Guide to Gas Sensor Selection

and Placement
Guide to Gas Sensor Selection and Placement

Typical Gas Detection Locations in a Facility

Number Type of Monitoring

1, 4 lighter than air gases (e.g., hydrogen, methane)
2 toxic gases, combustible gases
3 confined spaces (oxygen deficiency, toxic gases)
5 room corners, pockets, other collection points
6 oxygen deficiency, toxic gases
7 process leaks
8 combustion processes (CO2, toxic gases, fuel leaks)
9 electric motor monitoring (source of ignition)
10 toxic gases, combustible gases, heavy hydrocarbons
11 toxic gases, combustible gases

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MSA Guide to Gas Sensor Selection and Placement
STEP 1: To determine sensor placement, perform a potential gas hazard assessment within your facility.
STEP 2: Create drawings indicating all potential leak sites, as well as the severity of each site’s hazard potential.
Please note these two main hazardous location categories:
A. Potential gas discharge points. These areas are locations where hazardous gases may be released, such as valve stem seals,
gaskets, compression fittings and expansion joints.
B. Potential contact areas. These areas are locations where hazardous gases may endanger workers or damage equipment or
property. Examples include populated areas, confined spaces, pits, stairwells, crawl spaces, shelters, and residential, business,
and industrial environments located nearby.
STEP 3: As gases do not always behave consistently, consider air flow conditions as well as potential gas pocket areas before placing
sensors. MSA Ventilation Smoke Tubes (P/N 458481) can be useful in measuring air flow direction and rate in order to determine areas
of gas accumulation. In general, when placing sensors, the following principles should be considered:

DO
• Place sensors in areas where air currents are likely to produce the highest gas concentration, including areas where gas buildup is likely,
such as corners or stopping points of gas-releasing moving devices.
• Place sensors close to the possible gas/leak source.
• Place combustible gas sensors between the potential leak and ignition source.
• Place toxic and oxygen deficiency sensors between potential leak areas and populated areas, and in the workers’ breathing zone.
• Consider ease of sensor access for maintenance requirements such as periodic calibration. Use remote sensors for high
or inaccessible locations.
• Install in a position that prevents sensor head water or dust accumulation, as it may impede gas diffusion into the sensor.
Preferred position is facing downward; horizontal placement is also acceptable.
• Ensure that the entire area in question is sufficiently monitored, including little-used areas such as closets, warehouses
and other storage areas.
• Factor in the monitored gas’s vapor density when compared to air:

Gases Gas Density Sensor Placement

carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, greater than air closer to the ground
heavy hydrocarbons

hydrogen, methane less than air near the ceiling

carbon monoxide, nitrogen similar to air according to air current path, at or near breathing level (usually 4 to 6 ft. from floor)

DON’T
• Don’t place sensors near entrances or fresh air vents during representative room sampling, as sample concentrations will be diluted
by incoming air.
• Don’t place sensors in locations where airborne particles may coat or contaminate sensors, such as paint booths.
• To reduce possible RFI interference, don’t mount sensors near radio transmitters or other RFI-producing sources
(e.g., welding and induction heaters).

3
Combustible Gas Sensors
• Hydrogen and methane are lighter than air; place sensors near ceiling and in
General rule for sensor placement:
ceiling corners where pockets of air may collect. Point-type sensors should be considered for every
• For electric motor monitoring, place sensors near the ignition source. 50’ radius, unless other conditions such as those
mentioned above indicate the need for additional
• Note: When monitoring multiple combustible gases, set the instrument
sensors.
alarm level for the least sensitive gas.
Note: This bulletin is provided for informational
Toxic & Oxygen Gas Sensors purposes only and is intended to serve as a general
guide to important sensor placement
• Place carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide sensors for indoor air quality
considerations. This bulletin is not intended to serve
monitoring at air conditioning ducts.
as an exhaustive review of all considerations. Due
• Monitor for oxygen and toxic gases in the workers’ breathing zone (4-6’) of to the large number of variables present, each site
occupied areas (e.g., confined spaces). should be assessed individually by a trained
professional. The services of a Certified Industrial
Toxic & Combustible Sensors Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional
• Place sensors near process monitoring applications potential release sources (CSP) should be considered if an on-site survey is
(example: pipelines, valves). required.
• Gas cylinder storage areas: if these are ventilated, place sensor near return air
vent.
• Acid/solvent drum storage areas: these gases are heavier than air (e.g., heavy Questions about sensor
hydrocarbons); place sensors close to the ground and in corners where air may
collect in pockets. placement?
• Place sensors near air intake for both combustible and toxic gas monitoring. MSA’s gas and flame mapping service combines
• Some gases may collect in pockets in room corners, at both floor and ceiling 160 years of gas detection experience with 3D
levels. Place sensors in these areas if necessary. technology to help you maximize the effectiveness
of every sensor.
Refrigerant Monitor Placement
• Place sample line ends within locations most likely to develop refrigerant gas
Check out the link or scan
leaks or spills. Such areas include valves, fittings and the chiller itself. Also, for more information:
monitor any refrigerant storage location. It is good practice to keep all sampling MSAsafety.com/gas-mapping
lines as short as possible.
• Since most refrigerant gases are heavier than air, monitor these gases close to
the floor. Any pits, stairwells, or trenches are likely to fill with refrigerant gas
before main areas; it may be necessary to monitor these locations for refrigerant
gas.
• If ventilation exists in chiller rooms, MSA Ventilation Smoke Tubes (P/N 458481)
will help to determine the most appropriate gas monitoring location.
• Monitor displays can be placed just outside of monitored area doorways.
Personnel can check instrument status before entering these areas.
• Ensure that areas are sufficiently monitored; multipoint sequencers can expand
instrument monitoring capability to up to sixteen locations.

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generally described, the products shall not, under any circumstances, be used by untrained or unqualified individuals. The products shall not
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products, including any warnings or cautions, have been thoroughly read and understood. Specifications are subject to change without
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07-2046-MC / 03.2022
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