MQ-5 Methane LPG Natural Gas Propane Butane Sensor Detector Module

📋 Overview

The MQ-5 gas sensor detector module is designed for leak detection of LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas), methane (CH₄), propane, butane, natural gas, and city gas, with low sensitivity to alcohol and smoke. This low cross-sensitivity reduces false triggers, making the MQ-5 one of the most reliable choices in the MQ family for dedicated combustible gas leak detection.

The module features dual signal outputs: an analog output (0V to ~5V) that increases with gas concentration, and a digital TTL output that signals when concentration exceeds an adjustable threshold. The threshold is easily set using the onboard potentiometer. With fast response and recovery characteristics, long service life, and reliable stability, the MQ-5 is suitable for both home and industrial use.

⭐ Key Features

• Multi-Gas Detection — Detects LPG, methane, propane, butane, natural gas, and city gas
• Low Cross-Sensitivity — Low sensitivity to alcohol and smoke reduces false triggers
• Dual Signal Output — Analog (AO) and digital TTL (DO) outputs for flexible integration
• Adjustable Threshold — Onboard potentiometer to set the digital output trigger level
• Indicator LEDs — Power LED and digital output (DO) status LED for visual feedback
• Fast Response & Recovery — Quick detection and return to baseline for reliable monitoring
• Simple 4-Pin Interface — VCC, GND, AO, DO — no library required
• 5V Compatible — Works directly with Arduino, ESP8266, and other 5V development boards

📊 Specifications

📦 What's in the Box

• 1x MQ-5 Gas Sensor Detector Module

🔌 Compatible With

• Arduino (Uno, Mega, Nano, Pro Mini, and compatibles)
• ESP8266 and ESP32 development boards
• Raspberry Pi (with ADC module for analog reading)
• STM32, Teensy, and other 5V-compatible microcontrollers
• Any microcontroller with analog input and 5V power supply

🚀 Getting Started

1. Connect VCC to 5V, GND to GND, AO to an analog input pin (e.g., A0), and DO to a digital input pin (e.g., D2)
2. Upload a basic analogRead() sketch to your Arduino — no special library is required
3. Open the Serial Monitor at 9600 baud and allow the sensor 2–5 minutes to warm up
4. Observe the baseline reading in clean air, then bring a gas source (such as a butane lighter with the gas valve open but unlit) near the sensor to see the value increase
5. Adjust the onboard potentiometer to set the digital output threshold for your application

💡 Tip: For detecting gases lighter than air (methane, natural gas), mount the sensor high. For heavier-than-air gases (propane, butane), mount it low near the floor. See our complete User Guide linked below for detailed wiring diagrams, sample code, and troubleshooting tips.

📌 Pinout

🎯 Typical Applications

• Home gas leak detection (kitchen, furnace room, garage)
• Industrial gas monitoring systems
• Arduino and microcontroller safety projects
• Portable gas sniffers and handheld detectors
• Smart home automation — trigger ventilation fans or shut-off valves when gas is detected
• Natural gas and propane appliance monitoring
• Educational and STEM projects

⚠️ Important Notes

• The sensor element gets hot during operation — do not touch the metal mesh cylinder while powered
• This module is for gas detection and indication only — it is not a certified safety device and should not be used as the sole protection against gas leaks in life-safety applications
• Allow a 24–48 hour initial burn-in for best accuracy on first use; subsequent warm-ups take only 2–5 minutes
• Low sensitivity to alcohol and smoke, but not completely immune — some cross-sensitivity may occur in heavy smoke or alcohol vapor environments
• Raw analog readings are not direct PPM values — calibration against known concentrations is required for PPM conversion
• The sensor draws up to 160 mA — use an external 5V supply if powering multiple sensors or experiencing unstable readings
• Keep the sensor away from direct airflow (fans, HVAC vents) that could dilute gas concentrations

📄 Documentation & Resources

• User Guide — Wiring, Arduino Code, Calibration & Troubleshooting
• All Sensor, Detector & Input Module Guides