Location of Propane Gas Detector
Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2018 11:24 am
I had to remove the propane gas-leak detector to replace some rotted wood around it. The detector is located in the side of the fridge cabinet at floor level near the entry door. I plan on replacing it because the detector is more than 5 years old.
I decided to do some research on what is considered to be the best location for a gas-leak detector in an RV. I came across the installation instructions written by MTI Industries, the manufacturer of my current detector.
https://www.mtiindustries.com/PDFs/rv/30_Series.pdf
According to their instructions, the detector is in the wrong location for our trailer. The information below is lifted from these instructions:
WHERE TO INSTALL GAS ALARMS
This alarm is UL®
listed for installation in recreational
vehicles. Install this alarm near sources of a potential
gas leak. Some potential sources are a furnace, water
heater, stove or oven. If potential sources of a gas leak
are in separated areas, MTI recommends installing an
alarm in each area. See Figure 1 and 2.
CAUTION: Propane is heavier than air. For
propane gas detection, install this alarm from 4 to
20 inches off the floor.
!
WARNING
WHERE NOT TO INSTALL THIS GAS ALARM.
See Figure 3.
BEHIND FURNITURE, DRAPES, IN
CLOSETS OR AREAS THAT WILL BLOCK
AIR FLOW TO THE ALARM.
WITHIN 12 INCHES OF EXTERIOR DOORS,
WINDOWS, HEATING OR RETURN VENTS,
OR OTHER DRAFTY AREAS.
IN OR ON OUTSIDE WALLS
TO A WALL SWITCH CONTROLLED
POWER LINE, GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
OR CIRCUIT BREAKER. See Master Storage
Switch on front Panel
NOTE: Older homes and RVs may have little or no
insulation and therefore are more drafty. Carefully
consider mounting locations.
For these reasons, I'm moving the location of the detector. Since our bedroom butts up to the kitchen and furnace, I'll choose a spot that protects us while sleeping as well.
I'm sure some think I'm being anal-retentive about this. I have replaced 90% of the gas lines in and under the trailer. I have conducted a thorough leak-check evaluation as well. However, considering the shaking forces a trailer incurs in motion, the propane gas detector is the last line of defense to a compromised appliance.
I decided to do some research on what is considered to be the best location for a gas-leak detector in an RV. I came across the installation instructions written by MTI Industries, the manufacturer of my current detector.
https://www.mtiindustries.com/PDFs/rv/30_Series.pdf
According to their instructions, the detector is in the wrong location for our trailer. The information below is lifted from these instructions:
WHERE TO INSTALL GAS ALARMS
This alarm is UL®
listed for installation in recreational
vehicles. Install this alarm near sources of a potential
gas leak. Some potential sources are a furnace, water
heater, stove or oven. If potential sources of a gas leak
are in separated areas, MTI recommends installing an
alarm in each area. See Figure 1 and 2.
CAUTION: Propane is heavier than air. For
propane gas detection, install this alarm from 4 to
20 inches off the floor.
!
WARNING
WHERE NOT TO INSTALL THIS GAS ALARM.
See Figure 3.
BEHIND FURNITURE, DRAPES, IN
CLOSETS OR AREAS THAT WILL BLOCK
AIR FLOW TO THE ALARM.
WITHIN 12 INCHES OF EXTERIOR DOORS,
WINDOWS, HEATING OR RETURN VENTS,
OR OTHER DRAFTY AREAS.
IN OR ON OUTSIDE WALLS
TO A WALL SWITCH CONTROLLED
POWER LINE, GROUND FAULT CIRCUIT
OR CIRCUIT BREAKER. See Master Storage
Switch on front Panel
NOTE: Older homes and RVs may have little or no
insulation and therefore are more drafty. Carefully
consider mounting locations.
For these reasons, I'm moving the location of the detector. Since our bedroom butts up to the kitchen and furnace, I'll choose a spot that protects us while sleeping as well.
I'm sure some think I'm being anal-retentive about this. I have replaced 90% of the gas lines in and under the trailer. I have conducted a thorough leak-check evaluation as well. However, considering the shaking forces a trailer incurs in motion, the propane gas detector is the last line of defense to a compromised appliance.