We have a smoke alarm fitted but thought a CO one would be good too, especially now when the windows and doors aren't open as much.
The fitting instructions are more suitable for a house and I wondered if there was a more appropriate way for caravan use. We have a fixed bed layout and use the cooker regularly in the kitchen.
Any suggestions, has anyone tried them and are they indeed a good idea for a caravan?
carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air so it is important when you install co detectors that they are no higher than 6 feet on the wall or about 6 to 9 inches from the ceiling. Because co rises slowly, and if you have it on the ceiling you have been exposed for a period of time
------------- Think this year is to follow old meet friends for 2014.
If you cant do someone a good turn,don`t do them a bad one,its nice to be nice you know,and little things mean much more later in life.
Pete.
If its any comfort the National Caravan Council's position on carbon monoxide risks in Touring caravans is that it present less risk as hot water/heating appliances in them are ‘room-sealed’. i.e the appliances are sealed from the room limiting the potential for contact in the room with the gases expelled via the flue.
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
By these rules I think I would have great difficulty finding anywhere suitable in our little van!
: (from above)
The BS EN 50292 Code of Practice (COP),which is a guide to
selection, installation, use and maintenance of CO alarms, states
“it is not possible to give specific guidance on the exact
location of a CO detector”. However, it does say that,where the
CO alarm is located in the same room as the apparatus, if the
CO alarm is mounted on the ceiling (our preferred position) it
should be at least 300mm from any wall.We would add the
recommendation that there should also be 300mm between
the CO alarm and any other form of obstruction e.g. a light
fitting. The COP goes on to say that if the CO alarm is mounted
on the wall, it should be at least 150mm from the ceiling, but
above the height of any door or window. Whether ceiling or wall
mounting, the CO alarm should be between 1m and 3m
(measured horizontally) from the potential source of CO.
The CO alarm should not be installed:
• In an enclosed space e.g. a cupboard
• Where it can be obstructed e.g. by furniture
• Directly above a sink
• Next to a door, window, extractor fan, air vent or similar
ventilation openings
• Where the temperature may drop below - 5ºC or
exceed 40ºC
ours is 6 foot high and about 5 foot from the cooker.as said some gas fittings are sealed but we have a full gas standing cooker.it is better to have an alarm than not.ours was about £30.
------------- the only silly question is the one you do not ask.
BS EN 50292 is for residential properties but the principles are just as valid for caravans. Place the alarm high and I reckon that Michael marks the spot. In addition to any alarm proper maintenance and ventilations is vital for all gas burning appliances. Avoiding CO release is better than spotting it in the air. The things we have to worry about!
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Gases mix , CO2 is heavier than air and will travel low at first then mix with air to rise with it as part of the air flow caused by convection . Caravans have a lot of low and high level vents which will create a flow even without heat . My solution is two gas detectors . One low , about a foot off the floor on the bed box , 2 feet from the head end . The other is on my wardrobe wall at the foot of the bed ,18 inches in from the wall and 18 inches down from the roof .
This should ensure that any gas other than breathable air registers and the alarm wakes me if asleep . Don`t forget , Propane and Butane can do you harm too if leaking so don`t rely on just a CO2 detector .
CO2 (carbon dioxide) is heavier than air but it is CO (carbon monoxide) which is the gas that the detectors detect,that is very slightly lighter than air.
Saxo1
Guess who wasn`t reading the start question properly ? apologies . Gas detectors high and low will still cover the problem , I feel . Belt AND Braces .
Thats the kind we use. Recommended by British Gas. We keep it in the front home when at home and beside the tele when we are away
Phil
------------- If you're not on a fell your wasting your feet and for 2014 it's.......Feb Castleton Mar North Yors Moors; Apr Sutton on Sea; May Thirsk; Jun Clapham/Riverside (Lakes); July Wharfedale; August Crakehall; Sept Knaresborough; Oct Wirral Park/Clitheroe
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: CO Alarm, where to fix?
