CO/LP Detector

[run100]

I need to replace the CO/LP detector in our camper. The current unit is a Safe-T-Alert 70-742 and I'm having difficulty narrowing in on the proper replacement.

Have any of you replaced this same detector? If so, can you share the make & model you used?

Thank you!

[bigfootford]

Used these for years...
I like the read out and they are battery operated. There are other Kiddie designs with the read out or not. I have 1 non readouts in my camper along with the read out one.



https://www.amazon.com/Kidde-Battery-Operated-Monoxide-KN-Copp-B-LPM/dp/B004Y6V5CI

[enblethen]

It appears at the MTI website that the 70 series with solenoid output is out of stock. This appears to be available but would require removing the solenoid at LP tank if equipped.
replacement

[run100]

bob213 wrote:
I believe that your original "70" series is the only one with a solenoid to cut gas flow. Check to make sure as there could be other series #'s out there that do that as well.

I think you're correct. Unfortunately, it looks like the 70 series is unavailable and some of the other series don't have the solenoid.

I got sidetracked yesterday because the truck batteries died. I spent time pulling them and cleaning the trays, connectors, brackets, etc. Repainted some of the parts too.

Also, good discussion on the characteristics of CO and LP.

[jimh406]

CO is lighter than air, but has to start somewhere. I think the primary source is likely the water heater, fridge, and generator. It's possible that it will come from above.

That being said, My TC has a CO monitor mounted high and propane sensor mounted low. Likewise, my fire alarm is mounted high.

[ABC123ABC]

bukhrn wrote:
I'm confused on how these dual purpose units work, as CO is lighter than air is why my CO detector came mounted near the ceiling in my bedroom, but LP is heavier than air is why my LP detector came mounted near the floor just inside of the entrance door.
How does a dual unit read both, correctly if mounted in one spot.
No need to remind me how smart I'm not, I already know that. 😉

Best if a dual monitor is mounted close to the floor where propane will accumulate.

CO disperses equally so for that it doesn't matter where the monitor is unless it's a dual CO/smoke alarm.

[JimK-NY]

The issue of placement for detectors seems to be a topic that will not die.

For the most rapid detection of propane, the detector should be mounted low near the floor. Propane is heavier than air and mixes relatively slowly.

CO mixes very rapidly with air and does not stratify like propane does. Hence the detector can in theory be placed at any height including near the floor as in a combination propane/CO detector.

Sadly the EPA bureaucrats made all of this worse. Years ago they decided that the optimum placement for a CO detector was head high, approximately 5' above the floor. This reg seems to have been motivated by the self importance of the EPA rather than based on any science. I do not know if this has been rescinded but they did decide that detectors should be placed in locations as specified by the manufacturer. The last time I checked my paperwork from Kidde they had no recommendation for height of placement. The big concern for either type of detector is to avoid dead spaces such as corners of a room.

[bukhrn]

I'm confused on how these dual purpose units work, as CO is lighter than air is why my CO detector came mounted near the ceiling in my bedroom, but LP is heavier than air is why my LP detector came mounted near the floor just inside of the entrance door.
How does a dual unit read both, correctly if mounted in one spot.
No need to remind me how smart I'm not, I already know that. 😉

[bob213]

I believe that your original "70" series is the only one with a solenoid to cut gas flow. Check to make sure as there could be other series #'s out there that do that as well.

[ABC123ABC]

We installed a low level CO detector and were surprise to learn the number of time CO is 20-40ppm.

Having a window open for venting condensation then the hot water tank would fire and the CO would be 30ppm for hours. With a campfire and the wind blowing the right direction with the door open the ppm would sit at 20ppm.

https://codetectors.com/co-experts-model-pg-2017-5-ultra-low-level-carbon-monoxide-health-monitor-pg-2017-5/

[enblethen]

I would replace in kind.
Amazon

[jimh406]

They seem to have the exact model here. https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Dual-CO-LP-Gas-Alarm-p/66-8836.htm. Fyi, this isn't an endorsement, but at least they seem to be available.