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LP Gas Detector Safety

The ANSI A119.2 standard for LP gas detectors states, "An LP gas detector must be installed in any RV that contains an LP gas appliance and an electrical system. The LP gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in recreational vehicles under the requirements of UL 1484 Residential Gas Detectors, and be installed according to the terms of its listing. RVIA Effective Date 9/96, Revised 9/99."

Unsafe Gas Detection Methods

You'll often see the suggestion to detect LP gas leaks using soap and water at the connector on the propane tank, which is effective for revealing leaks. But soap is corrosive to the fittings, so, shouldn't be used for this purpose. For obvious reasons, another popular suggestion for finding leaks should be avoided, as well. That is using an open flame (match or lighter.) No explanation needed, I hope.

Where's the Leak?

There are actually several kinds of LP gas leak detectors used for RVs to detect leaks in at least eight common places. The first is at the LP gas connection where a liquid detector is used. Use this in place of the soap and water technique. A defective regulator can also be a source of leaks. The stove can leak gas from any of the burners or the oven, so be sure to turn these off fully. The furnace, water heater and refrigerator, along with any other propane-powered appliances all are potential leak sources.

Be sure to inspect each regularly, and keep the fittings clean. Watch for corrosion and replace any parts that begin to show damage. You should have your LP gas system pressure tested for leaks at least once a year.

False Alarms

LP gas detectors are sensitive to the gaseous leaks inside the RV. They're also sensitive to other airborne chemicals, such as aerosol sprays from cans, cleaning solvents, insect repellant, perfumes, and even fuel vapors, so an alarm could be a false alarm (and hopefully, it is.) On that note, don't camp near any livestock feed lots, because the methane gas produced by animals can set them off, too. Hint-humans are animals, too, for this application.

Propane detectors will give off a series of short beeps when the battery is low, as compared to the continuous alarm when it detects gas in the air. They have a shorter functional life than smoke detectors, and should be replaced at least every seven years.

Quality of the LP Gas Detector

LP gas detectors alarm at a specified percent of "lower explosive limit," which is the lowest amount that will explode. Naturally, the lower this percent, the more sensitive the detector and the more time you have to vent your RV and find the leak. Some detectors sense as low as 15% of the lower explosive limit. Read your user manual to find out what this percent your detector senses, and when it comes time to replace it, get the lowest percent sensor available.

Consider installing a unit that uses both light and sound alarms. People who sleep soundly, or are hard of hearing may not always wake up when an audible alarm goes off. Because there are gas connectors in several places throughout your RV, consider installing a second detector in the sleeping area of your RV.

Maintenance

Whether your detector is wired with a battery-backup or battery-powered, check the test button monthly. Read your manual to find out if the LP gas sensor can be tested, and if it's life expectancy is the same as the unit as a whole. Replace the sensor and batteries according to the manufacturer's recommendations. A good time to change batteries is when you change your clocks, or at some other regular time of the year.

One important consideration that isn't obvious is whether your detector requires calibration. If so, check the manual for how often and where this can be done.