Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Lon and Cheryl on June 25, 2011, 11:14:32 pm

Title: LP gas and Carbon Monoxide detector replacement
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on June 25, 2011, 11:14:32 pm
I need to replace the LP gas and Carbon Monoxide control panel in my 1995 U320.
I have never seen another 1995 U320 so I don't know if they all have the same set up as I do. My U320 has 2 Primus boilers for heat and hot water, that run on propane. The Propane tank in this U320 has a large capacity.
The control panel is located across from the refrigerator in a cut out in the isle cabinet in front of the pantry. The sensor is at ground level in the bathroom entrance.
The current control panel and remote sensor are marked Hydro Flame  CONTROL UNIT/CARBON MONOXIDE SENSOR. The remote sensor is marked Hydro-Flame.
There is a automatic shutoff valve at the propane tank connected to the system.
I Contacted Foretravel but have not received a reply.
I contacted Hydro-Flame and was told they have not made that unit for many years.
Can anyone steer me in a direction for a exact replacement or a unit that would fit the current cutout in my cabinet?
While searching I read a article that said the detector should be replaced every 3 years, What have you replaced your detector with?
Title: Re: LP gas and Carbon Monoxide detector replacement
Post by: Jerry Whiteaker on June 26, 2011, 10:03:40 pm
We don't have the same coaches, but since no one has replied, here goes.  LP and carbon monoxide detectors do need to be replaced.  My original LP detector would not alarm even when LP was directed toward it from an unlit propane torch. The test button still functioned though.  It takes a  blast of about 10 -15 seconds or more to set off even a good one.  LP detectors are located down low near a major appliance like the stove.  CO detectors are located up high.  It doesn't matter whether they are internal or external battery powered, both will do the job.  With internal batteries you can mount them anywhere and not have to worry about the wiring.  On some coaches the LP detector was wired to a shut off  valve at the LP tank.  Caused lots of problems with false alarms and was a small drain on the house battery to keep the valve open.  Brand name was ProTecTor, no longer in production with the solenoid valve feature.  Most owners removed the solenoid valve and installed a piece of pipe.  Two years ago,  I found a detector that fit the cutout near the floor,  a ProTecTor without the solenoid feature.  I could not find a detector that fit the CO cutout.  Replaced the small piece of plywood that had the cutout.  The old piece was destroyed getting it out as it was glued and stapled in place.  Or try to find a surface mount detector that will cover the cutout.  Some owners have more than one of each type of detector like in the bedroom. 
Title: Re: LP gas and Carbon Monoxide detector replacement
Post by: Michelle on June 26, 2011, 10:10:15 pm
We don't have the same coaches, but since no one has replied, here goes.  LP and carbon monoxide detectors do need to be replaced. 

Excellent point!  I believe the general rule is 7 years for LP and CO; 10 years for smoke detectors.  Our coach was delivered in 9/02 and we replaced all the detectors last spring (2010)  after we read this. 

Michelle
Title: Re: LP gas and Carbon Monoxide detector replacement
Post by: Lon and Cheryl on June 27, 2011, 03:39:12 am
Thanks for the help.
I will remove the auto valve at the LP tank and look for  a unit or units that will cover the empty holes.