A person may die from carbon monoxide if they don’t detect it in time, as it is an odorless and tasteless gas. An RV monoxide detector could save their lives!
The detector might not detect carbon monoxide if it is installed at the wrong location!
Let’s start a complete guide on where to mount a carbon monoxide detector in RV and where not. Also, you can read where to mount a dual carbon monoxide detector.
Where to Mount a Carbon Monoxide Detector in an RV?
It is recommended that a carbon monoxide detector should be placed 4 inches above the ground outside of a sleeping area.
You’ll usually find a CO alarm in your RV’s kitchen.
Placement of your CO detector is just as important as where not to place it. You should not place your CO detector:
- In any area that physically blocks carbon monoxide from reaching the alarm sensor, such as behind furniture, drapery, or inside a closet.
- There should be a minimum of 12 inches (30 cm) between a window, a door, a heater, and a vent. In general, drafts are to be avoided wherever possible.
- Outside the house or RV. RVs with minimal or no insulation has the potential to be draftier, especially older models.
- Whenever possible, keep your gas appliances within 5 feet (1 meter).
If CO is present in any of these places, CO detectors may raise false alarms or, in the worst-case scenario, not alarm at all despite dangerous levels of CO.
The manufacturer has already decided where to place a new RV carbon monoxide detector, so there should be no problem.
A carbon monoxide detector in your RV may need to be relocated if it continually beeps (if your RV carbon monoxide detector keeps going off), regardless of whether there is CO present in the air, or if the location does not meet the recommended location or the owner’s manual.
Where Should I Mount a Dual RV Carbon Monoxide Propane Detector?
An alarm that can detect CO and propane simultaneously requires a proper installation location.
Because it is designed to detect CO and propane, the installation rules for these alarms are more stringent. The alarm needs to be near the floor because propane gas is heavier than air.
Dual CO detectors should be mounted between four and twenty inches above the ground.
You may be able to get these sources from:
- Heater
- Furnace
- The oven or stove
- Refrigerator
The dual CO/LP gas detector should be installed in the following locations in the same way as a standalone carbon monoxide detector:
- There are many areas where airflow will be blocked by furniture, curtains, closets, and other obstructions.
- Placed within 12 inches of exterior doors, vents, and windows.
- Outside walls or inside walls.
- A circuit breaker, wall switch, or GFI controls power lines.
Adding a flush mount will ensure that the device has sufficient clearance.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors are Needed in RVs?
You need a carbon monoxide detector regardless of the size of your recreational vehicle. You and your family should keep safe with a CO detector since carbon monoxide poisoning is the number one poisoning death in the United States.
When the carbon monoxide levels in your car are high, you will be alerted and your passengers will be protected if you install a battery-powered carbon monoxide detector.
Check your RV’s CO detectors weekly and after removing them from storage to ensure that they are functioning properly. Routine maintenance of the detector is as simple as pressing “test” on the face. You must change the carbon monoxide after five years.
What You Need to Know About Installing Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
Installation instructions come with your CO detector. We’ve put together some tips and tricks to assist you.
- Keep flames or fuel sources at least six feet from installations to avoid false alarms. When mounting devices, they should be placed at least five feet or six inches from the wall or ceiling. Some devices can be plugged into electrical outlets.
- Prepare the mounting bracket by drilling through it and mounting it.
- Ensure fresh batteries are used.
- Press and hold the test button to test the device. If the alarm is sounding, lights should also be visible.
- Mount the CO detector by using the mounting bracket.
FAQs:
Where should a carbon monoxide detector be placed in an RV?
Make sure it’s in a central location when you install one in your RV. When CO is kept about five feet from the ground in a cool, enclosed area, it will remain near the ground even when heated air surrounds it. Install the detector where the majority of people sleep.
Conclusion:
Renting a residence and eating while traveling are costly. Many people use RVs. This is the same as having your own home. You should install a carbon monoxide detector in your RV for your safety. The detector helps you detect carbon monoxide.
Co sometimes enters our campervan without detection, causing our death. Because of this, we have described where you should mount a carbon monoxide detector in an RV. You can also configure a dual carbon monoxide detector by reading this guide.
You should check your RV CO detector weekly or when you are going camping outside, You can press the test button on the detector and see if it’s working perfectly or not, If CO detector reached the end of its lifespan (5 years of use) you should replace your RV carbon monoxide detector right away.
