Propane detector setting

[CedarCreekWoody]

I've had some apparently false alerts. My Bridea brand detector is adjustable from 2% to 20%, factory default is 5%. The factory tells me to change the set point. What setting do others use?

[chuckster57]

Is it a hand held tool? If so I would use the most sensitive setting. Propane will ignite at a 2.15 to oxygen ratio.

I would use a Manometer as the first test, as it will read gas pressure drop in very low pressures of the LP system. Your LP detector in your RV can be affected by other factors besides a propane leak.

https://www.ferrellgas.com/tank-talk...ane-flammable/

[CedarCreekWoody]

No, it is a mounted replacement for the original detector, with a lighted display. I suspect something other than propane is tripping it. No dogs to be emitting noxious gasses. Lol

Thanks Chuck.

[bobbecky]

It is likely reaching the end of it's life, or had exposure to other chemicals that have contaminated the sensor in it. Most of these propane detectors start giving false alarms when the sensor starts failing, and the safest thing to do is just replace it. Briidea's web site says the service life is 5 years. https://www.briidea.com/products/rv-...d-alarm-12-vdc

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

It is likely reaching the end of it's life, or had exposure to other chemicals that have contaminated the sensor in it. Most of these propane detectors start giving false alarms when the sensor starts failing, and the safest thing to do is just replace it. Briidea's web site says the service life is 5 years. https://www.briidea.com/products/rv-...d-alarm-12-vdc

This unit is less than a year old.

[JRTJH]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

This unit is less than a year old.

Yes, I saw in your first post that the trailer is about 6 years old and this is a replacement for the OEM LP detector. The Briidea website "talks around the sensitivity adjustment" but there is no place on the website (that I could find) to download the owners manual. There's a comment in the "help section" that says the cover can be removed "using the supplied screwdriver as shown in the installation manual". I'd guess it's a small common screwdrive and that there's a slot on the case cover that you twist to open it. Inside, on the circuit board, I'd guess you'll find a slide switch with sensitivity settings. The description states that the sensitivity is adjustable from 2% to 20% LEL. The default setting is 5%. It's my understanding that the explosive mixture of air/propane is around 2.25%. Setting it to a higher sensitivity to stop the alarms may be the same as putting on a blindfold so you can't see the fire when the trailer starts burning.....

If you have the installation manual, it should have the procedure for adjusting the sensitivity.

Unfortunately, the "help hot line" phone number is (86) 186 0502 9155, which is an overseas call to Fujian, China. I wouldn't suspect that would be much help. There is as "chat" tab and a "contact us via email" capability on the website: https://www.briidea.com/products/rv-...d-alarm-12-vdc

[CedarCreekWoody]

John my experience was the same as yours. I used the chat feature, received this three days later: "If u want change the alert point, is it right".

I will see if I can find the info that came with it but have the same concerns over changing the settings.

[chuckster57]

I’m wondering if you should think about replacing it with a non adjustable detector.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I’m wondering if you should think about replacing it with a non adjustable detector.

And maybe one WITHOUT a readout so I don't keep looking at it! Lol
I thought I was buying a high end detector. Not so sure now.

[sourdough]

^^^^My suggestion completely.

[CedarCreekWoody]

I gave up and replaced it with one made by Funomo. It appears to working perfectly, unlike the Bridea.