Replacing built in CO/LP detector

Dale.Traveling wrote:

sailor_lou wrote:
Although mine has past the expiration date I check it's operation every year and since it is still functioning I leave it in place. I've also installed an additional battery operated detector so I have two detectors running at all times. Why discard the functioning unit?

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

The gas sensors (the front end of the alarm) in CO and LP alarms have a limited life span. After several years of service the manufacture can not guaranty the sensitivity or function of the gas sensor which is why they recommend replacement.

The test button on an alarm tests most of the circuitry but not the gas sensor. Without lab testing the end user has no ability to determine if the sensor can still detect CO at levels that are not harmful to you or LP that is below the explosive concentration level beyond the expiration date.

Alarms cost less than a tank of fuel and take maybe five minutes to replace. Four screws and two 12VDC wire nuts and the old is out and new is in. These are one of the few items that "if it ain't broke don't fix it" might not be best maintenance practice. A bit like tires aging out rather than wearing out.

I agree. Your life is worth more than $75 or so (the average price of the built in alarm)!
So that is on the list for next year to be replaced.

sailor_lou wrote:
Although mine has past the expiration date I check it's operation every year and since it is still functioning I leave it in place. I've also installed an additional battery operated detector so I have two detectors running at all times. Why discard the functioning unit?

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

The gas sensors (the front end of the alarm) in CO and LP alarms have a limited life span. After several years of service the manufacture can not guaranty the sensitivity or function of the gas sensor which is why they recommend replacement.

The test button on an alarm tests most of the circuitry but not the gas sensor. Without lab testing the end user has no ability to determine if the sensor can still detect CO at levels that are not harmful to you or LP that is below the explosive concentration level beyond the expiration date.

Alarms cost less than a tank of fuel and take maybe five minutes to replace. Four screws and two 12VDC wire nuts and the old is out and new is in. These are one of the few items that "if it ain't broke don't fix it" might not be best maintenance practice. A bit like tires aging out rather than wearing out.

sailor_lou wrote:
Although mine has past the expiration date I check it's operation every year and since it is still functioning I leave it in place. I've also installed an additional battery operated detector so I have two detectors running at all times. Why discard the functioning unit?

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

You don't really know if it is functioning perfectly. They are not that expensive; why chance it.

I a switch on my 12 volt hardwired and installed 2 battery operated units. I didn't like the parasitic 12 volt load. I also put a disconnect switch on the radio for the same reason ( I also didn't like the bright blue lights on the radio even when turned off.)
I will not stay in any dwelling, TT, home, ice fishing shack, hunting shack, without at least one CO detector. Here in Wisconsin we lose a few people every year due to CO poisoning due to gas and wood fired equipment.

Although they make combination C0/LP detectors mine is a Propane/LP detector mounted near the floor and is 120V AC.
https://www.amazon.com/MTI-Industries-20-441-P-WT-Alert-Propane/dp/B000FLLWGA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=338W91DLB1GNP&keywords=rv+gas+detector&qid=1564587477&s=gateway&sprefix=rv+gas+%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-3">https://www.amazon.com/MTI-Industries-20-441-P-WT-Alert-Propane/dp/B000FLLWGA/ref=sr_1_3?crid=338W91DLB1GNP&keywords=rv+gas+detector&qid=1564587477&s=gateway&sprefix=rv+gas+%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-3

I have 2 smoke detectors mounted on the bedroom wall and living area ceiling. They are powered by 9V batteries. Both have end of life time.
https://www.amazon.com/First-Alert-FG250-FG250RV-Detector/dp/B01LYEBOO7/ref=sr_1_4?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIzvuHscDf4wIVq_7jBx1NtAgxEAAYASAAEgLU0fD_BwE&hvadid=174247101019&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=9027868&hvnetw=g&hvpos=1t1&hvqmt=e&hvrand=4997511439785824320&hvtargid=kwd-4929237105&hydadcr=24658_9648989&keywords=rv+smoke+detector&qid=1564588050&s=gateway&sr=8-4

You bet your life. The recommendation to replace these units due to age is there to ensure they'll work when needed.

Some people don't use seatbelts but I do - for the same reason.

Although mine has past the expiration date I check it's operation every year and since it is still functioning I leave it in place. I've also installed an additional battery operated detector so I have two detectors running at all times. Why discard the functioning unit?

Lou
05 Travel Supreme Envoy

I have replaced them in several RVs. Always bought the exact same unit off amazon.

On mine I had to take it down from the wall to read the expiration date that was stamped on the backside. They all have a life span. Mine would beep occasionally for no apparent reason which was it's way of telling me to replace it.