Propane/Co2 detector

dreeves · 07-13-2021, 08:05 AM

My propane leak/Co2 detector located next to my fuse box chirps continually. I have had no luck in removing the cover. This is happening while my unit is parked in storage with nothing running and the propane tank turned off.

Bob Nodine · 07-13-2021, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreeves

My propane leak/Co2 detector located next to my fuse box chirps continually. I have had no luck in removing the cover. This is happening while my unit is parked in storage with nothing running and the propane tank turned off.

You do not mention what year and model RV you have. You should put that information in your signature as it is often helpful when trying to answer a question.

We have a brand new 2022 Quantum JM31 with a Propane/Co2 combo detector under the dinette. As I write this it is currently disconnected. It has gone off twice now for no apparent reason but I am still accessing the situation and have not made up my mind if it is a bad detector or the detector is very sensitive. It could be related to the fact that both times it has gone off was while the RV was parked in our garage. We also park a pickup truck in the same garage and there might be residual fumes from the truck setting it off. The first time it went off the dog and I were in the motorhome and the sound was driving both of us crazy. I searched the front for a reset and did not find one. Also could not get the cover off. The connection was hard to access because it was behind a drawer in the bottom of the dinette. Finally removed the two screws and pulled the wires out and cut one. Once I got the darn thing shut up I pulled the drawer and reworked the wiring adding two connectors that could be pulled apart to turn the thing off.

The second time it went off we were again working in the RV so I took the screws out and pulled out the wires and disconnect the thing. That is were it sits now. Will be hooking it back up in the next few days before we take the rig camping. Since all this transpired I got a wiring diagram and information from Thor. There is a fuse in the DC fuse panel that is labeled for the detector but it has the Winegard Connect on the same fuse so pulling the fuse looses our internet connection.

Popfla · 07-13-2021, 11:44 AM

On a previous rig, mine did that when the house battery was weak. Plugged the coach in and the chirping stopped immediately.

chunker21 · 07-13-2021, 06:50 PM

My new Omni XG32 started it the next day after purchase. We were still local to the dealer so took it back and they replaced it. The things go bad and do have a short, few years, life expectancy.

Beau388 · 07-13-2021, 08:55 PM

Propane detector service live is 5 to 7 years. After that time, it will chirp periodically (about every 30 seconds) until it is replaced. When it detects a warning situation, it will sound for 1/2 second every two seconds. If it detects a critical situation it will wail continually. I have to unplug mine every time, I am rewiring something. I use a butane torch for soldering and shrink insulation. All refrigerants will set of the propane detectors as will most spray cans, as the propellant is usually propane.
Just so you know.

Travelin' Texans · 07-13-2021, 09:15 PM

Batteries are low or dead.
It chirps when it detects LP/CO, when it's reached the end of it's lifespan & when batteries are low, dead or disconnected. In your case with rv in storage I'm betting on the batteries as the detector is wired directly to the batteries.

dreeves · 07-14-2021, 03:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Travelin' Texans

Batteries are low or dead.
It chirps when it detects LP/CO, when it's reached the end of it's lifespan & when batteries are low, dead or disconnected. In your case with rv in storage I'm betting on the batteries as the detector is wired directly to the batteries.

All 3 batteries are brand new. My conclusion is that the 6 year old unit is bad. Thanks for the info

AColeman · 07-28-2021, 08:08 PM

My LP/carbon monoxide detector was beeping for a short period of time and then went to a constant flashing. I was told I could just replace the batteries, but when I tried I couldn't because it was soldered. I ordered a replacement that hasn't come in yet. I don't know what type you have but it is an Atwood 31011 RV Carbon Monoxide and Propane Gas Detector - 12 Volt - BLACK and cost $120 on eBay. I'm not mechanically inclined, but I already removed the old one and will install the new one sometime next week; I will be out in my rig when it arrives; meanwhile, for safety purposes, I bought a plugin one for $40 until I can install it. I will post whether it worked, or not. Good luck and safe travels....

AColeman · 09-22-2021, 07:56 PM

I installed the detector and it works perfectly. I took pictures of the wiring before removing the old unit which made it relatively simple and easy 10 minute fix/replacement. Happy and safe travels....

Homer3 · 05-27-2022, 12:14 AM

Our motorhome is 7 years old today and the Carbon monoxide detector celebrated its birthday by dying!! It's the Atwood model mentioned above? Any advice on removing the old one without causing any damage to the surrounding area? Thanks in advance for any ideas -- we are hoping to replace this as soon as possible as we have a June vacation reservation.

**16ACE27** · 05-27-2022, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homer3

Our motorhome is 7 years old today and the Carbon monoxide detector celebrated its birthday by dying!! It's the Atwood model mentioned above? Any advice on removing the old one without causing any damage to the surrounding area? Thanks in advance for any ideas -- we are hoping to replace this as soon as possible as we have a June vacation reservation.

Pop the cover off the detector (should be a place to insert a screwdriver and pry it off), remove the 4 retaining screws, disconnect the wires.

Homer3 · 05-27-2022, 01:01 AM

Thanks Ace! Homer has the cover plate off and we ordered a replacement on Amazon. We could not find the exact same Atwood so he's going to have to Homer/McGyver it. Amazon will deliver tomorrow.

The Gritz Carlton · 05-27-2022, 01:56 AM

Lysol spray and other aerosols will set it off as propane is often used as the propellant. My wife spray everything often, including me and Bugsie, with Lysol...I disconnected it.

MJC62 · 05-27-2022, 02:41 AM

The propane detector is a misnomer, it is actually a gas detector. Blowing the antifreeze out of the lines this spring the alcohol fumes built up in our closed-up rig and set it off.
Also, our 70 lb German Shepard mix likes to sleep at the end of our bed with his rump next to the detector. We found out at 3:00 a.m. dog farts will also set it off!!

The Gritz Carlton · 05-27-2022, 02:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJC62

The propane detector is a misnomer, it is actually a gas detector. Blowing the antifreeze out of the lines this spring the alcohol fumes built up in our closed-up rig and set it off.
Also, our 70 lb German Shepard mix likes to sleep at the end of our bed with his rump next to the detector. We found out at 3:00 a.m. dog farts will also set it off!!

Nothing funnier than a big belly laugh with a mouth full of coffee! Reason enough to disconnect it!!

macdaddy1111 · 05-27-2022, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJC62

The propane detector is a misnomer, it is actually a gas detector. Blowing the antifreeze out of the lines this spring the alcohol fumes built up in our closed-up rig and set it off.
Also, our 70 lb German Shepard mix likes to sleep at the end of our bed with his rump next to the detector. We found out at 3:00 a.m. dog farts will also set it off!!

That's funny!

hikerjohn7 · 09-16-2022, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

Pop the cover off the detector (should be a place to insert a screwdriver and pry it off), remove the 4 retaining screws, disconnect the wires.

Is this the propane/CO2 detector you have (see attached). And, if I read your correctly, I can just pop the cover off by prying under the edge with a screw driver. Is this correct?

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