Testing propane alarm in more life like conditions?

[path1]

Sometime ago after a long walk we came back to RV and the odor of propane was very strong and alarm did not go off. Turns out old alarm was 6 years old, so time for a new one. New alarm tests “OK” following the manufacture instructions. But I still want to perform somewhat of a more real live test. My first thought was turning on the stove and seeing if and when new alarm sounds off. Then I thought a much more controlled test would be better. I’m thinking about putting it in BBQ (outdoors) using spare battery and a couple leads for power and closing the lid and turning on the gas. I don't want to depend on the same manufacture who's alarm did not go off and also using their "test" button. More of a life like test would be better IMO.

Any thoughts? Good, bad, got a better idea or whatever?

We (wife and I) think I must of turned on the stove when putting my jacket on by mistake, going out of the door. Maybe my hand turned on the gas when sliding my arm down the sleeve putting on jacket? This has never happened to us before and think that is the only thing we think it could have been. My stove knobs have to be pushed in just a little and turned, probably like most stoves. We believe this was a fluke thing.

But as we’re laying in bed at night it still goes thru our minds that the alarm has not been tested "in real life"


Thanks

[RoyB]

I don't think I will be opening up an unlit stove burner to test for presence of propane. Sounds like a good way to blow up your trailer.

I have two DETECTORS in my trailer. SMOKE and a combo of CO/LP GAS...

The SMOKE Detector is mounted high on the ceiling and detects for presence of smoke from any source (including cooking).

The CO Carbon Monoxide Detector (NOT a CO2 Carbon Dioxide Detector) is part of the combo detected that is mounted near the floor and detects the presence of dangerous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon coming from your Propane Furnace.

The LP GAS Detector is part of the combo detector mounted close to the floor detects the presence of Propane gas coming from the unlit Propane Furnace or unlit stove burners.

My SMOKE Detector is only equipped with batteries and the CO/LP Combo Detector is wired into 12VDC from the battery system.

I hear beeps from my detectors from time to time that are low volume and maybe occur every minute or so. The manuals says these are low battery alarms. The manual also say an actual detector alarm will be be continuous and louder as long as the event is present.

As others have stated I wish there was a better way of knowing if the monitors are working or not. I kinda like the idea of having TWO CO/LP GAS detectors installed and hope maybe one of them work in an actual emergency.

Roy Ken

[path1]

dieseltruckdriver wrote:
Why not just use a portable propane torch without lighting it, and waving it in front of the sensor.

I have been meaning to do this with mine, but I keep forgetting.

So simple I think your the winner if this was a contest.

[dieseltruckdriv]

Why not just use a portable propane torch without lighting it, and waving it in front of the sensor.

I have been meaning to do this with mine, but I keep forgetting.

[path1]

dougrainer wrote:

path1 wrote:
OP here... Guess what I learned today???

My lighter is butane and it did work good for testing alarm.

I thought those "Bic" type lighters were filled with lighter fluid!

I learn something new everyday.

See my previous post. Butane WILL work to test but the LP detector makers tell us to NOT use Butane based lighters to test a LP detector. Something about causing problems with the sensor's. Doug

Doug what post??? I would like to read it. http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/search/parms/sw%7Bbutane%7D%7Ckm%7Bexact%7D%7Ckl%7Bm%7D... Don't see the one you mention.

(Edit part)Doug Never mind...found it.

DO NOT USE A CIGARETTE LIGHTER TO TEST THE CO /
PROPANE GAS ALARM. Butane gas may damage the sensors.
DO NOT attempt to test the alarm by any other means than by using the
TEST/RESET button. DO NOT attempt to produce CO - to test the alarm.
The TEST/RESET button tests all functions of the alarm and is the ONLY
safe way to be sure the alarm is working properly.
The alarm may be tested at any time -The TEST/Mute switch is located on the front of the alarm Press and hold the test button for 1 second. The alarm is working properly if the GREEN indicator light changes color to RED and.......................

Thanks for pointing that out.

[westend]

Almot wrote:
Yeah, but how do you know that butane lighter created real-life dangerous level? It could've triggered the alarm way before that level was reached. Or - way later.

Here's what you do:fill a balloon that is easily inflated, with air. Add in enough propane so that the balloon contains just enough air and propane to be ignitable (maybe a little lean, eh). Release the contents of the balloon in front of the sensor.

[Almot]

Yeah, but how do you know that butane lighter created real-life dangerous level? It could've triggered the alarm way before that level was reached. Or - way later.

[Old-Biscuit]

path1 wrote:
OP here... Guess what I learned today???

My lighter is butane and it did work good for testing alarm.

I thought those "Bic" type lighters were filled with lighter fluid!

I learn something new everyday.

That 'bic' lighter is just like your propane cylinder.....filled with liquid which vaporizes to a gaseous state when released.

IT would need a 'wick' if it was 'lighter fluid'....like a Zippo Lighter

[dougrainer]

path1 wrote:
OP here... Guess what I learned today???

My lighter is butane and it did work good for testing alarm.

I thought those "Bic" type lighters were filled with lighter fluid!

I learn something new everyday.

See my previous post. Butane WILL work to test but the LP detector makers tell us to NOT use Butane based lighters to test a LP detector. Something about causing problems with the sensor's. Doug

[path1]

OP here... Guess what I learned today???

My lighter is butane and it did work good for testing alarm.

I thought those "Bic" type lighters were filled with lighter fluid!

I learn something new everyday.

[westend]

I wouldn't turn the propane on and allow it to fill a confined space for testing. Although the alarm should sound before the propane fills to create an explosive level, there is always risk that an explosion/fire may occur.
For experimentation, I'd test the alarm before installing with a hand-held butane torch set directed at the alarm.

[dougrainer]

We have been told by various LP detector makers to NOT use any BUTANE based lighter or such to test the LP detectors. Use ONLY an LP based vapor to test them. Doug

[Almot]

Well, you can make a real life test if you like. Disconnect the propane sensor, take i off the wall or wherever it's sitting, put it in some barn and connect 12V. Bring a 20lb tank and open it slightly for half an hour. Just make sure the barn isn't full of firewood 🙂

[Francesca_Knowl]

Butane test sounds good for actual function- any bic/flick type lighter would do the trick. But if it's "real life" conditions you want to test for, I don't see any better than the one you already propose: turn gas on, shut door, and wait for the alarm. The timing would certainly be interesting...

But do make sure you've shut everything else in the vicinity down first, and stand there with your hand on the tank shutoff valve!

[USARMYCW]

I had a tech test mine by using the gas from his butane lighter. It worked.