I just got my solar hooked up and the propane leak detector keeps going off constantly. I talked to a guy at a local RV shop and he says the propane sensor will sometimes detect other gasses and go off, so I'm worried about hydrogen gas. He also mentioned that the sensor could go off if the voltage is incorrect. I'm showing above 13 volts on my battery monitor. So, unless the charge controller is roasting the batteries, there shouldn't be enough gas venting to cause any problems, correct? I haven't yet gotten the battery bank sealed. I figured I could leave the doors to the passthrough storage open (that's where the batteries are mounted) and pull the slide trays out that I have the batteries installed into until I get them sealed and vented. I disconnected the batteries and plugged into shore power and the sensor does not go off. I'll attach a photo of the battery bank.Anyone have any ideas on what's going on here?Thanks.

How old is the RV/detector? Many detectors will go off (or at least beep sporadically) if they believe they are at the end of their life and need replacement.I would very much doubt its gas from the batteries setting it off. If you're getting sufficient gas from the batteries into the living space of the RV to set off any alarm, that in itself is a problem to fix by sealing the battery bay from the living space better. Acid fumes in living spaces are not really a good thing.You could pretty well verify that the solar is unrelated by disconnecting the solar panels from the controller (or seeing if you continue to have problems at night).

I have one that's quite sensitive. Goes off if bug spray or hair spray is sprayed in the TC or just about any aerosol vapor. Even very small amounts.I don't remember ever having any voltage issues causing it to alarm. And I have had a low battery a time or two. It does chirp one time when the power is removed. Not sure at what voltage that occurs.Manufacturers specify a expiration date of 6 or 7 years. Not sure if they get more or less sensitive.Like DrewE said, disconnect the solar leads and check it with just the batteries.

I'm doing that now. Solar is disconnected (and it's after midnight). Going to give it some time and check back in a few. I'll post the results here.Thanks!

My first assumption would be that you have an LPG leak and would test the LPG system.

I agree on the age of the coach. I would not trust any detector (propane or smoke) older than about 7 years. Time for a new one if yours is that old.

Propane sensor going off | Good Sam Community

garyemunson
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2016
I agree on the age of the coach. I would not trust any detector (propane or smoke) older than about 7 years. Time for a new one if yours is that old.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Jun 17, 2016
My first assumption would be that you have an LPG leak and would test the LPG system.
JRRNeiklot
Explorer
Jun 17, 2016
I'm doing that now. Solar is disconnected (and it's after midnight). Going to give it some time and check back in a few. I'll post the results here.

Thanks!
Joe417
Explorer
Jun 17, 2016
I have one that's quite sensitive. Goes off if bug spray or hair spray is sprayed in the TC or just about any aerosol vapor. Even very small amounts.

I don't remember ever having any voltage issues causing it to alarm. And I have had a low battery a time or two. It does chirp one time when the power is removed. Not sure at what voltage that occurs.

Manufacturers specify a expiration date of 6 or 7 years. Not sure if they get more or less sensitive.

Like DrewE said, disconnect the solar leads and check it with just the batteries.
DrewE
Explorer II
Jun 17, 2016
How old is the RV/detector? Many detectors will go off (or at least beep sporadically) if they believe they are at the end of their life and need replacement.

I would very much doubt its gas from the batteries setting it off. If you're getting sufficient gas from the batteries into the living space of the RV to set off any alarm, that in itself is a problem to fix by sealing the battery bay from the living space better. Acid fumes in living spaces are not really a good thing.

You could pretty well verify that the solar is unrelated by disconnecting the solar panels from the controller (or seeing if you continue to have problems at night).

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