Miswire could cause a circuit board fire!
Gas detectors rely on accurate signals to detect gas concentrations. Proper wiring prevents interference, signal loss, or noise that could affect the detector's performance.
Gas detectors are commonly installed in hazardous environments where explosive gases or toxic substances may be present. Incorrect wiring can create sparks or short circuits, posing a safety hazard. Following protocols helps prevent accidents. Faulty wiring can lead to false alarms or, worse, missed alarms during actual gas leaks. By adhering to protocols, you minimize the risk of malfunction. CET offers low voltage and line voltage gas detection equipment and recommends the following:
- All wiring should be run in EMT (or better) conduit properly grounded (earth or safety).
- Building code requires low voltage wiring not to be within the same conduit as line voltage wiring.
- All communications (network) wiring must be in shielded cabling. Wire shielding must be connected together at each device and taped off so it cannot cause a short on the circuit board when the door is closed. The wire shielding should be connected to earth ground close to the primary supply connection only and must have a contiguous connection throughout the network. It should be left taped and floating at the last device in the network.
Recommended: 4 conductor, 16 AWG, shielded stranded wire cable types like AlphaWire 79220, Belden 5202FE 008500 or equivalent.
- Solid core wire should not be attached directly to the wiring terminals.
When using solid core wiring for distribution (in the conduit), use stranded wire pigtails 14-18 awg within the enclosure to connect to the circuit board. The rigidity of solid-core wire can pull a soldered terminal strip completely off a circuit board. CET does not recommend using solid core wire. Be sure to follow electrical wiring safety procedures and manufacturer's instructions to ensure overall safety and system effectiveness... and no surprises upon power up!