Propane Sniffer

[osprey877]

I have an Electro Systems GS-6 propane monitor/solenoid with a single remote Sniffer detector. It has always worked fine until today. Now, about 10 seconds after I turn the power on the propane alarm goes off. I can only turn it off by shutting the power to the unit off. I am sure it is not an actual propane leak as I have put the sensor outside and no difference. Nor does disconnecting the sensor make any difference. Electro Systems are apparently no longer in business and parts/replacements are unobtainable as far as I can tell. Does anybody have any experience with these units?? The detector looks okay but a bit of contact corrosion (see photo below). Does anybody know how these work or how to clean or refurbish??
I can buy a Xintrix detector for about $100cdn. Does anybody know if it will work??
All suggestions appreciated. Thanks

[capt jgw]

The sensors do go bad through age. And water would probably kill it quickly. I don't know if the Xintex sensor would work with your unit, I would guess not. I would just replace the whole thing. The Xintex is a good unit, I've had three of them. The sensor on the first one did fail, I'm not sure if due to age or whatever, but it was pretty old. I just replaced with a whole new unit.

[osprey877]

Originally Posted by capt jgw

The sensors do go bad through age. And water would probably kill it quickly. I don't know if the Xintex sensor would work with your unit, I would guess not. I would just replace the whole thing. The Xintex is a good unit, I've had three of them. The sensor on the first one did fail, I'm not sure if due to age or whatever, but it was pretty old. I just replaced with a whole new unit.

Thanks. What was the failure mode for your sensor? Did the alarm sound continuously or did you discover the problem by testing it with a butane lighter as the manual recommends??

[SVTatia]

You could also use just a propane sensor with an alarm, available everywhere.

[BlackHeron]

Nothing lasts forever. These things certainly don't last even very long at all. Planned obsolescence. We had a Xintex sensor go bad after about 4 years. Luckily they are still available for under $100 so we didnt have to put in a whole new $350+ panel. They make a different panel already and ours is now out of production. Typical.

Electronic crap.

[capt jgw]

Originally Posted by osprey877

Thanks. What was the failure mode for your sensor? Did the alarm sound continuously or did you discover the problem by testing it with a butane lighter as the manual recommends??

As I recall it went into continuous alarm.

[osprey877]

Originally Posted by SVTatia

You could also use just a propane sensor with an alarm, available everywhere.

Have thought of that. But I would have to somehow Hotwire the propane line solenoid and I can see the surveyor causing a problem on my next insurance survey. Does anybody know if the ABYC rules require the auto Propane shutoff feature or is a simple alarm okay??

[capt jgw]

I believe AYBC just requires a means to shutoff the tank from the appliance. No requirement for an alarm or auto shutoff. I think Trident still makes one like that, but if your installing the shutoff you may as well do the alarm too.