Over the last few years, I have been very active on social media, in particular Facebook groups. My wife and I created a YouTube series called, “What’s in the RV Groups?” Here, we sit down to discuss the various posts and direct messages for our Facebook group members. Recently, we sat down to talk about a post that went viral involving an LP gas leak. Two campers were not aware that their RV had an LP gas leak. One of them lit the propane stove to cook breakfast and it caused the RV to explode and catch on fire.
Check out the post and our discussion:
RV propane detector basics
An RV propane detector is meant to alert you to a possible propane leak. These propane detectors do have an expiration date and, on average, their expiration date is five years. Additionally, these detectors are typically wired into the RV’s 12-volt power supply. Should your power supply go below 12 volts, that alarm will sound as a safety mechanism because it needs to have the right power supply to properly detect LP. If your alarm sounds, it could very well be that the alarm has expired or you don’t have ample power supply. Or you could have an LP gas leak.
GasStop Emergency Shut-Off Safety Device
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Propane itself does not contain odor or color. This is why gas companies add mercaptan to give it a distinctive smell. But a propane leak may be slow enough that it might not produce a strong enough odor to be detected early, which is why a functioning detector is a must! Additionally, should you be sleeping, the smell of mercaptan will most likely not wake you. Even though propane isn’t highly toxic, if the propane leak is large enough it can suffocate you as it forces oxygen out of the unit.
Propane detectors are typically installed low on your wall because propane is heavier than air. When the detector senses a certain concentration of propane, it sounds an audible alarm as well as a light indicator alerting you to possible danger.
What should you do if your LP detector alarms?
As mentioned earlier, your detector could alarm due to low voltage or the detector is expired. Even so, propane is a combustible gas so we do want to be cautious! Should your detector alarm, turn off the propane supply before you do anything. The shut-off valve is located on the LP tank. Turn the valve clockwise (“righty-tighty”) to turn off the propane supply. Have everyone vacate the RV, including pets. On your way out of the RV, open some windows to help ventilate the unit.
True alarm
Should the alarm shut off after you have turned off the LP supply and ventilated the unit, this indicates you truly do have an LP gas leak and it needs to be located and repaired as a priority. The leak could be something simple, such as a stovetop burner didn’t get completely turned off, or the knob got bumped allowing propane to leak.
If your stovetop knobs are all in the complete off position, it could be other RV appliances (refrigerator, water heater, furnace) failing to ignite, also allowing propane to continue to escape. Lastly, your unit goes through an earthquake going down the road. If you are not comfortable working on propane appliances and/or the leak isn’t somewhere obvious, it’s time to seek assistance from your certified RV repair facility.
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False alarm
However, if the alarm is still chirping after 30 minutes of having the LP supply turned off and windows opened, it’s possible you have a false alarm. Check the expiration date on your detector, and check your battery voltage.
Don’t pull a “Tim Allen”
My wife is constantly on my case and often reminds me, “Don’t pull a Tim Allen” whenever I am tempted to take on a project that I am not skilled in. We hope this article serves as your reminder to take your LP gas system seriously. Ensure your batteries are in good condition to provide the right power supply to your detector. Set a calendar reminder when your detector is close to expiring. And let the experts step in when a propane leak isn’t obvious. The risk simply isn’t worth it!
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More from Dustin
Dustin owns and operates California RV Specialists, an independent RV repair shop located in Lodi, CA. He thrives on sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm of RV repair and maintenance with his team, customers, and virtual friends.
Be sure to check out his YouTube channel where he shares what’s going on in the shop and the product offerings in the store. Dustin is also very active on Facebook. Join his group, RV Repairs and Tips – What’s in the shop!
Dustin proudly operates the business alongside his wife, Ashley; but the true pair that run the show are their Boston Terriers, Arvie and Hitch.
