Install Safety First Automatic Gas Valve System and Prevent Gas Explosions In Home or Business

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Automatic Gas Valve and Gas Detector System and the Scentry III SFGVC Gas Valve Controller, No Gas Valve

Q:"After the explosion in San Bruno, CA on 9/9/2010, I am concerned about my home exploding. I have a natural gas furnace, a natural gas fireplace, a natural gas water heater and a natural gas range. I don't have a full basement: my crawl space is about 12 inches high. Drainage is excellent. There would be some moisture but not water. Can this automatic gas valve and sensor system system be installed there?I see that the Scentry III has a connection for an auto-dialer and also can be connected to a ventilation system. Thanks. Thomas."

Answer: This unit allows you to use remote gas detectors to place near your other gas appliances. There is a battery back-up available if you want protection during a power failure. We do have an installation manual available on our website for this unit.The Scentry Installation Manual.

The GFRAB stands for gas sensor, mounting feet, remote ready, alarm and battery and includes the gas valve shut-off/controller. NOTE: Must be used with a Scentry III gas valve (sold separately).  Each Scentry gas sensor is calibrated in a gaseous atmosphere so it will alarm at 10% of the lower explosive level (LEL) of the combustible gas. This is not a carbon monoxide alarm as it has only a combustible gas alarm sensor.

Scentry III-GFRAB Gas (Mounting) Feet Remote (Ready) Alarm Battery Specifications:

• Case: ABS Plastic
• Physical Size: 7.6 inches by 4.6 inches
• Weight: 2.25 lbs
• Color: Gray
• Power consumption: 1.5va
• Supports up to 4 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
• Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
• Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
• Gas Valve Controller for combustible gasses such as natural gas or propane gas. Includes a 24 volt transformer.
• Connections: screw terminals
• Input Power: 115VAC, 60 Hz
• Output Control Relays: 2 amps, 24 VAC
• Alarm Signal Output: 12V DC @500 ma
• Reset: manual
• Sensor Type: Tin Dioxide Semiconductor
• Alarm Points: Propane (LP) <5200 PPM
• Alarm Points: Natural Gas / Methane <12,200 PPM
• Manufactured Proudly in the USA for Safety First USA, Inc.
• Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase.

The gas valves that interface are a 1/2 inch, a 3/4 inch and a 1 inch valve.

The gas valves that interface are a 1/2 inch, a 3/4 inch and a 1 inch valve.

So the main differences between the units are that the Scentry III-GFRAB gas alarm and gas valve controller (shut-off) includes the 24 volt transformer, has mounting feet and can add options of battery back-up, remote gas sensors and remote alarms.  With the battery option, the pilot lights remain litt during intermittent power failures in regions such as the mountain states where electric power is not always continuous. A 12V output allows adding a phone dialer to alert owners of vacation homes, etc. when an unsafe condition has occurred. Remote gas sensors can be added near gas ranges, gas water heaters, gas furnaces, gas heaters, etc. to add protection using only one gas valve controller.

Please contact us if you have questions about what components to install.

Remember that you need carbon monoxide sensor alarms on every floor of your home and in every bedroom where you close the door. The CO monitor does not monitor propane or natural gas leaks: it monitors the carbon monoxide levels from incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like wood, coal, gas, charcoal, etc.

Thanks again for your timely question.

Sincerely, Barbara