Tips on RV Propane Leak Detector Safety
RV Lifestyle & Repair EditorsDescription
There are many steps that need to be taken to ensure your safety when travelling in your RV. For example, it is very important to make sure that your RV is protected from propane gas leaks, as propane gas is very flammable. Because propane is heavier than air, it will settle toward the bottom if there is a leak inside of your RV. This is why the RV propane leak detectors are located on the interior flooring level, toward the bottom of the RV. In the past, RV propane leak detectors were very sensitive and could be set off by almost anything. Although RV propane leak detectors are much less sensitive today, they can still possibly be set off by other chemicals, odors, etc. They can also be set off if you have low house batteries. However, even if you suspect that the detector alarm was set off by something other than propane, it is important to exit the camper as soon as possible to ensure safety. If at any time your RV propane leak detector goes off, make sure to shut off the LP system at the valve on the tank, and all of the appliances. Lastly, make sure to have the unit tested before resuming with your usual travelling and activity.
Propane or LP gas is heavier than air so if you have a leak inside your RV it's naturally going to settle to the bottom. That's why RV manufacturers put the LP leak detectors down towards the bottom of the cabinetry around the flooring level. Back in the eighties, RVIA mandated that everybody have a leak detector. The problem with those is that they were very sensitive. So not only would they go off when you had an LP leak but cleaning solutions, perfumes would set them off.
Some owners even said their dog passed gas when they were walking by and set the leak detector off. True or false, it would shut the system off. And therefore you would not be able to use any of your LP appliances inside as well as the chirp. Today's LP leak detectors have a better sensor inside. So it's not affected by cleaning solutions as much.
It will go off and chirp if you have below 10.5 volts in your battery. Kind of a warning that it needs battery power to activate. So if you do have a leak detector that goes off make sure you shut all your appliances off, all your flames, your LP, and have the unit tested.
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