Southern California Edison (SCE) maintains over 500,000 distribution transformers in Southern California. Throughout its lifecycle, a distribution transformer experiences thermal stresses. This can lead to electrical faults, generating acetylene as a byproduct. Over time, the acetylene buildup can reach explosive concentration levels. The team came up with a method of detecting acetylene in these transformers using a combination of electrical and chemical detection techniques and integrated the detection method into a device that can be used in the field.