Root Cause
Platinum Member
I highjacked a generator thread that had turned into a propane thread so thought I should put this in a separate thread.
I felt compelled to write this as we can all relate to the fact that time passes quickly and we don't think to check these things on a regular basis.
Manufacturers and professionals will back these statements up but always do your own research:
1. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Look at the back of yours to see how old it is.
2. RV smoke alarms are different. Do NOT run to Wallyworld and install one meant for a home. RVs vibrate a lot more than most homes.
3. Check the back of your LP or CO2 detector. It also has a shelf-life, typically 7 years. You can test it easily by using a grill lighter. Hold down the button after you blow out the flame and let it continue to emit butane close by the detector. If it is past the expiration date, replace it no matter whether it works or not. Your life is worth more than $50 bucks. Finally, propane is heavier than air. It will not escape through a roof vent or window like other gases.
If you are curious where I found this information read below. (Probably not interesting but I have had training).
I own an RV and have been a bit frustrated for the entire time I have owned it not understanding how 12v, 120v, inverters, and generators are intertwined within this one system. The pandemic gave me time off to work on this. After a few weeks at the National RV training site in Athens, Texas, I walked away with a class I mechanic's cert and a class II inspector's cert. On a side note, I had to inspect 3 RVs to pass the final exam as an inspector. The 3rd RV had a 19-year-old detector and I found a significant gas leak in the system using a manometer. I could not even finish the 5-minute test as the gauge dropped to zero within a minute or two. Stay safe everyone.
I felt compelled to write this as we can all relate to the fact that time passes quickly and we don't think to check these things on a regular basis.
Manufacturers and professionals will back these statements up but always do your own research:
1. Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Look at the back of yours to see how old it is.
2. RV smoke alarms are different. Do NOT run to Wallyworld and install one meant for a home. RVs vibrate a lot more than most homes.
3. Check the back of your LP or CO2 detector. It also has a shelf-life, typically 7 years. You can test it easily by using a grill lighter. Hold down the button after you blow out the flame and let it continue to emit butane close by the detector. If it is past the expiration date, replace it no matter whether it works or not. Your life is worth more than $50 bucks. Finally, propane is heavier than air. It will not escape through a roof vent or window like other gases.
If you are curious where I found this information read below. (Probably not interesting but I have had training).
I own an RV and have been a bit frustrated for the entire time I have owned it not understanding how 12v, 120v, inverters, and generators are intertwined within this one system. The pandemic gave me time off to work on this. After a few weeks at the National RV training site in Athens, Texas, I walked away with a class I mechanic's cert and a class II inspector's cert. On a side note, I had to inspect 3 RVs to pass the final exam as an inspector. The 3rd RV had a 19-year-old detector and I found a significant gas leak in the system using a manometer. I could not even finish the 5-minute test as the gauge dropped to zero within a minute or two. Stay safe everyone.
