Work out gas detector alarm level instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
One percent by volume is 10,000 ppm, so a gas with a five percent lower explosive limit reaches it at 50,000 ppm. Flammability alarms are conventionally set at ten percent of LEL, but for most solvents the occupational exposure limit is a tiny fraction of the LEL, so a flammability alarm gives no toxicological protection at all.
Unit conversion
LEL in ppm = LEL percent by volume x 10,000
Alarm level
Alarm ppm = LEL ppm x alarm percentage of LEL
Preliminary estimate only. Gas detection design, alarm set points and calibration must follow the applicable standard and the detector manufacturer's instructions.
LEL in ppm = LEL percent by volume x 10,000. One percent by volume is 10,000 ppm, so a gas with a five percent lower explosive limit reaches it at 50,000 ppm.
Only if it has both a flammability and a toxicity sensor. A catalytic bead LEL sensor cannot resolve the low concentrations that exposure limits demand.
This calculator takes 3 inputs: Lower explosive limit of the gas, Alarm set point, Occupational exposure limit. The pre-filled defaults are a realistic worked example — replace them with your own site or project figures.