General Questions
Q: How do I find the manufacture date of a detector? ▼
A:
The year and week of manufacture can be found in the serial number on the back label of the detector. The fourth letter in from the left represents the year the detector was built. Years go in alphabetical order. Example: J-2019, K-2020 , L-2021, M-2022 and N-2023. The next two numbers (after the letter representing the year) designate the fiscal week the detector was built. Example: week 01-the first week in January, 02-the second week of January, 03-the third week of January, continuing in the same order through week 52-the last week in December.
Q: How do I bump test/calibrate? ▼
A:
Bump test and calibration can be done with a bottle of calibration gas (not expired) and a regulator (.5 LPM flow rate). Please refer to the manual for the correct gas concentrations. Additionally we provide docking stations that perform the tests and record the details.
Please visit our Resources page and watch the video for your detector.
Please visit our Resources page and watch the video for your detector.
Q: How often should I bump test my detector? ▼
A:
We recommend bump testing detectors before each day’s use.
Q: How do I properly use the GCT Hand Aspirator Kit? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Q: How do I print a cal cert from GCT Manager? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Q: Can I change detector settings with GCT Manager? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Q: Can I change the alarm points on my detector? ▼
A:
Yes. All detectors can have their alarm points changed with the GCT IR Link software. There are more customizations that are available as well. Please refer to the user manual for your detector for all the options available. Please be advised that if you are using a dock, all settings for detectors must be changed using the dock or they will revert to the original settings. If you are using a detector manually (no dock), settings can be changed using the GCT IR Link.
Q: How to understand detector logs? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Q: How do I download logs using GCT Manager? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Questions About Gas Detection
Q: How do I know if my gas detector will actually work when I need it? ▼
A:
The most reliable detectors are designed to minimize user error through clear alarms, simple operation, and consistent performance. Regular bump testing and calibration help confirm the detector is responding correctly—especially in critical environments.
Q: Do I really need to bump test and calibrate that often? ▼
A:
Frequency depends on the application and risk level. Bump testing verifies the detector responds to gas, while calibration ensures accuracy. Skipping either increases the risk of false confidence. We recommend bump testing everyday for your safety. Our detectors have a 1-year calibration cycle, but we recommend using your company’s requirements.
Q: Can I reduce maintenance without sacrificing safety? ▼
A:
Yes—by choosing detectors that emphasize simplicity, predictable sensor life, and streamlined maintenance. Reducing complexity often improves compliance and overall safety.
Q: What gases do I actually need to monitor? ▼
A:
That depends on the hazards present. Standard 4-gas covers many applications, but environments with combustion engines, fermentation, confined spaces, or poor ventilation may require additional monitoring like CO₂.
Q: What’s the difference between CO and CO₂? ▼
A:
CO is a toxic gas that interferes with oxygen delivery in the body. CO₂ displaces oxygen and can cause rapid breathing, confusion, or loss of consciousness at elevated levels—often without odor or warning.
Q: Is my detector compliant everywhere I work? ▼
A:
Compliance varies by region, industry, and job site. Look for detectors that meet applicable standards and come with clear documentation to support audits and inspections.
Q: Will workers actually use this detector correctly? ▼
A:
Detectors that are intuitive, clearly alarm, and require minimal interaction are more likely to be worn, trusted, and used properly in the field.
Q: Am I overbuying—or under-protecting? ▼
A:
The right detector balances risk, simplicity, and cost. The goal isn’t more features—it’s the right protection for the job.
Single Gas Clip (SGC, SGC Plus)
Q: I have activated my single gas detector, how do I turn it off? ▼
A:
Detectors cannot be turned off, however if you have an SGC-P-H you can hibernate it using the GCT IR Link or Single Gas Clip Dock.
This is the only detector that can be hibernated.
This is the only detector that can be hibernated.
Q: What is the difference between the SGC and SGC Plus? ▼
A:
Both detectors have the same benefits and features. The SGC Plus can be hibernated to temporarily stop the “count down” and save that time; great for contractor application when the single gas detector is not used on a daily basis.
Q: What does an E01-E06 display on the SGC or SGC Plus indicate? ▼
A:
If you have an error code, E01-E06, please discontinue use immediately and contact Gas Clip Technologies.
Multi Gas Clip (MGC, MGC PUMP, MGC SIMPLE, MGC SIMPLE PLUS)
Q: What if I only need to monitor for two or three gases? ▼
A:
The MGC can be set to monitor LEL and O2 or as a three gas monitor with either LEL, O2, CO or LEL, O2, H2S. You will need a GCT-IR-Link to make and manage these configuration settings.
Q: What advantages do infrared sensors offer over catalytic bead/pellistor sensors? ▼
A:
Infrared sensors offer the following advantages:
- 1. Infrared sensors are immune to silicone poisons and halogenated compounds which can degrade or destroy catalytic bead/pellistor sensors.
- 2. They are not damaged when exposed to high concentrations of combustible gases.
- 3. They do not require oxygen in order to accurately detect combustible gas levels when there’s a need to inert or purge lines or vessels.
Software
Q: How do I update the software/firmware? ▼
A:
We've prepared a video to show you how to do that.
Docking Station
Q: Where is the power switch? ▼
A:
Either the bump test or calibration buttons act as the power switch. After 2 minutes the station will automatically shut off to conserve battery power.
Q: Why is the power light blinking during a test? ▼
A:
If the power light blinks during a test, it indicates that there is no USB inserted. Please make sure that the USB is connected.