…putting your portable gas detector into storage

Do you use your portable gas detector every day?  Or perhaps you get it out of storage as and when you need it?  Either way, there are things to consider if you’re putting your detector into storage – and the conditions they’re kept in can have a real impact.

Batteries

Your portable detector contains a battery – and it doesn’t entirely switch off the moment your detector does.  Internal processes, like the date and time clock, are running all the time.  If your battery runs flat when in storage, you might have to reset the date and time when you start the detector back up again.  This is easy to do if you have the right accessories, but it could otherwise lead to an inconvenient trip to your service centre.

Larger detectors, like Detective+, contain lead-acid batteries (like a car battery).  Like their vehicular relatives, these batteries don’t like being left to go flat during storage, which can also adversely affect the battery life.  Give them a boost before putting them away, and keep them topped up periodically.

Generally, it’s good practice to charge your detector fully before storing, and refer to the user manual for particular advice about charging before and during storage periods.  Typical storage times obviously vary from case to case, but in our examples we’re working to a four week storage period.

Environment

Both batteries and detectors are sensitive to their storage environment.  Avoid extremes of temperature and humidity, and keep your detectors away from any chemicals that could affect the sensors.  Things like high concentrations of solvents or silicone compounds can poison catalytic flammable sensors, for example – and there are plenty more examples in our blog on the subject.

Coming out of hibernation

When using your detector for the first time after a period of storage, make sure it’s fully operational and within calibration periods.  For more information on how to check and recalibrate your detectors, take a look at our blog on detector calibration.

Any questions?  Call Crowcon Customer Support on +44 (0)1235 557711.