
SBS-H2
Hydrogen Gas Detector Kit
For battery charging rooms and other areas where hydrogen gas may be present
INSTALLATION, OPERATION & MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
Protects Life, Property and Profits
Electrical Safety – UL 61010-1
Compliant with NFPA 70E® and IEEE Recommendations
Pollution Degree 2
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
TestEquipmentDepot.com

Warnings
This detector is added protection, not a substitute for prudent safety measures, for
where hydrogen gas may be present.
For large or highly-sensitive areas, SBS recommends installing additional sensors for
increased coverage area.
The hydrogen sensor does not provide protection from fires or hydrogen explosions.
The relay contacts are intended to be connected to a safety system that would enable
audible alarms, system shutdown and ventilation.
Ensure that installation complies completely with all relevant Local, State, Federal and
OSHA safety and health regulations.
If a sensor enters warning or alarm mode there is a risk of combustion or explosion. To
avoid injury, leave the area immediately.
The sensor is calibrated for operation in air. Tampering with the sensor or operation in
environments that are exposed to other types of gases can lead to inaccurate
readings, false alarms or permanent damage.
Please see troubleshooting guide for list of gases and compounds that may damage or
alter a sensor’s performance.
Uncured silicone compounds or extended exposure to silicone off gassing can give
inaccurate readings or false alarms on a sensor.
SBS-H2 Users Manual, Rev. 07-17-TNEMH2 Page 2 July 2017

Table of Contents
Troubleshooting/Maintenance
Test Equipment Depot - 800.517.8431 - 99 Washington Street Melrose, MA 02176
SBS-H2 Users Manual, Rev. 07-17-TNEMH2 Page 3 July 2017
TestEquipmentDepot.com

Main Unit and Accessories
Hydrogen Gas Detector
Includes: one (1) main control, one (1) H2-SENSOR and one (1) 25 ft. cable
Junction Box with Knockouts, 4 11/16" X 4 11/16", Metal
Hydrogen Gas Sensor Only (No Cable)
Additional/Replacement Hydrogen Gas Sensor with 25 ft. Cable
Additional/Replacement Hydrogen Gas Sensor with 50 ft. Cable
Additional/Replacement Hydrogen Gas Sensor with 100 ft. Cable
Field Test Kit for SBS-H2
Includes: case, regulator, tubing and two (2) cylinders of H2 gas (1% and 2%)
Field Test Kit for SBS-H2
Includes: case, regulator and tubing – does not include H2 gas cylinders
110Vac 3 Prong AC Cord, 10 Ft., 18-3 AWG
SBS-H2 Users Manual, Rev. 07-17-TNEMH2 Page 4 July 2017

1.0 Overview
Batteries on charge emit hydrogen gas as part of the chemical reaction of recharge.
Concentrations of 4.1% to 75% H2 mixed with air can be explosive. Sparks or hot surfaces can
ignite hydrogen gas.
The SBS-H2 hydrogen detector acts as a monitor and provides a visual and audible alarm when
hydrogen is detected. The unit also has a 1% concentration relay that can trigger exhaust fan
operation and a 2% concentration relay that can trigger a building management/alarm system (via
SCADA/Modbus) before the gas reaches the lower explosive limit (LEL) of 4.1%.
2.0 Benefits
In addition to protecting employees and property, the detector may also reduce the following costs:
Energy Efficiencies
Instead of continuously running an exhaust fan to prevent hydrogen gas accumulation, use the
detector to activate a fan only if the gas concentration reaches 1%.
Insurance Savings
Installation of a detector in areas where batteries are charged may result in a premium reduction.
3.0 How it Works
Should the concentration of hydrogen gas in the air surrounding the sensor reach 1% by volume, the
“1% Warning” yellow LED will light up on the main control of the unit. In addition, the 1% internal relay
will energize and can be used to activate a remote exhaust fan.
Should the hydrogen gas concentration reach 2% by volume, the “2% Alarm” red LED will light up,
the strobe will flash and an audible alarm will sound. In addition, the 2% internal relay will energize
and can be used to activate a building management/alarm system (via SCADA/Modbus).
The SBS-H2 provides automatic operation, continuous detection, high sensitivity, stability and solidstate reliability. The unit uses 120/240 Vac 50/60 Hz and/or 12 - 48 Vdc operating voltages.
SBS-H2 Users Manual, Rev. 07-17-TNEMH2 Page 5 July 2017