nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Oct 5, 2016 20:18:09 GMT -8
Online info is conflicting. Some people think LP detectors are not needed in small campers because of the odor and many of us shut the gas off before bed. CO detectors apparently are very sensitive for a tiny space. Some say that every time you cook it goes off.
It seems the best location for an LP detector is near the floor but CO detectors need to be near the ceiling. Yet they sell them as one unit.
Thoughts?
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Post by vikx on Oct 5, 2016 23:41:41 GMT -8
Propane detectors are obsolete. Even *I* can smell propane, and I've lost most sense of smell...
Anyone using propane inside should have a battery operated CO detector. It's important. Even with a window or the vent cracked.
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msgoehring
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Just call me Margaret the shellac, buff, sand an shine queen.
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Post by msgoehring on Oct 6, 2016 5:41:35 GMT -8
I want to jump in real quick and just say that I know for a fact that the additive in propane that makes it smell can wear out. You can also get a temporary synesthesia and become used to the smell and not realize there's a problem.
That being said, if there is a leak in the propane system, the CO detector should pick it up. That's why propane detectors, which need to be placed low because the gas sinks, doesn't rise, are becoming obsolete. You want to know when there is a problem with the system and the CO detector will pick that up because unused propane will create carbon monoxide which the detector will pick up.
I know it can be really confusing especially when you're considering a combined detector because propane sinks yet for co detector it has to be high. Imagine what I went through the first time I purchased one for my house 20 years ago after our accident. I am just lucky enough to have had professional help with it through our lawyer. The person who told me about all this is a guy who investigated natural gas accidents all over the nation. We still keep in contact with him, he became enamoured with my then 6 year old (she was adorable back then and could make anyone feel sorry for her) so he became like one of our family. He's been a big help with trying to figure out what to get inside the trailer. And while he won't promote brands, he has said we want a top rated CO detector, no propane detectors because they don't work like they were intended, and a good smoke detector.
I hope this helps.
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nccamper
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1962 Forester- 1956 Shasta
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Post by nccamper on Oct 6, 2016 6:22:00 GMT -8
Some people say put a CO detector at the highest point, some say about nose level, some say waist level for when you're sleeping and so cooking won't set it off.
We had one years ago I took out because cooking always set it off even with the windows open. Are they better now?
Thoughts?
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Post by danrhodes on Oct 6, 2016 6:33:07 GMT -8
Some people say put a CO detector at the highest point, some say about nose level, some say waist level for when you're sleeping and so cooking won't set it off. We had one years ago I took out because cooking always set it off even with the windows open. Are they better now? Thoughts? From what I've read, mounting low is a myth. CO is slightly lighter than air, but diffuses quickly. I would probably put one in the rear, perhaps mounted to the back of the closet, so it can protect sleepers without being tripped from the stove CO while cooking. |
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