Trotec BG40 Gas Detector – for Rapid Detection of Combustible Gas Leaks
The Trotec BG40 is a professional gas detector designed for the rapid localization of leaks of combustible and other sensitive gases. The device responds to changes in gas concentration in as little as approximately 2 seconds; its measurement range is 0–10,000 ppm, and its sensitivity for methane is less than 10 ppm.
The BG40 combines the functions of a gas detector and an alarm device in a single unit. Upon detecting gas, the device alerts the user with an audible, visual, and vibrating alarm, the intensity of which increases with rising gas concentration.
The 40-cm-long semi-flexible probe allows for inspection of hard-to-reach areas, such as pipe connections, areas behind gas appliances, and connection points in technical systems.
What is the Trotec BG40 used for?
The BG40 is particularly well-suited for situations where the location of a gas leak needs to be quickly identified.
Typical applications include gas piping and connections, heating systems, boiler rooms, gas stoves, tanks, industrial equipment, utility rooms, and HVAC and maintenance work.
A key advantage of the device is that it not only signals the presence of gas with an alarm—you can also monitor changes in concentration on the screen. This helps you move the probe closer and closer to the source of the leak.
What gases does the BG40 detect?
BG40 standardkalibreering on tehtud metaanile, kuid andur reageerib paljudele gaasidele ja aurudele.
Troteci kasutusjuhend nimetab tuvastatavate ainete hulgas näiteks:
natural gas, methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, isobutane, hexane, benzene, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, toluene, p-xylene, ammonia, hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, gasoline vapors, industrial solvents, and paint thinners.
The sensor may also react to other substances listed, so the BG40 is not intended for determining the chemical composition of unknown gases.
Detecting a gas leak in just a few seconds
The BG40 has a response time of approximately 2 seconds.
This is useful for locating leaks: the probe can be moved along the piping and at connection points to monitor changes in the alarm frequency and reading.
Measurement range up to 10,000 ppm
The BG40’s measurement range is:
0–10,000 ppm
and for methane, the sensitivity is:
<10 ppm.
The device has two sensitivity levels, which allow the measurement to be adjusted according to the gas concentration.
Audible, visual, and vibration alarms
When gas is detected, the BG40 can alert the user in several ways at once:
with an audible signal,
with a visual alarm,
with vibration.
The alarm frequency depends on the measured gas concentration—the higher the concentration, the faster the alarm is triggered.
This makes it easier to locate the source of a leak, even in a noisy technical environment.
40 cm flexible probe
One of the BG40’s most practical features is its 400-mm-long semi-flexible gooseneck probe.
The probe can be directed, for example, behind pipes, near gas appliance connections, into narrow shafts, or to other locations where it is not possible to place the measuring device itself.
Large LCD screen
The BG40 features an easy-to-read LCD screen with an additional indicator scale.
The display shows, among other things, gas concentration, sensitivity level, alarm status, vibration, battery status, and other operating mode indicators.
AutoZero and Zero Point Calibration
When searching for gas leaks, it is important that the measurement reference point reflect the surrounding conditions.
The BG40 features an AutoZero function, which simplifies the detection of relative concentration changes during leak detection.
Two sensitivity levels
The BG40 allows you to choose between two measurement ranges.
| Mode | Measurement Range |
|---|---|
| Higher sensitivity / x10 | up to 1,000 ppm |
| Lower sensitivity / x100 | up to 10,000 ppm |
This helps first detect low gas concentrations and then continue to pinpoint the leak in areas with higher concentrations.
Built-in Li-ion battery
The BG40 uses a built-in 3.7 V lithium-polymer battery. The sensor requires approximately 40 seconds to warm up before taking a measurement.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Trotec BG40 |
|---|---|
| Device Type | Gas detector / gas leak detector |
| Measurement Range | 0–10,000 ppm |
| Sensitivity | <10 ppm for methane |
| Repeatability | 50 ppm |
| Response time | about 2 s |
| Standard Calibration | methane |
| Measurement ranges | x10 / x100 |
| x10 range | up to 1,000 ppm |
| x100 range | up to 10,000 ppm |
| Warm-up time | approx. 40 s |
| Alarm | sound + visual + vibration |
| Probe length | 400 mm |
| Power Supply | 3.7 V Li-ion polymer battery |
| Operating temperature | 0…+40 °C |
| Operating Humidity | 10–85% RH |
| Storage temperature | –10…+60 °C |
| Dimensions without probe | 45 × 60 × 220 mm |
| Weight | 410 g |
The technical specifications are taken from the Troteci BG40 user manual.
Important – The BG40 is not a substitute for a stationary gas alarm
I would definitely highlight this distinction on Pro Air’s product page.
The BG40 is a portable measuring device for detecting and locating gas leaks. It should not be considered a substitute for a permanent gas or carbon monoxide alarm installed in a building.
Trotec also states that the device must not be used in an explosive atmosphere or zone. High concentrations of flammable gas can pose a risk of fire, explosion, and suffocation.
Is the BG40 a carbon monoxide detector?
According to Trotec’s documentation, the BG40 sensor may also respond to carbon monoxide (CO), but the device is calibrated for methane as standard.
Therefore, I would not market the BG40 on the Pro Air page as a carbon monoxide detector or CO meter. To accurately measure carbon monoxide concentrations or for continuous safety monitoring, you must use a CO meter designed for that purpose or a certified carbon monoxide detector.
This is an important distinction from the perspective of SEO and customer safety.
Who is the Trotec BG40 suitable for?
The BG40 is well-suited for HVAC and maintenance technicians, gas equipment maintenance technicians, heating system installers, property management professionals, and technical staff at industrial facilities.
The device is particularly useful in situations where a gas leak is known or suspected, but its exact location needs to be pinpointed.
The kit includes
According to Trotec’s current manual, the kit includes:
Trotec BG40 gas detector,
charger,
quick start guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Trotec BG40 measure?
The BG40 is a gas leak detector with a measurement range of 0–10,000 ppm. The device is calibrated for methane as standard.
Does the BG40 detect natural gas?
Yes. Trotec explicitly lists natural gas and methane among the gases detectable by the BG40.
Does the BG40 detect propane?
Yes, the sensor also reacts to propane.
Does the BG40 detect hydrogen?
Yes. Hydrogen is included in the list of detectable gases specified by the manufacturer.
Does the BG40 indicate the location of a gas leak?
The device does not automatically determine the physical location. Using the 40-cm probe, concentration reading, and varying alarm frequency, the user can locate the source of the leak.
Is the BG40 suitable for continuous gas monitoring at home?
No. The BG40 is a portable measurement and leak detection device, not a stationary 24/7 gas alarm.
Can the BG40 be used in an ATEX-certified explosive atmosphere?
No. The Trotec user manual prohibits the use of the device in explosive atmospheres and areas.
