MQ-4 Methane Gas Sensor Module (Natural Gas Leakage Detector)
Ensure high-precision tracking and hazard prevention in your environmental monitoring setups with the industrial-grade MQ-4 Methane Gas Sensor Module. Specifically engineered to isolate and detect Methane gas leaks, this module features a high-performance tin dioxide semiconductor sensing layer that experiences low conductivity in clean air but spikes sharply as Methane concentrations rise.
The MQ-4 sensor is heavily optimized to detect Methane and Natural Gas with exceptional speed, while exhibiting very low cross-sensitivity to standard alcohol fumes, cooking smoke, or carbon monoxide. It serves as an essential safety shield for smart kitchen safety grids, CNG vehicle safety devices, industrial factory ventilation alarms, and biogas plant monitoring systems.
Key Features
Methane Specific Tuning: Highly sensitive to Methane and Natural Gas, making it the definitive hardware choice for pipeline tracking and fuel gas safety.
Dual Output Architecture: Built with both a Digital Output for instantaneous high/low safety alarm triggers and an Analog Output for real-time parts-per-million concentration mapping.
Adjustable Alarm Threshold: Features an onboard multi-turn potentiometer, allowing you to finely adjust the digital trigger point to match your specific clean-air background baseline.
Onboard Voltage Comparator: Assembled with a highly stable comparator integrated circuit, ensuring clean, sharp digital square waves that eliminate false triggers.
Explosion-Proof Stainless Steel Mesh: Designed with a dual-layer stainless steel mesh cover that protects the internal heated filament while preventing external spark risks.
Real-Time LED Status Monitoring: Equipped with two independent indicators—one for central power tracking and another that lights up instantly when Methane levels pass your preset safety limit.
Technical Specifications
Feature | Specification |
Sensor Type | Semiconductor Gas Sensor (MQ-4) |
Target Gases | Methane Gas, Natural Gas, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) |
Operating Voltage | 5V DC Nominal |
Operating Current | Approx. 150 mA |
Detection Concentration Range | 200 to 10000 ppm (Parts-Per-Million) |
Output Type | Dual Output: Analog Output + Digital Output |
Active Logic State | Digital Output drops LOW (0V) when gas thresholds are crossed |
Mounting Layout | Pre-drilled screw holes for secure panel or wall attachment |
Board Dimensions | 32 mm x 20 mm x 22 mm |
Hardware Wiring & Pin Mapping
The module breaks out a 4-pin interface that maps directly to standard microcontrollers like Arduino, ESP32, STM32, and Raspberry Pi:
VCC: Connects to a stable +5V DC power supply rail. (Requires a dedicated 5V source to correctly power the internal heating element).
GND: System Ground Reference.
DO (Digital Output): Outputs a stable High/Low logic level. Connect this straight to a digital input or hardware interrupt pin. It stays HIGH in standard conditions and drops LOW when Methane leakages cross your threshold.
AO (Analog Output): Outputs a varying voltage signal corresponding directly to the concentration of Methane in the air. Connect this to an analog pin to process exact parts-per-million calculations.
Common Applications
Biogas Plant Telemetry: Ideal for tracking Methane production levels within eco-friendly bio-digester setups or waste management yards.
CNG Vehicle Safety Systems: Install inside vehicle cabins or engine bays near Compressed Natural Gas lines to warn drivers of an active leak.
Natural Gas Pipe Infrastructure: Mount along domestic gas lines or industrial utility meters to immediately alert users of an infrastructure compromise.
Mine & Tunnel Safety Grids: Link with localized sensor mesh networks to track heavy Methane pocket accumulation in underground passages.
💡 Operating Tip: The MQ-4 sensor requires a "Preheat / Burn-in" period before it can output accurate readings. After powering the module on for the very first time, let it sit powered up for 24 to 48 hours to balance the internal chemical sensing element. For subsequent uses, allow 1 to 2 minutes of warm-up time until the heater stabilizes. The module will become warm to the touch during normal operation—this is perfectly normal behavior for the internal heater loop.
Package Includes:
1 x MQ-4 Methane Gas Sensor Module (4-Pin Breakout Board)