alarm
Submitted: Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 15:01
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Member - Barry P (VIC)
where is the best place to mount a carbon monoxide alarm in your caravan/camper up high, down low or does it not matter ,thanks for future replys barry
Reply By: Shaker - Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 17:58
Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 17:58
I fitted one a while ago & found it quite confusing:
1. Is carbon monoxide heavier than air?
Carbon monoxide has a density that is about 97% that of air under normal room temperature. So, to answer the question, no, it is lighter than air. You would think, then, that it would rise. In real-world conditions, there are a lot of forces that cause the CO to mix rather completely into the air. Therefore, it will neither rise nor fall. What might be more important is the temperature of the gases it is part of. Since it is a combustion product, the hot exhaust gases that contain the CO will rise, but are soon mixed into the air you are breathing. If there is a source of CO present, such as a poorly-maintained stove, the CO level will highest close to the source, and decline with distance.
I found another reference that suggested 5 feet from the floor was the best position.
AnswerID:
609631
Follow Up By: garrycol - Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 18:01
Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 18:01
I would be mounting in accordance with the instructions that came with the unit.
FollowupID:
879505
Reply By: RMD - Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 18:56
Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 18:56
Many toxic gasses are heavier than air, LPG is, and in workshops where vehicles are running a deep pit contains exhaust gasses (NOx) which are heavier than air. That kills blokes who are in a deep pit. The gas may rise a bit when hot with convection but cooler they sink.
I have bought one and will install it about ankle height in the van, definitely below the mattress level.
If you don't hear from me anymore then I may have that wrong.
AnswerID:
609634
Follow Up By: mountainman - Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 19:12
Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 19:12
Yes.
Lowest to the ground is the best idea.
carbon monoxide will always go to the lowest place in a room.
Soo many farmers have died from generators when they work on a
dam.
generator shuts down
they
check on it and overcome with fumes and die.
just recently 3 from the one family died
working on a
water tank.
mount your alarms below bed height.
as you want it to go off when your asleep
hopefully it wakes you up ! Within time
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Follow Up By: Shaker - Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 19:30
Thursday, Mar 23, 2017 at 19:30
I'm not trying to be pedantic, but they were working IN an enclosed
water tank, with the generator in with them.
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879508
Follow Up By: Member - peter_mc - Friday, Mar 24, 2017 at 09:40
Friday, Mar 24, 2017 at 09:40
Carbon dioxide is heavier than air - it will sink to the lowest part of the room
Carbon monoxide is slightly lighter than air - it is unlikely to sink to the lowest part. But as others have said, it's also unlikely to all be at the ceiling.
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Follow Up By: PhilD - Friday, Mar 24, 2017 at 21:22
Friday, Mar 24, 2017 at 21:22
Mine is about 450 mm from the floor.
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879539
Reply By: Member - Andrew & Jen - Saturday, Mar 25, 2017 at 12:50
Saturday, Mar 25, 2017 at 12:50
My understanding is that the trigger point for the alarm is set
well below the lethal concentration of CO. It should therefore give plenty of warning before you become drowsy / head-achy, etc and while you are still able to take the appropriate action.
Given that CO mixes with air, rather than building up near the floor or rising to the roof, the recommended height of near shoulder level would seem sensible.
We always sleep with the door vent and top vents open, thus reducing moisture levels and therefore condensation as
well as reducing the chances of any buildup of harmful gases.
Cheers
Andrew
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