how good are c02 monitors

[yogavnture]

Originally Posted by Terry G

No alarm. Actually, it was $45 when I bought it but now they want $80. Still it's a useful device because it tells you the levels. A CO alarm is as cheap as $15 on Amazon.

I'm studying these contraptions. their are literally about 50 to choose from why the hell would marketplace make 50 different monitors,, i see the cheap ones and the expensive ones. i wonder if two cheap ones are better than one good one

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by yogavnture

... i wonder if two cheap ones are better than one good one

That depends on the quality of the cheap ones.. while cheap often means lesser quality that is not always the case. Sometimes cheaper is also "good" but more often you get what you pay for. Look at reviews, manufacturer's reputation, etc.. and buy quality. Two if you can.

[k0wtz]

I have one dont use it!

[Carl V]

Originally Posted by yogavnture

I GUESS ALL THAT IS NEEDED IS CO2 DETECTOR AND MAYBE SMOKE DETECTOR.

William you seem to confuse CO and CO2. Not the same gas. CO is toxic and the result of combustion. CO2 is what you exhale, not toxic but if you were to only breath CO2 you would die, not because of the CO2 but because of lack of oxygen.

What I consider essential in a camper are a CO detector (not CO2) and a propane detector. I believe these two are mandatory in any new trailer.
If you feel the need for a smoke alarm, go for it. I don't have one in mine, it would go off every morning toasting bread over the stove. My choice.

I don't know what kind of heater you are using. Some unvented propane heaters, like MrHeater, have what they call an ODS (Oxygen depletion sensor). This is not a sensor like you would imagine being some electronic device and alarm. It is just the way the pilot flame burner is designed: as the oxygen level drops the flame gradually moves away from the thermocouple and the heater eventually shuts off by itself. There are no electronics or moving parts in that "sensor", they work good and they are basically fail-safe (they have been tested by the US CPSC). In other words, there is no alarm set off by this oxygen sensor, it just keeps the heater operating as long as there is a sufficient oxygen level. If you are using an unvented heater I suggest you get one with an ODS, properly vent the trailer when using it as explained in the instructions, and never use it without a CO detector, just in case. Other than that, I don't see the need for a separate oxygen sensor, and I've never seen anybody using one in a camper.

[Bing M.]

If you have a good CO detector and it works, great!
If you have a poor CO detector and it doesn't work, you will never know it!

[Darwin Maring]

If you are worried, get 2 by different brands and install them.

[Conrad S.]

The CO detector is the only useful part of that detector. Better to get CO and LP detectors, whether standalone or combo unit. Mine are hardwired to 12V, but I have a battery-powered CO detector in my house.

[yogavnture]

Originally Posted by Conrad S.

The CO detector is the only useful part of that detector. Better to get CO and LP detectors, whether standalone or combo unit. Mine are hardwired to 12V, but I have a battery-powered CO detector in my house.

lp detector i need to google what that is

[Glenn Baglo]

LP - Liquid Propane gas detector.
I have one hard wired near the floor because propane is heavier than air. I have battery operated smoke and CO detectors as well. CO detector sits on a counter and the smoke detector is located near the ceiling. They all come with instructions as to where to locate.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

LP - Liquid Propane gas detector.
...

But isnt the liquid propane in its gaseous state when it leaks and the alarm detects it? So it should be a GP alarm...
Darn, I just realized I asked a inane "Glen" question.. just ignore me.

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by gordon2

But isnt it in its gaseous (not liquid) state when it leaks and the alarm detects it?
Darn, I just realized I asked a inane "Glen" question.. just ignore me.

And the title is still referring to CO2 detectors.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

And the title is still referring to CO2 detectors.

And always will (unless a moderator changes it).. but we all know what he meant. Its a common error that many people make.

[steve dunham]

They make both CO and CO2 detectors and I have installed both types
Corrections in the thread title should be done at the request of the OP .

[Glenn Baglo]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

They make both CO and CO2 detectors and I have installed both types
Corrections in the thread title should be done at the request of the OP .

Can you provide a link to the CO2 detector you have installed. I Googled and get nothing but CO detectors.

[steve dunham]

CO2 detectors are used mainly in commercial / industrial applications
I did service work at soda bottling plants where CO2 was used in the process and CO2 is also used in construction for pulling wire.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Can you provide a link to the CO2 detector you have installed. I Googled and get nothing but CO detectors.

I suspect that is because Google thinks that is is smarter than you and it knows that you mean Carbon monoxide detector .. since so many people make that mistake.

Try excluding the word "monoxide" in your Google search (i.e. "carbon dioxide detector -monoxide") and you get plenty of hits...

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Digi.../dp/B07XN412KV

Although why you would want one I can't imagine.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by gordon2

I suspect that is because Google thinks that is is smarter than you and it knows that you mean Carbon monoxide detector .. since so many people make that mistake.

Try excluding the word "monoxide" in your Google search (i.e. "carbon dioxide detector -monoxide") and you get plenty of hits...

https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Digi.../dp/B07XN412KV

Although why you would want one I can't imagine.

CO2 can cause headaches , dizziness and nausea- don’t ask me how I know !
I would suspect there is not much of a chance of overexpose to CO2 in a fiberglass trailer but stranger things have happened

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by steve dunham

CO2 can cause headaches , dizziness and nausea-

and even death is it displaces too much oxygen.

Originally Posted by steve dunham

...don’t ask me how I know !

I guess they should change the warning text to... "Keep this plastic bag away from children AND adults."

Originally Posted by steve dunham

... I would suspect there is not much of a chance of overexpose to CO2 in a fiberglass trailer but stranger things have happened

Well if people start buying CO2 alarms for their campers, I will market argon gas alarms also..can't be too careful with stranger things!

[David Tilston]

Originally Posted by gordon2

Although why you would want one I can't imagine.

Watch Apollo 13. Long term excess CO2 exposure can cause cognitive issues and eventually death.

[gordon2]

Originally Posted by David Tilston

Watch Apollo 13. Long term excess CO2 exposure can cause cognitive issues and eventually death.

Actually I was addressing my comment to Glen.. I doubt he will be in a sealed spacecraft.

As Steve explained, they have their purpose and some people have a need for them.. but campers not so much.