LPG (propane) Leak Detector Operation and Safety Tips

All RVs should have have a propane gas leak detector. It is typically located about 3 inches above the floor, usually near the side door or in the kitchen area. While you should regularly check your RV LPG system for proper operation, if a leak should occur and LPG enters the inside of the RV, the alarm will sound. LPG is heavier than air and will concentrate in a layer on the floor until it reaches the LPG detector.

If the alarm should sound, push the black switch down into the OFF position, open the windows and doors and exit the RV. Close the valve on the propane cylinder and allow the cabin to air out.

When you feel it safe to re-enter, try to find out what is wrong. If all seems okay, put the switch on the leak detector back into the ON position. The alarm may sound for 30-60 seconds but if the gas is gone the alarm will stop and a green light will begin blinking. Now you can use the LPG system again.

The LPG detector is powered by the coach/auxiliary battery. The detector will operate to detect gas and
sound an alarm until the auxiliary battery is drained as low as 9 volts. (The LOW battery light indicates 10.4 volts.)

On some RVs, the LPG detector is both an alarm and an automatic main cutoff for LPG. When the alarm sounds, the LPG supply to the vehicle is shut off. When the coach battery has less than 9 volts charge, the gas will be turned off. The only way to reset the detector and restore the gas service is to bring your auxiliary battery back up to at least 11 volts.

 
 

Share This Post

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.