Forum Discussion

farmerbillswife's avatar
farmerbillswife
Explorer
Jul 07, 2013

LP Detector

I have a 2012 Jayco we purchased last year brand new in May. Trailer is parked in a campground hooked up with 50 amp service on a seasonal site. This AM my CO/LP detector started going off for no apparent reason-The CO stayed green but the LP was blinking red. I shut the gas off outside and it continued to go off for about 15 more minutes intermittently. Neighbors came over and said detector probably bad so he unscrewed and unwired it from wall. Date stamped on back of detector is FEB 2012. How can they sell a unit with expired equipment? Anyhow, do you think the expiration is the answer or could there be another problem?
  • 1rickw's avatar
    1rickw
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2013
    Mine goes off sometimes when I have the propane tank refilled. However, one time I dropped a bottle of wine right next to it, and it started up. At least I know that it works, even if I don't. HaHa.
  • You_can_t_take_'s avatar
    You_can_t_take_
    Explorer
    Jul 08, 2013
    farmerbillswife wrote:
    ok thanks so much for all the answers!! No dog by the way! How do I check the voltage?

    You will need to invest in a voltmeter. Not a high priced item at under $10.00
  • DiskDoctr's avatar
    DiskDoctr
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    Peg Leg wrote:
    When mine went off, it turned out to be low battery voltage. It's hard wired to the 12v system and always on. I added a LCD volt meter and a on off switch. Now If it goes off a 2 AM a quick glance at the volt meter confirms the problem, I shut it off and go back to bed.


    Yeah, isn't it brilliant the detectors purposely drain any last battery you have by alarming? That way you end up with a completely dead battery, no lights, no fridge, etc :R

    Yeah, recently ripped mine off the wall before replacing my battery ;)
  • Peg_Leg's avatar
    Peg_Leg
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    When mine went off, it turned out to be low battery voltage. It's hard wired to the 12v system and always on. I added a LCD volt meter and a on off switch. Now If it goes off a 2 AM a quick glance at the volt meter confirms the problem, I shut it off and go back to bed.
  • thomasmnile's avatar
    thomasmnile
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    farmerbillswife wrote:
    I have a 2012 Jayco we purchased last year brand new in May. Trailer is parked in a campground hooked up with 50 amp service on a seasonal site. This AM my CO/LP detector started going off for no apparent reason-The CO stayed green but the LP was blinking red. I shut the gas off outside and it continued to go off for about 15 more minutes intermittently. Neighbors came over and said detector probably bad so he unscrewed and unwired it from wall. Date stamped on back of detector is FEB 2012. How can they sell a unit with expired equipment? Anyhow, do you think the expiration is the answer or could there be another problem?


    Is that the manufacture date for the detector? I don't believe they put expiration dates on them, but it is pretty well known that LP detectors have a typical useful service life of 5 years.

    I would head back to the dealer with it to check both the detector and make darn certain the LP distribution lines or gas appliances aren't leaking. The detectors are quite sensitive and may sense LP at a level so minute that it activates before you would notice a leak by way of the mercaptan odorant that is added to the gas.
  • Lynnmor's avatar
    Lynnmor
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    Do you have a dog? If he passes gas it will set off the detector. Really!
  • farmerbillswife's avatar
    farmerbillswife
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    Detector is not battery operated it is hard wired. The smoke detector is battery but no the CO2/LP. Will check to see if low voltage tomorrow. I wasn't even in the camper when it started going off I was on the deck and it was pretty random. Seems to me like a new camper shouldn't be a dead or expired detector already. Thanks for the suggestions!
  • rvten's avatar
    rvten
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    Detector should be battery operated.
    Fumes from carpet, outside smoke from a camp fire,moister in the air,fumes from bathroom, hair spray.
    Had one go off from paint fumes at home.
  • You_can_t_take_'s avatar
    You_can_t_take_
    Explorer
    Jul 07, 2013
    Most likely another problem. Low voltage perhaps? Or use of hair spray or other chemical(s)? There are a number of other reasons for occasional false alarms. Try vacuuming it or blowing compressed air through it.

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