Fixed vs. Portable Gas Detectors: Which Is Right for Your Facility?

Gas detectors protect our environment. They are instruments that sniff through the air for dangerous gases. Types of Gas DetectorsGas detectors can be divided into 2 main types- fixed and portable detectors. All of them have pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand the differences to help you select the right one for your place.

Fixed Gas Detectors

Permanently installed gas sensors are located at one site and continuously monitor for gases. The good thing about fixed gas detectors is that they are watching the area all the time. That, in turn, means they can quickly locate any gas leaks, helping to prevent accidents and injuries.

But fixed gas detection units can be expensive to install and maintain. They require frequent inspection and maintenance to perform well. They also have a limited field of view, can only view one area and aren't very portable.

Portable Gas Detectors

The size of portable gas detectors are very small so it can be portable. That means they can detect gas leaks in quite a few spots. Portable gas detectors tend to be more flexible than fixed ones, as you can bring them anywhere you want.

One of the big pros about portable Gas sensor is that they can be used easily across a number of settings. They are typically less expensive than fixed gas detectors, which makes them a good option for locations with large numbers of locations to keep an eye on.

Selecting the best Gas Detector

In choosing a fixed vs. Portable gas detector, consider what your facility requires. If your location is particularly prone to gas leaks and requires continuous monitoring, it might make more sense to have a fixed gas detector instead. But if your circumstances change or if you need to survey lots of areas, a portable gas detector may be preferable.

And it’s also important to be aware of what types of gases you should be looking for. Some gas detectors only detect certain gases, so you’ll want to make sure you get one that’s compatible for the gases in your area.  

Reliability of Gas Detectors

Fixed gas detector- or portable-gas detectors are good at finding gas leaks. When stationary, detectors offer all-time coverage while portable ones provide the possibility for even more. “But with any kind you get, you have be sure to have it work well, be well calibrated, well maintained, or you’re going to be getting bad measurements.”

Safety First

Regardless if you select portable and fixed gas detectors, seriousness should not be taken for granted. The gas leaks can be hazardous for health and safety of all of us, so everyone should own good gas detection tools.