Red Seal Gasfitter — Class B Practice Exam

Which tool is commonly used to detect gas leaks?

1. A gas leak detector or soap solution

2. A pressure gauge

3. A thermal camera

4. A multimeter

The correct answer is: A gas leak detector or soap solution

A gas leak detector or soap solution is the most commonly used tool for detecting gas leaks because it directly identifies the presence of gas in the area being inspected. Gas leak detectors are specifically designed for this purpose and can provide immediate, precise readings indicating the concentration of gas in the air, which is essential for safety in gas handling and installation. Alternatively, a soap solution can also be effectively employed as it generates bubbles when applied to a surface where gas is escaping. The formation of bubbles indicates a gas leak, making this method a straightforward and practical technique used by gasfitters during installations or service checks. While other tools, such as pressure gauges, thermal cameras, and multimeters, have important applications in the field of gasfitting, they do not serve the primary purpose of detecting gas leaks. A pressure gauge is primarily used to measure pressure in gas lines; a thermal camera is more suited for identifying temperature variations; and a multimeter measures electrical properties, none of which directly assess gas leak presence like a gas leak detector or soap solution does.