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Topic: CO / smoke detector for bell tent stove

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Nozza

27/8/2019 at 8:09pm
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I've ordered a stove for our 5m bell tent and was just about to order a carbon monoxide alarm when I noticed they well combined carbon monoxide and smoke alarms.

One the face of it this seems like a good buy as it covers both bases but I'm wondering if a certain amount of smoke in the tent is unavoidable, in which case it might keep going off and need turning off which would render the CO part useless.

Anyone with a stove and alarms care to chip in?

Thanks

DeborahTurner

via mobile 31/8/2019 at 8:46am
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My question would be how effective are they given that smoke rises and CO sinks. And a particular hazard of CO in tents is that we sleep on the ground or on low camp beds.

Nozza

03/10/2019 at 10:10am
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Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 31/8/2019
My question would be how effective are they given that smoke rises and CO sinks. And a particular hazard of CO in tents is that we sleep on the ground or on low camp beds.

I agree. smoke alarms are so cheap I got a CO alarm suitable for camping and that attaches to the pole at bed height and a smoke alarm that is taped to the top of the pole when the tent is erected. Seems more sensible than the dual option

tango55

03/10/2019 at 10:33am
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I recently purchased a carbon monoxide alarm for the home from Aldi and in the installation instructions stated that it wasn't designed for caravans or boats etc. which would include tents as the the EU conforming regulations are different. What I am saying is that if it's a domestic carbon monoxide alarm you need in a tent then you need to find which is compatible for the environment as you don't want a device that doesn't operate effectively in an emergency.
In bold printing it states the following:
THIS ALARM HAS NOT BEEN TESTED SPECIFICALLY FOR USE IN CARAVANS OR BOATS. ONLY CO ALARMS CERTIFIED TO EN-50291-2 ARE FULLY APPROVED FOR THIS PURPOSE.
This advice also goes out to all members who are considering having a carbon monoxide alarm fitted in their caravan or motorhome etc.

Post last edited on 03/10/2019 11:19:15

Webmaster

via mobile 03/10/2019 at 12:50pm
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Quote: Originally posted by DeborahTurner on 31/8/2019
My question would be how effective are they given that smoke rises and CO sinks.

Carbon monoxide is roughly the same weight as air, actually it's very slightly lighter. It doesn't sink, it actually mixes evenly with air and so if the air is warm from the stove it will rise and fill the tent from the top.

When choosing one, as mentioned above, find a CO detector which has been certified as ok in a motorhome and caravan. I recently bought a recognised brand ten year life sealed unit for about Â£15 on Amazon.

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Fiona W

03/10/2019 at 6:37pm
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Mount the smoke alarm where you can reach it easily - the slightest whiff of bacon sets ours off & it's a fiddle to tap the 'off' button if you need to put my glasses on to see it (as I do).

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