C/02 Detectors

T

Tumbling Dice

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Joined
Jun 28, 2005
RO Number
18044
Messages
102
Hello all,

We have hard wired CO2 detectors that seem to go off very easily. Before anyone jumps in, safety is ALWAYS on the top of our list. We always make sure the sliding door and windows are closed when we are running the generator.

It seems to happen most often to happen when we are running the HVAC. A friend has a 1998 38 foot Carver Santego, his CO2 detectors have been know to go off when he is at the dock running his HVAC without the generator even being on. We have also noticed they will go off when our batteries are low. What is your experience? Has any one else had this problem? Is this a Carver issue?

Thank you,
Bob
 
Bob, they are Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors, not Carbon Dioxide (CO2) detectors. Yes, they will go off when the battery gets low.

How old are they? Might be time to replace them.
 
I would suggest replacing them, CO can kill you, it's cheap insurance that can save your life.

Have you cleaned your AC vents, filters, etc? Could be some stuff on them that is setting the detectors off.
 
CO Detectors are a pain in the a$$ for us dealers. It's not a Carver specific problem. The ones you ahve are overly sensitive to even chemical fumes. We haven't had any issues within the last couple of years with the new Xintec ones Carver (and everyone, it seems) is using now.
 
CO Detectors are a pain in the a$$ for us dealers. It's not a Carver specific problem. The ones you have are overly sensitive to even chemical fumes. We haven't had any issues within the last couple of years with the new Xintec ones Carver (and everyone, it seems) is using now.
 
Some of those devices are so sensitive they'll pick up the exhaust fumes from OTHER people's boats...
 
CO detector do go off then voltage drops to a certain level, taht's normal.

they are supposed to be replace every few years, i think some manufacturer offer a sensor replacement for cheaper than the cost of a new detector... check which model you have.
 
While we're on the subject, I have one of those big rectangular Scentry fume detectors on my flybridge that Carver used to offer as an option on their early '80s models. I assume you can't get parts for those anymore. Does anyone have a recommended replacement that will fit in the same hole, or do I need to get some teakwood and make a new template???
 
i think the new ones are round now... teak, or depending on your dash, black lexan can be an alternative.. or use the hole to flush mount your vhf...
 
We seem to have similar problems as they get older, and have also noticed that if a boat passes close by, that they will sometimes go off. Not a Carver issue. My last boat (Four Winns) did the same thing. And it seems they are more prone to false triggering on hot-humid days.
 
I read somewhere that a regular household CO detector should not be used on a boat. Does anyone know the reason why?
 
I wouldnt see why not...CO is CO, no matter if it's in a boat or house. Most household ones plug in to an outlet though, so that may be the reason. I have no 110 power at sea, and you'd want it to work out there!
 
from what i recall, they measure CO in a different way... the marine unit measure time weighted average levels, not the one time level.
 
I installed a 12v home version. Should I be concerned? I don't have a Generator or A/C, but if were cruising and the cabin door is open, I expect it to go off more often but it only went off once while slow cruising.

MJK
 
i woudlnt' be concerned, it will jsut react to brief increase levels. ithink the risk is that if you get too many false alarms you may tend to start ignoring it.
 
We have an older Regal, and don't have any CO detectors at all. No genny to be concerned with, but I'd like to install at least one unit. Any recommendations on which unit is the most preferred and the cost for one? I assume that it's a straight up 12vdc unit.. or do they flip over to 110v when available?
 
Ignoring CO alerts is not a good thing to do. CO can accumulate in the blood stream, small doses over time build up. If a CO detector is going off then one really wants to know why.
 
i agree this is why the marine detectors are preferable since they will usually go off when the levels have been high over a period of time, not jsut a sudden whiff.

Joe, I've never seen dc/ac units. it's really good to have, even if you dont' have a genny since someone may tie up next to you at a dock and leave his engines or genny running sending CO your way. I have 3 CO detectors in my boat, one per ST, even thought it is diesel (far less CO with diesel) but because i often tie up at parks where nearby boats may be gas powered and run their gennies.

if you can easily run wires, a 12v unit is ideal. If you dont' have access behind bulkheads where it will be mounted then use the 9v battery model, I have two of these, they're fine.
 
I have a newer household model that runs off of a 9 volt battery. It is in the midcabin of my boat which is the lowest point of the cabin and just on the other side of the bulkhead from the motors. It tests o.k. and does not sound "false alarms" so I guess I am good.
 
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