Propane Leak Detector

waynewallace · Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Full Timer

Propane Leak Detector keeps going off.
I found some place on this site that they are good for a period of 5 years or thereabouts. I am in the area of thereabouts.
I cannot find a leak at any connection. How do you test one if it is just going off? Goes off with OFF (insect repellent), propane lighter.
All lights are working, mute button shuts it off for over 45 minutes.
Dust? Detector bad?
Name on it is CCI controls in a 2001 Bounder motorhome
Would love some ideas. I am now looking for a connection that I have missed. Could a hole be worn in a tubing at some entry point?
Wayne
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Wandering Poopah

sharry · Joined: 08 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

When we run our air conditioner for an extended time, the propane alarm will go off. The air conditioner runs off electricity - not propane. We don't smell propane and nothing else is running that uses propane at the same time. Usually this happens when we go off and leave the air conditioner running while we are away from the RV, and when we return, the alarm is blaring shrilly away. We cannot figure out what is setting this off. Does anyone have any ideas? Question

So far the only thing that prevents this from happening is to have a small fan sitting on the floor close to the alarm unit to keep the air circulating around it. This is probably not the best solution, but it sure beats being woke up at 2:00 Shocked

in the morning by the alarm going off.

Rebel 007 · Joined: 26 Mar 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Auburndale, Fl.

There are numerous things that set off a LP detector. Dog hair, hair spray, perfume, spilled wine, Off and countless other items. Your LP detector may or may not be defective. Mine and many others have gone off without being defective simply due to some item in the RV setting it off. They seem to go off at the most inconvenient time such as 3 or 4 am. I usually try to check everything out and air out the RV if there doesn't appear to be a problem with the detector or a LP leak. My detector is going on five years old and it has probably gone off five times for no apparent reason, reset and it is fine for a year or two until something in the RV causes it to go off again. I am by no means saying to ignore it; but you will be replacing it on a regular basis if you can't determine what is setting it off if not the LP. Check out various RV forums and you will find many items which set off the LP detector.
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Rebel 007

waynewallace · Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Full Timer

I have checked every connection with two different types of leak detectors for propane and to no avail. I have left a small fan on in the area and it does not go off.

However, I have asked every RVer I see. We purchased a rug in Yuma at a market and it was in front of the unit. We took it out. It seemed to help and goes off every three or four days.

The other solution that could be checked out is radon gas. An RV supplier had that input.

In my case found that the refrig had some water leak on the back and the wood was starting to deteriorate, so I sprayed it with Kilz Sealer and Primer.

I also took canned air and blew out the detector. It has not gone off. I either broke it or fixed it.

I am going to have my propane lines checked by a professional just to make sure. Safety first.

Wayne Exclamation

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Wandering Poopah

retired and happy · Joined: 06 Nov 2005 Posts: 303 Location: Stone Mountain GA

I've not heard of replacing an LP detector every few years. Mine is the original, now over 10 years old. I have heard of replacing a CO detector every few years though. Have I missed something on the LP?
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Ken
Judy and our Special Angels
1996 37' Itasca Suncruiser
6x12 cargo trailer
2003 EZGO golf Cart

Silver Eagle · Joined: 09 Jul 2006 Posts: 3

waynewallace · Joined: 01 Jul 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Full Timer

As to the life of these detectors, it was news to me about the five-year life cycle. I know also of rigs that have had them for years.

As to any piece of equipment, it just needs maintenance and a check: 5 years or 20.

By the way, my refrig had leaked water in an area near the detector and I brushed it and sprayed with Kilz. Has not gone off since.

Wayne

When in doubt, check it out!
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Wandering Poopah

kentullis · Joined: 24 Jun 2006 Posts: 4 Location: wherever it's parked

I have a 2004 Sea Breeze motorhome.

About a year ago the propane detector started giving intermittent false alarms (usually in the middle of the night). I tried blowing it out with compressed air (thinking dust might be the problem) but that didn't fix it.

I even tried shutting the propane off at the tank before going to bed - still had false alarms.

I finally ended up disconnecting the 12 volt power going to the thing and living without it.

I figure I'll know if I ever have a propane leak - the stuff stinks thanks to the hydrogen sulfide they add to it.

Regards,
Ken