CO alarm location

Not For Hire · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 12:10 pm Post subject: CO alarm location

I have a carbon monoxide detector to install on my CD 22. (After all I could be berthed next to someone running Yamahas or perhaps there could be a Dodge idling away on shore). Very Happy

I intend to mount it on the underside of the electronics shelf. I understand they should generally be mounted higher up. So the options seem to be top of cuddy or top of cabin. I see the unit recommends that the power be left on all the time as solid state devices like it that way, or some such verbage. I figure to have it on whenever the house battery is on but not to connect it directly to the battery? The only things I connect directly to the battery are the two stern bilge pumps. Any comments on useful life of these CO detectors?

Regards,

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 12:43 pm Post subject:

Mark-

I put mine in the opposite rear cabin corner from the propane stove and heater. Figured any strong production of CO would rise, go across the ceiling to the opposite corner, then go down in a convection current.

Joe.

Not For Hire · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 1:37 pm Post subject:

Joe,
Upper corner of cabin?
Do you carry any other alarms suchs as propane, gasoline fumes, smoke, etc.?
And if I put in a smoke alarm I think I would put in a battery operated one and look for the smallest sized one around. Anyone have a model they are fond of?

Mark

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:08 pm Post subject:

Don't have one on Captain's Choice yet, don't spend the night out much. In our 28' trailer though, it's mounted down low, guess CO is heavier than air and that would get the first indication. If I leave it on for a couple of weeks while we're gone, it has run the batterie(s) down on me before. Mine evidently uses a lot of juice.

Charlie

drjohn71a · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 3:53 pm Post subject:

Yes.... Reading on down, I was wrong about CO being heavy... so 'am editing this so no mistaken ideas about this serious topic!

They do have some new, battery powered, dual smoke/CO detecters that they recommend mounting mid height, though. John

Salty Dog · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:20 pm Post subject:

Mark,
Here is a link to a write up by BoatUS about CO detectors. You might check this out before you decide anything as it might have some good advice for people looking to install a CO detector.

http://www.boatus.org/onlinecourse/course_re-write/carbonmonoxide.html

Hope that helps.

Jack

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:24 pm Post subject:

Sorry to disagree Dr John but it's not way heavier than air.

Found info Here

Pretty good explanation. Don't know why the one in my camper trailer (28' Coachman) is down near the floor now! Shocked

drjohn71a · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:37 pm Post subject:

thanks, Salty Dog, for the link to the accurate facts! John

Not For Hire · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 4:48 pm Post subject:

Thanks for those links. I had thought that CO was just a little lighter than air which the web sites explain is true but not that important. I think the electronics shelf will be okay. If the windows are way open then it won't be very effective unless the source is from outside, but it shouldn't matter cuz hey - the windows are way open. On the other hand, on cooler days when I may have a heat source or generator or etc going, and the windows are only open a little that cooler air coming in should sink pushing the warmer air upward. Probably doesn't make a lot of difference in our C-Dories and ideally you would have two (one in cuddy) but one is enough for me.

Mark

CAVU · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 5:48 pm Post subject:

Charlie,
In my older camper the CO detector is up high and the gas detector is down near the floor. Most RVs now have both.

Captains Cat · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 6:42 pm Post subject:

Maybe it's a gas detector. That would explain why it goes off every time I come in. Embarassed

Charlie

Sea Wolf · Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:03 pm Post subject:

Mark-

The heater and the propane stove are in the rear starboard side of the cabin and the CO dettector is on the opposite side at the rear due to considerations for the convection currents expected froim the warm air.

I also have a propane detector that reacts to gasoline and a host of other volatile chemicals installed next to the floor on the front of the galley cabinet directly below both propane appliances where the heavier than air propane gas would spill if there were a leak or a flame out.

I also have a smoke detector. It's installed under the electronics shelf away from the stove so as to not get set off by hot air from the heater or the stove, or by cooking smoke. It's the same kind you'd use in your home with a 9v battery.

The switches for two heater fans and the CO and propane detectors are in a control / fuse panel and box installed behind the sink on the galley. I placed everything, including the detectors and their pilot lights, so that I could see all of it from where I sleep on the dinette conversion bed, even including the heater flame. Nice peace of mind being able to see everything's OK.

You can see all of this as well as the discussion here:

http://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Cabin,Interior&id=Completed_Project&op=modload&name=gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php

(The entire heater project is discussed on the photos that preceed the one linked.)

Joe.

CatyMae n Steve · Posted: Thu Apr 06, 2006 9:00 am Post subject:

I found a 9v CO alarm at www.safehomeproducts.com if anyone else is interested in one that doesn't draw anything from your boat battery system.