Detecting and monitoring hydrogen gas can be challenging because it is lighter than air and cannot be detected where it doesn’t accumulate. Furthermore, hydrogen gas is not detectable with infrared gas sensing technology. In enclosed spaces or buildings, it ascends rapidly. If a hydrogen leak ignites, the resulting flames produce minimal visible light and infrared radiant heat, making them more difficult to detect than hydrocarbon fires. Therefore, hydrogen gas and flame detectors are typically installed near the ceiling, while oxygen and other gas sensors are placed closer to the floor where people are present.
