Design and Implementation of a Smart Home IoT Gas Detection and Alert System

Purpose: This study aims to design and develop an IoT-based gas leak detection and monitoring system for residential use, particularly in Ghana, to enhance household safety through real-time LPG monitoring and early warning alerts that prevent gas-related fire accidents. Design/Methodology/Approach: The system was developed using an Arduino Uno microcontroller integrated with an MQ-5 gas sensor for continuous gas concentration monitoring. A SIM800L GSM module enables real-time SMS notifications, while a buzzer and LED indicators provide immediate audio-visual alerts. A 16×2 LCD displays gas concentration levels for on-site monitoring. The prototype was subjected to functional, integration, and performance testing under simulated gas leak conditions to evaluate responsiveness, reliability, and stability. Findings: The results demonstrate that the system effectively detects elevated LPG concentrations and triggers immediate alerts through visual, auditory, and remote communication mechanisms. The prototype demonstrated prompt response times, stable operation, and reliable performance during extended testing. Research limitations: The system was tested under controlled environmental conditions, and long-term field deployment in diverse residential settings was limited. Network dependency for SMS alerts and sensor calibration sensitivity may also affect performance in real-world scenarios. Practical Implications: The proposed system provides an affordable, scalable, and user-friendly solution for real-time gas monitoring in homes, offering early detection and timely intervention to reduce fire risks. Social Implications: The findings highlight the need to strengthen residential gas safety regulations and integrate smart monitoring technologies into national safety standards, including promoting affordable IoT-based gas detection systems to reduce gas-related accidents Originality/value: This study presents a cost-effective, integrated IoT-based residential gas monitoring solution tailored for developing-country contexts, combining real-time sensing, automated alerts, and remote notification features within a unified smart home safety framework.