170 • Section 7 — LP-Gas Systems Cayman 2006
LP-GAS DETECTOR
The LP-Gas detector is required safety equipment in RVs.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) A119.2 - Fire & Life
Safety 3-4.8 LP Gas Detectors states “A LP-Gas detector must be
installed in any RV that contains an LP-Gas appliance and an electrical
system. The LP-Gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in
recreational vehicles under the requirement of UL 1484 Residential Gas
Detectors, and installed according to the terms of its listing.”
About the LP-Gas Detector:
Be aware of the difference between a leak versus LP-Gas escaping from an unlit, open burner. Pure LP-Gas
vapors from a leaking pipe or fi tting are heavier than air and will build up heaviest concentration at the leak
and fl oat down to mix with air. LP-Gas from open burners is intentionally mixed with air to induce burning and
dissipate into the air. When mixed with air, LP-Gas becomes only marginally heavier and will expand outward.
If a burner is left on, the area around the burner, range, and adjoining counter space will be combustible and can
cause injury and damage if ignited. This condition can exist for an extended time period before the presence of
gas is detected and the alarm sounds.
NOTE:
The LP-Gas detector only indicates the presence of propane gas at its sensor. Combustible
levels of LP-Gas may be present in other areas. This detector is intended for the detection of
LP-Gas ONLY.
The LP-Gas detector is not designed to detect other types of gas. However, other volatile gases (nuisance
gases), most of them fl ammable in various concentrations, may cause the detector to alarm. Some products that
may cause the detector to alarm are alcohol, liquor, kerosene, gasoline, deodorants, colognes, propellant used in
spray cans and cleaning solvents. Sulfated batteries can also set off the alarm. In some cases, vapors from glue
and adhesive used in the manufacturing of the motorhome can cause the detector to alarm for several months after
the date of manufacture. If it is determined that the detector has false alarmed because of the above mentioned
nuisance gases, reset the detector and ventilate the motorhome with fresh outside air.
NOTE:
Take precautions to ensure one of these nuisances has not masked an actual LP-Gas alarm
condition.
The detector draws less current than one instrument panel lamp and will operate to detect gas until the battery
is drained down to 7.0 Volts. The detector must be supplied with a voltage higher than 7.0 Volts, for it to operate
properly. If the power source is disconnected, or if the power is otherwise interrupted, the detector will not operate.
The LP-Gas leak detector has a self-check circuit running at all times while the detector is powered. In the
event that the circuitry fails, a failure alarm will sound and the operating indicator will cease to light.
LP-Gas Detector Operation:
Upon fi rst application of power, the LED will fl ash yellow for three minutes while the detector is stabilizing.
At the end of the start cycle the LED will turn green, indicating full operation. If the detector senses unsafe levels
of LP-Gas, it will immediately sound an alarm. The LP-Gas detector draws power from the chassis batteries, with
a current draw of less than 1/10th of 1 Amp.
CAUTION:
The detector will not alarm during the three minute warm-up cycle.
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