Propane Detector mystery

[C_J1]

Just took our RV out of storage after 4 years and the propane detector sounds--get this--any time we turn an interior light on. Turn the light off and the alarm stops sounding. Switch a light back on and the alarm sounds.

Any ideas?

[femailyetti]

Check for voltage first, if it has 12 or more volts.....when I talked to the guys that make the gas detectors I use in hotels and condos, they tell me a service life of 7 years if used 24 hours a day, and 14 years shelf life if not used. I'm sure there is some long formula you can use if its depowered most of the year. They said replace it after ten years, or obtain the proper test gas in a can from a alarm supply house.

[egh33]

I had that problem just last week. After much research, It was one of my house batteries was bad. 2 new batteries later. Problem solved.

[hohenwald48]

Check voltage with a good digital meter. Lights don't really care much about low voltage. Detectors do.

And when you turn on the lights, you cause the voltage to drop even more.

[C_J1]

Thanks for the replies. It looks like it's time for a new detector.

[Ivylog]

Before replacing, hook the detector up to a separate 12v battery and your problem will go away.

[n7bsn]

Kennyg wrote:
Detector may be type that indicates end of life - they're only good for 5yrs at most. Replace it. That's been my experience.

That was my first thought.

[Tinstar]

Sounds like your lights are leaking propane.

[Kennyg]

Detector may be type that indicates end of life - they're only good for 5yrs at most. Replace it. That's been my experience.

[C_J1]

Why would there be low voltage just to the detector? The lights are fine and the house batteries are brand new and fully charged.

[BB_TX]

Low voltage would also be my guess. And it may be approaching end of life. They do have an expiration date.

[Community Alumni]

Low Voltage

JimR