gas detector

To Old Biscuit, you are absolutely correct about changing out the solenoid when going to a Safe-T-Alert detector and for my unit that requires a bunch of work as well as a bunch of money. The 2014 MSRP for the detector and solenoid is $264 and requires replacement every five years. The only way it comes now is a combo unit with CO detection.

I have replaced the CCI with the Safe-T-Alert and because my rig is hard piped(NO rubber hose) and a very awkward location it is a real pain to change out.

Boy oh boy is this going on and off course. The OP bought the correct LP detector and it is supposed to be installed at least 6 inches above the floor for a surface mount. Prevents damage by vacuums etc.

The combo smoke/CO detectors should be mounted high in a room but not on the ceiling. I don't believe that 120vac combo units are plug in. They require a 4' round box with approved 120vac wiring. Check NEC.

Battery powered alarms are allowed, at least in California and depending on jurisdiction may have to be hard wired. I just went through this while selling a second home last month. There is a mix of hard wired smoke detectors and both CO detectors are battery powered.

bbaker2001 wrote:
well, now am confused. have the LP detector installed.
now the combo CO--Fire. I have read everything, and talked to fire dept.
in CA we must have a CO detector in house. purchased the 110 volt unit which means they are plugged into a wall plug. mine are about 12 " from floor. now I have a combo unit, that MUST be placed near ceiling. how can the CO be detected at both high and low point.
I think I will return the combo unit and buy separate ones. but still no clear explanation on where the CO detector should be installed. floor--middle--high.
maybe at same level as bed height??

CO has about the same specific gravity as air so it really does not matter where you mount it as it mixes with the air. Gas is heavier than air so it must be low and smoke is lighter than air so it must be high(the detectors)

Sam

Old-Biscuit wrote:
They have a self life of 5-7 yrs. The sensors go dead. Should (May) be an expiration date on backside but at 15 yrs. TIME TO REPLACE


This one expiration date is in RED (NOV 2002)



You will not find a CCI replacement. Will need to goggle for other brands

Actually that red print is the Mfg. Date.
It should have been printed in the box to the right.

Richard

well, now am confused. have the LP detector installed.
now the combo CO--Fire. I have read everything, and talked to fire dept.
in CA we must have a CO detector in house. purchased the 110 volt unit which means they are plugged into a wall plug. mine are about 12 " from floor. now I have a combo unit, that MUST be placed near ceiling. how can the CO be detected at both high and low point.
I think I will return the combo unit and buy separate ones. but still no clear explanation on where the CO detector should be installed. floor--middle--high.
maybe at same level as bed height??

Old Biscuit - you're right. Smoke is particles, CO2 is gas with no smell or color. They usually come together, when something is burning.

CO2 is not poisonous, but it will eventually kill us all because it affects the climate. This is what is called a "greenhouse gas". Safe concentration is 350 ppm, but due to human activity it rose above this level 25-30 years ago (I think it's well above 400 now), and keeps on rising - at accelerating rate. World #1 CO2 polluter is China, and their annual "contribution" is increasing year after year. US of A is #2, no annual increase in the last few years.

CO - also no smell or color - comes without any flame and often without smoke. Poisonous.

deleted

Almot wrote:

bbaker2001 wrote:
how do the combo CO/smoke detector. I wouldn't mine putting 1 downstairs, and 1 in bedroom

There was a good point by BFL13 on different mounting requirements for LP and CO2 (smoke) detectors - one should be low, another one - high.

From what I see, CO and CO2 are also mounted differently - CO on the mid-height, CO2 - on the ceiling. Makes sense since Co2 (smoke) goes up and hangs near ceiling. I would get separate CO and CO2, there is no savings on combo $35 vs separate 2*$18.

Just for clarification
CO2 is 'carbon dioxide' what we air breathers exhale (and used in fermentation of alcohol) Frozen it is 'dry ice'

CO - Carbon Monoxide is a odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion

Smoke Detector actually detects the presence of 'smoke' either visually or by ionization sensing.

Combo CO & smoke detectors do work and can be mounted at same height as both rise towards ceiling.
Best location for combo units would be on a wall about foot down from ceiling.

bbaker2001 wrote:
how do the combo CO/smoke detector. I wouldn't mine putting 1 downstairs, and 1 in bedroom

There was a good point by BFL13 on different mounting requirements for LP and CO2 (smoke) detectors - one should be low, another one - high.

From what I see, CO and CO2 are also mounted differently - CO on the mid-height, CO2 - on the ceiling. Makes sense since Co2 (smoke) goes up and hangs near ceiling. I would get separate CO and CO2, there is no savings on combo $35 vs separate 2*$18.

D.E.Bishop wrote:
I googled Propane leak detectors and see that Amazon has a replacement for your CCI. It is a Saf-T-Alert detector. I have a CCI that also controls a solenoid that opens a valve and allows the propane to flow. I believe that if the detector goes off, it closes the valve. Not sure about that. I love the thing but darn expensive to replace.

I will say that most if not all RV supply stores carry the Saf-T-Alert alarms. All three catalogs have them.

YES if LP Detector alarms it closes that solenoid to stop the flow of propane.

IF you have to replace a CCI LP Detector that controls a shut-off solenoid you have to replace that solenoid also OR remove it.

This is from Safe-T-Alert


SOLENOID VALVE WARNING
-
DO NOT connect any Safe-T-Alert propane alarm to any solenoid valve controlled by a CCI propane alarm.
A burn or fire danger can occur using Safe-T-Alert propane alarms and CCI solenoid valves

Course Safe-T-Alert has a replacement solenoid kit.