond to carbon monoxide (CO).

Installation and compatibility

The alarm is designed for indoor use only, at up to 95% humidity, and should not be fitted where there is a lot of steam. Natural gas is lighter than air, so mount the alarm roughly 30 cm below the ceiling and 1.5 m from the gas source; LPG is heavier and collects near the floor, so mount it 30 cm above floor level, again 1.5 m from the source. When powered up, the sensor needs about 2–3 minutes to warm up and cannot be gas-tested during that time; a beep signals that warm-up is complete.

The valve has a 3/4" female thread, a 100 kPa maximum pressure rating and a brass-alloy body. Fitting the valve to the gas pipework must be carried out by a person qualified and authorised to work on gas installations; the set is no substitute for regular inspection of the gas installation.

FAQ

How do I test the alarm?
The manufacturer advises holding down a lighter’s button and bringing it, unlit, close to the alarm’s inlet so the gas escapes slowly. The test only works once sensor warm-up has finished.

Will the set detect carbon monoxide?
No. The alarm is designed for flammable gases and will not pick up carbon monoxide.

How is the valve reopened?
Once the cause of the leak has been eliminated, it is opened manually.

Technical data