How to test CO2 sensor?

Bondad · 10-30-2011, 05:31 PM

I cannot figure out how to test the CO2 sensor in our coach. The smoke detector has a test button (and I know it works because some food on a burner started smoking last weekend when we used it) but I'm concerned about CO2 and don't feel comfortable sleeping in the RV with the heat on.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-30-2011, 05:42 PM

I assume your are talking about a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, not a carbon dioxide (CO2) detector.

If yours looks like the one below, the detector does have a test button on it. Just press it & it will go off like the test button on a smoke detector does.

Lori-

skigramp · 10-30-2011, 06:39 PM

If you are uncomfortable with your CO detector ... I suggest you replace it with a new battery operated unit that has a test button on it ($15 to $50). You will sleep lots better knowing that you have a working detector.

It is probably time to replace it.

John Hilley · 10-30-2011, 07:37 PM

At the current pricing of CO monitors I think it is good to go with two CO monitors. We have one in the bedroom and one in the living room. The one in the living room even has a verbal warning. The one in the bedroom has a digital readout.

Sludge · 10-31-2011, 06:14 AM

John, can you give us names/models/links? Had a fellow cave diver die from CO poisoning last month and it's at the top of my list for my new camper.

AFChap · 10-31-2011, 06:15 AM

1 - Take it down and hold it in front of your exhaust pipe with the engine running;
And/or
2 - while you have it down check the date on it ...if no date or over 7 year old, replace it.

Bondad · 10-31-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFChap

1 - Take it down and hold it in front of your exhaust pipe with the engine running;
And/or
2 - while you have it down check the date on it ...if no date or over 7 year old, replace it.

Sounds like a great idea. I will try it this week. THANKS

RV LYONS · 10-31-2011, 06:05 PM

Mine is very sensitive if I have the door open and the engine is running while we are loading it will go off,Ihave to rest it. It is 15 years old,it came with the rv new. Do they wear out, I replaced one smoke detector this year,it wouldn't test even with new batteries,I take batteries out when I winterize.

bucks2 · 10-31-2011, 07:08 PM

Most CO detector mfgs recommend a maximum useful life of 5-7 years. The detector element inside is "used up" by that time. I've also read at least 2 mfgs paperwork that says to NEVER hold it up to a strong source of CO to "test" it. It simply overloads the delicate sensor inside and renders it useless for sensing small amounts of CO that you would be concerned about inside a vehicle. Holding it by the exhaust pipe would be a strong source of CO.

POPPASMURF · 11-03-2011, 12:15 PM

You can purchase CO tanks-they are small like those used for propane hand torches. You then use a propane hand torch valve on them to open/close near detector to test sensor.

jimmccreary · 11-03-2011, 02:03 PM

When my C0 sensor was about 6 yrs old it went out. The symptom was: it became more sensitive and started going off when there was no apparent source of CO. I later learned that this is the typical failure mode of the sensor. I bought a SAFE-T-Alert from Camping world. Works great.
jim& debbie, 04 Journey 34H