disconnect malfunctioning LP detector vs. dampening sound

ShelleyManes · 10-02-2022, 04:04 PM

Our Safe-T LP leak alert has been chirping since 3 a.m. LP off and not leaking. (And it is not going off as alarm, just the device warning signal). The green light is blinking and it chirps every 45 seconds. This does not correlate to any of the symptoms in the manual which are for "end of life" and "low battery". We replaced the fuse for the LP alarm. House batteries are in good condition, and topped up. Currently in a park with full hookup using shore power, batteries full. We have a call into local service for most likely replacing the detector unit, but it's Sunday. We took out the fuse altogether, and the lights on device went out but it continues to chirp. It wasn't dirty or dusty but we cleaned it anyway. Been reading all about residual voltage etc. Date of manufacture on back of unit is. 9/21/2020 which corresponds with our 2020 Model Winnebago Porto (Class C). Well under the 5-year life expectancy. My question is, can we disconnect the hard wire connection, or should we just try to dampen the sound of the chirp with something over the device? We've done pretty good as first time full-timers for 18 months, but electrical is "not our forte". If disconnecting the hard wiring is recommended, there looks like a quick connect (or not) about 6" away from the back of the device. We will definitely have it or a new device working before we attempt to use the LP and hopefully before we leave this campground, as we are in a decent size city and are optimistic to get service on Monday. Just didn't want anyone to panic that we'd risk going without a detector for more than 1 overnight when NO LP is being used and tank is closed. All advice welcomed.

ShelleyManes · 10-02-2022, 04:29 PM

Also Safe-T (MTI Industries) customer service/tech support line is closed til tomorrow. Really just trying to figure how to get some sleep tonight!

wyocamper · 10-02-2022, 04:49 PM

Yes, you can simply unplug the two wires at the connector.

ShelleyManes · 10-02-2022, 06:15 PM

well we cut the wires and it's still chirping. we are putting a towel in the opening hoping to dampen the sound a bit for overnight. Still open to suggestions.

wyocamper · 10-02-2022, 06:34 PM

If you've cut the wires there's really no reason to keep it inside the MH. When mine expired and started beeping I simply unplugged it and waited for the replacement that I ordered from Amazon.

Are you sure that it's the propane detector that's beeping?

ShelleyManes · 10-02-2022, 07:17 PM

Well, we feel like idiots, but upon further review, it is NOT the LP sensor that is chirping, but the secondary smoke/CO detector, chirping for a new 9V battery. Ugh, simple solution! Happy ending even if we feel really dumb.

wyocamper · 10-02-2022, 07:24 PM

Well that's good news. But now I would suggest reconnecting the the LP detector wires that were cut. Strip them back 1/2 inch and screw wire nuts on to connect them.

ShelleyManes · 10-02-2022, 09:02 PM

yes, precisely what we have going first thing in the morning. Still not using any LP or even opening the tank tonight. Thanks!

TravatoJohn · 10-03-2022, 08:13 AM

Just a bit of advice for those who have never changed a detector. I have done numerous for fellow travelers and one thing I recommend is when replacing put an in-line fuse(7.5 amps) in the positive feed. The advantage is if the device ever fails you can easily remove it from the wall and pull the fuse as opposed to the fuse on the electrical panel. Some rigs will tie more than one device into this circuit and you avoid any problems. On Lazy Daze Motorhomes that had the water heater on this same 7.5 amp fuse circuit. Just a thought.
Travato John

BobC · 10-03-2022, 09:42 AM

One time we heard a chirping at night that would stop every time I got up to look for it and start again a few minutes after I went back to bed. After an extensive search, I found a tiny tree frog inside my freshwater fill door. How he got in is a mystery.

Ray,IN · 10-04-2022, 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShelleyManes

Well, we feel like idiots, but upon further review, it is NOT the LP sensor that is chirping, but the secondary smoke/CO detector, chirping for a new 9V battery. Ugh, simple solution! Happy ending even if we feel really dumb.

When you go to purchase a new one, consider the type with a 10-year battery guarantee. It has a lithium battery that never needs replacing, as the lifespan of a smoke detector is 10 years.