My '03 camper is equipped with a CCI controls LP leak gas detector. It's original equipment. A few weeks ago I pulled into my garage in my car and heard the alarm going off in the camper (also in the garage). I hit the silence button and it quit. I thought maybe it picked up the car exhaust. A few minutes later it went off again and I silenced it. It went off again and I pulled the fuse. A few days latter I put the fuse back in to troubleshoot and it didn't alarm. I went camping. No problems. It's been fine now for several weeks. Today, for no apparent reason it started alarming again. The silence button works but it alarms again in a few minutes.I really don't think I've got a leak because I can't smell an propane. I don't think a leak would have fixed itself for several weeks and then reappeared. If these do go bad, what's a good replacement?

Battery low? Or are you plugged in?

If its original equipment, it is getting pretty old, and could be going bad. Check to see if it has an expriation date anywhere on it. Check with your local LP dealer and see if they can help you with checking for an actual leak, and plan on replacing the unit.

They do have a finite life - most come with instructions to replace them every five years or so - but in reality they tend to last about twice that long. Same with the CO2 detectors. I'd replace it. Why take the chance?Any name-brand RV propane detector will do the trick, unless yours is one that also turns off the gas when it alarms (mine does). When my detector started not detecting leaks after about 10 years, I found a guy who could rebuild it. I have it tested every year and it's all good. Not looking forward to the next time it dies - there are no direct replacements available.al

Answer: Yes, they go bad. If the cause is not low batteries (which can also trigger the CO alarm along with the LP) it's time for a new one. Pretty simple swap out, available at every RV supply place.

2003 should replace both the propane detector and the regulator.JMHO

Do LP leak detectors go bad? | Good Sam Community

partsman01
Explorer
Jul 17, 2016
Had one go bad on my 1989 lynxx and I think my 2004 one in my fifth wheel is gone, had it going off last summer while away, just ended up cutting wires to it to shut it up, have not replaced it yet, but will not be able to get away this year.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Jul 16, 2016
Thanks everyone. I guess I'll be looking for a repair or a new one.
96Bounder30E
Explorer II
Jul 14, 2016
For CCI controls repair........Larry at CCIrepairs@gmail.com
wa8yxm
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2016
A LP leak detector is a hand held device designed to find the actual leak

What you have is an LP or to be more exact Explosive gas detector

They last about 5 years on the average than need replacement.

Also, though we call them LP detectors, and that is what it says on the thing, they are really EXPLOSIVE GAS detectors.. This means several things other than LPO will set 'em off

Methane (Farts)
Alcohol (Including your screwdriver splled on the floor)
Gasoline
Propelents used in many spray cans.

To name but 4

Basicaly any gas that can go BOOM
Ivylog
Explorer III
Jul 14, 2016
Check your battery voltage when it's doing it and when it's not... may solve the mystery.
gaymeadowsman
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
Mine went bad when the trailer was only 3 months old. My dealer gave me a new one at no charge. They don't cost that much anyway and are easy to replace.
jnharley
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
Ours went bad in less than 2 years. They do have a date on them and should be changed every 5 years. By the way, not everyone can smell the chemical that is put into propane.
96Bounder30E
Explorer II
Jul 14, 2016
I have the information for a guy that rebuilds CCI LP detectors that shut off the flow valve..... I will post it tomorrow.....

As a side note... When I heard CCI had gone out of business.... I rushed out and bought 2 new detectors as I tend to keep stuff for a long time and I really like the idea turning off the propane flow if there is a leak..... This was before I found out about the guy that rebuilds them....
obgraham
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
The point to the LP detector is that LP is heavier than air, and a leak can settle low down where you might not smell it. That's why the LP detector is near the floor, whereas the CO is up high.
mgirardo
Explorer
Jul 14, 2016
I'm not sure about the LP detector, but I know the Carbon Monoxide detector says right on it that it should be replaced at this certain date. In our Motorhome, the smoke detector and the carbon monoxide detector run only on 9v battery. The LP detector runs on 12v only.

I don't really see the point of the LP detector. LP smells so bad that it would be really hard to miss a leak.

-Michael

Forum Discussion

Do LP leak detectors go bad?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Related Content

Installing New Propane Leak Detector

LP Detector

CO detector beeping

Carbon monoxide detector replacement

Leaks!!