Cubic Innovative NDIR Natural Gas Detection Solutions For Residential and Commercial Applications

With the implementation of NFPA 715, the performance standards for residential and commercial natural gas alarms have become significantly more stringent. Under the context, choosing the appropriate gas sensing technology is critical to ensure accuracy, reliability, and long-term stability in natural gas leak detection.

Currently, the mainstream sensor technologies, including metal oxide semiconductor (MOS), catalytic combustion, electrochemical, and non-dispersive infrared (NDIR), have different performance for natural gas leak detection.

- MOS sensors operate based on changes in conductivity caused by the adsorption and reaction of gases on the surface of metal oxides. Typically, MOS sensors are popular because of its compact size and cost effectiveness. However, MOS sensors are highly sensitive to ambient temperature and humidity. Over time, sensor drift becomes significant, and their sensitivity degrades due to aging and environmental contaminants including dust and siloxanes especially in residential kitchen environments, leading to false readings or detection failure. Due to these limitations, MOS-based sensors are not recommended to be integrated into residential gas alarms for applications that demand high stability and safety reliability.

- Catalytic combustion sensors, which rely on the oxidation of combustible gases over a heated catalyst to produce a measurable resistance change, offer relatively fast response and good linearity. However, their sensing elements are vulnerable to poisoning from common airborne substances including siloxanes, sulfur compounds, and halogens. They also exhibit poor durability under high humidity and mechanical vibration. The typical lifespan ranges from 0.5 to 2 years, making them not suitable for scenarios where extended operational life and environmental robustness are essential.

- Electrochemical sensors detect gases through redox reactions that generate electrical signals proportional to the gas concentration, and the technology is widely used for toxic gas detection including CO, H2S, and NO2, and offers good sensitivity and low power consumption. However, electrochemical sensors are generally not suitable for detecting non-polar gases like methane, due to their low reactivity and poor signal generation under standard electrochemical conditions. Furthermore, electrochemical sensors are prone to signal drift, shortened lifespan under extreme humidity or temperature fluctuations, and require periodic calibration. These limitations reduce their effectiveness and reliability in natural gas leak detection, especially in environments like kitchens where conditions are unstable and long-term accuracy is critical.

- NDIR  sensors are based on the principle of Beer-Lambert Law that methane gas exhibit strong infrared absorption at specific wavelengths around 3.4 μm. By measuring the reduction in transmitted infrared light at the specific wavelength, NDIR sensors can precisely quantify gas concentration without consuming the target gas or being affected by chemical contaminants, which offers high gas selectivity, minimal cross-sensitivity, and exceptional long-term stability. NDIR sensors are maintenance-free and maintain accuracy over a 10+ year lifespan, making them ideal for fixed, safety-critical installations.

Among these technologies, NDIR has emerged as the optimal, reliable and technically robust option for natural gas detection in safety-critical scenarios.

With more than 20 years’ accumulation on NDIR technology, Cubic, a leading manufacturer of gas sensor and gas analyzers, has innovatively developed 4 channel NDIR methane gas sensor JW-05-4H and integrated it into Cubic JT-AM5301 natural gas alarm for residential and commercial applications.

As the core of JT-AM5301 natural gas alarm, the four-channel design of the JW-05-4CH sensor addresses a major industry challenge of interference from alcohol-based gases such as ethanol and acetic acid. These substances have molecular structures and infrared absorption peaks similar to methane, often causing false readings in traditional single- or dual-channel sensors. Cubic JW-05-4CH sensor utilizes four distinct optical channels, each responding differently to methane and interfering gases, which enables accurate methane concentrations identification by comparing signal patterns across all channels, effectively reducing false alarms and increasing detection accuracy, even in complex environments. It also features intelligent matrix calibration, ensuring consistently accurate detection across a wide temperature range.

JT-AM5301 also features NB-IoT wireless connectivity for real-time data transmission, enabling remote monitoring and alarm notification. It is designed for easy deployment and user-friendly operation, with factory calibration and no need for manual adjustment or regular maintenance. With a rugged, durable structure and an operational lifespan exceeding 10 years, Cubic JT-AM5301 provides long-term protection for residential kitchens, apartments, gas storage areas, and light commercial environments.

Moreover, Cubic offering end-to-end capabilities from sensor core development to complete device integration.  Cubic leverages its core technology platforms and extensive experience in OEM/ODM gas sensing solutions to meet diverse customization needs. From monitoring target parameters to varying application environments, Cubic’s independent R&D capabilities enable tailored product designs for the natural gas leak detection industry. Equipped with in-house laboratories, Cubic conducts rigorous testing to ensure compliance with industrial standards, addressing regulatory demands across modern building environments.

At the same time, Cubic’s strong and reliable supply chain, combined with technological innovation and lean manufacturing practices, ensures high efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and strict quality control throughout the production process—further solidifying its competitiveness in delivering OEM/ODM solutions. With its advantages of mastering core technologies and, independent development and manufacturing of key components, Cubic will continue to provide customers with high-quality sensing solutions that meet customers and foster industry development.

For more product information or technical specifications, please contact: sales@gassensor.com.cn or visit the website: https://www.cubic-controls.com/products/gas-safety-alarm-detector/