• Propane is an explosive gas. It can also cause asphyxiation at high concentrations. There are two types of propane leak detector: those that constantly monitor the area for a leak in order to make people aware of the danger and those that search for a leak before it becomes a problem. An odorant is also added to propane gas, which is itself odorless. People can smell this odorant and therefore detect a propane leak. The odor is like that of a rotten egg as the odorant is sulfur based.
  
  

Homemade Detector Solution

• It is not very difficult to check propane containers and pipes for a suspected leak from the connections. Take a spray bottle or a similar container and fill it with a solution of soap (such as dishwasher soap) and water. Spray this liquid onto the seal or connection that is suspected of leaking. Make sure a strong stream of liquid is sprayed onto it so that the whole connection is covered. This solution can be wiped on with a sponge or rag if a bottle is not available. Soapy water produces bubbles when gas or air is blown into it. If the connection is leaking, bubbles will form around it.
  
  

Electronic Leak Detectors

• Specialized electronic propane gas detectors are available. These contain sensors that are specifically designed to identify propane. If they detect propane gas in the air around the monitor, they will set off an alarm to alert anyone in the vicinity of the leak. The concentration of propane does not have to reach a certain level in order for the alarm to be sounded. The detector reacts to the presence of propane, not the amount of propane that is present. An electronic propane detector should be specific. It should not react to the presence of anything other than propane. The amount of gas that is needed to set off an alarm can vary. Some detectors are more sensitive than others. Their sensitivity is measured in terms of the LEL or lower explosive limit. This is that smallest amount of gas that can cause an explosion. They are used by professionals investigating possible leaks.
  
  

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

• Incomplete combustion of propane can produce carbon monoxide, a toxic gas. Carbon monoxide detectors are similar to electronic propane detectors, but they react to carbon monoxide instead of propane. Carbon monoxide detectors are available with both sound and light alarms as well as ones with just sound alarms. Handheld detectors are also available.