Your RV LP Gas Detector is one part of the life safety devices that your RV has on-board. Along with fire extinguishers and smoke and carbon-monoxide detectors, LP gas detectors are essential RV safety equipment. And that is why inspecting these devices regularly is one of the most important RV inspections you can perform.
How Do RV LP Detectors Work?
Everyone knows that propane gas has a distinct smell. The problem is that by the time your nose recognizes that smell, you could already be in danger. So an RV LP gas detector is designed to sense excess propane or butane in the air before you can even smell the gas.
This gives you the opportunity to take potentially life-saving action right away. You should immediately shut off the propane at the tank valve to prevent further build-up of gas. Then you can begin to air out your RV to remove the danger. After this, you can begin to determine where the propane leak is coming from and have it repaired.
How To Inspect Your RV LP Detector
Since it is critical to have these LP gas detectors in good working condition, you need to inspect them regularly. The first inspection you should make is to find out how old the detector is. These devices have a 5 – 7 year life span of effectiveness. So if your detector is expired, change it right away.
Then once a week or so check to make sure that it still has power to operate. You can do this by making sure that the green light on the front of the device is on. Anything other than green requires immediate attention. Once a month you should perform a more thorough inspection of the device’s sensor. To do this, use a butane lighter or torch to emit small amounts of gas near the sensor. You should hear the alarm sound within seconds if the device is working properly.
Watch this video for more tips and information on RV LP detectors
