Tech Notes - 5 Tips For Changing Out Gas Monitor Sensors

Do you replace your gas monitor's failed sensors yourself? Maybe you're in the process of determining if you should change them out on your own? While we would be more than happy to change out sensors and calibrate your gas monitor, we understand some might prefer to do it themselves. So keep reading to learn our 5 tips to make sensor replacement easier.

However you roll...we think you'll find these two links helpful as well:

• Gas Detector Service Center
• Why Sensors Fail

Tip 1

Do check your new replacement sensor for activation pins. Some sensors have activation pins attached to them - often they are hard to see. It is important that you check you sensor for activation pins and remove them before installing the sensor. Not doing so could damage the circuit board or the sensor.

Tip 2

Do check the old sensor for corrosion once you remove it. Inspect any metal surfaces that contact your monitor's circuit board. If corrosion is found on the sensor, it is likely on the board too. This would require you to clean the corrosion from the board (without damaging the board) before installing a new sensor. This is more common with oxygen sensors.

Tip 3

Do let your newly replaced sensor "burn in" before you turn your gas detector on and calibrate it. By "burn in" we mean allow it to set in your gas detector for 15 to 30 minutes. While not always necessary, we've found (especially with oxygen sensors) that this seems to help the new sensor bias itself. In electronics speak, this means "establish proper operating conditions for the component." Occasionally, after you turn your monitor on, the new sensor readings might drift. Usually, all that is needed is to "hard zero" the sensor a few times (especially with oxygen sensors).

Tip 4

Do read your gas monitor's manual for how to replace sensors properly. Often there will be many screws in strange places that need to be removed. Even more daunting, sometimes, are the assorted wires, pieces of air sampling tubing, and display connections that need to be carefully accounted for. Reading the manual will save you a lot of grief.

Tip 5

Don't even think about replacing sensors on your own unless you have the appropriate calibration kit for your gas monitor. All newly installed sensors need to be calibrated in order to confirm the sensor is working properly. Think of calibration as how the sensor is electronically introduced to its new home. Without this introduction things are ripe for problems and errors.

Bonus Tip

Changing the sensors is also a great time to examine any filters your gas monitor may have to see if they also need replacing.