LPG monitor/alarm

[MtB]

I have been looking in some depth for a while now for an LPG monitor that is battery operated and therefore portable. The only combustible gas detectors I can find have to be permanently wired into the boat electrics.

 

I'm imagining something that looks like a CO detector, with a 9v battery in it, but detects LPG rather than CO. Does anybody know of such a product?

 

Thanks in anticipation!

 

Mike

[Guest]

Your'e not wrong!

 

Googling seems to find some obscure jobby made and sold from China or there is a 12V one -

 

http://www.omnitron.co.uk/caravan-gas-alarm-carbon-monoxide-sleeping-gas-butane-propane-lpg-p-541.html

 

But it does CO too, and of course not portable.

 

I wonder if the technology in a LPG detector is too demanding of a 9V battery.

[Guest wanted]

Screw fix used to sell a hand held 'wand' for detecting LPG, We bought a load for some of the instilations we have made, I will have a look and see, never used them though as they are crap outside! (Kept the elf n safety happy)

[Chalky]

Ikea used to sell a 12v one that came with a wall wart power supply for mains use. Quite reasonably prices however it draws about 300ma...

[Timleech]

I have been looking in some depth for a while now for an LPG monitor that is battery operated and therefore portable. The only combustible gas detectors I can find have to be permanently wired into the boat electrics.

 

I'm imagining something that looks like a CO detector, with a 9v battery in it, but detects LPG rather than CO. Does anybody know of such a product?

 

Thanks in anticipation!

 

Mike

 

Try this one:-

 

http://www.kane.co.uk/online-catalogue/gas-leak-detection/leak-sense

 

Tim

[WotEver]

I believe that to be any good they have too great a quiescent current for a little PP3 to last more than a few days.

 

Tony

[blackrose]

There was an article from Practical Boat Owner about gas alarms pinned at the top of this Equipment sub-forum, but I don't know what's happened to the link?

[wonderdust]

Here you go.

 

My link

 

My link

Edited March 21, 2012 by wonderdust

[blackrose]

The link to the PBO article doesn't seem to work, but if anyone wants it PM me with an email address and I'll send it to you as a PDF.

[wonderdust]

My link Edited March 21, 2012 by wonderdust

[Timleech]

My link

 

I thought the OP wanted something portable, as in hand held, but maybe I've misunderstood?

I've got an old Trac-a-Leak, it takes six AA alkaline cells. Not sure how long they last, rarely use it, but if it's for continuous use probably no time at all.

 

Tim

[wonderdust]

I thought the OP wanted something portable, as in hand held, but maybe I've misunderstood?

I've got an old Trac-a-Leak, it takes six AA alkaline cells. Not sure how long they last, rarely use it, but if it's for continuous use probably no time at all.

 

Tim

 

Replying to blackrose post.

[blackrose]

My link

 

Ah, there is is...

 

I thought the OP wanted something portable, as in hand held, but maybe I've misunderstood?

I've got an old Trac-a-Leak, it takes six AA alkaline cells. Not sure how long they last, rarely use it, but if it's for continuous use probably no time at all.

 

Tim

 

If he wants a handheld LPG detector Maplins used to sell one for about 30 quid. I'm not sure if they still stock it?

 

Found one on Amazon:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Type-Leak-Detector-Detects-Butane/dp/B00435T7MK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_3

Edited March 21, 2012 by blackrose

[mrsmelly]

Ah, there is is...

 

 

 

If he wants a handheld LPG detector Maplins used to sell one for about 30 quid. I'm not sure if they still stock it?

 

Ahh never seen that article but I have the Dual watch model fitted it says 65 ma cosumption on the article what the hell is that in English ? All I can say is that it is on 24/7 365 on my boat and makes little or no impact on my battery bank and it has Lpg and co sensors.

[LoneWolf]

 

thank you mtb

[blackrose]

65ma is 65 milliamps or 65/1000ths of an amp.

 

As you say, it's not much at all.

[MtB]

65ma is 65 milliamps or 65/1000ths of an amp.

 

As you say, it's not much at all.

 

Still probably enough to kill a PP3 battery in a few weeks.

 

Odd that they can make a CO monitor with a battery life of about four years but not a propane monitor, given that some of the 12v and 240v CO monitors can have a CO sensor that can be removed and a propane sensor plugged in instead.

 

 

(Edited to correct SO many spelling mistakes!)

 

Ah, there is is...

 

 

 

If he wants a handheld LPG detector Maplins used to sell one for about 30 quid. I'm not sure if they still stock it?

 

Found one on Amazon:

 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Type-Leak-Detector-Detects-Butane/dp/B00435T7MK/ref=pd_sim_sbs_ce_3

 

Thanks but no, I'm looking for a permanent monitor (like a CO monitor) that will beep if it detects LPG at any time, not a 'use once in a while' tool for leak tracing.

Edited March 22, 2012 by Mike the Boilerman