What does a gas detector measure?

A gas detector is designed specifically to measure the concentration of combustible gases in the air. This capability is crucial for safety, as it helps identify potentially hazardous levels of gases such as natural gas or propane that could lead to explosions or poisoning. Gas detectors typically employ various sensors to detect specific gases and provide readings that help ensure the environment is safe for workers and occupants.

When it comes to other options, measuring the pressure of gas in the lines is usually done by pressure gauges, which assess the static or dynamic pressure within a piping system rather than detecting gas presence in the air. The flow rate of gas in an appliance is determined with flowmeters, which measure how much gas is passing through a system over a given time and do not necessarily indicate gas concentrations. Lastly, the temperature of exhaust gases is monitored with thermocouples or thermometers, which measure thermal conditions rather than detecting gas concentration levels. Each of these devices serves different functions and is essential for specific applications, but the primary role of a gas detector is to assess the risk of combustible gas accumulation in the environment.