What Causes Natural Gas To Explode?

12/21/2020 (Permalink)

A gas leak can quickly reach unsafe levels of concentration in a residence

What To Do As Soon You Feel The Smell Of Natural Gas

A gas leak can quickly reach unsafe levels of concentration in a residence. Under these circumstances, any heat or sparks can ignite and cause a gas fire that has the potential to destroy a home and cause damage to surrounding structures in Cornwells Heights, PA. Learn more about the dangers posed by gas leaks and what to do as soon as you smell the methyl mercaptan added to indicate the presence of odorless natural gas.

High Concentrations of Gas
Whether an appliance or a gas connection is leaking, the concentration of gas particles in air make an explosion more likely. Any of the following actions may pose an elevated risk of combustion:

• Flipping switches
  
• Unplugging electronics
  
• Using devices
  
  

Average gas concentrations in the air of a home that has a gas range and oven hover between 5 to 15 parts per million. If this level passes 30 ppm, a residence is at elevated risk of a gas fire.

Ignition From High Heat or Sparks
Electrical plugs and the devices indicated above can release a spark that ignites gas. Any source of heat, fire, or electrical sparks is potentially dangerous in the event of a gas leak. For this reason, ventilation and evacuation are recommended.

Evacuate and Call Emergency Services
Place a call to emergency services from outside a residence with a suspected gas leak. Gas company employees can arrive on site, determine the leak location and complete a repair. The area where leaking gas was accumulating must be thoroughly ventilated before it is safe for occupants to return and use electricity.
The sulfurous odor associated with natural gas is not naturally occurring. This scent is added as a safety measure to make it possible to detect leaks prior to a gas fire or gas explosion. Homeowners should act quickly to report a leak, ventilate and evacuate a household in Cornwells Heights, PA.