Carbon Monoxide Detectors - a cheap safety device

[Bellbirdweb]

Hello all,

As a newbie to this site, and to caravanning, I am looking forward to gaining tips and tricks from those of you who have lots of experience.

I thought I'd pass on some of my experience as a firefighter with 36 years experience.

All of you would (or should) have smoke alarms and a fire extinguisher fitted to your van, however how many of you have a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector fitted ?

You may have noticed on the roof vents and other places that you should use ventilation when LPG appliances are in use.

Burning LPG gives off Carbon Monoxide, which is lighter than air, but of greatest concern is that it is highly toxic, colourless and odourless.

For around $30 you can buy a CO detector from Bunnings, and protect your sleeping family from a buildup of Carbon Monoxide, and potential tragedy.

I'd like to see these as standard fittment on all vans, but until then, I would highly recommend this inexpensive safety item.

 

[White knuckles]

Thanks for posting will be my next mod

 

[Glen Bundesen]

Also Coast to Coast (Jayco) have a CO detector - I can't recall the price.

 

[Bellbirdweb]

I actually went out and bought one from Bunnings this morning.

$28.98 each

 

[macca]

Good tip Bellbirdweb, I have attached a link to some useful reading, although directed at CO detectors for homes and mainly relating to heaters it is still relevant (page 3 in particular). And if you are buying one for your home and if you have a gas appliance in your home whether natural gas or lpg then buy another for home.

And service your appliances on a regular basis by a licensed Gasfitter
http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BQ-_cyJLGnQ=&tabid=123&mid=2068
ESV is the regulatory body in Victoria, however each state has their own.

Cheers.

 

[Meanderthals]

I'm a bit paranoid about these things, partly due to some work incidents years ago, so while our WnP was awaiting our picking it up I had Darios Caravans in Adelaide add one, plus a gas detector, while doing other additions.

Phil

 

[Deano]

We use a work issued monitor like this.

Especially in winter when the van is nice and cosy and we are using LPG for cooking too.
Cheers Deano

 

[Bmhdg76]

Hi @Bellbirdweb,

Went and got one of these carbon monoxide detectors yesterday... Where in your opinion should it be mounted? Would on the face of one of the overhead cupboards be a good spot as long as not near the cooktop?

BJ

 

[Bellbirdweb]

BJ,

Similar rules to mounting a smoke alarm, on the ceiling, not directly above a gas appliance, as they can also false alarm.

On one of the cupboards may be ok, provided its up near the ceiling, and its not going to be damaged by the closing of the cupboard.

Graham

 

[Bmhdg76]

BJ,

Similar rules to mounting a smoke alarm, on the ceiling, not directly above a gas appliance, as they can also false alarm.

On one of the cupboards may be ok, provided its up near the ceiling, and its not going to be damaged by the closing of the cupboard.

Graham

Thanks for that Graham. Will find a spot. Maybe near the smoke detector.

BJ

 

[Bellbirdweb]

That would be perfect