Propane detector replacement

[joshuajim]

The propane detector in my trailer was manufactured in 2010 and put into service in 2011. The manufacturer states 10 years of “shelf life” and 5 years in service. I’ve exceeded the in service life. The unit tests properly with a propane torch and the End of LIfe indicator has not illuminated.

The propane detector in my previous trailer was in service for 16 years without issue.

Now probably the lawyers for the manufacturer set the use dates to avoid liability, but are they realistic.

Incidentally, I already got a new detector and it will be installed tomorrow.

[joshuajim]

D.E.Bishop wrote:
We had a CCI propane leak detector with the valve control. Mfg. date was 1989, we sold the RV in 2017, original detector still working. CCI sold to Safe T Alert and both recommend replacing the detector every five years. Replacement cost every five years about $280. Operational test conducted yearly, about $30 for five years.

Money maker in the name of safety by recommending replacement every five years or flat out misleading to sell aerosol test kit?

It would take 1825 days of use to equal five years of use, average RV is used less than 120 days per year or 15.21 years of in use time to equal five years. Atwood states 10 years of use or over 30 years to equal ten years of use at 120 days per year.

Unless you disconnect power from the detector in between trips the detector is still working. It doesn’t know if you are there or not.

[BB_TX]

My propane detector began beeping and the end of life light came on at about 8 yrs. Easy to replace and not very expensive.

[dougrainer]

This is from a FAQ from Allstate Insurance. IMO, SAME principles apply to LP detectors. Doug



"Like coupons and canned goods, smoke alarms have an expiration date. “They have a life of 10 years,” Roux says. “But, if it has a built-in CO detector, you’ll need to replace it sooner.” According to Consumer Reports, most CO detectors come with a five- to seven-year warranty."

PS, NEVER use a Butane type lighter to test a LP detector. The Makers of the detectors state it may ruin the sensor.

[D_E_Bishop]

We had a CCI propane leak detector with the valve control. Mfg. date was 1989, we sold the RV in 2017, original detector still working. CCI sold to Safe T Alert and both recommend replacing the detector every five years. Replacement cost every five years about $280. Operational test conducted yearly, about $30 for five years.

Money maker in the name of safety by recommending replacement every five years or flat out misleading to sell aerosol test kit?

It would take 1825 days of use to equal five years of use, average RV is used less than 120 days per year or 15.21 years of in use time to equal five years. Atwood states 10 years of use or over 30 years to equal ten years of use at 120 days per year.

[DFord]

It's my understanding they get a little slower to respond as they get older - same for the CO detectors. Where your health and life are concerned, it's much better to be safe than sorry.

[rk911]

we bought our first MH used (1-yr old) and kept it 15-yrs. we kept our second MH 15-yrs. no issues in either with the lp detector.