Community Forums

d.polka · 03-03-2010, 09:14 PM

Been to a Rotary program this week on carbon monoxide and carbon monoxide detectors, and how important they are.
1st claim is that they are only good for 4 to 5 years. We can replace the batteries and press the test button, but all that is being tested is the batteries and not the condition of the detector itself.[IMG]file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.png[/IMG] [IMG]file:///C:/Users/Owner/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-2.png[/IMG]
2nd claim is that any detector that cost less then $250-300 is not worth buying. Yes, they will detect carbon monoxide but that at the level that they detect the gas is like 30+ parts per million. Anything over 10 parts per million can kill, depending on a persons immune system. To get a detector that will read 2 or 3 parts per million will cost over $250, and over $300 for a detector that will read 1 part per million.
This was all new to me and I have a coach over 5 years old. My doctor was at the same meeting with me and agrees on the 10+ parts per million and a persons immune system. 20 parts per million is very dangers to most people, yet is less then the "cheap" detectors can detect.
Am I the only one that did not know the above???

2004 Newmar DSDP 4011
2006 Jeep Commander LTD
Spartan Mountain Master chassis
Cummins 370 ISL
EMS-LCHW50
Pressure Pro
WaterStick

Dale, Lou, & Brandy (our pom)

RV Wizard · 03-04-2010, 02:31 AM

Here http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/not-a...ink-58095.html
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f101/co2-...ors-57840.html
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f54/carbo...tes-53415.html
are some past discussions on the subject. There are some prior to our move to this forum platform but were not transfered from the archive. You will get some good discussions on this subject.

wa8yxm · 03-04-2010, 08:45 AM

The Kiddie unit in my coach is way less expensive than the price the O/P said is "A good one" and it is far more sensitive than I am to Carbon Monoxide.

IN my training I have been told, and remember well, the symptoms of CO exposure

If on a still day I run my Onan generator much over 2 hours my detector gets very annoying (As it should) till I shut down the genny and air out the rig.

I have NEVER suffered any symptom of CO nor have I suffered aftereffects

This tells me the thing is working right.. Else,, I'd have had one pounding headache at the very least and not be typing this at the worst.

OH, Install GEN-TURI, fire up Generator, run 25 hours, Nary a peep out of the Kiddie, and still no pain in the brain.... at least not till I visit the gas station, and that's a totaly different pain.

RV Wizard · 03-05-2010, 02:03 AM

I will second the use of a Genturi or similar exhaust systme to eliminate the chance of CO getting into the coach. (Make sure roof vents are closed.)

Gary RVRoamer · 03-05-2010, 11:38 AM

This site does not agree and it claims to be dedicated to the prevention of CO poisoning. However, the 50 ppm that it quotes as the beginning of the danger level is still below the 60 ppm that many RV Co detectors signal (Saf-T-Alert brand, for example).
Carbon Monoxide Levels - How Much is too Much?

And the Consumer Product Safety Commission (feds) appears to agree that higher levels are not real dangerous, saying

Quote:

The health effects of CO depend on the CO concentration and length of exposure, as well as each individual's health condition. CO concentration is measured in parts per million (ppm). Most people will not experience any symptoms from prolonged exposure to CO levels of approximately 1 to 70 ppm but some heart patients might experience an increase in chest pain. As CO levels increase and remain above 70 ppm, symptoms become more noticeable and can include headache, fatigue and nausea. At sustained CO concentrations above 150 to 200 ppm, disorientation, unconsciousness, and death are possible.

Of course, anyone with heart or respiratory problems is at greater risk of this and many other air pollutants and ought to consider a higher priced detector.

Just an alternate view to present a balanced outlook for other people's evaluation.

Triker56 · 03-06-2010, 05:50 PM

Replace all CO detectors at 60 months or 5 years. Whichever one comes first.

TXiceman · 03-06-2010, 06:01 PM

Triker56, last time I did the math, 1 year = 12 months, thus 60 months = 5 years.

Ken

Ray,IN · 03-07-2010, 04:45 AM

Yes they have a "drop dead" date. Literally. Everyone should read the symptoms of CO poisoning each year, and make sure everyone along understands them too.