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Post by Firefox on Mar 14, 2013 15:38:27 GMT
Carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas produced by combustion, and inhaling concentrations in enclosed spaces can be fatal. Most experienced campers will know about the dangers but this is a heads up for those who are newer. Detectors are cheap and essential items for your motorhome or van. Preferably get one with ppm (parts per million) readout. Also look for well adjusted gas flames. Blue not yellow. A yellow or smoky flame indicates incomplete combustion and high CO output. Danger levels are over 20-30 ppm which can soon lead to headache on prolonged exposure. Background is 0-10ppm and near a normally adjusted gas stove with ventilation you should get no more than 10-20ppm. Un-flued wood stoves/burners are especially potentially very dangerous quickly giving 1000's of ppm (near fatal levels), though gas burners can also lead to fatal levels if left running in confined spaces. Read more about different concentrations and danger levels here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_monoxide_poisoning
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Post by kangooroo on Mar 14, 2013 16:56:14 GMT
I have a CO detector with LCD readout and monitor CO levels while cooking. I always have some ventilation depending on what's practical in the weather conditions - either roof up, rear door open, windows open - and sometimes all three options!
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Post by Firefox on Mar 14, 2013 17:01:09 GMT
I'm going to get one with a readout. I'm not sure how much use it will be, as using your meter, I could only ever get a zero readout in my van, even when the hob had been left on an hour to take the chill off the van.
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Post by kangooroo on Mar 14, 2013 18:53:38 GMT
I've had readings up to about 80 but it's a much smaller van and the monitor was probably too close to the gas burner. I still keep the van well-ventilated - but it needs to be anyway with my cooking!
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Post by Firefox on Mar 14, 2013 21:53:46 GMT
80 is a lot. I wouldn't want to be near that for any longer than 20 mins. I'm sure mine would alarm at more than 50ppm.
It hasn't alarmed yet in three years. It does work. I tested it with smoke from a burning match as recommended, and it went straight off.
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