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Topic: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure (Read 603 times) previous topic - next topic
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Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Hi Folks,

This is just an FYI for anyone with the factory installed Carbon Monoxide detector.

A couple of days ago my Costar CO detector began to "beep" once every 30 seconds. Since the rig is only 9 months old, I was concerned that something was amiss.

I pulled the unit from the ceiling, removed its battery and took it into my house.

I waited about an hour before installing a new Duracell 9 volt battery. After testing the unit, I waited an an hour before reinstalling it in the rig. An hour later the same thing happened again.

The windows were open as well as the vents and all the appliances were off as well as the propane tank.

After speaking with Vince at the Mothership, moments ago, it appears Costar, has closed its doors. Now LD installs Duo Smoke/ CO detectors in place of induvidual alarms.

As always, Lazy Daze has step up and is shipping a new Duo alarm to me along with the plugs needed to fill the holes left behind by the old unit.

Here's a shot of my failed alarm.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #1 –
Just bought a new one a year ago with a good til date of 2022. It was danged hard to find online. Guess I now know why. Oh well. Good for another 6 years (maybe).
Ruby, the red 2004 26' RK hauling Dave and Kristine hither and yon
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #2 –
I received the replacement in the mail the day after I spoke to Vince. The failed Costar was suppose to last till 2023 and was made in 2014. Just goes to show...ya never know.

Here's a shot of the new Duo detector Todd sent me. Hope the pic posts...cell reception in Zion is a bit slow.

Tomorrow I'm setting up my "Smoothtalker" Cell Signal Booster. Hope it works.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #3 –
Duo Unit? I know many RV'ers end up taking battery out of smoke detector since regular cooking often sets it off. Even with the temporary over ride button it still goes off too often. Is this still a problem with the duo unit? Just Curious.
2015 MB
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #4 –
I see failure of home units mostly due to dust accumulation over the years. Every time I change my batteries I used a can of compressed air to blow out the units. Not sure this will help in an RV but I'd think they could get a lot more dust inside than at home.
Rick and Melissa
2016 27ft RB
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #5 –
Our LD smoke alarm would go off while cooking as well.

Rather than pull the battery we got proactive very quickly (sometimes not quickly enough) by turning on the roof vents, opening the passenger side coach window as well as opening the coach door. That always kept it quiet.

I just installed the duo alarm and haven't cooked inside the rig yet. I'll soon know. Bacon and eggs in the morning should be a good test I suppose.

Enjoying the shade, a comfortable breeze and a sunny day in Zion.

Kent

2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #6 –
Hello Kent.   I'm guessing you removed both of the OEM detectors and just have the new one installed.  If you also removed the original smoke detector, did you find a clever way to hide the screw holes?   We'd sure like to have one less "thing" hanging on the ceiling, but we'd like to hide the screw holes.  Look forward to hearing from you.
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #7 –
Hi Ed,

When I called Vince at LD, I told him that I needed something to fill the void for the screws left behind by the old CO detector. He had Todd send me a set of plastic "do-dads".

One looks like a small clear cup for the old screw to go through like in the center of a donut hole. The other was a hollowed plastic button that snapped over the other "thingy" that the screw went through. Together they cover the two holes.

Todd actually sent two different sets of "buttons". Two beige and two brown. I used the brown ones.

Other than at LD, I imagine a craft store, RV center or hardware store may have them in stock. Maybe eBay has them. I find a lot of crazy stuff that way. Even picked up some "Rattlesnake Eggs" that way. But that's another story.

Good luck and here's a pic of the buttons.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #8 –
Quote from: Traxless  - 
did you find a clever way to hide the screw holes?  We'd sure like to have one less "thing" hanging on the ceiling, but we'd like to hide the screw holes. 
To hide holes, some use colored screws.

I fill them with a plastic spackling and then, once dry and flat,  dab on a little matching paint.
Hobby stores, such as JoAnns, carry a wide assortment of paint, in small bottles, so you should be able to find  a good match.
Done correctly, only you will know where the holes are.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #9 –
The "buttons" I was sent work fine and not really noticeable. I was hoping for something a bit more flush to the ceiling like a low profile pin with a flat head.

No harm done as it is since the original holes weren't enlarged. A little spackle and a dab of paint might even work.

As always, like life, RVing is  a work in progress.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"
 
Re: Carbon Monoxide Detector Failure
Reply #10 –
Just a quick update on the new  " Duo" Alarm.

After cooking several meals in the rig, with no door, windows or vents open (with the acception of the range hood), the smoke alarm remained silent.

That's a plus.

Oh, and here's a shot of a guest we had over for BBQ last night.

Kent
2015 27' RB "MissB.Haven"