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Propane Leak Detector Went Off In Our RV. What Do We Do?

by Maureen
(Canada)

Our LP gas leak Detector went off while camping. How hard is it to find a gas leak? Who is qualified to do it? We didn't smell gas...

ANSWER: Hi Maureen, first and foremost you should get the propane system on your RV checked for leaks by a Certified RV Technician at least once a year. If you cannot remember the last time you had the propane system on your RV inspected than it is well overdue for inspection.

A proper propane system inspection requires specialized equipment such as a manometer, etc. that is why you need a Certified RV Technician to perform the job.

That being said; the fact that your detector went off once does not necessarily mean that you actually have a Propane Leak. Normally a Propane Leak Detector like the one pictured at the top of this page will continue its alarm as long as it senses the presence of Propane.

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If your detector went off for a minute or two it may indicate that it may have detected another substance such as aerosol products (like hairspray), cleaning solvents, new RV odors, etc. and believe it or not even an animal or human passing gas (farting) can set them off. These detectors are very sensitive and the substances mentioned above can trigger them.

If your Propane Detector puts out a beep-beep-beep sound it means that is not receiving sufficient voltage (12 volt DC) to operate properly. You should check your RV's battery system to make sure that the batteries are receiving and holding a charge.

Another fact that you need to be aware of is that Propane Detectors do wear out and that is why some Propane Detectors have a experation or replacement date printed on ther faceplatet. Other detectors will have colored lights on the front that will light up when they need to be replaced. If your Propane Detector is over seven years old, you need to replace it immediately. An out of date Propane Detector is also more prone to giving false alarms.

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As I said earlier the Propane Leak Detector will continue to go off as long as it senses the presence of propane. You may not smell the propane leak as Propane is heavier than air and the fumes will stick close to the floor of the RV; plus the Propane Leak Detector is far more sensitive than your nose.

In the event of an actual propane leak the steps you need to take are very simple get everyone including pets out of the RV immediately and shut off the main valve on your RV's propane containers. Depending on the year and type of RV you have the Propane Detector may have a solenoid in the propane system that automatically shuts off the propane to your RV. But to be sure shut off the main propane valve immediately.

I hope this helps.

Do you have any suggestions or comments on this topic? You can add them to this page by clicking on the "Click Here To Post Comments" link located near the bottom of this page.

Happy RVing

RVing Al

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