Safe-Home.com

Question about the Safe-T-Alert 12V Propane Gas Alarm Series 70 for Motorhome and RV Use.

Answer: Don, you are in luck. Safe-T-Alert just announced a new unit that replaces the CCI Controls propane unit with valve shut-off. The unit is called the 70-742-R. Included is a combination carbon monoxide and propane gas monitor, a relay to connect to the gas shut off valve and an automatic shut off valve. This valve is for 1/4 inch lines but includes an adapter for 3/8 inch gas lines. It is very important that you replace both your current valve and the malfunctioning CCI unit. The manufacturer warns that otherwise there is danger of a fire. The Safe-T-Alert comes in brown, almond and white. The bonus is that you also get a UL listed carbon monoxide alarm as well as the propane alarm and automatic shut off valve. The unit can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Dual Propane/LP and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Features Include:

• Meets 1/1/05 requirements set by RVIA for new RV's requiring both Propane detectors and CO alarms.
• Also detects Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)/Methane.
• Operational Temperature: -40 degrees F to +150 degrees F.
• Relative Humidity: 15 per cent to 95 per cent
• Audible Output: 85dB at 10 feet
• Gas Alarm Trigger: Less than 25 percent of the lower explosive level of propane and methane.
• Gas Level Confirmation: 8 Seconds.
• CO Alarm Trigger: Less than 15 minutes at 400 parts per million.
  
• Test/Reset Button - Tests all detector functions with one touch. Resets and Mutes alarm while safety and corrective actions are taken.
• Alarm is fully operational during mute cycle and will re-alarm if hazardous conditions reoccur.
• Two Indicator Lights: Red CO LED flashes with 4 beeps and 5 seconds silence if CO level is over 70 ppm. Red Gas LED flashes and alarm sounds steady tone when dangerous propane or natural gas level is detected.
• RV 12 Volt Hard Wired Model. Prevents accidental disconnection during alarm.
• Includes a 1/4 inch gas valve with an threaded adapter for 3/8 inch lines. Replace current valve with this unit to prevent fires.
• Built for the extreme RV environment.
• One Year Limited Warranty.

• UL Listing Propane/Natural Gas - UL 1484 RV Gas Detectors.
• UL Listing Carbon Monoxide UL 2034 RV Carbon Monoxide Alarms.
• ULC Listing & CSA 6.19-01.
• Power Supply and Current Draw 12 vDC 132 mA. Relay 12 vDC - 3 amp is included.
• Operational Voltage: 12 Volt +/- 15%.
• Low voltage power warning alarm @ 7 volts
• Front Case Dimensions: 70-742 - 6.375"W x 3.5"H x 1.385"D
  
• Patent Number: US 7,248,156 B2
  
• Colors: White, Almond or Brown.
• Recessed Case Dimensions: approximately 1.5 inches deep x 5 inches long by 3 inches wide.

LP Gas Detectors are required on RVs . . .

ANSI A119.2 - Fire & Life Safety
3-4.8 LP Gas Detectors
"An LP gas detector must be installed in any RV that contains an LP gas appliance and an electrical system. The LP gas detector must be listed as suitable for use in recreational vehicles under the requirements of UL 1484 Residential Gas Detectors, and be installed according to the terms of its listing.
­ RVIA Effective Date 9/96, Revised 9/99."

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question abou the Restguard  King Sized Mattress Cover and the King allergy pillow covers.

Answer: Dust mites love the warmth and moisture your body provides while you are sleeping on a mattress with your head on a pillow. Their favorite food is dander (human skin flakes). The advantage of using Restguard covers is that dust mite populations cannot multiply in the mattress or pillows due to the polyurethane backing. Yet the cotton/poly terry surface is comfortable and cool to sleep on. Plus your pillow is made allergy proof if you prefer feathers or down to which many are allergic. You'll protect your pillow and bedding against stains as well.

And you can launder the covers as often as you choose since they have a 10 year warranty and are hot water safe for your washer and low dryer setting or line dry safe. You may need to wash them weekly if your allergies are severe. We wash ours every few weeks when we wash the blankets and comforter to get rid of dust mites and animal hair. (Yep, the cats and dog share the bed despite my allergies.)

I do suggest, from personal experience, that you put the pillow cases on with the non-zippered side first. It is easier. We put our Restguard mattress cover over a memory foam pad to protect it from the animals and us.  The memory foam pad units two extra long twins in a king frame: much easier to flip a twin than a king mattress over.

Thanks again for your question. Remember that mattress covers and encasements as well as pillow covers and encasements from RestGuard come in sizes from crib to California King.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Propane/Natural Gas Home Gas Detector.

Answer: The Scentry III GFRAB propane/natural gas detector is only one component of this home safety system. To have a complete system, you need these additional components:

• The Scentry III Gas Valve Controller
• The Battery Back Up in case there is a power failure.
• A compatible gas valve such as this .75 inch that is CSA (AGA/CGA) Certificate number 229521-1656058 Australian Gas Association Certificate number 4235,UL Recognized File Number MH5939.
• Optional: Remote Gas Sensors. Up to 5 remote explosive gas sensors can be monitored by the Scentry III GFRAB unit.

The compatible valves are in .5, .75 and 1 inch sizes. Each valve is an electrically operated gas shut off valve that opens and closes on a demand signal from a thermostat or other controlling device. Can be used with both natural gas and LP gas at pressures up to 0.5 psi. The White Rodgers replacement is a compression spring closing and soft seat construction gas valve.

The advantage of this system is that the controller unit supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors.

Scentry III-GFRAB Specifications:

• Case: ABS Plastic
• Physical Size: 7.6 inches by 4.6 inches
• Weight: 2.25 lbs
• Color: Gray
• Power consumption: 1.5va
• Supports up to 5 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
• Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
• Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
• Supports Gas Valve Controller for Explosive Gas (Not Included)
• Connections: screw terminals
• Input Power: 115VAC, 60 Hz
• Output Control Relays: 2 amps,
• 24 VAC Alarm Signal
• Output: 12V DC @500 ma
• Reset: manual
• Sensor Type: Tin Dioxide Semiconductor
• Alarm Points: Propane (LP) <5200 PPM Alarm Points: Natural Gas / Methane <12,200 PPM
• Manufactured Proudly in the USA for Safety First USA, Inc.
• Warranty: 1 year from date of purchase.

Thanks for your question. Just remember propane gas and natural gas are safe sources of energy if you add protective measures including alarms, shut off valves and regular maintenance of the appliances that use gas.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Victor Black Box Gopher Traps.

Answer: Getting rid of well-established gophers can take time. That's why eradication needs to begin when the first tunnels are seen. Our customers typically use both the Black Box Gopher Traps which are inserted directly into the tunnels to trap and kill the gophers and the P3 International supersonic mole and gophers stakes inserted directly into the ground (not tunnels) to repel gophers from digging new tunnels. Once gophers are established, the maze of underground tunnels can be so extensive that getting rid of them can take months and months. Momma gophers, like all moms, are unlikely to leave their young: spring and fall are the best trapping times in northern climates.

The Victor Black Box Gopher Traps are best used in pairs. Each trap resembles a small tunnel blocked at the end except for an air hole. The springs are on top of each unit and are set with your thumbs to avoid catching hands in the spring. This is a closed loop snare trap.

Black Box Gopher Trap Specifications:
• Outside dimensions: 5.5 inches long by 3.5 inches wide
• Interior dimensions: 5 5/8 inches long by 2.75 inches wide
• Choker Loop: approximately 2 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches high,
• Spring assembly (on top on the box), approximately 3 inches from curl of spring to catch and 3 inches between the two spring units.
• Vent hole in rear of trap: approximately 3/4 inch in diameter.

Gopher trapping can be done at any time of year, but generally is easiest and most effective during Spring & Fall. Once gopher activity is detected it is important to move quickly as pregnant females can be caught before giving birth to her family. Traps are most effective when properly placed in the gopher tunnel to snare the unsuspecting gopher in the spring-triggered loop. The hole should be covered up with dirt so that it appears as if the trap is part of the runway. When used correctly, traps produce a catch within 48 hours. It is best to move the trap to another location in the runway if you do not catch a gopher in this time frame.

To install, choose a fresh tunnel, peel back the grass (if in your lawn), remove any soil on top of the tunnel, set two traps (easy instructions are on the boxes) and insert back to back so there are two open ends for gophers to explore. The traps sit on the floor of the tunnel. Repack dirt on top and wait. Check daily. I suggest you wear garden gloves and use a large plastic bag to extract the gopher. Use a garden hose to wash trap off after you empty out the gopher/s. If 3 consecutive days pass and you've caught no gophers, move the traps to another tunnel. If the gopher/s fill the traps with dirt, push a carrot through the holes at the back of the traps, reset and replace the traps.

These trapping tips are from our website where we also have the complete instruction manual: If gopher/s pack trap with dirt. Place carrots in vent holes and reset traps Trap evening and early morning for best results. Wash traps with water after use. After trap has "fired", remove dead gopher from trap and reset in same hole until you've had three consecutive days of no catches.  

Thank you for your question.

Good luck.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Envirosept Electronic Furnace Filter Model 1625.

Answer:  I have two answers, one based upon personal experience here at our Safe Home Products' office and one based upon information from the manufacturer.

At our offices, we have numerous printers plus the dust and dirt that drifts in from the frequent comings and goings into our large warehouse. We tried a fiberglass filter initially and then replaced it with a 1625 Envirosept furnace panel. The amount of dust that collects on desks, monitors, etc. decreased significantly with the Envirosept. We do have to change the filters about every three weeks.  I, too, am allergic to dust plus pollen and more. The EnviroSept keeps the air clean so I'm not sneezing!

Second, the manufacturer, Aqua Air Technologies shares that there is no way to compare the EnviroSept to either the frictional electrostatic filters or the standard fiberglass ones that you throw away. Mike explains that the Envirosept is up to a thousand times more effective under normal operating conditions.  "In theory, the plastic/glass strands are supposed to develop a static electric charge as the air passes through the filter, much like when you comb your hair. However, you need very low humidity to create any type of low level static charge. This charge is quickly lost as soon as the filter collects any dust, which insulates the plastic/glass strands and prevents the generation of any static charge. It would appear that the only benefit these filters offer is that they are permanent. Further, you do have the dirty task of washing these filters every two-three months. In addition, these filters have been known to cause major air restriction problems after several years that may damage your heating/cooling system."

Our unit is 5 years old and we've experienced no problems. The Envirosept units come in many sizes. All the units we sell come with 14 filter pads, enough for most people for at least 1 year.  The power used is minimal and the cost cannot be beat! Changing the filters is easy. Just unplug the panel. Slip it out. Open the clips. Remove the dirty filters, replace into the one inch slot after fastening the clips and plug in. Wipe off the grids with a damp microfiber cloth if necessary and let dry before refilling and replacing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Eliminate monthly monitoring fees with the HouseEvolve home monitoring system by FreeVolve. This system improves home safety and allows you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere in the world. Other features include being able to call to check on current conditions, receive warnings of developing problems, and adjust environmental conditions at any time.

Question about how the memory foam lumbar cushion and regular foam lumbar seat cushions differ from the skin protection and positioning seat cushions.

Answer: The lumbar cushions have a cut-out that takes the pressure off tailbones. The memory foam are more firm than the regular foam as memory foam is more dense. These generally sell for $20 to $50, have no attachment strap (just place on the chair and sit on it). In contrast, the Lumex are retailed at over $275, have a gel center layer plus foam layers on top and bottom and have both side wedges for lateral stability and a center pommel for medial thigh support. More important they have a waterproof cover made to reduce shear/friction plus a strap for firm attachment to the chair. The purposes are to provide long-term skin protection and positioning for high-risk patients plus seating comfort.

There are also lumbar support cushions available to give her support in her lumbar region. For example, the memory foam lumbar cushion by Mabis Health Care and the Care Apparel polyurethane foam velour lumbar cushion can give her better back support in her wheelchair.

She probably would be most comfortable with the Lumex seat cushions and either of the lumbar support cushions. Do realize that the Mabis cushion does have a strap for the back of the chair if slippage is a concern.

Thanks for your question. Please contact us if you need more information.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Duncraft Cardinal Feeder and the Duncraft - Super Songbird One Way Mirror Window Bird Feeder.

Answer: The Duncraft feeders mount with suction cups. Both units have mirror film installed so you can see the cardinals or other birds and they won't be scared by seeing you! These are currently the most popular holiday birdfeeders that we sell. The first unit is 12 inches long by 4 inches high by 5 inches deep and holds about 2 pounds of mixed seed. There is a one way mirror film that lets you birdwatch as they feed. Two heavy duty suction cups attach the bird feeder to window glass. Easily filled and cleaned, too.  The second unit is 8.5”H x 11.5”W x 3.5” L and has two seed containers and a larger mirrored viewing area. There is a special cardinal bird seed mix. We recommend sunflower seeds as the most popular and less messy seed to use.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the M230 Flea Trap by Woodstream

Answer: This is an inexpensive unit to buy and to maintain. Victor Woodstream corporation's Ultimate Flea Trap attracts fleas and other insects with the light and heat from a 7 watt night light bulb. Once inside, the fleas are caught on a 7 inch diameter glue disc. So killing fleas no longer takes poisons. The trap is circular so the fleas can enter from all directions. Both the bulb and the glue disc are replaceable. There are hints on line that suggest a light and a bowl of water, a potentially deadly combination for fleas and for people as well.

This safe flea killing trap gets rid of fleas without risks or fuss. Capture rate is about 93%. With a one year warranty on everything but the light bulb and flea disc, the Ultimate Flea Trap works best near pet beds, bird cages, garage areas, etc. The disc should be replaced every 2 to 4 weeks no matter how many you've caught. It is ready to use except for inserting the light bulb and the glue disc. * Note: Flea trap population varies from week to week. Leave your trap on 24/7 as a preventative measure. Control fleas from stopping them from reproducing.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the GF convoluted foam mattress pads

Answer: Thank you for your interesting question. According to G F Health, the density of the 7-4000 mattress topper is given in Indentation Load Deflection (ILD). This pad is 34 ILD which the customer service rep says is firm.

A check on the internet indicates this density is considered a 2.6 visco foam density. Bariatric foam has a 45 ILD rating. To understand what this means, see below. Definitions: Density is based upon the weight of one cubic foot of foam. 2.6 thus means the weight of one cubic foot of this 4 inch foam. Indentation Load Deflection or ILD: the unit of measure to indicate degree of firmness.

One website says the ideal ILD reading for a cushion would be 25 to 50 lbs at 25% ILD reading (the weight an indenter must weigh to compress a 4 inch thick piece of foam to 3 inches) If fifty square inches of 4 inch foam is compressed to 3 inches, that is 25% ILD. If the foam is compressed to 1.4 inches, that is a 65% ILD. For seating comfort, the ideal ILD reading is 25 to 40 pounds at 25%, and 45 to 100 pounds at 65%.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara