H2 Detection in Battery Rooms

Hydrogen is quickly becoming established as a major source of power. Infrastructure such as stationary back-up power systems and fuel cell technology are becoming more prominent as they are appreciated for their effectiveness in storing energy. However, it is important to make sure that your home or business continues to diligently monitor hydrogen detection levels, as not doing so can prove costly.

Typically, lead acid batteries are stored in battery rooms as they charge and await use as a backup energy source. When charging, the batteries generate hydrogen gas that emits into the battery rooms. If used to depletion and needed to charge at a higher rate, the batteries will give off a more sizable amount of hydrogen. The lower explosion level (LEL) of hydrogen is 4 percent. This means that if 4 percent of a given volume is filled with hydrogen, it could ignite, causing damage to both life and property. A ventilation system is required per Section 502.5 of the New York City Mechanical Code in order to keep the maximum concentration of hydrogen to 1 percent of the total volume of the room. However, this should not be your only line of defense in ensuring that you remain safe from hydrogen buildup.

Bomark has several fixed detectors in stock that monitor for buildups in hydrogen and other potentially dangerous gases. The RKI Beacon Series simultaneously displays the gas type, readings, and status for up to eight channels of gas detection, along with alarms and strobes for visual and auditory alert. The Model PS 2 is a multipurpose gas monitor utilizing a MOS (metal oxide sensor) for long lasting and low maintenance detection at the LEL or PPM levels of many gases or vapors, making it a perfect low-cost solution for hydrogen detection in battery rooms. And the Honeywell Sensepoint XRL is a flammable gas detector for the detection of potentially explosive gases, or as a toxic gas detector for the detection of a range of toxic gas hazards. The XRL connects to a smartphone app that allows the user to choose alarm set points, run test procedures and automatically generate a commissioning report, which you can send from your phone to other stakeholders or store for easy access in a safety inspection.

Stay protected from future disaster by preventing it before it happens, and continue to stay safe in general.