Carbon Monoxide & Smoke Detectors

[JC2]

Are the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors used in rv's the same as in stick houses or are the internal materials different, I've heard both ways; the internal materials are different and some say they are not. If the same, the prices at rv suppliers sure seem to be higher than those at Lowes, Home Depot, etc.

[nosticks]

Better quality smoke detectors are available at the home stores. Typically the RV manufacturer installs an inexpensive unit, enough to comply with safety requirements. To answer your question as to different materials, it really comes down to the sensing method used. Here is some education material.
Smoke Detectors | Smoke Detector Reviews | Best Smoke Detectors

[Triker56]

Not many home stores will carry them that will work off of 12V DC.

Both the CO and LP detectors in my MH are 12V DC
Smoke Detectors are the same used for RV & Home.

For a smoke one in the kitchen area. One that has a button for delay works best for me. If I forget to start the exhaust fan up.

[GaryKD]

Hi JC2,
Home or RV, the detectors are the same.

[JC2]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I had strongly suspected that those used in rvs were generally the same as in a stick house. The sensor aspect was the only thing I was not sure of.

[Poptop]

Both the Co and smoke detectors in my previous 15 year old MH were powered by a 9V ("square") battery. I replaced both with ones from Lowes.

[MSHappyCampers]

Yes, they are the same. I would suggest that you pay a little more and get a photoelectric type smoke detector instead of the ionization type that comes in the rv's. They will respond faster to smoldering type fires that are more likely to occur in homes and RV's. The ionization detectors are better for fast developing fires such as gasoline, etc. Factory tests have found that ionization detectors have taken up to two hours to respond to smoldering fires! The photoelectric detectors are kind of hard to find, but worth taking the time to find them. They are also a lot less likely to false alarm when you open the oven door!