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Natural Gas Detector

Our free device monitors the air in the area where our gas service pipe enters your home or building, and will sound an audible alarm and send us an alert if a potential gas leak is detected.

How the Natural Gas Detector Works

If levels of natural gas indicate a potential leak, the natural gas detector will beep loudly and sound the following audible alarm: “Danger. Gas leak explosion risk. Evacuate, then call 911.” It will also automatically send an alert to us. Con Edison and the fire department will then respond and investigate. The alarm will continue to sound until we arrive and silence the unit.

What You Should Do if the Detector’s Alarm Sounds

If your natural gas detector’s alarm sounds or if you smell or hear a natural gas leak:

  • Evacuate immediately and take others with you.
  • Do not use a phone; light a match; turn on or off lights, flashlights, or appliances; start a car; or do anything else that could create a spark and cause the gas to explode.
  • When you are safely outside, call 911. You can report leaks anonymously.
  • Do not re-enter the premises until told to do so by authorities. Never assume that someone else will report the leak or that the natural gas detector has already notified Con Edison. In some situations, you may smell gas before the natural gas detector’s alarm sounds.

How to Recognize a Gas Leak

Smell—A distinctive, strong odor similar to rotten eggs
See—A white cloud, mist, fog, bubbles in standing water, blowing dust, or vegetation that appears to be dead or dying for no reason
Hear—Roaring, hissing, or whistling

Learn more about how to prevent, detect, and report gas leaks.

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How to Schedule Your Installation Appointment and What to Expect

If you’re the building owner, you’ll receive a letter from Con Edison several weeks before your estimated installation date.

If you’d prefer to schedule your own appointment, please 1-800-643-1289, option #4.

The natural gas detector will then be installed in your basement, typically in the area where the gas service pipe or other utilities enter your home or building. This area may be near Con Edison’s gas meter but will vary depending on the location of the meter and the layout of your basement. The installation should take less than an hour and there is no need to turn off your gas service.

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