Frequently asked questions

• How is it different from a carbon monoxide (CO) detector?

  They are two different hazards. A CO detector watches carbon monoxide, the odourless gas from incomplete combustion. The ZSS-QY-GL-U is a combustible-gas detector: it catches the natural-gas (methane) leak itself, before ignition, at 8% LEL. A home with gas appliances needs both — this leak sensor complements a CO detector rather than replacing it.
• Does it also detect bottled gas (LPG)?

  No. This model is calibrated for pipeline natural gas (methane), which is lighter than air. Bottled liquefied gas (propane-butane/LPG) is heavier than air, pools low and needs a dedicated LPG sensor mounted near the floor. If you use a bottled-gas hob, choose an LPG detector, not this one.
• Does it need a hub, or does it connect straight to the phone?

  It needs a gateway. The ZSS-QY-GL-U is a Zigbee device and does NOT connect to a phone directly over Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. For push notifications and scenes you need a Tuya/Zigbee gateway — a Moes hub or any Tuya ZigBee gateway — with the Tuya / Smart Life app. Without a hub it stays a local audible alarm, with no remote alert.
• At what height is it mounted, and where?

  Methane is lighter than air, so the detector is mounted high — usually about 30 cm below the ceiling and 1.5-4 m from the hob or gas water heater, per the manual. This is the opposite of an LPG detector, which goes low. It fixes to a wall or ceiling and is powered over USB 5V from a nearby socket.
• How is it powered, and does it work during a power cut?

  It is powered continuously over USB DC 5V 1A (Micro-USB/Type-C) from an adapter in the socket, drawing about 100 mA on standby. Being permanently powered, it also acts as a Zigbee router. During a power cut, like any mains-powered gas detector, it switches off; for continuity use a socket on a UPS or a small backup on the adapter.
• How loud is it, and at what threshold does the alarm trigger?

  The siren is at least 70 dB measured at 1 m from the unit, with a visual indicator and the event sent over Zigbee. The alarm triggers at 8% of the lower explosive limit (LEL) for natural gas, with a concentration error of ±3% LEL — far below the level at which the mixture becomes flammable.
• How long does the sensor last, and what is needed at power-on?

  The combustible-gas sensing element is rated for about 5 years of service, after which the detector is replaced — as with any gas sensor. At power-on the unit needs a short warm-up before it is fully operational, so do not test it immediately. The maker declares CE conformity.