Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

GAS ALARM GX-B3

The plug-in gas alarm that doesn’t just warn – it actively shuts down

The Schabus GAS ALARM GX-B3 is a plug-in gas detector with an external sensor and integrated device shut-off. It detects town gas, natural gas and LPG (methane, propane, butane, including camping gas) and warns at gas concentrations well below life-threatening levels. In the event of an alarm, a loud signal sounds, the LED flashes red, and the connected appliance is automatically disconnected from the power supply – for example a gas boiler, a heating or ventilation unit, or any other 230 V consumer.

The GX-B3 is simply plugged into a wall socket. The sensor is connected via an RJ plug connector and, thanks to the cable, can be positioned exactly where the respective gas collects: near the ceiling for natural gas, near the floor for LPG. If the warning unit is to remain outside the monitored room, the sensor cable can be routed through a wall opening (Ø 13 mm). Control of a solenoid shut-off valve is also possible.

The GX-B3 is therefore more than a pure detector: while conventional devices only warn, it actively interrupts the power supply to the connected appliance. It is intended for normal household use, operates without batteries directly from the 230 V mains and is manufactured by Elektrotechnik Schabus in Germany.

⚠️

Important note: The GX-B3 may only be used in dry indoor areas and must not be used in potentially explosive atmospheres. It does not respond to carbon monoxide (CO) and is therefore not a CO detector. The sensor must be mounted at the prescribed height depending on the gas type. Installation must be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Plug in, position the sensor, be protected

The GX-B3 combines early gas detection with an active protective function that immediately switches off the connected appliance in an emergency.

🔌

Simply plug in

The device is plugged into a 230 V socket – installation is completed in seconds. It operates without a battery and is always active.

🔥

Town gas, natural gas and LPG

Detects town gas, natural gas (methane) and LPG (propane, butane) including camping gas – already well below critical levels.

⛔

Automatic appliance shut-off

In the event of an alarm, the connected appliance is disconnected from the power supply, e.g. gas boiler, heating unit, ventilation unit or any other 230 V consumer.

🚨

Acoustic and visual

Loud piezo alarm tone and red flashing LED provide reliable warning even in noisy environments.

📍

External sensor

The sensor is connected via an RJ plug connector and can be optimally positioned according to the gas type – high for natural gas, low for LPG.

🧱

Warning unit outside the room

The sensor cable can be routed through a wall opening (Ø 13 mm) – ideal for technical rooms, boiler rooms and basements.

🚰

Solenoid shut-off valve controllable

In addition to appliances, a solenoid shut-off valve can also be controlled so that no further gas flows in the event of an alarm.

🔁

Controlled reset

Re-enabling only takes place after intensive ventilation by briefly unplugging and re-plugging the device.

🧪

Simple function test

The sensor function can be checked with butane gas from a lighter without igniting the lighter.

What’s in the box

Everything needed for installation is included – nothing else has to be purchased.

  • GAS ALARM GX-B3 warning unit with external sensor
  • Mounting material for the sensor (screw, wall plug)
  • Detailed operating instructions

How the GX-B3 is constructed

The system consists of the plug-in warning unit and the external sensor, which is connected to the warning unit via a cable.

1

Plug-in warning unit

The compact housing is plugged directly into a 230 V socket. It is self-powered from the mains – no battery is required. The evaluation electronics that monitor the sensor signal and act immediately in the event of an alarm are located in the warning unit.

2

External gas sensor

The catalytic sensor reacts highly sensitively to flammable gases. It is mounted separately from the warning unit – near the ceiling for natural gas, near the floor for LPG – and fixed with the supplied screw and wall plug. After the warm-up period it is ready for operation.

3

Sensor cable with RJ plug connector

Via the sensor cable with RJ plug connector, the sensor transmits its signal to the warning unit. The cable allows free placement of the sensor and can, if required, be routed through a wall opening (Ø 13 mm) so that the warning unit can remain outside the monitored room.

4

Status indicator (LED “Function”)

The LED shows the operating status: yellow during the sensor warm-up period, green when ready for operation, and red flashing in the event of an alarm.

5

Signal transmitter (piezo)

The integrated piezo buzzer emits a loud, penetrating alarm tone in the event of an alarm that cannot be overheard even in noisy environments.

6

Switching output for the connected appliance

In the event of an alarm, the warning unit disconnects the connected appliance from the power supply – for example a gas boiler, a heating or ventilation unit, or a solenoid shut-off valve. Only after intensive ventilation and a reset by briefly unplugging and re-plugging is the system released again.

Position the sensor correctly and put it into operation

Read the operating instructions carefully before installation. Installation must be carried out by a qualified specialist.

Sensor position depending on gas type

⬆️

Town gas and natural gas (methane)

Mount the sensor 15–30 cm below the ceiling, no more than 4 m from the gas appliance and above the highest door or window opening. Methane is lighter than air and always rises.

⬇️

LPG (propane / butane)

Mount the sensor 15–30 cm above the floor, no more than 4 m from the gas appliance. LPG is heavier than air, sinks to the floor and spreads there like water. It always seeks the lowest point.

These locations are not suitable for the sensor

  • Places that could prevent alarm triggering in the event of a gas leak, e.g. behind curtains or in cupboards
  • Directly next to a cooker or above a sink
  • Next to doors, windows, ventilation, fans or air conditioning
  • Areas where dust or dirt could put the sensor out of operation
  • Potentially explosive atmospheres

Commissioning

  1. Mount the sensor according to the gas type as described above and connect it to the warning unit via the RJ plug connector.
  2. Plug the GX-B3 into a 230 V socket. The LED (Function) lights up yellow.
  3. Wait for the sensor warm-up time of 3 to 5 minutes. The LED then lights up green – the device is ready for operation.
  4. Connect the appliance to be protected, e.g. the gas boiler.
💡

Alarm immediately after warm-up? Due to different transport conditions (long storage, moisture), an alarm may be triggered immediately after the warm-up period and the LED will flash red. Briefly disconnect the GX-B3 from the mains and restart the warm-up period. This process may need to be repeated up to three times.

What happens in the event of an alarm and how to behave correctly

Only when the sensor detects an elevated gas concentration for longer than 30 seconds does the GX-B3 trigger an alarm. The alarm tone sounds, the LED (Function) flashes red, and the connected appliance is switched off.

Behaviour in the event of an alarm (or if you smell gas)

  • Do not unplug the warning unit
  • Do not switch on any other electrical appliances
  • Do not light any open flame and extinguish any open fire
  • Open windows and doors and ventilate the room thoroughly
  • Shut off the main gas supply and have the cause of the gas leak eliminated
  • In the event of a persistent or repeated alarm, contact the responsible gas supplier or a specialist

Re-enabling after an alarm

The connected appliance is only re-enabled after intensive ventilation. The reset is performed by briefly unplugging and re-plugging the GX-B3. The sensor warm-up period then starts again.

Manufacturer’s notes

  • Read the operating instructions carefully before installation and commissioning and keep them safe
  • Installation only by a qualified specialist
  • Do not open the GX-B3 – it contains no user-serviceable parts
  • Packaging material is not a toy and must be kept away from children
  • Use only in dry indoor areas, not in potentially explosive atmospheres
  • Avoid moisture (splash or rain water), dust and direct sunlight
  • Clean only with a dry linen cloth; if heavily soiled, slightly dampened – no solvent-based cleaners
  • Clean the sensor regularly by blowing off the dust
  • Perform a function test monthly for safety reasons
  • The date (month/year) of the next sensor inspection is indicated on the sensor – then send the sensor to Elektrotechnik Schabus for factory inspection
  • Intended for residential, commercial and small business areas with connection to the public low-voltage network
  • Please obtain information on the gas type and its properties from the supply company
  • The CE declaration is available for download on the manufacturer’s website

Function test with lighter gas

  1. Release a burst of gas (approx. 30 seconds) from a lighter onto the sensor without igniting the lighter.
  2. The alarm is triggered and the LED (Function) flashes red.
  3. Briefly disconnect the device from the mains and restart the warm-up period.

Possible causes of false alarms

The sensitive sensor also responds to other gaseous media. Aerosols (propellant in sprays for hair, disinfection, etc.), heavy tobacco smoke, e.g. during a smoky card game, and cooking vapours can trigger a false alarm.

Liability notice

Elektrotechnik Schabus GmbH & Co. KG is not liable for any damage or loss of any kind, e.g. individual or consequential damage, resulting from the gas detector failing to give an alarm signal despite elevated gas concentration.

Warranty, guarantee and disposal

The GX-B3 is covered by the statutory warranty of at least 2 years in the EU. The manufacturer Elektrotechnik Schabus additionally offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online. Repair and spare parts are available directly from the manufacturer, even beyond the statutory warranty. The warranty does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer.

The GX-B3 does not belong in household waste. The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol reminds you to use the take-back systems for waste electrical equipment (WEEE No. DE91394868). Further information on collection, reuse and recycling systems is available from your local waste advisory service.

Why the GX-B3 is suitable

Active protection

Automatically disconnects the connected appliance from the power supply in the event of an alarm.

Quick installation

Simply plug in, position the sensor, ready for operation after the warm-up period.

Flexible sensor

High for natural gas, low for propane and butane, connected via RJ plug connector.

Unmissable

Loud piezo tone and red flashing LED.

Always active

Plug-in operation on the 230 V mains – no battery required.

Clean solution

Thanks to the wall feed-through, the warning unit can remain outside the room.

Controlled restart

Release only after intensive ventilation and reset by unplugging.

From the manufacturer

Made in Germany, 5-year guarantee can be registered, repair and spare parts directly from the manufacturer.

Areas of application

  • Households with gas boilers and gas heating
  • Boiler rooms: switches off the gas boiler in the event of a leak
  • Kitchens with gas cookers and gas lines
  • Rooms and storage areas with gas cylinders (propane/butane)
  • Holiday homes, holiday apartments and boats with a socket (retrofitting)
  • Workshops and small businesses
  • Commerce and catering, e.g. control of solenoid valves in commercial kitchens
  • Technical rooms and basements: warning unit outside, sensor in the room
  • Camping and LPG applications
  • Ventilation and heating appliances that are to be switched off in the event of a gas alarm

The Schabus GAS ALARM GX-B3 plugs in, detects gas, switches off the connected appliance and warns loudly. Gas safety that starts at the socket and doesn’t end with the alarm.

Frequently asked questions

Which gases does the GX-B3 detect?

The GX-B3 detects town gas, natural gas (methane) and LPG (propane and butane, including camping gas). It warns at gas concentrations well below life-threatening levels. It does not respond to carbon monoxide (CO).

What happens in the event of an alarm?

A loud alarm tone sounds, the LED flashes red, and the connected appliance is automatically disconnected from the power supply, e.g. a gas boiler. The alarm is triggered as soon as the sensor detects an elevated gas concentration for longer than 30 seconds.

Where do I mount the sensor?

This depends on the gas. For town gas and natural gas (methane) the sensor is mounted 15–30 cm below the ceiling, for LPG (propane/butane) 15–30 cm above the floor. In both cases no more than 4 m from the gas appliance. For natural gas the sensor must also be located above the highest door or window opening in the room.

Can the warning unit remain outside the monitored room?

Yes. The sensor cable can be routed through a wall opening (Ø 13 mm). This way the warning unit stays outside while the sensor is in the room to be monitored – for example in technical rooms or basements.

What do the LED colours mean?

Yellow: The sensor is warming up (3 to 5 minutes). Green: The GX-B3 is ready for operation. Red flashing: Alarm – an elevated gas concentration has been detected.

How do I re-enable the GX-B3 after an alarm?

First ventilate the room intensively and have the cause of the gas leak eliminated. Then briefly unplug the GX-B3 from the socket and plug it back in. During the alarm itself the warning unit must not be unplugged.

The GX-B3 triggers an alarm immediately after plugging in. Is it defective?

Not necessarily. After long storage or moisture during transport, an alarm may be triggered immediately after the warm-up period. Briefly disconnect the GX-B3 from the mains and restart the warm-up period. This may be necessary up to three times.

Why is there a false alarm?

The sensitive sensor also reacts to other gaseous media. Aerosols (e.g. hairspray, disinfectant spray), heavy tobacco smoke and cooking vapours can trigger a false alarm.

How do I test the function?

Release a burst of gas (approx. 30 seconds) from a lighter onto the sensor without igniting the lighter. The alarm is triggered and the LED flashes red. Then briefly disconnect the GX-B3 from the mains and restart the warm-up period. The manufacturer recommends performing this test monthly.

How do I care for and clean the device?

Clean the GX-B3 only with a dry linen cloth, which may be slightly dampened if heavily soiled. Solvent-based cleaners are prohibited. Regularly free the sensor of dust by blowing. The date of the next sensor inspection is indicated on the sensor – then send it to Elektrotechnik Schabus for factory inspection.

Where must the GX-B3 not be used?

Not in potentially explosive atmospheres and only in dry indoor areas. The sensor must not be mounted behind curtains or in cupboards, directly next to a cooker, above a sink, next to doors, windows, ventilation, fans or air conditioning, or in dusty or dirty areas.

Can I also control a solenoid shut-off valve?

Yes. Control of a solenoid shut-off valve is possible so that the gas supply can also be interrupted in the event of an alarm.

How long is the guarantee valid?

The statutory warranty of at least 2 years applies in the EU. In addition, the manufacturer Schabus offers a 5-year guarantee that can be registered online.

Questions about the GAS ALARM GX-B3?

Our support team in Germany will advise you free of charge on selection, installation and configuration.

Datasheets
Datasheet 1

Oops! Your browser doesn't support PDFs!

Datasheet 1 (2.63 MB)

GAS ALARM GX-B3

The GX-B3 is a compact catalytic gas detector designed for the detection of combustible gases such as methane, propane, or ethanol. It provides reliable monitoring and an integrated acoustic alarm for indoor use.

Technical Data

  • Operating voltage: 230 V AC (±10%), 50–60 Hz
  • Power consumption: approx. 2 W
  • Switching capacity: 2300 W / 10 A
  • Protection class: IP 20
  • Sound pressure (buzzer): 60 dB (at 10 cm distance)
  • Sensor type: catalytic
  • Operating temperature range (sensor): -10 °C to +50 °C
  • Storage temperature (sensor): -20 °C to +70 °C
  • Ambient humidity: 5–90% RH (non-condensing)
  • Sensor lifetime: approx. 5 years
  • Cable length: 2.5 m
  • Cable diameter: 3.5 mm
  • Dimensions (H×W×D): 121 × 57 × 28 mm
  • Dimensions (sensor) (H×W×D): 52 × 27 × 29 mm

Gas Detection

  • Methane: < 5000 ppm (0.5%)
  • Propane / Isobutane: < 2000 ppm (0.2%)
  • Ethanol / Acetone: < 5000 ppm (0.5%)
  • Carbon monoxide (CO): no alarm trigger

Manufacturer information:

Electrical engineering Schabus GmbH & Co. KG

Baierbacher Straße 150

83071 Stephanskirchen
Germany

Telephone: +49 80 36 / 674 979 – 0

Email: info@elektrotechnik-schabus.de

Responsible person:

Didactum® Security GmbH

Im Mühlenfeld 4

48163 Münster
Deutschland

Fon: (+49) 250 19 71 63 54 / (+49) 171 33 11 577

Email: info@didactum-security.de

Questions?

You have questions about Schabus products?

You would like a quote?

Contact us