Carbon Monoxide and Natural Gas Detectors

When living in a vehicle a confined space such as a vehicle it’s important to keep yourself safe from CO and Natural Gases especially if you have heaters, a fridge or a cooker that uses gas. Not only is good ventilation required but appropriate campervan carbon monoxide detectors should be installed in your vehicle also.

Carbon monoxide sensors can be sensitive and may respond to steam and condensation as well as hydrogen gas. When charging lead acid batteries the alarm may go off due to the hydrogen (H2) gas which is produced so consider where you install your detector and keep your battery well ventilated.

What is Carbon Monoxide?

Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that is near impossible to identify without a proper detector. It is caused by fuels not burning completely, including wood, gasoline, coal, propane, natural gas, gasoline, and heating oil. CO gas is created when flammable gas is burned without enough oxygen.

Most detectors won’t detect the unburned Natural Gas or Propane unless labelled that they do!

What is Natural Gas?

An explosive gas leak detector is a device used to detect flammable gas leaks in objects, such as Methane, Propane, Butane. Carbon monoxide detectors will not detect this, thus the device is often recommended to complement the CO detector.

Combination explosive gas leak and carbon monoxide detectors do exist however we found it difficult to find many that can be powered by 12 volt batteries (which we prefer)

CO and Explosive Gas Detectors

The risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning goes up when you use fuel-burning appliances, and propane (LP gas) is found in many RVs and campervans. This 2-in-1 alarm gives you early detection, and peace of mind from the possible dangers of both gasses.

Atwood 12 Volt CO and Propane Gas Detector

Atwood RV Carbon Monoxide and Propane Gas Detector – 12 Volt – Etrailer.com

Safe-T-Alert Carbon Monoxide/Propane Alarm

CampingWorld.com

Combines two key safety devices into one
Compact, flush mount alarm uses the latest microprocessor technology to sense potentially dangerous levels of propane, carbon monoxide and methane gases.
Memory feature “remembers” the amount of carbon monoxide that activated it.
Includes 12-volt relay that closes the gas solenoid valve included in the kit.

Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors

Kidde Battery-Operated Carbon Monoxide Alarm

Amazon (US)

Amazon (European Option)

Digital display displays the level of carbon monoxide the unit is sensing
Peak level memory displays the highest CO concentration measured since the last reset
Front load battery door allows you to change battery without removing alarm from the wall
Kidde’s carbon monoxide alarms meet the requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent facility that tests products for compliance with widely-accepted safety standards

First Alert Battery Powered Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The First Alert carbon monoxide alarm uses an electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor, one of the most accurate technology available. It runs on batteries so you don’t need to have it permanently plugged in to your power source. Battery operated detectors are easier to install, but they require periodic maintenance and must be reset manually if they are triggered.

Amazon

Battery-operated carbon monoxide alarm
Uses electrochemical carbon monoxide sensor–the most accurate technology available
Simple to use silence/test button, low battery warning, end-of-life timer
1-9V Battery (included) power source.

Duo LP & CO Alarm

CampingWorld.com

Protects you by sensing both liquid propane and carbon monoxide gas.
Dual power source uses both chassis and battery power.
Provides visual and audible alarm when unsafe levels of LP or CO are present.
Flush mount. 4 ½” x 4 ½” x ½” faceplate. Requires 3 ½” x 3 ½” wall opening. Includes mounting screws.
12-volt.

Motorhome LP Gas Alarm RV Propane Gas Detector

(Amazon)

*European Options May Vary

Protects RVers by Sensing and Alarming When LP Gas Levels are Unsafe
Power Source Input: 12 VDC Max 300mA
Approximate Overall Sensor Dimensions (without included wall plate): 3” x 4” x 1”
Mounting Hardware Along with Wall Plate and Wires Included

Natural Gas Pen

Natural Gas Detector Pen (Amazon)

*European Options May Vary

Handheld natural gas detector is sensitive, reliable and easy to operate; detects LNG, LPG, CH4, methane, and butane gas
Gas detector has an LED light that indicates how severe the gas leak may be; green signals on, yellow indicates 200-Ppm, red indicates 500-Ppm
Gas leak detector comes pre-calibrated
Unlike other natural gas leak detectors, this one is compact and lightweight and can be taken on the go

A quick note on Carbon Monoxide Safety

If your carbon monoxide detector’s alarm goes off, immediately get some fresh air and ventilate your vehicle by opening the doors and windows and turn off all potential sources of CO. Check to see if anyone is experiencing symptoms of CO poisoning. Symptoms include headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, feeling faint, and shortness of breath.