Carbon Monoxide detector?

[dubbified]

Anyone have a suggestion on the multiple gas detector?

Seen one that does unspent LP/CNG, Carbon mono, etc

I'm using a standard battery operated, but I'd feel better with something that covers it all, even having a backup too.. cant be too sure I guess.

Any best deals on these things, most ideal places to install?

Thanks,

Al

[DAIZEE]

Because of the nature of the various gases, one unit would not be as efficient as separate. ex. CO high, propane low, ionization detector not quite as high as CO. So far I have 2 and I'm looking for a propane one to mount as low as possible. I think it is one of those cases where a combined one would not be as efficient, effective and safe as individuals. IMHO

Mine are mounted on the rear driver's side closet wall with CO on top and immediately below an ionization smoke detector below. For smoke detector go with the ionization one as it recognizes changes in the air BEFORE smoke is present.
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'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[1621]

This is the one I used. It's a combo LP/CO detector. I don't recall where I ordered it from, but a google search will no doubt find what you're looking for. This is a 12v model that's installed near the rear heater vent under the back bench. I put a simple switch in to shut it off when I'm not using the propane. Even though the draw is minimal, I don't like the idea of using the power aimlessly.

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'85 Westy

[dubbified]

Great trains of thought on both responses, thank you!

A switch is a very good idea, I'm going to definitely do that!

12v CO/LP does appear the way to go!

[DAIZEE]

1621, I'm not sure that a CO monitor mounted that low is of any safety value until the van would be filled with CO. It's going to get high real fast and as I said by the time it triggers the low mounted CO alarm, the van would be filled up. I've worked with a lot of COed patients and I'd just not trust your configuration. IMHO. Monitors are one of the items that don't do all jobs well. Better individual monitors unless really really high tech which just wouldn't be affordable. Basically need 2 high (1 of them as high as possible) and 1 low as possible
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[madspaniard]

[singler3360]

I have the same LP/CO unit as Mad and 1621. I have to keep the sliding door closed during a fill-up, otherwise the fumes set it off. Anyone else have this problem?

[dubbified]

I saw a soleniod cut out version, definitely thinking about which to get and havent made a solid decision on this, but as propex season is to get up here quick, a decision has to be right quick..

[1621]

Thanks for the info Daizee. You may be correct in stating it should be mounted higher, but I went with the instructions included with the alarm when installing it. It states at least four inches off the floor and no higher than 20 inches. I considered a few other locations, but this one proved to be good based on the instructions, but is by no means the only mounting location. The instructions for anyone interested in this unit can be found at the bottom link. There are other location guidelines contained within as well. Your point made me go back and do more research on CO detectors and the following quote was taken from the wiki page regarding detectors:

"CO detectors can be placed near the ceiling or near the floor because CO is very close to the same density as air.[4][5]"

Wiki page here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_detector


As for filling the propane with the door open, I would expect this to trigger the alarm. I just make certain to keep mine switched off during filling.

https://www.dyersonline.com/lightspeed.php/aitdownloadablefiles/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/925/
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'85 Westy

[maco70]

Hi to all of you,

I just bought and received the Safe-T-Alert combo detector.

I would like to ask you this : Why it is a good idea to put a switch to cut off the detector when we are not using propane?

Is it to preserve the detector and make it last for a longer period of time?

Thanks
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Martin from Montréal

1986 Vanagon GL full camper westfalia
(brown/tan interior)

[climberjohn]

[maco70]

Thanks!
Then, i will put a switch also, to preserve the battery.
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Martin from Montréal

1986 Vanagon GL full camper westfalia
(brown/tan interior)

[PDXWesty]

You can also get oxygen depletion sensors. They work for all gasses but are far more expensive.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[DAIZEE]

I went with a self contained battery, which alerts me when it needs replacing and it is always on. I also went with the ceiling mount as I sleep in the top 1/2 of the interior. Having worked with CO poisoning patients, I am very surprised re okay at floor level. I stopped in at a Fire Station before I mounted my 2 alarms. Still looking for a propane to put at floor level. I will want it self contained battery also.

I'm very surprised at the floor level approval for mounting but I believe you. Experience is my teacher

ps. the only time I'd have that switch off is when I'd not be using the van. Remember to have it on when driving, especially if people in the back. CO is insidious and you just don't know it's there. Mine is on all the time and the batteries last a whole season and I don't have to remember to turn it on. I drive and sleep with windows open but I sleep more confidently. Just my opinionated opinion
_________________
'09 2.5L Jetta 5 cylinder, 5 spd, super turbo, see thread in H2O Cooled Jetta, etc...
83.5 Vanagon L Riviera Model with 98 1.9L TD AAZ 4 speed Daily Driver 3 out of 4 seasons (sold)
84 Vanagon GL Wolfsburg Westy WBX 4 speed (sold)

[madspaniard]