Replacement CO Detector for old, out of production

[Roadfrog]

I have an old (1997) LECO CO detector. I want to replace it, but they don't make it anymore. Further complicating the issue, is that removing it, leaves a hole in the ceiling (it's recessed). Unfortunately, the newer replacements out there (like Safe-T-Alert, etc) are larger. I'm not sure I want to cut out a larger hole, as there are studs around the mounting hole. I would consider using a surface mount detector, but would need to close the hole left behind and then mount the new detector on top (perhaps a piece of acrylic painted to match ceiling?)

Open to your solutions and ideas....

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Chris! I wouldn't think it would be a problem making the hole a little larger. Ceiling joists are normally pretty far apart. Do you mean that the hole is framed with wood?

[RKins]

Being larger is a better problem than being smaller. My propane detector is larger than any new replacement and they don't make the adapter anymore.

[TXTiger]

Have you thought of leaving the old one in place and just make a new hole for the new one somewhere else on the ceiling?

[Roadfrog]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Hi Chris! I wouldn't think it would be a problem making the hole a little larger. Ceiling joists are normally pretty far apart. Do you mean that the hole is framed with wood?

Yes, I didn't explain it very well.

[sam-3]

Put a blank plate over the old hole and install a surfice mount unit.

[Roadfrog]

Thanks all.

Yes, I could leave the old detector in place and thought about that, but would rather not (it's yellowing and ugly).

Putting a blank in it's place and then putting a battery operated unit over that, is my most likely route. I would have to color match (or maybe generic white) to a blank, but what to use? Home Depot reconaissance mission I guess.

[uchu]

Originally Posted by Roadfrog

Thanks all.

Yes, I could leave the old detector in place and thought about that, but would rather not (it's yellowing and ugly).

Putting a blank in it's place and then putting a battery operated unit over that, is my most likely route. I would have to color match (or maybe generic white) to a blank, but what to use? Home Depot reconaissance mission I guess.

There are plenty of options to chose from. You could try to colour match by painting the white plate:

https://www.amazon.ca/Hubbell-LPB340...s%2C257&sr=1-1

[Kev1Doggy]

Originally Posted by Roadfrog

Thanks all.

Yes, I could leave the old detector in place and thought about that, but would rather not (it's yellowing and ugly).

Putting a blank in it's place and then putting a battery operated unit over that, is my most likely route. I would have to color match (or maybe generic white) to a blank, but what to use? Home Depot reconaissance mission I guess.

So what did you end up doing on this? I have the exact same problem with my 98 Patriot and need to address it. TIA

[SteveJ.]

Originally Posted by Kev1Doggy

So what did you end up doing on this? I have the exact same problem with my 98 Patriot and need to address it. TIA

I just had the same issue. I left the old one in place and bought a combination CO and smoke alarm to replace the also very old smoke detector.

https://amazon.com/gp/product/B085GH...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It works in temps up 122F, should be good. It does have a digital read out for CO. Battery operated. Less than $20.

[TonyDi]

When I replaced the CO detector in my last MH I just left it in place and installed a wall mounted one. It worked out fine. No one ever noticed.

[powderman]

I really like the one that Kidde makes that has a10 year battery and a readout. No more listening to the low battery alarm.

[Roadfrog]

Originally Posted by Kev1Doggy

So what did you end up doing on this? I have the exact same problem with my 98 Patriot and need to address it. TIA

I found a piece of laminate floor that almost identically matches the wood in our rig. So I cut a piece to cover the old hole, mounting it with 4 black wood screws and installed the new CO detector on it. Looks great, except I mounted it slightly crooked...which of course only I would notice....and that's the problem.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Roadfrog

I found a piece of laminate floor that almost identically matches the wood in our rig. So I cut a piece to cover the old hole, mounting it with 4 black wood screws and installed the new CO detector on it. Looks great, except I mounted it slightly crooked...which of course only I would notice....and that's the problem.

A perfectionist is their own worst critic.