Fireboy-Xintex Propane Detector with Solenoid Valve

The Fireboy-Xintex Propane Fume Detector includes a solenoid valve and adapter that shuts off the gas supply automatically on detection, running on 9 to 30V DC.

Shutting the supply off is what separates this from a detector that only alarms, and with propane that difference is the whole point. Propane is heavier than air and collects in the bilge, where it sits until something ignites it. An alarm alone leaves the leak running while somebody works out what to do.

The solenoid closes automatically the moment a leak is detected, and a dedicated control button allows manual operation as well. That manual control is worth having, since the valve doubles as the way to isolate the system when leaving the boat.

The alarm sounds at 68 dBA with a red LED once gas concentration reaches 20 percent of the lower explosive level, well below anything dangerous. The 2-5/8 inch square display has LEDs and a silence/test button, and the electronics are reverse polarity protected against a wiring mistake. Explore more gas and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Shuts the gas off rather than only alarming
• Propane collects in the bilge and stays there
• Alarms at 20 percent of the explosive level
• Manual button isolates the system when leaving