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carbon monoxide detector

Not the most amazing accomplishment, but I remembered to take photos!  Our detector started bleeping and acting weird, so it was time for a replacement.  I could not warm up to the $70 for a similar replacement, and I didn't think having the (now included) smoke detector was a good idea in the kitchen.

$30 battery-powered CO detector, $10 transformer, and 1/2 hour of work.  I removed the battery compartment, used spade connectors to attach the leads to the PC board, and glued it all together with Plumber's Goop.  Now it is full-time DC powered like the original.

Kidde Battery Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm with Digital Display - Carbon...

Amazon.com: BINZET DC Converter Step Down Regulator 5V Regulated Power...

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Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #1 –
Perhaps a couple of these Amazon.com : co & smoke combination detectors , one in the bedroom and one above the entrance. Models on the Amazon page with 7 to 10 year battery life.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #2 –
Expanding on Pierce, with Carbon Monoxide causing deaths in the news, we support ALWAYS having CO detectors everywhere. Even a few years ago Ford police cars were causing CO sickness in law enforcement.

We only use CO detectors that are not combined with smoke, etc and are always battery operated with display that show low, non-threatening CO levels. 10-yr life battery units never rely on external power that can go out unexpectedly.

In order to not wake-up dead, we have a CO detector on one wall inside bedrooms and a 2nd backup unit somewhere else in the same bedroom.

With reported hotel deaths in the news, seems like a battery unit should be in our travel case to be used in temporary stays, as it likely would have prevented some note-worthy resort deaths.

RVs can be at risk if a neighbor runs a generator with exhaust pointed at another coach. And of course, during power outages, how many more deaths do we need when folks run their own generator in unsafe modes.

CO leaks could cause deaths without a drop of warning, why not spend $25 to save a life?

Lots of places could benefit from a portable CO detector, like near front door, in autos, etc.

BTW, we only recommend 10-year battery powered 'smoke' detectors that have BOTH "ionization" AND "photo-electric" combined sensors as each alarms on different products of fires. Not a fan of combining fire alarms with other alarms like CO as each should be mounted at different levels & locations in a room. After our expensive Tripp-Lite surge protector burned up with lots of smoke, but all contained in the rectangular metal case, we have combination smoke detectors up behind TV and in enclosed spaces where there are several 120v devices.

Can't have too many preventative detectors. It is all good insurance.

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #3 –
I can't add much to Berry's excellent post. CO (Carbon Monioxide) contrary to old beliefs, is slightly lighter than air. Normal air movement in a house or RV insures that any CO will mix throughout a coach so placement is not critical.

I noticed several battery powered CO detectors with digital readouts on the page I linked to earlier. Nice to put in your travel case while packing for your next trip. All countries (and states/cities) don't have the same safety/building inspections so being aware where the exits are could be important. Know how to turn on the flashlight on your smart phone also.

A little food for thought: Most businesses have panic hardware on outward opening doors that exit the building but many places in the world have doors that open inward. Bad deal if people are trying to get out in a hurry.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #4 –
So, I just noticed that the green light on our co detector and our propane gas detector is not lit.
Should I replace them or is there a reason why they aren't lit.
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #5 –
I do know that most RV co and propane detectors have a "replace by" date. Typically five years. Mine were original to the coach, or 20 plus years old. Replaced them when we started off full time. Going to get one  for the bedroom in addition. Stuff happens.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #6 –
Thanks.  I will try to take advantage of some Black Friday specials.
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #7 –

As others have stated above, a CO Detector is a must have.  I have 2 of these in the coach, one in the bedroom, and one near the sofa.
What really impressed me is one day when I had the car idling in the same garage about 20 feet from the coach, I all of a sudden heard the beeping> Took me a few minutes and then realized the CO Detector in the Coach had triggered due to CO levels in the garage. Really made me think.

Kidde Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm with 10 Year Sealed Battery...

Also, per some suggestions above, I ordered another 2 pack today. Going to keep one in the suitcase for hotel stays, and the other will be mounted in the garage.  Better safe than sorry.

Good thread to make us all aware of this potentially dangerous, but easily detected issue.

Thanks to all.

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Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #8 –
Quote from: MarkC –
As others have stated above, a CO Detector is a must have.  I have 2 of these in the coach, one in the bedroom, and one near the sofa.
What really impressed me is one day when I had the car idling in the same garage about 20 feet from the coach, I all of a sudden heard the beeping> Took me a few minutes and then realized the CO Detector in the Coach had triggered due to CO levels in the garage. Really made me think.

Kidde Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide Detector Alarm with 10 Year Sealed Battery...

Besides the battery life, the sensor material ages out.  The Kidde-branded option looks like a very good choice.

I would caution anyone from ordering a "whackadoodle" brand detector from Amazon to save a few bucks.  While yes, most if not all detectors are likely made in China, you risk a knock-off that perhaps doesn't have the most reliable circuitry, detector material/setup, etc., compared to a brand (like Kidde, First Alert, etc.) that has product liability and brand reputation at stake. 
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Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #9 –
     My propane gas alarm detector's green light wasn't on.  I found that a fuse had been tripped.  When I reset the fuse, the green light came on.  When I test it, it gives me an alarm sound.  Even though the date on the unit is 1998 I would assume that it is still good since the alarm goes off.  I was going to replace it but I don't think there is any need to now. 
    BTW my basement lights come on now.  There were two fuses that were tripped.

    On a separate note, the green light on my CO detector is not on. (It's just above the heart interface panel).  I guess I could check to see that there is power to it, but first Is there a fuse somewhere to that one also? 

Thanks
Rick & MJ Berry
1998 U320 40'
Ohio
 

Re: carbon monoxide detector

Reply #10 –
Quote from: 18360 –
    My propane gas alarm detector's green light wasn't on.  I found that a fuse had been tripped.  When I reset the fuse, the green light came on.  When I test it, it gives me an alarm sound.  Even though the date on the unit is 1998 I would assume that it is still good since the alarm goes off.  I was going to replace it but I don't think there is any need to now. 
    BTW my basement lights come on now.  There were two fuses that were tripped.

    On a separate note, the green light on my CO detector is not on. (It's just above the heart interface panel).  I guess I could check to see that there is power to it, but first Is there a fuse somewhere to that one also? 

Thanks
The "test" button only tests the alarm electronics.  It cannot (and does not) test the sensor itself; which will age out. That is why they recommend replacing them every 5 years.  These detectors are not expensive to replace and the added safety of having a "fresh" sensor is well worth it for the piece of mind (and, possibly, saving your life).
As others have stated, I would also recommend a unit with independent battery power since, as your experience shows, a detector with no power is no sensor at all.
Looking for a Foretravel 
Current RV: 2009 Tiffin Allegro 32BA