Forum Discussion

Explorer

Feb 15, 2017

Bad Safe-T-Alert CO/LP detector

I'm hoping I can get some help from others who have had the same or similar problem. My 2016 Rockwood came with a Safe-T-Alert CO/LP detector located just inside the entry door near the floor. We were dry camping in the mountains of Idaho on its maiden voyage last year and around 3am, I hear this ear piercing beep coming from the downstairs area of my 5th wheel. After some investigating and testing, I found out my batteries were at around 11.3 volts and the CO/LP detector was in a "Failed" state due to low voltage. The solution that evening was to start my generator and let it run all night. The next evening, same thing happened. Needless to say, we cut our trip short and took the trailer back to Camping World to have them check things out. The batteries were tested (ok) and the CO/LP detector was tested to make sure it would sense CO and LP (ok). The low voltage issue I complained about was not checked. Long story short...we've replaced the unit 3 times over the course of several months and still have the same issue. According to the documentation and Safe-T-Alert's Support personnel, the detector is supposed to issue a low voltage alarm at 10 volts and a failure alarm at 7 volts. I'm getting the failure alarm at 11.3 volts. Oddly enough, if I put the detector on the variable voltage supply, it will alarm at 11.3 volts and recover at 11.5 volts. Safe-T-Alert doesn't seem to be interested in fixing the issue. Their solution is to send another unit in hopes of finding one that works as documented. My concern is that there are 100s or 1000s of campers out there with faulty CO/LP detectors. If it doesn't operate as documented, how can you be certain it will save your life if CO ends up in your camper. Right now, I'm operating with a portable CO detector in my bedroom area and I have the Safe-T-Alert unit disconnected. Has anyone else had the same problem or similar and are there any solutions. This has been going on for a year now and can't seem to get anyone to act. I would like to find something permanent instead of using portable detectors. Thanks in advance!

Seeking Advice

jstaffon
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
Krusty wrote:
I think I would be tempted to find and repair the real problem. Why is your voltage going so low?

I asked that same question and I was told that's not unusual for a rig my size when dry camping in the mountains. Highs can be in the 70s with lows in the 20s. My furnace turns on frequently in the evening along with the normal electrical things like the fans for my fridge. I've had my batteries tested by two separate organizations and they are good. If I top off the batteries several hours before I go to bed, everything is ok all night. Realistically, you're up doing things with lights on until you go to bed. I also have solar panels that top off the batteries during the day but the time between sunset and bed time knocks the edge off the batteries and down to about 12 volts. When I monitor the current draw during the day, I don't find any one thing that causes me concerns.
SoundGuy
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
Krusty wrote:
I think I would be tempted to find and repair the real problem. Why is your voltage going so low?

Exactly. The OP is misdirecting his concern to the detector when he should be concerned about why his batteries are performing so poorly. There's always a reason, he just needs to find out what that reason is.
sch911
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
If your rig would,run at a normal voltage you,wouldn't have this issue. What else was running during those overnights? You don't need a new detector you need to see why the battery is draining so quickly!
beemerphile1
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
Sounds like it is working as it should. You need to resolve the low voltage issue. Are you purposefully destroying your batteries?
Isaac-1
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
I agree 11.5 volts is way lower than you should be letting a deep cycle lead acid drain down to.
Krusty
Nomad II
Feb 15, 2017
I think I would be tempted to find and repair the real problem. Why is your voltage going so low?
haddy1
Explorer
Feb 15, 2017
I have never had one of those pieces of junk last over about 18 months. I have installed a separate RV rated CO detector and will depend on my nose for any gas leak. After all, that's why they put the odorizer in the propane.

If you are one of the unlucky ones that have a detector that shuts down your gas system every time you use a spray can, I feel for you.