How to Troubleshoot an NG Indicator

Properly working NG indicators save lives.

"Natural gas indicator," often abbreviated as "NG," is a nonspecific term for a variety of devices. Some NG indicators are similar in function and appearance to smoke detectors and are also called natural gas detectors or gas leak detectors. Other NG indicators function in conjunction with devices that use natural gas, such as barbecue grills and stoves. NG indicators use devices such as lights or tones to signal a natural gas leak, which is toxic and highly flammable. Troubleshooting your NG indicator regularly ensures that the unit will function properly to save lives in the event of a gas leak.

Things You'll Need

• Product manual

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with the functionality of the NG detector and its indicators by reviewing the product manual. Check to determine whether the detector uses visual or audible indicators such as lights, alert tones or both. Find the indicators on the NG detector unit using diagrams in the manual.

2. Check to determine whether the distance of the NG detector is optimally situated near the potential source of gas leak as specified in the product manual.

3. Check the battery that powers the NG indicator, if applicable. Wall-mounted NG detectors have a "Test" button on the outer control panel. Push this button to determine whether the units indicators activate.

4. Replace the NG detector battery with fresh batteries, and initiate the test again.

5. Turn on the gas-operated burners on your stove-top or grill units, and note the reaction of the NG indicator. Check whether it reacts as specified in the product manual. For example, many grills will illuminate an LED NG indicator whenever the gas is turned on.

6. Inspect wiring that leads to NG indicator lights to determine whether something has come unplugged. Restore the connection by matching the plug and port pins and holes. Insert the plug into its connector carefully to avoid damaging pins.

7. Replace nonfunctioning standalone NG detector units as soon as possible. Contact a licensed repair professional for your brand of appliance to have NG indicators repaired or replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact your gas supplier immediately if you suspect a leak, and transfer anyone in the vicinity to a safe location.

References

• National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders: What You Need to Know About Natural Gas Detectors