Safe propane levels?

[CedarCreekWoody]

I recently replaced my propane alarm. It often reads .6 or .8, sometimes 1.2. I'm not using any propane appliances now and don't believe I have any leaks. What are safe levels? What could it be detecting if not propane? This is not a dual guage that also watches for CO.

[chuckster57]

How are you reading those levels?

You can use a Manometer to test for leaks, RVIA standard is 0 drop for 3 minutes. I usually leave it for 5 minutes. Personally I would want any leak.

[dutchmensport]

I don't know what kind of detector you have or where it is physically located inside your camper, but try reading this article: Click here.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Originally Posted by chuckster57

How are you reading those levels?

You can use a Manometer to test for leaks, RVIA standard is 0 drop for 3 minutes. I usually leave it for 5 minutes. Personally I would want any leak.

The readings are displayed on the detector. I also want zero leaks. I there anything other than propane that can give these readings? The detector does not sound an alarm.

Funomo RV Propane Gas Detector, 85dB Loud Alarm DC 12V, RV Propane Alarm for Trailer, Motorhome, Motorcoach (Black - Surface Mount) https://a.co/d/hAcrTTw

[chuckster57]

First time I’ve seen that one. Looks like 5% is the threshold.

Interesting reading, I knew about most of these:
https://community.fmca.com/topic/388...-gas-detector/

[bobbecky]

For propane, it looks like 2.2% is the LEL limit, above that is dangerous. https://sps-support.honeywell.com/s/...xplosive-Limit

[NH_Bulldog]

My dog occasionally sets off our gas alarm (seriously).

Anyway, as long as it isn’t going into alarm, I wouldn’t worry about it. Sometimes too much information leads to unnecessary concern over something that is “normal”.

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

I recently replaced my propane alarm. It often reads .6 or .8, sometimes 1.2............ What are safe levels?.....

LPG has an explosive range from 2.1% to 9.5% volume of gas in the air https://nationalgasco.net/characteri...%20temperature and any reading higher than 0.525% should alarm (25% of lower explosive limit [LEL]). I would like to see no reading on the monitor, however, consult with the manufacturer and download the manual for reference as to why you are seeing a reading when propane tank valves are closed in and you are not using propane.

My RV Safe RVCOLP-2 LPG/CO monitor does not display a value but will alarm if the monitor reads > 25% of LEL for more than 30 seconds.

[flybouy]

Originally Posted by CedarCreekWoody

The readings are displayed on the detector. I also want zero leaks. I there anything other than propane that can give these readings? The detector does not sound an alarm.

Funomo RV Propane Gas Detector, 85dB Loud Alarm DC 12V, RV Propane Alarm for Trailer, Motorhome, Motorcoach (Black - Surface Mount) https://a.co/d/hAcrTTw

To answer your question yes. Many, if not most, aerosols use butane or propane as a propellant. Read the labels and the first thing you'll see is the keep away from open flames warnings. Using hairspray, perfumes, and other aerosols near a detector can set them off. And yes, we had a dog that liked to sleep up against the detector and would set it off.

[CedarCreekWoody]

Thanks for all the info. Maybe too much info on the readout.

[Devin_Noel]

Originally Posted by NH_Bulldog

My dog occasionally sets off our gas alarm (seriously).

Anyway, as long as it isn’t going into alarm, I wouldn’t worry about it. Sometimes too much information leads to unnecessary concern over something that is “normal”.

Confirmed. Dori (RIP) laying under the gas & CO2 alarm in out old house. It went off because of her a few times.