Frequently Asked Questions

Electro Systems Inc.

#8-415 Dunedin St.
Victoria, BC
Canada V8T 5G8
toll-free:
T: 1.800.668.2254
F: 1.800.661.4977

Outside North America:
T: 250.385.0911
F: 250.385.0733

email us

Propane Detectors: Maintenance & Trouble Shooting
Q.	Is there anything I should do to ensure the reliable operation of my propane detector?
A.	Yes. You should keep your detector clean and free of dust. Vacuuming the GS/3 detector or the sensor head(s) for the GS/5 & GS/6 monthly will keep them clean and ensure good air circulation, which they need to operate properly.

Q.	Can I test to see if the sensors are working correctly?
A.	Yes, by injecting gas (no flame) from a butane lighter for 5 seconds into the grill of the GS/3 or into the sensor(s) of the GS/5 & GS/6 you will trigger an alarm. If this doesn't trigger an alarm with the GS/3, this means the detector is faulty and should be returned to your dealer for repair or warranty replacement. The GS/3 is designed to emit a single pulse every 10 seconds if the sensor is faulty. If the butane test doesn't trigger an alarm with the GS/5 & GS/6 and they have completed their normal warm up cycle, it means the sensor is faulty. The most common cause of a faulty sensor is contamination by water. This results in an alarm even when there is no propane detected. Read more in our Sensor section. When the GS/5 & GS/6 are powered up they cycle through an automatic circuit test. In the rare event that the sensor has failed without a short circuit, your detector would appear to be fundtioning porperly. This is why you need to test the sensor head with the method described here. Read more in Operating the GS/5 and Operating the GS/6.

Q.	My GS/3 is giving a continuous tone. What does this mean?
A.	A continuous tone indicates a short in the electronics. If this occurs, you need to return the detector to your dealer for repair or warranty replacement.

Q.	My GS/3 sounds a single pulse every 10 seconds. What does this mean?
A.	The GS/3 is designed to emit a single pulse every 10 seconds if the sensor is faulty. The detector should be returned to your dealer for repair or warranty replacement, or you can contact us directly.

Q.	I have tested my GS/5 & GS/6 by injecting butane into the sensor and it doesn't trigger an alarm. What does this mean?
A.	This is extremely rare, but means that your sensor has failed without creating a short circuit (which would result in an alarm). You need to replace the sensor. Contact your dealer or contact us directly. Read more in our Sensor section.

Q.	I occasionally get false alarms from my detector. Is there a way to stop this from happening?
A.	Almost any organic vapor can trigger a false alarm. These include solvent based paints, paint thinners, some household cleaners, aerosol sprays such as hairsprays, and occasionally even cooking vapors. The false alarm means your detector is in good working order. Ventilating the area will usually eliminate the problem. You can read more in our Basic Considerations section under Avoiding False Alarms.

Q.	I have just installed my GS/3, connected the power and nothing happens. What's wrong?
A.	If the positive and negative power lines are reversed your detector will not work. It will not go through the normal start up cycle described on your product package and product brochure. The detector will not be damaged if this occurs, but you must connect the power lines correctly before the detector will work properly. Read more in GS/3 Wiring section.

Propane Detectors: General questions
Q.	Do you have a 24 Volt DC (VDC) or an AC propane detector available?
A.	No. Currently, all of our detectors are 12 VDC.

Q.	Can I count on my propane detector to warn me of smoke or other gases such as carbon monoxide (CO)?
A.	No. Our detectors and the sensors they use are designed specifically for propane gas (LPG). You need to install separate detectors for smoke and other gases.

Q.	I'm using compressed natural gas (CNG), rather than propane. Won't my propane detector work as well for this?
A.	No. The major difference between propane and CNG is that propane is heavier than air and CNG is lighter than air. This means a correctly installed propane detector (sensor near the floor or lowest area that propane would sink to) could miss an accumulation of CNG near the ceiling. It could potentially fill the interior and accumulate well past the lower explosive level, resulting in an explosive atmosphere long before you were aware of a CNG leak.

Traffic Controls
Q.	Can you manufacture products to our specifications?
A.	Yes. We do custom manufacture to your specifications. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Q.	Will Electro Systems handle the installation of the traffic controls?
A.	No. All installation must be done by the purchaser of the equipment.

Q.	What certifications do the traffic control products carry?
A.	All products are CSA NRTL/C and ANSI/UL #508 certified.