Olympian wave catalytic heaters
Has anyone ever tested the amount of carbon monoxide these heaters give off? I used one for years in an old travel trailer when I was younger without any issues of course had Windows cracked for fresh...
Forum Discussion
The catalytic surface provides for complete combustion of propane so that it produces CO2 (carbon dioxide), not CO (carbon monoxide). CO2 is what you breathe out all the time. The only possible danger with CO2 is that the heater could deplete oxygen, which 1) is bad for you and 2) cause the heater to start producing CO instead of CO2. Adequate ventilation will prevent this.
CO is inherently dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the blood, even though there is plenty of oxygen present in the air. The OSHA 8 hour limit is 50 ppm, possibly being lowered to 35 ppm. Above those points almost anyone will feel some effects; those with heart issues, pregnant women, and people with respiratory problems will start to feel them well below that point.
ANY heater can malfunction. I would not risk my life with an unvented propane heater.
I would use an Olympian wave heater or similar only while awake, and with an extra CO detector for backup. Get the RV toasty warm before going to bed, and have some extra blankets handy. If necessary, have someone wake up at night and stay awake for a while to run the heater.
CO is inherently dangerous because it displaces oxygen in the blood, even though there is plenty of oxygen present in the air. The OSHA 8 hour limit is 50 ppm, possibly being lowered to 35 ppm. Above those points almost anyone will feel some effects; those with heart issues, pregnant women, and people with respiratory problems will start to feel them well below that point.
ANY heater can malfunction. I would not risk my life with an unvented propane heater.
I would use an Olympian wave heater or similar only while awake, and with an extra CO detector for backup. Get the RV toasty warm before going to bed, and have some extra blankets handy. If necessary, have someone wake up at night and stay awake for a while to run the heater.
