I cannot figure out how to test the CO2 sensor in our coach. The smoke detector has a test button (and I know it works because some food on a burner started smoking last weekend when we used it) but I'm concerned about CO2 and don't feel comfortable sleeping in the RV with the heat on.
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Traveling whenever possible with DW, 3 kids and "Tate" the mut dog. 1999 Minnie Winnie 3F430V
I assume your are talking about a carbon monoxide (CO) detector, not a carbon dioxide (CO2) detector.
If yours looks like the one below, the detector does have a test button on it. Just press it & it will go off like the test button on a smoke detector does.
Lori-
__________________ Lori -
FMCA #F419886 | RV/MH Hall of Fame Lifetime Member
Virtual Grand Tour 45RL
If you are uncomfortable with your CO detector ... I suggest you replace it with a new battery operated unit that has a test button on it ($15 to $50). You will sleep lots better knowing that you have a working detector.
At the current pricing of CO monitors I think it is good to go with two CO monitors. We have one in the bedroom and one in the living room. The one in the living room even has a verbal warning. The one in the bedroom has a digital readout.
1 - Take it down and hold it in front of your exhaust pipe with the engine running;
And/or
2 - while you have it down check the date on it ...if no date or over 7 year old, replace it.
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Paul (KE5LXU) ...was fulltimin', now parttimin'
'03 Winnebago UA 40e TRADED OFF JUL 2023 / '17 Jeep Grand Cherokee toad
1 - Take it down and hold it in front of your exhaust pipe with the engine running;
And/or
2 - while you have it down check the date on it ...if no date or over 7 year old, replace it.
Sounds like a great idea. I will try it this week. THANKS
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Traveling whenever possible with DW, 3 kids and "Tate" the mut dog. 1999 Minnie Winnie 3F430V
Mine is very sensitive if I have the door open and the engine is running while we are loading it will go off,Ihave to rest it. It is 15 years old,it came with the rv new. Do they wear out, I replaced one smoke detector this year,it wouldn't test even with new batteries,I take batteries out when I winterize.
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Rick & Robin with ( Schaffer & Bella in memory)(springers) from S/E PA
1996 Adventurer, f53
WE ARE...
Most CO detector mfgs recommend a maximum useful life of 5-7 years. The detector element inside is "used up" by that time. I've also read at least 2 mfgs paperwork that says to NEVER hold it up to a strong source of CO to "test" it. It simply overloads the delicate sensor inside and renders it useless for sensing small amounts of CO that you would be concerned about inside a vehicle. Holding it by the exhaust pipe would be a strong source of CO.
You can purchase CO tanks-they are small like those used for propane hand torches. You then use a propane hand torch valve on them to open/close near detector to test sensor.
When my C0 sensor was about 6 yrs old it went out. The symptom was: it became more sensitive and started going off when there was no apparent source of CO. I later learned that this is the typical failure mode of the sensor. I bought a SAFE-T-Alert from Camping world. Works great.
jim& debbie, 04 Journey 34H
Most CO detectors recommend replacing the unit every 5 to 7 years. The detector does "wear out".
Ken
__________________ Amateur Radio Operator (KE5DFR)|Full-Time! - 2012 6.7L Ford Crew Cab Dually -2013 HitchHiker Champagne 38RLRSB - Travel with one Standard Schnauzer and one small Timneh African Gray Parrot