Tamper resistant vapor sensor method and system

A method for forming a vapor sensor apparatus, comprising the steps of:

• providing a substrate containing a sensing element, wherein said substrate is located proximate to a sleeve portion which covers and protects said sensing element;
• connecting a vapor filter to an end of said sleeve portion, wherein said end of said sleeve portion is located opposite said sensing element;
• and
• providing a housing for retaining said substrate and a cover which snaps onto said housing, wherein said housing comprises walls from which a hole is formed through which vapors may pass, and wherein housing and said cover protect said vapor sensor apparatus from gravitationally settled materials thereof.

A vapor sensor system, comprising:

• a gas vapor sensor comprising a substrate that includes a sensing element, wherein said substrate is located proximate to a sleeve portion which covers and protects said sensing element, wherein said gas vapor sensor further comprises a gas vapor filter affixed to an end of said sleeve portion, wherein said end of said sleeve portion is located opposite said sensing element and wherein said gas vapor filter comprises a permeable membrane;
• a water heater to which said gas vapor sensor is mounted, wherein said gas vapor sensor is mounted proximate to said water heater in a manner which reduces air flow to said sensing element and prevents tampering of said gas vapor sensor, such that said gas vapor sensor automatically shuts off an ignition device associated with said water heater if said gas vapor sensor detects gas vapors;
• and
• a controller and a microprocessor associated with said gas vapor sensor, wherein said controller and said microprocessor respectively control operations of said gas vapor sensor and processes vapor detection information.