Best Ammonia Detector (2024 update)

An ammonia detector, also known as an ammonia sensor, is a critical safety device that accurately measures the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the air. These detectors are essential for personal protection in hazardous gas environments where exposure to ammonia may occur. Poultry and pig farms rely on ammonia detectors to ensure the indoor air quality is safe for livestock, as high levels of NH3 can be detrimental to animal health. Additionally, gaseous ammonia is present in many industrial processes, necessitating continuous monitoring to protect workers from the dangers of NH3 gas leaks. By providing real-time measurements and alerts when ammonia levels exceed safe thresholds, these detectors play a vital role in maintaining a secure working environment and preventing potential health risks associated with ammonia exposure.

Pros	Cons
Small and low cost ammonia detecors are available for NH3 safety. High volume of products, which drives costs down. Many ammonia sensors are available for less than $299.	Bump testing and calibration can be forgotten by users. Sensors typically last from 24 to 36 months. Tricky to measure in humid environments.

What Is the Best Ammonia Detectors?

There are many ammonia gas detectors on the market. The reputable brands include the following:

• Forensics Detectors Ammonia Detector
• MSA NH3 Monitors
• RKI Portable NH3 Detectors
• Industrial Scientific NH3 Monitors
• Draeger NH3 Meters
• Sensidyne NH3 Detectors

What Is an Ammonia Detector?

An ammonia detecotr is an instrument used to detect the concentration of ammonia in the air. These devices have a long-life battery, large screen that displays NH3 concentration, and a belt clip to connect to clothing. In order to protect users, ammonia gas detectors also have LED, vibration, and buzzer alarms.

Ammonia gas detector are also known as ammonia detectors, NH3 monitors, ammonia sniffers, ammonia analyzers, or ammonia gas testers. These names all refer to the same device, an ammonia gas detector or ammonia sensor.

What Does an Ammonia Sensor Detect?

An ammonia sensor detects ammonia (NH3) gas and displays the levels in parts per million (ppm).

What Is Ammonia Gas?

Ammonia has the chemical symbol NH3. It is a very useful yet dangerous gas.

When we are exposed to NH3, its corrosive nature burns our skin, eyes, and lungs. Inhaling ammonia gas is a major problem as it will irritate the throat, nose, and lungs. 

Despite its harmful effects, ammonia is useful in many manufacturing processes. NH3 is used as a refrigerant, in fertilizers, and the creation of plastics, dyes, and textiles.

Ammonia gas has always been a challenge for poultry and swine (pig) farmers. For example, ammonia in a poultry house is directly produced by the chickens. Due to poor waste management, ammonia gas can accumulate to dangerous levels for both livestock and humans. 

What Is Anhydrous Ammonia?

In Greek, anhydrous means "without water." Anhydrous ammonia is pure, compressed ammonia that is typically stored and transported in liquid form. This chemical also easily dissolves in water. When referring to anhydrous ammonia, it typically is:

• In liquid form.
• Contains no water in the ammonia liquid (i.e. pure form of ammonia).
• Compressed, stored, and transported in tanks.
• Used as a nitrogen fertilizer. Anhydrous ammonia is applied directly to soil in corn fields. The below image shows a tractor with an anhydrous fertilizer applicator attached. By towing the anhydrous ammonia supply tank behind it, the vehicle constantly applies ammonia to the corn field.

Can I Smell Ammonia Gas?

Yes, humans can smell ammonia gas.

However, the odor threshold can vary from person to person.

• An academic study showed that the mean odor detection threshold was 2.6 ppm.
• A Japanese study showed an odor threshold of 1.5 ppm.
• Another study found the ammonia odor threshold within a concentration range of 1.1 – 1.5 ppm.
• OSHA mentions that the ammonia odor threshold is around 5ppm.

In general, it is a bad idea to depend on your sense of smell to determine the "potency" of an aromatic gas like ammonia. This is because your nose will become less sensitive to the odor as you get used to it.

This phenomenon is called olfactory fatigue. This is when the nose adapts, becoming blind to the odor. Other "aromatic" gases such as ozone also causes this effect. After a prolonged period of exposure, your sense of smell becomes less sensitive to the particular odor.

What Are the Different Types of Ammonia Detectors?

Ammonia Detectors for Air Quality (Farms, Indoor or Outdoor) These are handheld ammonia gas detectors used to check air quality in poultry houses and indoor livestock facilities. Easy to use with a large screen showing the ammonia ppm concentration.

Ammonia Detectors for Personal Protection The majority of Ammonia gas sensors and detectors are portable. These are small, battery-powered units with an NH3 sensor that can be clipped onto your clothes. Portable detectors provide continuous protection with LED, buzzer, and vibration alarms.

Ammonia Wall Mount Monitor Fixed, wall-mounted units provide continuous protection. These devices are perfect for an indoor poultry farm. If the levels of ammonia pass the preset threshold, the unit will alarm and automatically trigger the ventilation system.

How Does an Ammonia Gas Detector Work?

An ammonia detector is made up of electronics and an NH3 gas sensing element. The gas sensor converts the detected gas concentration to an electronic signal for analysis by the onboard microprocessor. After receiving a signal, the processor displays the reading. If the measurement exceeds the pre-set alarm value, the alarms will be triggered to warn the user.

Gas	Sensor Technology	Pros	Cons
Ammonia (NH3)	Electrochemical Sensors The gas reacts with a working electrode, triggering an electrochemical redox reaction. The generated current is proportional to the detected gas level.	Small, fast response, & cheap Easy to integrate with electronics Immediate ON	Limited life from 24 to 36 months Influenced by temperature and humidity

What Are Safe Ammonia Gas Levels?

Various government agencies and associations have recommended gas exposure limits, examples can be seen below.

Agency	Recommendation / Requirement
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)	NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL): 25 ppm, 10 hour TWA 35 ppm, 10-minute ceiling
Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA)	50 ppm average over 8 hours
American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH)	25 ppm average over 8 hours 35 ppm (Short Term Exposure Limit - STEL)

Are Ammonia Detectors Used in Poultry Farms?

Yes it is. Poultry farmers are some of the most common customers of ammonia detecotrs. These devices help keep ammonia gas levels low to sustain healthy livestock and produce maximum yield for farms. 

Measuring ammonia in farms and other indoor livestock facilities have additional benefits for farmers. NH3 detection is necessary to improve waste management, ensure proper ventilation and air flow, and control protein feed regiments.

What Is an Ammonia Detector Used For?

Ammonia is used in a plethora of manufacturing and industrial processes. In some cases, it is very important to detect any ammonia to protect employee health.

Ammonia as a Fertilizer

Ammonia is applied to the earth as a fertilizer that helps increase yields of crops, such as maize and wheat.

Ammonia as a Cleaner

Used in household cleaning agents and window cleaners. It has a streak-free shine, making it perfect for windows. Household cleaners range in concentration by weight from 5 - 10% ammonia.

Ammonia in Industry

Used as a precursor to derive nitrogen-based compounds. Nearly all synthetic nitrogen compounds are derived from ammonia. An important derivative of the chemical is nitric acid.

Ammonia in Farms

Ammonia is generated from livestock waste, which irritates the livestock and negatively impacts yield.

Can an Ammonia Sensor Be Used to Detect a Sewer Gas Leak? 

No, we do not recommend using an ammonia detector for suspected sewer gas leaks. For that we recommend a specific sewer gas leak detector.

How Long Does an Ammonia Detector Last For?

Ammonia detectors incorporate small electrochemical sensors that usually last between 24 and 36 months. 

How Do I Test My Ammonia Detector?

The best way to test your ammonia gas detector is to expose it to a known gas source. Generally referred to as bump testing, this is a good practice to perform daily. Frequent testing is especially important in personal protection applications where safety is paramount.

What Is an Ammonia Detector Bump Test?

• Bump testing is a procedure where the user exposes the detector to a small amount of “blast” target gas to ensure the detector operates and alarms as programmed.
• The function of this test is to verify proper operation and build user confidence, particularly in hazardous applications.
• It is recommended to bump test when first purchased, with subsequent testing every week. If using in LIFE-THREATENING and / or DANGEROUS applications, bump test daily. 
• Ammonia test gas is also available.
• Tip: Spray Windex on a cloth. Place it over the sensor of your ammonia gas detector. The ammonia from the cleaner will trigger a bump test response. Don't hold it for too long otherwise it may poison the sensor.

What Is Ammonia Detector Calibration?

Ammonia gas detector calibration is the technical task of adjusting the detector to a more accurate gas reading. Over time, the sensors on the device will degrade or produce drifting readings. We suggest calibrating your ammonia detector every 6 to 12 months, the typical time period for gas detectors. 

Gas calibration is a technical task that requires certain key pieces of equipment. These include a calibration gas bottle, gas regulator, tubing, and calibration cap fitting. You need to communicate with the manufacturer to determine the recommended calibration gas concentrations and mixtures. For the Forensics Detectors ammonia gas monitors, we recommend gas calibration with ammonia gas at 50ppm. See ammonia calibration gas here.

Be attentive and calibrate daily if:

• The user employs the device as an analytical tool where accuracy is paramount.
• The device is used in an extreme environment (temp and humidity extremes create sensor drift).
• The user is performing an imminently dangerous application.
• Bump testing fails. In this case, you must calibrate to make sure the sensors and monitor operate properly.
• The ammonia gas detector alarms in the fresh air. This could mean that the sensor has drifted past an alarm set-point.

Also, it is prudent to have a calibration schedule that the owner or employees strictly follow. 

Is Ammonia Gas Explosive?

Yes, ammonia is flammable at concentrations from 15 - 28% in air.

Therefore, ammonia gas has a lower explosive limit (LEL) of 15% - this means it is too lean to burn.

The upper explosive limits (UEL) of 28% means it is too rich to burn.

Final Words

An ammonia gas detector is a critical safety device that accurately measures the concentration of ammonia (NH3) in the air. With an OSHA-recommended 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 50 ppm, ammonia is a toxic gas that poses significant health risks. Ammonia detectors are most useful for personal protection in hazardous gas environments, ensuring the safety of workers exposed to potential NH3 leaks. The poultry and swine industries represent the largest market for ammonia detectors, where they are used to monitor indoor air quality for improved livestock health and employee safety. Additionally, ammonia gas is utilized in various industrial processes, and continuous monitoring is often required to prevent dangerous leaks. By providing real-time measurements and alerts when NH3 levels exceed safe thresholds, ammonia gas detectors play a vital role in maintaining a secure working environment and protecting workers from the hazards associated with ammonia exposure.

About The Author Dr. Kos Galatsis ("Dr.Koz") is the President of FORENSICS DETECTORS, where the company operates from the scenic Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles, California. He is a subject matter expert on gas sensor technology, gas detectors, gas meters, and gas analyzers. He has been designing, building, manufacturing, and testing toxic gas detection systems for over 20 years. Dr. Koz loves to help customers solve their unique problems. He also loves spending time with his wife and his three children going to the beach and grilling burgers. Read more about Forensics Detectors here. Email:  drkoz@forensicsdetectors.com