Safe-Home.com

Question about life span of carbon monoxide and propane monitor/alarms in RV's and trailers.

Answer: Safe Home recently learned that all newly manufactured 12V propane alarms and carbon monoxide alarms, whether combination alarms or single alarms, must include an internal shut-down system. The Safe-T-Alert brand we sell has an internal warning system that beeps and flashes when the sensor is dying and then beeps and flashes when the unit shuts down from sensor failure. Typical life is 3 to 5 years unless the sensors are exposed to aerosols such as spray deodorants, cooking sprays, cleaners, etc. Note the date of installation on the outside of the unit with a sticker or log into your owner's manual so you won't be awakened in the middle of no where with the bad news that your units are or have failed.

Below is the information we received from Safe-T-Alert in April 2012 to share with customers.

CARBON MONOXIDE & PROPANE ALARM REPLACEMENT NOTICE: Note to Customers:

All Safe-T-Alert Propane and Carbon Monoxide Alarms that are 5 years old and older are beyond their Mandatory Replacement Time and MUST be replaced.

Background: Underwriters’ Laboratories (UL®) Carbon Monoxide Standard UL 2034 and Canadian Standards Association (CSA®) CSA 119.2 now require that all Carbon Monoxide alarms be designed to stop service in 3 to 5 years . UL and CSA have determined that Carbon Monoxide alarms have a limited life. Propane alarms use similar sensors and UL will require the same service life in the near future.

ALL MTI Propane and Carbon Monoxide alarms which are over five (5) years old MUST be replaced. The following Safe-T-Alert Carbon Monoxide Alarm Models MUST be replaced: SA-4, SA-5, 50-541 and 50-542. Models 60-541 and 60-542 over five (5) years old MUST be replaced.The following Safe-T-Alert Propane Alarms Models MUST be replaced: SA-7 and SA-8. Models 30-441,30-442, 40-441 and 40-442 that are over five (5) years old MUST be replaced.

Important! Only install CO and Propane alarms that are UL or CSA listed for Recreational Vehicle Use.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about replacing CCI Controls Propane Gas Alarms and Propane Alarms with Tank Valve Shut-Offs with Comparable Safe-T-Alert models.

Answer: Below is a chart. The entire unit must be replaced if your CCI Controls unit has an automatic gas valve shut off. Safe-T-Alert replacements for that unit will not work with the CCI valve.

Below is our main replacement chart.

Please contact Safe Home at sales@safehomeproducts.com or phone us if you have questions. We also sell Costar 9RV battery powered carbon monoxide alarms and Costar 12RV alarms with 9 volt battery back-up systems. Remember that propane leaks are dangerous and carbon monoxide are as well because they can kill silently.

To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast.

Thank your for your question. Please contact us via sales@safehomeproducts.com if you have more questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about replacement of CCI Controls carbon monoxide alarms with Safe-T-Alert Models.

Answer: Here is a chart provided by Safe-T-Alert. The Safe-T-Alert 65 Series come in flush mount (the 65-542) and in surface mount (the 65-541). Available colors are brown and white. Note; there is a rebate on both carbon monoxide and propane gas alarms for RV's. This offer is good for purchases between 4/1/2012 and 9/1/2012. The rebate is from the manufacturer so you must submit the paper work directly to them.

Thank you for your question. To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast. Send us email to sales@safehomeproducts.com or phone us if you have more questions.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe-T-Alert Rebates on 12V Propane Gas and Carbon Monoxide Alarms.

Answer: The rebate eligible products included and amount of rebates are as follows:

• RV Carbon Monoxide/LP Gas Alarm model 35-741, 35-742,70-742 or 70-742 Kit is eligible for a $20 rebate.
• RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm model 60-541, 60-542, 65-541 or 65-542 is eligible for a $10 rebate
• RV LP Gas Alarm model 20-441, 30-441, 30-442, 40-441 or 40-442 is eligible for a $10 rebate.

Alarms must be purchased between April 1, 2012 and September 1, 2012. Rebate must be postmarked by September 30, 2012.

Documents accompanying the official rebate form must include the original purchase receipt with date of purchase and the UPC code from the packaging.

Thank you for your question. To find these products on our website, go to www.safehomeproducts.com. Go to the search box. Enter for example Safe-T-Alert of 30-442 in the search and you'll get results fast.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about using the Koolatron Kargo Kooler 12V Thermoelectric Cooler 33 Qt while my car is parked.

Answer: We suggest that you add a Koolatron 12V Battery Saver for Vehicles, F70110.

When plugged into your car or truck 12 volt outlet cigarette lighter accessory plug, the Koolatron 12V Battery Saver F70110 senses when your vehicle voltage drops below 11 volts. The battery saver then shuts off the current to all accessories plugged in, preventing further drainage. It reconnects automatically when you start your vehicle. You'll never have to worry about your car starting again with the 12 V Battery Saver. Use with all Koolatron coolers so your car will start if you forget to disconnect the 12V plug.

• Works with any vehicle with a cigarette lighter
• Senses when vehicle voltage drops below 11 volts
• Reconnects automatically
• Model F70110
• 1 Year warranty by Koolatron 

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about which Safe-T-Alert CO alarm replaces the CCI 3400.0

Answer: The replacement units for the CCI Controls 3400.094 carbon monoxide alarms for RV's are the Safe-T-Alert SURFACE MT 12V RV/CO Alarm BROWN, 65-541 or the Safe-T-Alert 65-541 SURFACE MT 12V RV CO Alarm WHITE.

These are both surface mount units.The update to 65 has to do with the 5 year warranty from date of sale. All units should be replace every 5 years.

Safe-T-Alert 12V CO Monitor & Alarm 65-541 RV formerly the 60-541 Features:

• Fully Operational When CO Alarm is Muted:   Mute does not override detection circuit, giving you full time protection as you ventilate your vehicle.
• Memory Scan. Retains CO level that activated the alarm . After ventilation, the memory saves the carbon monoxide level.
• Micro Current Technology. Saves precious battery power.
• Two Level Carbon Monoxide Alert: Caution Alarm (60 ppm) and Hazard Alarm (at or above 100 ppm).
• Maintenance free sensor.
• Loud 85 dB Alarm.
• Test/Reset Button. Used to temporarily silence alarm during ventilation. Tests all detector functions and activates Memory Scan.
• Hard Wires to 12 Volt Power
• UL Listed to UL 2034-2005 for Recreational Vehicles and Unconditioned Areas, including March 8, 2007 revisions. Meets RV standard ANSI A119.2 as required by the RVIA.
• UL tested for vibration, cooking fumes, shock, humidity, salt water spray, corrosion and temperature extremes.
• Warranty: Note: The Date Stamped on each Detector is the Date of Manufacture. Each unit has a 10 year shelf life. The Warranty is 1 year and begins from the date of resale. Sensor life is 5 years.  End of Life Date: 5 years from Date of Purchase. The 65- designation is for this newer unit per new regulations. Replace units after 5 years.Contact MTI directly for warranty related questions.
• Replace if sensor or unit is faulty.
• Please mark date of installation on unit and replace no more than 5 years from that date. Shelf life: 10 years according to the manufacturer.
• Made in USA (Illinois)

RV Operating Specifications

• UL tested for vibration, cooking fumes, shock, humidity, salt water spray, corrosion and temperature extremes.
• Power 12 VDC, operational range 8-16 volts.
• 60 milliamp current draw.
• Operational Temperature Range: -40° F to +150° F (-40° C to +65° C).
• Case Dimensions: Surface Mount 60-541 5.5"W x 3"H x 1.3"D: Attaches to Wall with Screws.
• Screw Holes: Centered, approx. 5 1/4" apart.
• Weight: 60-541 = 0.43 lb. 

Thank you for your question. We appreciate your help in adding this blog.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Duracell 852-2007 Portable 600 Watt Powerpack 600HD

Answer: The versatility of this unique and the fact that it is made under the respected Duracell brand are two great reasons to begin with. The units we sell are not from the "old" batch that have old batteries and are left over from the former owner of the brand. This is an emergency preparedness product that gives you about all you need to deal with situations at home and on the road. 450 watts is a minimal power pack/inverter unit.

Duracell Powerpack 600HD Product Features Include:

•  Runs 115-volt AC (3 outlets)
•  Runs 12-volt DC (1 outlet)
•  Built-in 600 power watt inverter
•  Sealed, non-spillable 28 amp-hour AGM battery
•  AM/FM radio
•  Digital alarm clock
•  Jumper cables designed for safe and efficient jump-starting
•  Built-in light provides illumination in emergency situations at home and on the road
•  3-digit display allows for easy battery status monitoring
•  Audible alarm signals overheat and under voltage conditions
•  Overload and over-temperature protection to ensure longer inverter life
•  AC charger stored in the unit. Recharge at home or from a vehicle 

With a six month warranty from the manufacturer, you cannot go wrong with this unit for camping, emergencies where you need a nebulizer and the power is out, etc.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Wagan Velour Lumbar Support Heated Car Seat Cushion

Answer: Last, first, Wagan sells a voltage converter that you can use with this unit. The AC to DC Adapter by Wagan for 12V Appliances 5 Amp Max.   This AC to DC adapter powers any 12 volt appliance up to 5 amps or 65 watts. Use this AC DC adaptor for 12 volt dc appliances in this range include most 12 v coolers, 12 volt heated seat cushions, 12 volt heating pads, cell phones with 12v cords, etc. Fill your 12 Volt cooler the night before departure. Keep food or beverages cool in motels or campgrounds with AC power. Use your Wagan 12 volt heated car seat cushion in office chairs or easy chairs to ease aching backs. NThis AC to DC adapter powers any 12 volt appliance up to 5 amps or 65 watts. Use this AC DC adaptor for 12 volt dc appliances in this range include most 12 v coolers, 12 volt heated seat cushions, 12 volt heating pads, cell phones with 12v cords, etc. Fill your 12 Volt cooler the night before departure. Keep food or beverages cool in motels or campgrounds with AC power. Use your Wagan 12 volt heated car seat cushion in office chairs or easy chairs to ease aching backs. Note: 12 volt heated seat covers and similar items may not become as warm using a power adapter as when plugged into 12v auto accessory plugs.        

Wagan Velour Lumbar Support Heated Seat Cushion Features:

    Comfortable and soft material, easy to clean: Seat front is super soft polyester velour;Seat back is a knitted polyester fabric.
    Easy to use: Just plug in and warm up.
    Elastic straps and hooks to secure the cushion
    .5 inch thick Lumbar Support
    Universal fit for most cars, trucks, RVs and boats
    High – Low – Off Temperature Control , Maximum Heat 114 Degrees F.
    Input Power: 12V DC
    Maximum Heat: 114 °F
    Power Consumption: 40W
    Fuse: 10 amp
    Power Cord length: 4.3 ft
    Warranty: 1 year limited by Wagan

I hope this helps with your back issues.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about approved carbon monoxide alarms for use in California.

Answer: Yes, we do sell several approved carbon monoxide alarms. Unless you are ordering a large quantity of units, we ship within 3 business days using either the postal service or UPS.  The Fire Marshall list expires in July 2012.

Costar Models:

• Costar 12-24SIR. This carbon monoxide Alarm wires directly to home security systems,
• Costar 9RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm 9volt battery operated. Single Station. Approved for both home and RV usage. Cannot be mounted on the wall without a battery in place.
• Costar QG100, also known as the Guardian This model is discontinued. There may be stock available.
• COSTAR 12RV-DB Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This is a 12 volt unit made for use in RV's.

Kidde and Kidde Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

• Kidde COSM-B Battery Operated Combination Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarm - Kidde KN-COSM-B
• Kidde Nighthawk KN-COB-DP-LS Nighthawk Carbon Monoxide Alarm 120Vw/Battery Backup This is a 120VAC carbon monoxide alarm with 9 volt battery back-up.Tamper resist feature unit goes into constant alarm mode if it has been unplugged or has come loose from the outlet.7-Year end of life warning alerts user to replace CO alarm after 7-years of operation (40% longer than other CO alarms).
• Kidde Nighthawk KN-COPP-3 Kidde Nighthawk Model KN-COPP-3 is a single station Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide Alarm 120V AC Plug with 9 Volt Battery Back-up. Multiple mounting options: Wall, Outlet or Table.Displays CO level 30-999 PPM provides continuous monitoring of CO levels.

If there are other approved Kidde units you would like pricing on, please let us know. We are able to discount larger quantities of these products. Most come in case of 12 or 24 units. Remember you need to install at least one carbon monoxide alarm on each level of your home and one CO alarm in every bedroom where the door is shut at night. Do remember that if you have gas burning appliances like ranges, stoves and furnaces that you also should add gas alarms for propane or natural gas to protect against explosions and fires.

Thank you for bringing this new law to our attention.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Safe-T-Alert SURFACE Mount 12V RV and Carbon Monoxide Alarm, White, 65-541, the CoStar 9RV Home and RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm and the CoStar 12RV-DB 12V RV CO Alarm 9V Bat. Backup

Answer: A large trucking company in the Eastern part of the USA began purchasing the Safe-T-Alert SURFACE Mount 12V 65-541 Carbon Monoxide Monitor in 2005. Their initial purchase was 60 units. Since then, as they add new trucks, they purchase new units. And as the sensor life expires for the units, they replace them. This unit also comes in a brown carbon monoxide alarm, the 65-541 Brown.

This is from our customer, dated today, "We had an incident several years ago that involved a driver being overcome by Carbon Monoxide in the sleeper of a truck that required medical treatment. It was traced back to an exhaust leak under the cab. Our safety committee reviewed the incident and decided we should look in to installing CO alarms in the sleeping compartments of the trucks. I did research on several types and choice to use the model/style you offer. Also within the last couple of years we have been installing A.P.U.'s (auxiliary power units) on our trucks. They are used in place of the chassis engine running while cooling and heating the truck when the driver is sleeping. This little internal combustion engine produces CO, and is located lower than the sleeper, so it is an extra safety tool while using those small engines. I hope this gives you a little information on why and where we use them."

The Costar 9RV uses a 9 volt battery. For situations where hardwiring a 12 volt alarm is inconvenient, this is a great unit. It can handle extremes of temperature and humidity. The unit, however, can be removed. The 12V units obviously cannot unless you disconnect the wires. The second Costar unit uses the 9 volt battery if the 12 volt is disconnected for some reason. In a truck sleeper, this is highly unlikely.

I hope this helps with your decision. Carbon monoxide is a silent killer that, if it does not kill, can cause permanent brain damage.

Sincerely, Barbara