Gas Leakage Detector Project Explanation (No Soldering!)

by ElectroScope Archive in Circuits > Arduino

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Gas Leakage Detector Project Explanation (No Soldering!)

gas-leak-detector-arduino-diy-final.jpg

In this project, we will build a really simple Gas Leak Detector using an Arduino Uno and an MQ-5 gas sensor. The build is designed to detect gases like LPG, propane, and methane. In simple terms, we build something with a sensor that sounds off a buzzer and lights an LED when a gas leak is detected. This is a great way to explore concepts around sensor and safety automation with Arduino.

Supplies

  1. Arduino Uno ×1
  2. MQ-5 Gas Sensor Module ×1
  3. Buzzer ×1
  4. LED ×1
  5. 220Ω Resistor ×1
  6. 10kΩ Resistor ×1 (optional – for reducing buzzer volume)
  7. Breadboard ×1
  8. Jumper Wires (as needed)
  9. USB Cable or 9V Battery (for power)

Circuit Diagram & Wiring

gas-leak-detector-arduino-diy-circuit-diagram.jpg

This is how to connect all the pieces together:

MQ-5 Gas Sensor:

  1. VCC → 5V (Arduino)
  2. GND → GND (Arduino)
  3. D0 (Digital Out) → A2 (Arduino)


Buzzer:

  1. Positive terminal → A0 (Arduino)
  2. Negative terminal → GND (You can use a 10kΩ resistor in series to decrease volume if necessary)

LED:

  1. Anode (+) → A1 (Arduino) using 220Ω Resistor
  2. Cathode (-) → GND

Power Options:

  1. USB cable to Arduino
  2. 9V battery to Arduino Vin and GND

Upload the Code

Open Arduino IDE and upload the following code:

const int gasSensorDigitalPin = A2;
const int ledPin = A1;
const int buzzerPin = A0;

void setup() {
pinMode(gasSensorDigitalPin, INPUT);
pinMode(ledPin, OUTPUT);
pinMode(buzzerPin, OUTPUT);
Serial.begin(9600);
Serial.println("Gas Detection System Initialized");
}

void loop() {
int gasState = digitalRead(gasSensorDigitalPin);
if (gasState == LOW) {
digitalWrite(ledPin, HIGH);
digitalWrite(buzzerPin, HIGH);
Serial.println("!! Gas Leak Detected !!");
} else {
digitalWrite(ledPin, LOW);
digitalWrite(buzzerPin, LOW);
Serial.println("Environment Normal");
}
delay(800);
}

Downloads

Gas_Leakage_Detector.ino

Tuning the Gas Sensor

To make the sensor work accurately, you will need to adjust the onboard potentiometer:

  1. In clear air, turn the potentiometer clockwise until the onboard LED for the sensor is OFF.
  2. Bring a gas source (unlit lighter) close to the sensor - this should trigger the LED.
  3. Adjust clockwise for decreased sensitivity or counterclockwise for increased sensitivity.

Sensor warm-up time: Let it run for at least 24 hours.

Demo in Action

gas-leak-detector-arduino-diy-working.jpg

When powered and tuned properly:

  1. If gas is present, the LED turns ON, the buzzer sounds, and "Gas Leak Detected" is printed on the Serial Monitor.
  2. If no gas is present, the system stays silent and prints "Environment Normal."

Conclusion

And that's it. You’ve just built a fully functional DIY gas leak detector.

If you'd like a more comprehensive tutorial, here it is: DIY Gas Leak Detector Using Arduino

If you're curious about how this project compares to a commercial unit in tech commentary style: DIY vs Commercial Gas Leak Detector — Which One ‘Blows’?

To expand on this project, feel free to add IoT features for alerts or connect it to a home automation system using relays. You could experiment with different gas sensors or add an LCD for local readings.