Propane leak detection
Having recently found that our full 6kg propane bottle (weighing14.82kg) became empty (8.8kg) in just 3 days, we are now concerned that an undetected leak could be dangerous to our health.
Propane detectors available for sale on Amazon come in 2 types. Battery hand held or mains powered. For short term testing , say at the propane locker, the battery hand held type would be ideal, however, we need a detector /alarm that can run on mains, should we be on an electric hook up, but one which can also run off our domestic on board battery supply.
Does anyone know of a propane detector, suitable for motor homes, that would meet BOTH these requirements?
Comments
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The best deterrent against leaks is to have your system checked annually and if you fit a Gaslow Manual Changeopver system it provides an additional facility to check for leaks by checking the level of gas on the meter with both bottles off. If the level of gas indicated on the meter decays rapidly, you have a leak.
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I am surprised that with a leak of the order of 2 kgs a day there is not an overwhelming reek of "gas" permeating everything. The smell additive is so pungent and lingering.
If in the gas locker so has some chance of being ventilated so possibly not sensed within the van, but there the joints ought to be accessibly enough to "test" with a brushed on detergent solution.
I once had a 6kg Calor with a weep at the valve to body joint, it was minute a much lower loss than discussed here, but the smell from it in the locker was inescapable.
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Hi
Agree with all above.
I have an American rv, they are different in that they have no drop down vents, or ventilation as a euro van has. However, they come equipped with an lpg alarm system that is hard wired at production. It is based in the kitchen area as that's where all lpg using equipment lives. They are very sensitive and boy does that alarm sing! These are available for purchase at the various rv spares dealers in the UK. I get all my parts from a firm called Motorhome Medics in Cheltenham, they have a good ebay shop called rvspares.
Hope this is of help
JK
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Personally I have a fully mobile detector unit known as SWMBO with a nose that can detect the smallest smell of gas from many meters.
Your 'mobile detector unit' may have the required banshee like screech to raise the alarm but does it not regularly fail in sleep mode?
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Personally I have a fully mobile detector unit known as SWMBO with a nose that can detect the smallest smell of gas from many meters.
Struth..........I thought we were having gas meters on club sites now as well.............
Then I breathed a sigh of relief............you meant metres....
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Agree with Peedee. I have one of these fitted and it provides a quick and easy visual indicator if you have a leak. Although, once you have turned the gas off, the indicator won't stay in the green forever it is the time it takes to go red and I think Gaslow provide that information.
David
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Ha, I was taken back to Blazing Saddles and the campfire scene
JK
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Are you certain that the bottle was actually full when you started. Or just that it was working and ran out ?
i have had partly filled bottles sold to me as filled, where the cages hold the both returns and filled bottles. I now weigh my bottles just to be sure. It's a faff , but has paid off on a couple of occasions. Only to be met with the comment " MMM does seem a bit light !""
i think Screwfix sells a sniffer that will warn of leaks.
I changed my propane fittings to a gas gauge with a rubber cone tip, and has a finger wheel to tighten the connection. It makes a better seal than the metal to metal contact, that needs a certain amount of brute force to ensure a gas tight seal.
Gaslow manfacture the gauge and fittings.
Rgds
edit. Not sure if this link works. http://www.gaslowdirect.com/epages/cyujrhdmmu67.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/cyujrhdmmu67/Products/01-1610
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