The carbon monoxide detector on my newly purchased motor home expired in 2009. I want to replace it.Is there a difference between a regular carbon monoxide detector and one used in an RV?The one in the motor home now is a Costar Model 9RV. It states:"Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Also suitable for use in Recreational Vehicles"It is the round shape that looks the same as the smoke alarm rather than one installed lower in the motor home. It was installed in the ceiling.Could I just buy a round carbon monoxide detector from Home Depot and install it?

Is it 12VDC or battery powered?That will make the only difference.BTW ceiling is absolutely the wrong place for carbon monoxide detectors.Smoke alarms, yes, ceiling mount.

It is battery operated. That is what I thought too. They usually mount them low near the floor which would be the first place for carbon monoxide to collect. By the time it reached the ceiling, it may be too late.However, it was installed in the ceiling.

I use a battery powered one from Lowe's that was cheaper than the RV versions and have complete confidence in it. Just make it a routine to replace the battery.

My CO detector has a non replaceable 10 year battery. By that time the sensor is no good any more so is time to replace the whole thing anyway. Kidde says the batteries will probably last longer with the cold weather storage so I should pay attention to the expiration date and not wait for the low battery alert. Pay attention to that if you get something similar.

Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, propane is heavier than air. Carbon monoxide rises, propane settles.

Carbon Monoxide Detector | Good Sam Community

pauldub
Explorer
Nov 03, 2016
Don't believe any of us, read the installation instructions that come with the CO detector.
donn0128
Explorer II
Nov 03, 2016
So much mis information. People should really check what the pros suggest is the best placement for carbon monoxide detectors
pauldub
Explorer
Nov 03, 2016
rwgeiser wrote:
Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, propane is heavier than air. Carbon monoxide rises, propane settles.

In other words, don't install the CO detector near the floor.
rwgeiser
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016
Carbon monoxide is lighter than air, propane is heavier than air. Carbon monoxide rises, propane settles.
STBRetired
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016
My CO detector has a non replaceable 10 year battery. By that time the sensor is no good any more so is time to replace the whole thing anyway. Kidde says the batteries will probably last longer with the cold weather storage so I should pay attention to the expiration date and not wait for the low battery alert. Pay attention to that if you get something similar.
fla-gypsy
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016
I use a battery powered one from Lowe's that was cheaper than the RV versions and have complete confidence in it. Just make it a routine to replace the battery.
nbking
Explorer
Nov 02, 2016
It is battery operated.

That is what I thought too. They usually mount them low near the floor which would be the first place for carbon monoxide to collect. By the time it reached the ceiling, it may be too late.

However, it was installed in the ceiling.
donn0128
Explorer II
Nov 02, 2016
Is it 12VDC or battery powered?
That will make the only difference.
BTW ceiling is absolutely the wrong place for carbon monoxide detectors.
Smoke alarms, yes, ceiling mount.

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