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Replaced broken propane detector
It appears we still had the original propane detector in our ‘91 LD. I replaced it with a new one and added the toggle switch to turn it off when not in use so it does not deplete it’s useful life as fast. I know what some of you are thinking but we only use our LD 3 days a month, so it just made sense to be able to turn the power off. I know it’s not for everyone and if you don’t mind changing yours every 5 years then this wouldn’t matter to you.
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #1 –
I would wire a 12V red LED to come on when the switch is off. Even better, they make ones that flash. I installed one in our toad dash to let us know the Stay-in-Play braking system is on. The detector does no good if you forget to turn it on.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #2 –
The thought of turning  off the propane detector scares me.

We were camped in a primitive campground in Yellowstone when  folks in a neighboring RV evacuated their RV when their alarm went off in the middle of the night. The alarm was triggered when their cat accidentally turned on the gas to their stove when it jumped onto a counter. If not for the alarm, who knows what could have happened?

Friends in the campground had previously disconnected their alarm because of false alarms. After explaining to them that the alarms age out and can lead to false alarms, they vowed to never again disconnect their alarm.

If you are concerned about the batteries getting depleted by having the alarm on, I think a better idea is to use a battery disconnect switch.

Just my $.02

Steve K.
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #3 –
If your LD has any solar charging, the power used by the propane detector is minimal and will easily be recovered by the solar.
If no solar or shore ower is available when stored, a battery dsconnect switch is a good option for shutting the electrical system down, to save the battery .

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: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #4 –
Quote from: Larry W  - 
If your LD has any solar charging, the power used by the propane detector is minimal and will easily be recovered by the solar.
If no solar or shore ower is available when stored, a battery dsconnect switch is a good option for shutting the electrical system down, to save the battery .

Larry
LOL We don’t have solar. I’d like a battery disconnect switch but the probability of that happening is low. It’s not the batteries, it’s that the detector depletes it’s useful life.
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #5 –
Quote from: Steve K.  - 
The thought of turning  off the propane detector scares me.

Just my $.02

Steve K.
It will only be off when stored. The detector I replaced had an on/off switch so it’s nothing new to us. We wouldn’t hear it when stored anyway.  We always turn it on when we turn on the breakers. 
SoCal-Gal  (Tracy)
1991 26.5 RB
Previous 1988 22’ LD Multi plan
Previous 1992 Six-pack Camper
Spare the sealant, spoil the job.
Travelers: Tracy, spouse Anthony, Coton de Tulear, Gabby and parrotlet, Indigo
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #6 –
I don't doubt that you intend to turn it on. The issue is ALWAYS remembering to turn it on.

A battery disconnect switch is an easy installation. You can order a complete kit from Lazy Daze for a reasonable price if you don't feel confident about creating one with cables and a switch.

Steve K
Steve K

2003 Mid-bath
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #7 –
Quote from: Steve  - 
I would wire a 12V red LED to come on when the switch is off. Even better, they make ones that flash. I installed one in our toad dash to let us know the Stay-in-Play braking system is on. The detector does no good if you forget to turn it on.
My pre-trip check list includes testing the propane, CO, and smoke detectors. That would catch a turned-off detector.
2005 Jayco 24SS
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #8 –
While on the subject, when I first bought my 99 at the end of 2019 the detector had tape on it and it went off once, might have been a false positive, maybe not. I was at home testing things when it went off.  Either way, I figured it would be annoying but it hasn't gone off since and the green light is on when power is on in the LD.  Maybe I should test it? Not sure how that is done.
Steve and Jill, Steve posting
1999 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #9 –
Quote from: SoCal-Gal  - 
LOL We don’t have solar. I’d like a battery disconnect switch but the probability of that happening is low. It’s not the batteries, it’s that the detector depletes it’s useful life.
It's my understanding the detector degrades continuously, whether unit is powered on or off, so the life is measured from the date of manufacture.
2005 Jayco 24SS
 
Re: Replaced broken propane detector
Reply #10 –

Hi StevenJill;  I have a gas match to light the oven. Operate that but don't light it. Hold the butane released from the end an inch or so next to the gas detector. I think you'll find it doesn't respond at all. (give up after 5 seconds). Sometimes a working one will take 10-15 seconds to respond, then you will want to use the 'mute' button.
    If yours is really 20 years old, they didn't have the 5 year timeout back then, and would keep the green light on even when they didn't work anymore..  Amazon.com: Safe T Alert 30-442-P-BR Classic Propane/LP Gas Alarm - 12V, 30...          RonB

As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
RonB (Bostick) living in San Diego
Original owner of "Bluebelle" a '99 TKB