Pilot gas alarm misbehaving

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Our Pilot gas alarm sometimes (mostly, right now) flashes and beeps intermittently. This indicates a fault apparently.

By fiddling with the sensor I can usually get this to stop. The gas alarm shows it is active, no alarm going off.

BUT - if I then apply gas from a stove lighter to the sensor the alarm is not set off.

Should a stove lighter make the alarm go off? What is buggered, the alarm, the sensor or both?

And - is there a better or cheaper alternative to the Pilot?



- W
 
The sensors do have a limited lifetime and can behave like that when they die. The gas from a stove lighter or cigarrette lighter certainly should set it off - and quite quickly. They have a heating element in them and that can burn out. If you have access to a multi-meter, you could check the voltage at the sensor - they will have three or four pins - one pair for the heater supply and one pair for the sensor output (you may find that the ground side of each is connected together to give three pins rather than four). There should be a moderate voltage - probably not the full 12v - across the heater pins. If there is not, then you either have a broken connection or the main alarm unit is faulty. If there is a voltage across the heater, then the sensor is probably broken.

Most of them seem to use some varient of this - https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2PCS-MQ-...h=item2caf4ea5cd:g:Bl8AAOSwRJ9Xg0~C:rk:8:pf:0 - cheap to buy from ebay and easy to replace - if you can get the casing open, have a look in ebay for something similar - not much to loose at these prices!
 
I believe that the Pilot sensors react unfavourably to solvent abuse. IIRC the manufacturers instructions advise removal of the sensor head, or at least temporarily sealing it in a plastic bag, if it is intended to use a solvent or volatile cleaning agent in its vicinity. I’ve unwittingly written off a couple of sensor heads when using grp repair materials below decks.

Mike
 
petem said:
Is there a plug at the sensor end or do you have to run the cable to the alarm unit?
Click to expand...
They were not originally made with a plug, but I believe Pilot now do a replacement sensor option which connects with a choc-block type connecor so you don't have to run a full new cable.
 
So, the new sensor are in sockets.

From the product description;

Note:
Be sure to choose the correct sensor variation.
If your alarm was purchased before 2012, it is likely you have the old type of sensor housing which does not support sensor swapping. If this is the case AND you do not intend on rerouting your sensor cables, you will need to purchase 201115-C (Sensor with Connector Block).
If your product was purchased after 2012 you sensor housing will support sensor swapping. You will need to purchase 201115 (Sensor Only).
If you are replacing or rerouting the sensor cable completely, you will need to purchase 201115-3.5 (Sensor with 3.5 Meter cable).

If you are unsure which sensor variant you need, do not hesitate to contact us.
 
ithet said:
So, the new sensor are in sockets.

From the product description;

Note:
Be sure to choose the correct sensor variation.
If your alarm was purchased before 2012, it is likely you have the old type of sensor housing which does not support sensor swapping. If this is the case AND you do not intend on rerouting your sensor cables, you will need to purchase 201115-C (Sensor with Connector Block).
If your product was purchased after 2012 you sensor housing will support sensor swapping. You will need to purchase 201115 (Sensor Only).
If you are replacing or rerouting the sensor cable completely, you will need to purchase 201115-3.5 (Sensor with 3.5 Meter cable).

If you are unsure which sensor variant you need, do not hesitate to contact us.
Click to expand...
I have an old sensor so not in a socket. Presumably, once I've fitted a new one I'll be able to change just the sensor in the future.
 
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