LPG Sensor. Advice about purchase

Hunter55
Hunter55 Forum Participant Posts: 5
edited December 2015 in Motorhomes #1

Hi.

I have experinced a significant failure with the gas system on my 2015 V-Line 610 and it is about to be returned to Auto-Trail for them to diagnose and I hope, fix the problem. When it returns, I'd like to use an audible portable LPG sensor in the van that
will pick up any leaks. It already has a carbon monoxide and smoke detector factory fitted. Has anyone purchased and used an LPG detector that they can recommend?

Thanks.

Comments

  • young thomas
    young thomas Club Member Posts: 11,357 ✭✭✭✭✭
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #2

    not used one but ebay and google are your friends....

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/bhp/lpg-alarm

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited December 2015 #3

    It is worth noting that unlike smoke and CO detectors which run off a small internal battery for ages ..... gas detectors DO use a significant amount of power continuously. (aound 50-100mA at 12v).  Not a problem when on EHU or even for a few weeks on battery alone ...... but enough to flatten a battery if left on during long periods of storage

    I have a couple bought from LIDL at £12.99  which are excellent, but have not seen them there for quite a time. As said many on Ebay.

     

     

  • rogher
    rogher Forum Participant Posts: 609
    500 Comments
    edited December 2015 #4

    Gas leaks are a big enemy in boats, so I'd look in a chandlery for one. They'll probably have a range of 12V ones to choose from. The sensor will need to be low down, as LPG is heavier than air.

  • Hunter55
    Hunter55 Forum Participant Posts: 5
    edited December 2015 #5

    Of course! A Chandler! Thank you. I never thought about that. I have a few sailing friends and so they should be able to point me in the direction of a sensor that is tried and tested.

    The V-Line has only two plug sockets but does have 2 leisure batteries and a solar panel (most things run off the 12v) so I think it would support an LPG sensor. I didn't know LPG sensors used significant amounts of power which now makes sense of why so
    many of them I saw on ebay can be run from the mains. As I only want to have it 'switched on' whilst we are using the van and we run very few electrical appliances, we should be okay.

    In any case, I'd be happy to prioritise our power for a sensor as we had a significant LPG leak whilst on holiday in France in June this year. The failure was not fixed properly and the same connector came loose a few weeks ago potentially leading to a further
    leak. Whilst the leak was on the underside of the exterior of the van, it enveloped the van to a degree whereby the LPG came in through the open windows (it was a hot night) and we could smell the LPG whilst inside. The van is going back to the manufacturer
    for a proper investigation and repair but it taught me the value of having the right sensors and safety equipment on board.

    I am very new to motorhoming and love it but there is lots to learn!

    Thanks for all your advice.

     

  • Vicmallows
    Vicmallows Forum Participant Posts: 580
    500 Comments
    edited December 2015 #6

    Yes, most chandlers will stock them. The only problem is that being aimed at the yachting market, they are priced accordingly! (About £75).  Admittedly, they usually have remote sensors which can be placed in the bilges, but this is not too relevant in a
    caravan.

  • hitchglitch
    hitchglitch Forum Participant Posts: 3,007
    1000 Comments
    edited December 2015 #7

    Motorhomes and caravans have ventilation at floor level because LPG is heavier than air. Boats are at much greater risk. They could have ventilation at the bottom but your feet might get a bit wet!

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