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Need help?Do you have a question about the Extech Instruments FG100 and is the answer not in the manual?
Identifies key parts of the FG100 detector like sensor, indicators, and battery compartment.
Details measurement ranges, power, operating/storage conditions, and physical dimensions.
Outlines suitable uses for detecting gas leaks from small containers and warns against industrial use.
Provides essential safety advice, including avoiding moisture, high temperatures, and proper cleaning methods.
Instructions for replacing batteries when indicators fail, emphasizing correct polarity and storage.
Explains how to perform a static electricity test to prevent igniting leaking gas.
Step-by-step guide for detecting gas leaks, including sensor tracing and indicator interpretation.
Details the meaning of yellow, red, and green indicators and actions to take when gas is detected.
Instructions for testing the detector's functionality and notes on handling heavier-than-air liquefied gases.
The Extech FG100 Gas Leak Detector is a specialized instrument designed to identify the presence of propane and natural gases. This device is engineered for careful use, promising years of reliable service in detecting gas leaks.
The primary function of the FG100 is to detect gas leaks. It is capable of identifying both propane and natural gases, making it a versatile tool for various applications. The detector operates by sensing gas concentrations in the surrounding environment. When a leak is detected, the device provides both visual and audible alerts to notify the user.
A key feature of the FG100 is its static electricity testing capability. A metal conductor protruding from the back of the detector is specifically designed for this purpose. Before initiating leak detection, and from a safe distance, the user is instructed to touch this conductor with one hand while simultaneously touching an earth-grounded metal object (such as a heater or cold water pipe) with the other hand. This action serves to discharge any static electricity that may have accumulated on the user. If static charges are present, the yellow indicator on the device will illuminate for a brief period. The manual explicitly warns against taking gas detection measurements if strong static charges are present, as discharges could potentially ignite leaking gas, posing a significant safety risk.
The device is equipped with a sensor that is protected by a removable cap. To begin leak detection, this cap must be removed. The ON/OFF switch activates the device, initiating a self-test sequence. Upon activation, the red indicator light will illuminate, and an audible tone will sound momentarily, after which the green indicator light will turn on, signaling that the device is ready for use in a clean ambient air environment.
The FG100 utilizes a system of indicator lights to communicate its status and findings. A yellow indicator is specifically dedicated to static electricity tests. A red indicator light, accompanied by an audible beep, signifies the detection of gas. Conversely, a green indicator light confirms that the device is operating in a clean ambient air environment, indicating no gas detection.
When gas is detected, the red indicator light illuminates, and an audible tone sounds continuously. In such an event, the manual provides crucial safety instructions: immediately open all doors and windows, avoid open flames and sparks, evacuate the room, and refrain from operating any electrical switches (including light switches). If possible, the gas supply should be turned off. The red indicator and audible tone will cease to activate once the gas concentration falls below detectable limits. The manual also cautions users about the possibility of false alarms, which can be triggered by the presence of aerosol sprays or tobacco smoke.
To ensure the detector is functioning correctly, a simple test can be performed. The user can hold an unlit gas lighter close to the sensor and allow a small amount of gas to leak. If the detector is working properly, the red indicator will light up, and the audible tone will sound. If these alerts do not activate, it suggests that the batteries may be weak, or the unit itself may be defective.
The device is designed to detect gas leaks from small liquid gas containers, such as camping cartridges, lighters, and soldering torches. It is important to note that the FG100 is not intended for continuous operation, industrial use, or complex systems like heaters and ovens. A specific note is provided regarding liquefied gases, which are heavier than air and tend to settle on the floor, meaning the highest concentration of such gases will be found close to the ground.
The FG100 is designed for straightforward operation. Users initiate the device by sliding the ON/OFF switch to the ON position. The device's readiness is indicated by the green light, which illuminates after a brief self-test sequence involving the red light and an audible tone.
The static electricity test is an integral part of the pre-detection procedure, ensuring user safety by discharging static electricity before approaching a potential leak source. This step is crucial for preventing accidental ignition of gas.
Once ready, the user traces the sensor around the area where a leak is suspected. The device's audible and visual alerts (red light and beep) provide immediate feedback upon gas detection, allowing for prompt action.
The design of the FG100 emphasizes portability and ease of handling. Its compact dimensions and light weight make it convenient to carry and maneuver during leak detection tasks. The protective sensor cap ensures the sensor remains clean and undamaged when not in use.
Maintenance of the Extech FG100 primarily involves battery management and general care to ensure its longevity and accurate performance.
The device is powered by two 'AAA' 1.5V batteries. Battery installation and replacement are simple: the battery compartment cover, located at the rear of the detector, slides off to reveal the battery slots. Users must observe correct polarity when inserting new batteries. If the status indicators fail to light when the ON-OFF switch is in the ON position, it signals that the batteries need replacement. For prolonged storage, it is recommended to remove the batteries to prevent leakage and potential damage to the device.
General care instructions are provided to maintain the device's integrity. Users are advised to keep the sensor dry and avoid extreme dampness. Exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, or strong vibrations should be avoided. Mechanical stress on the device should also be prevented, and the sensor itself should not be touched directly. For cleaning, only a soft, dry cloth or brush should be used; liquids, abrasives, or solvents are explicitly prohibited, as they could damage the device or affect its performance. Adhering to these maintenance guidelines helps ensure the detector remains in optimal working condition for an extended period.
General| Type | Portable Gas Detector |
|---|---|
| Display | LCD with backlight |
| Power Supply | Rechargeable lithium-ion battery |
| Resolution | 1% LEL |
| Alarms | Audible and Visual |
| Battery Life | 8 hours |
| Operating Temperature | -20 to 50 °C |
| Humidity Range | 10 to 90% RH |
| Gases Detected | Methane, Propane |
| Sensor Type | Electrochemical |
| Measurement Range | 0 to 100% LEL |
