In everyday conversation, people often confuse carbon monoxide with combustible gas. However, they are two completely different gases with distinct sources, modes of danger, and detection principles. Confusing the two could lead you to take the wrong course of action during a critical moment.
What is carbon monoxide?
Carbon monoxide is a byproduct of incomplete fuel combustion. Malfunctioning furnaces, dryers, or gas- and wood-burning fireplaces can release it into your home. It is colorless, odorless, and flammable, posing two main dangers:
First, it can cause fires. Carbon monoxide is combustible; if it leaks indoors, it can become a source of ignition.
Second, it causes asphyxiation. Once it enters the lungs, it binds tightly to the sites in the blood meant for oxygen absorption, often without the victim realizing they are oxygen-deprived. This is precisely what makes it so dangerous—a carbon monoxide leak can indeed be fatal while you sleep.
Even if you are awake and alert, you might not detect its presence. Victims may experience dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss. Many people's first reaction is to "take a nap," but that nap could prove fatal.
What is natural gas?
The primary difference between natural gas and carbon monoxide is that natural gas is a fuel source rather than a combustion byproduct. It can enter the home due to a malfunctioning gas stove or a leak in the natural gas pipeline. It is more flammable than carbon monoxide, so the main risks are fire and explosion rather than poisoning.
Of course, natural gas can also cause asphyxiation, but the risk is relatively lower. Although natural gas is odorless in its pure state, regulations require the addition of a foul-smelling odorant—often described as smelling like rotten eggs. Consequently, people can usually detect an anomaly immediately: they smell the odor and may even hear a whistling or low hissing sound caused by the leak. These sensory cues typically prompt homeowners to take action much faster than they would in the event of a carbon monoxide leak.
What are the key differences?
Carbon monoxide is colorless and odorless, making it undetectable by smell or sound; in contrast, while fuel gas (such as natural gas) is odorless in its pure state, additives give it a distinct "rotten egg" smell that humans can detect. This fundamental difference dictates that the detection methods for the two must be completely different.
Why can't a single detector be used for both?
Combustible gas sensors and electrochemical sensors operate in entirely different ways:
🎯Combustible gas sensors measure the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL) of hydrocarbons, aiming to trigger an alarm before gas concentrations reach flammable or explosive levels.
🎯Carbon monoxide sensors measure the concentration of a specific toxic gas in parts per million (PPM), focusing on the potential harm to human blood cells.
Due to differences in chemical composition, the nature of the hazard, and detection thresholds, a standard combustible gas detector will simply ignore carbon monoxide. Conversely, a carbon monoxide alarm cannot detect combustible gases. Therefore, the safest approach is to install two separate alarms.
Is there a more convenient solution?
You could choose LSENLTY’s new plug-in carbon monoxide and combustible gas detector. A single unit monitors both hazardous gases simultaneously while also displaying ambient temperature and humidity. It is an excellent compromise for households looking to simplify installation without compromising safety.