CO Sensor

[currinh]

A funny thing happened bringing our new (to us) 19 home. The CO sensor went off while in a campground. I couldn't smell any gas and think it was a false alarm.

Now Cooper, the larger of our two Labradoodles, was laying on the floor near the sensor at the time. The only thing we can think of is Coopers letting of gas set of the sensor. Is this possible? Anyone else had a similar experience?

True of not, it gave us a good laugh.

[KarenH]

The sensor monitors carbon monoxide (odorless) but the dog would be exhaling carbon dioxide or emitting methane. Regardless, I don't think the alarm should be ignored if it should go off again. (But they sometimes are extremely sensitive.)

It's always good to blame the dog!

[Cypherian]

Originally Posted by KarenH

The sensor monitors carbon monoxide (odorless) but the dog would be exhaling carbon dioxide or emitting methane. Regardless, I don't think the alarm should be ignored if it should go off again. (But they sometimes are extremely sensitive.)

It's always good to blame the dog!

As long as you have a dog .......:} Oh and it is nearby... :}

[KarenH]

Nothing to fool around with:

Carbon monoxide poisoning - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[techfan]

I believe in looking at my documentation that ETI installs a dual alarm that monitors both carbon monoxide AND propane. Previous threads have indicated that gaseous critters or critters who block the sensor may set it off. As mentioned earlier, continued alarms should not be ignored.

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by KarenH

The sensor monitors carbon monoxide ...

Which is CO, rather than CO2 (carbon dioxide).
Hugh, if you can change the title you might want to change "CO2" to "CO" to reduce confusion.

[gbaglo]

Fixed it.
Had to or it was going to keep driving me crazy.

[Rossue]

Our previous 2010 17B went off maybe three times over the last ten months. Random- usually when we couldn't get the trigger lighter to light so we could light the stove, resulting in LP gas smell.

[KarenH]

My book is in my trailer so can't check it, but doesn't the alarm emit two different sounds, one for propane and one for carbon monoxide? Or am I just living on a different planet again?

[currinh]

I'm likely mistaken (memory: a thing I used to have). I do remember thinking I couldn't smell anything and should have, so likely the propane sensor rather than CO. Methane/Propane, one carbon/three carbon, 6/half dozen, same thing right? But then, should have smelled something if the dog went off also? Google search of the Internet indicates our dog could be the cause, and I always believe the Internet 'cuz they have to tell the truth. But then I've been known to confuse CO and CO2, go figure.

Karen: When it went off I dug out the manual and yes it senses CO and Propane, same unit. Not sure the sounds are different but different lights come on.

Tim and Julie: Thanks for confirming it really could be the dog (if I'd doubted the Internet). And it was the dog, I swear!

Thanks.

PS. If it is more than random, I will get it checked out.

[hotfishtacos]

I copied this out of the manual for the propane detector. This is mounted into the wall below the space heater.
>>>>
MTI INDUSTRIES
PROPANE GAS ALARM
MODEL 30-442 AND 30-441
USER’S MANUAL
<<<<
>>>>
This MTI Industries ™ propane gas alarm is listed by
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. for use in recreational
vehicles. Other explosive gases detected but not tested by
Underwriters Laboratories include Acetone, Alcohol,
Butane, Gasoline all of which you may have in your
Trailer, Truck Camper, Van Camper or Motorhome.
When dangerous levels of propane gas (< 25% LEL) are
detected the alarm signal will activate. A reset/mute circuit
can be activated to temporally silence the alarm while you
ventilate.
<<<<
I have a separate Smoke and CO Alarm mounted above the dinette area. I it white and round and looks like your typical smoke detector.

[amirie]

Oh I thank you--after a long hectic night at work that set me giggling!!!
Guess thats why our cat would never come with us!

[bvansnell]

Our cocker spaniel was crate trained and used to sleep under the double bed when camping with us. The propane / carbon monoxide detector was also under the double bed. Many times he set it off when he passed gas while sleeping. It did not seem to bother him, but was a surprise to us the first time it happened. It is easily solved by waving some air around the detector.

I would guess the detector can't tell the difference between propane [C3H8] and methane [CH4].

https://www.flickr.com/photos/brian_vansnell/3950651975

[techfan]

Originally Posted by hotfishtacos

I copied this out of the manual for the propane detector. This is mounted into the wall below the space heater.
>>>>

<<<<
I have a separate Smoke and CO Alarm mounted above the dinette area. I it white and round and looks like your typical smoke detector.

Sorry, sorry, sorry... You are so right. My previous trailer had the propane and CO detector together. Fire and CO are battery operated on the wall. In fact, the instructions say "This is not a smoke/fire alarm. It is also not a carbon monoxide alarm."

On rereading I also see we are supposed to vacuum or dust it weekly and clean the cover weekly! This is required to keep it "in good working order." Glad this whole discussion came up and made me go read and refresh my aging memory!

[woodie]

Mine went off once this spring.It was cold so had the furnace on quite often and the detector is under the bed /booth table .I always have it set up as a bed and store extra things under,so figure the detector wasn't getting enough air flow around it..Now I leave it clear in front and haven't had a problem since.

[currinh]

Anna-Marie:

Good to hear, that was the goal.

Thanks.

Originally Posted by amirie

Oh I thank you--after a long hectic night at work that set me giggling!!!
Guess thats why our cat would never come with us!

[sjnuss]

We had intermittent alarms on our dual CO/ Propane alarm in our 2012. Recently at the factory Reace changed out both the lower unit, which is now propane only and the upper unit which is now the dual CO/Fire alarm. No issues since. He did mention that the older dual (lower) alarms had issues and that we could still possibly expect an alarm on the new dual (upper) detector. Been quiet since!

Steve

[Sandra L]

My 2009 17B has a separate CO detector (hard wired) which is adjacent to the rear center overhead cabinet. The smoke detector is high on the bathroom wall that faces front. I've had the smoke alarm go off when using the furnace initially, but all has been ok since. The downside is that it is hard to find a hardwired CO only detector. Plus they are a bit pricey.

[Valentine]

Hello All:

We have a First Alert smoke and CO alarm in our 19' trailer which needs replacing. The model is SCO5RVA. I would prefer not to remove the wall base so I would like to get exactly the same kind. Does anyone know where I could purchase this? Amazon has many First Alert models but not this one. Thanks for your help.

Phil

[C&G in FL]

Originally Posted by Valentine

Hello All:

We have a First Alert smoke and CO alarm in our 19' trailer which needs replacing. The model is SCO5RVA. I would prefer not to remove the wall base so I would like to get exactly the same kind. Does anyone know where I could purchase this? Amazon has many First Alert models but not this one. Thanks for your help.

Phil

I saw them in my local Lowe’s less than a year ago. Hopefully, they are still marketing them.