Cutting the red wire

[PJ47]

Hello group,
After doing a lot of research we have decided to cut the wires leading to our safe T alarm for propane gas. It is 5 years old and has not worked properly for the past 3 years. We are not happy about how it was installed in our 2014 Parkliner either so just want to leave it there and cut the cord.

Anything wrong with doing this that you can think of?

Before y'all freak out, we have purchased a plug in model that also has a battery back up and a read out. We don't even use our propane tanks and keep them turned off.

PJ

[floyd]

Its DC and should be wired individually or in parallel.
So you should be ok to cut the wiring to it without affecting any other devices.
Hey maybe that would be a nice spot for an extra light or a USB port??


I'm not about to freak out since the only alarm I have in my trailer is the alarm clock in the radio, and I think it would be a crime to set it!

[gordon2]

Just dont touch the wires together when you cut them and tape them up so there is no chance of a short. The Propane alarm MIGHT be in a separate fuse. At least thats the way I do it so that the fuse can be pulled when the trailer is in storage, so that it does not drain the battery. If thats the case you can pull the fuse for added safety.

Originally Posted by PJ47

Hello group,
...we have purchased a plug in model that also has a battery back up and a read out. We don't even use our propane tanks and keep them turned off.

Can you please provide a link to this product?

[PJ47]

Thank you for your suggestions,
The plug in is a Kidde gas and carbon monoxide detector with readout and battery back up that you can buy at Walmart for around $35.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by PJ47

Thank you for your suggestions,
The plug in is a Kidde gas and carbon monoxide detector with readout and battery back up that you can buy at Walmart for around $35.

Unfortunately, it doesn't work without AC.
https://www.kidde.com/fire-safety/en...arms/900-0113/

[PJ47]

We don't mind that it uses AC instead of DC and it has a battery back up so we are happy with that rather than the constant aggravation of the battery drainage issue and the unit not lasting 5 years!

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by PJ47

We don't mind that it uses AC instead of DC and it has a battery back up so we are happy with that rather than the constant aggravation of the battery drainage issue and the unit not lasting 5 years!

OIC.. that explains it. I had not seen a propane detector that ran off of internal, replaceable batteries. Having an alarm that runs on the trailer's battery (or internal batteries for an extended time) would be an absolute requirement for most of us who think a propane alarm is appropriate, since we use propane without shore power. But for your situation it sounds like it might be fine. On the other hand if you leave it on and operating on battery back-up (such as when traveling), then functionality is limited and battery life will be comprised. It really is intended to be powered 24/7 in a home, with perhaps a short power outage. But you do get two more years out of it.. it starts beeping "end of life" at seven years instead of five.

As for the battery drain, a master battery cut off switch is the way to go, for when the camper is not being used for a while. If you eliminate the propane alarm then perhaps you will not have any other "hidden" (parasitic) loads and therefore not need the cut off switch.. but then again you might - IDK what Parkliners have.

If you remove the propane tanks, then the alarm is not needed.