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Vcarlew's avatar
Vcarlew
Explorer
Dec 13, 2013

Installing a 12 V CO detector

I have a 2005 Nash and want to install a Costar 12V CO detector. Recommendations are for a ceiling install near the bed. Can I tap into the circuit for the ceiling light? Any suggestions and advice are appreciated.
  • I don't see anything wrong with that, try to get it as far as you can away from the light, take the light down and see how far you could fish a clothes hanger and put it there.
  • Sure, you could tap the ceiling light circuit, but then the CO detector would only work when the lights were on, a bad idea.

    My guess is that the rig came with a CO detector, and that said detector is at its normal end-of-life, which is why it needs replacing. I'd buy one that goes where the original was and uses the same hookup.
  • Kidde has a unit with a readout and a ten year lithium ion battery for about $50. No wiring problems, just put it wherever you want.

    That will be my next one.

    Link
  • I tossed the hard wired one when it went toes up - I use a portable one with digital readout which I think is far better than the one that came with the rig. Battery life is a non issue and I get to use it into the stick house when the RV is stored.
  • powderman426 wrote:
    Kidde has a unit with a readout and a ten year lithium ion battery for about $50. No wiring problems, just put it wherever you want.

    That will be my next one.

    Link


    Amazon sells this same detector for about $40. Looks like a good deal.
  • Thanks all y'all for your advice. Battery operated it will be. I like the idea of using it in the house when not camping.

    I contacted Kidde regarding their digital CO detectors and was told by their tech department that they are not "approved" for RV use. I assume this means they can't take the vibration or temperature extremes. Is this too important of a device to go with a non approved item or am I worrying too much?
  • Guess I should have asked if the light had a remote switch, if the only switch is on the light then it would work.

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