Can anyone recommend a carbon monoxide detector for a tent? We have a front section in our tent suitable for cooking but we would feel safer (after using the gas cooker) if a detector was in the other sleeping part of the tent.
Take whatever one you have at home. Ours sits in the lounge.
However you need to understand a CO detector is not like a amoke detector. A smoke detector needs to work quickly to get you aware of smoke and escape. A CO detector needs a high concentration of CO which generally takes a while to develop.
CO deaths in tents have usually happened when someone has thought using a BBQ or other heater indoors to keep them warm while going to sleep is a good idea. If all you are doing is cooking don't cook in a confined space and there will be no issues.
Firstly, the LPG gas used for camping, caravans and motorhomes is different to that from domestic gas at home therefore it requires a totally different type of carbon monoxide detector that is fit for purpose so the best advice is to contact a camping and caravanning accessory shop for the correct information. When we purchased one for the home from Aldi a few years ago, it clearly stated in the instructions that was unsuitable for caravans.
The MH came with a FireAngel fitted, and that’s the make that we have at home by each appliance that might produce CO. You’d have to Velcro or fix it to something that you can hang up in the apex of the tent. They come with a lifetime battery (7 years). Tesco or B&Q.
Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 25/8/2022
As I understand it CO is heavier than air which makes campers especially vulnerable as it settles in a layer close to the ground: sleeping level.
So presumably the CO detector (now ordered) should be at ground level in sleeping area. Thanks Deborah.
Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 25/8/2022
As I understand it CO is heavier than air which makes campers especially vulnerable as it settles in a layer close to the ground: sleeping level.
So presumably the CO detector (now ordered) should be at ground level in sleeping area. Thanks Deborah.
Well that's difficult to answer because like any other product it will come with instructions which you need to adhere to rather than presume where the device should be located.
Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 25/8/2022
As I understand it CO is heavier than air which makes campers especially vulnerable as it settles in a layer close to the ground: sleeping level.
So presumably the CO detector (now ordered) should be at ground level in sleeping area. Thanks Deborah.
Well that's difficult to answer because like any other product it will come with instructions which you need to adhere to rather than presume where the device should be located.
Carbon Monoxide is very slightly LESS DENSE than air, so should tend to rise in still air!
EVERY CO detector I've ever seen mounted (by the manufacturer) in a caravan/MH is around ceiling/roof height, as are domestic ones. The one in my caravan is mounted below the head height lockers, which puts it about chin height when standing.
The freestanding unit I've used in a tent was always on a low table which put it slightly above head height when lying down sleeping.
I think the sensitivity of the detectors is such that they will trigger at very low concentrations, long before short term health risk levels are reached, and in good time for longer term health risks to be avoided.
Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 25/8/2022
As I understand it CO is heavier than air which makes campers especially vulnerable as it settles in a layer close to the ground: sleeping level.
What makes campers vulnerable is the belief that using a product which produces carbon monoxide in an enclosed space to keep warm is a good idea.
In an enclosed space the gas will rise with the heat of the fire and circulate, but if your head is near the source you will be breathing a higher concentration of CO before it rises as it mixes with the surrounding air.
Sound advice that obviously doesn't get referred to as often as it should judging by the number of times the subject crops up, and the lack of knowledge in general.
It's perhaps not as detailed and educational as it could be, but it's not bad.
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Carbon Monoxide Detector
via mobile 20/8/2022 at 7:04pm
