CAMPING
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D
POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CO IN THE RECREATIONAL VEHICLE
Fuel-burning appliances like: a portable heater, gas kitchen range or cook
top, furnace, hot water heater.
Damaged or insufficient venting: corroded or disconnected water heater vent
pipe, leaking or damage furnace vent, or cracked heat exchanger, blocked or
clogged appliance vents.
Improper use of appliances/device: operating fuel burning appliances or
vehicle in an enclosed area (like a garage or screened porch).
Transient CO Problems: “transient” or on-again-off-again CO problems can
be caused by outdoor conditions and other special circumstances.
The following conditions can result in transient CO situations:
1. Excessive spillage or reverse venting of fuel appliances caused by outdoor
conditions such as:
Wind direction and/or velocity, including high, gusty winds. •
Heavy air in the vent pipes (cold/humid air with extended peri-
ods between cycles).
Negative pressure differential resulting from the use of exhaust •
fans.
Several appliances running at the same time competing for •
limited fresh air.
Vent pipe connections vibrating loose from the furnace, water •
heater or other fuel burning appliances.
Obstructions in or unconventional vent pipe designs which can •
amplify the above situations.
2. Extended operation of non vented fuel burning devices (cooktop).
3. Temperature inversions, which can trap exhaust close to the ground.
4. Motorhome idling in an open or closed attached garage, or near a home.
These conditions are dangerous because they can trap exhaust in your moto-
rhome.
Since these conditions can come and go, they are also hard to recreate during
a CO investigation.
HOW CAN I PROTECT MY FAMILY FROM CO POISONING?
A CO Alarm is an excellent means of protection. It monitors the air and sounds
a loud alarm before Carbon Monoxide levels become threatening for average,
healthy adults.
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