Safe-Home.com

Question about the Costar 9 volt RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm.

Q: "I need to install three 9 volt carbon monoxide alarms to comply with Amanda's law. Does the 9RV meet the standards? Thanks." Carl

Answer: Yes. This battery operated carbon monoxide alarm meets the UL 2034 requirements and also the New York City requirements to protect occupants of homes, hotels, etc. from carbon monoxide poisoning. Under Amanda's Law which was passed in February 2010, all homes built before January 1, 2008, are permitted to have battery-powered CO alarms. Those houses built after January 1, 2008 must have hard-wired alarms, i.e. AC alarms that may or may not have a battery back-up. Prior to this law, only homes built or bought after July 30, 2002 were required to have carbon monoxide alarms.

Amanda's law also requires contractors in New York State to install a CO alarm when replacing a hot water tank or furnace if the home is not equipped with an alarm.

Amanda's law came after 16-year-old Amanda Hansen of West Seneca, New York, who died on January 17, 2009, due to a carbon monoxide leak from a defective boiler while she was sleeping at a friend's house.Amanda's parents, despite their grief, worked hard to get this law enacted. The law requires CO alarms in all existing one- and two-family residences: each has to have at least one carbon monoxide alarm installed on the lowest floor of the building with a sleeping area. The alarm must be clearly heard in all sleeping areas over background noise levels even with doors closed.

Other hard-wired carbon monoxide alarms to consider are the Safe-T-Alert 120VAC CO Alarm and the Costar 12 Volt Hard-Wired Alarms that have relays to connect to a security system as well.

Thanks for your question. Remember to check all smoke detectors and all natural gas and propane gas alarms at least once a month.

Sincerely,

Barbara

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

Q: "I use my RV for occasional trips. I tried resetting my CCI 7719 gas alarm with automatic shut-off valve a dozen times before I could get it to open today. I need to replace the unit but CCI controls shut down in 2009.  Do you have a replacement unit? The CCI unit is mounted vertically." Thanks. Don from Arizona.

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 about operating a TV from a portable power pack.

Q: "We want to buy a portable power supply to use when we tail-gate at football games. We like to watch other football games while partying and waiting to enter the stadium. Which unit or units do you recommend? Thanks." Pete

Answer: First, learn the watts you'll need both to turn on your portable TV set and to keep it powered until the game. Next, how many hours do you plan to operate the TV? Do you plan to operate other AC appliances as well? For example, a 400 watt power pack typically is advertised to operate a 5" Color TV (20 Watts) for about 8 Hours.Or is this a 12V TV?

Most customers are purchasing the 600 watt power packs such as the Duracell or the Duracell XPower Powerpack 1500 Watt Inverter. If you camp a lot or lose power often and have lots of sunshine, add the Go-Power 80 Watt Solar Kit with Digital Regulator to keep the unit charged. A digital regulator is necessary or you may overcharge the unit and ruin the battery.

Thank you for your question. Feel free to contact us once you know the wattage requirements of your TV set.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the XP3 Electronic Deer Hornet.

Q: "What makes this deer repeller device better than the less expensive "deer horns" you can install on your front bumper? Could I install this myself? I have a motorcycle plus two cars. Some of my friends recommend this device, especially in the fall during rutting season. Please advise." Thanks. Joe.

Answer: Joe, I will list some basic reasons that this unit is superior over the plastic whistle devices you can fix to your car.

1. Power: Hornet: Electric sound generator versus vehicle speed pushing air through plastic tubes.
2. Mounting Angle: Hornet sound generator, 45 degree angle to road. Plastic whistles: aim straight ahead.
3. Secure Mount versus glue or tape: Hornet won't be pulled off or broken off in a car wash.
4. Variable Mounting Height: Hornet: mount 3 inches to 6 feet above the road surface; plastic mount on front
5. Mounting Damage to Car: With EZ Mount Bracket, the Hornet can be mounted to the license plate holder without drilling a single hole.
6. Intensity of Sound: Hornet's is the same at any speed. Precision tuned sonic generator produces a high pitched, directional sonic wave that reflects off the road surface of a moving vehicle and produces a virtual sonic echo effect.
7. Deer and Other Animals Get Advance Warning: Due to intensity of sound. Deer are skittish. More likely to bolt in the other direction if they approach this sound.

70% less likely to have a deer accident if you install this unit on your vehicle and keep your eyes open.

Yes, you can install this unit yourself. There is a motorcycle wiring harness kit available which allows installation without any holes being drilled. Most of our motorcycle customers buy the XP3 Hornet in Chrome. The inventor developed this unit after a friend was killed on a motorcycle after hitting a deer and then he himself hit a deer with his car the next week. These units are also installed on train engines particularly in the Northeast and Japan (our sales).

For motorhomes, RV's and freight trucks, the larger dual horn Interstate Hornet is a better choice as it has an effective range of about 1000 feet. Several large trucking companies are regular customers. In rural areas, especially on interstate highways, these are much superior to the smaller units.

Thanks for your question. Safe Roads to you from Safe Home Products.

Sincerely, Barbara

 

 

In this video, Barbara reviews the Safe-T-Alert 30 and 40 series Gas Alarms for RV's and Campers. These flush mount, 12V propane detectors are made in the USA and can alert you to propane dangers.

Question about replacement 12 volt propane gas alarms for a motorhome.

Q:" How do I choose the correct 12 volt propane alarm for my motor home? The brand that was in my motorhome is no longer available?" Thanks. Joe

Answer: Currently, we are selling Safe-T-Alert propane alarms, USA manufactured, that meet all RV standards. Unfortunately, we are unable to locate a manufacturer that sells a unit with the third wire, that one that closes the propane gas valve if a leak if detected.

Choose a unit by answering these questions:

Is the current propane alarm mounted flush with the wall? If so, measure the opening. The units we sell are:

• 30-442 (Flush Mount)Case Dimensions:6.375"W x 2.875"H x 1"D
• 40-442RV Flush Mount Gas Alarm: Case Dimensions Recessed portion = 3"H x 4"W. Depth = 1 1/8". Flush mount portion = 4"H x 4 7/8"W. Screw Holes = centered, 4 1/2" apart.
  

Is the current propane alarm surfaced mounted, ie. not flush with the wall?

• 30-441 (Slim Line Surface Mount): Case Dimensions: 6"W x 1.875"H x 1.5"D
• 40-441RV Case Dimensions: Bottom (where mounted) = 3"H x 5 3/8"W. Top = 3"H x 5"W. Depth = 1 3/8". Screw holes = centered, approx. 5" apart.

Do you want a brown unit?

• 40-442A-BR is chocolate brown and a flush mount. The 40-441A-BR is the corresponding surface mount unit.
• The 30-441A=BR is the chocolate brown surface mount propane alarm and the 30-442A-BR is the chocolate brown flush mount model.

What is the maximum amp draw you want?

• Both the 40-441 and 40-442 draw 46 milliamp (0.046 amp.)
• The 30-441 and 30-442 draw 76 mA. This 30-442 can replace the CCI-7770 Propane Alarm that is discontinued.

The warranties are longer on the 40 series units. If you are interested in the product manuals, we have them listed below the pictures of each product.

I hope this helps answer your question. We do recommend that you test your propane alarms and your RV carbon monoxide alarms at least once per month.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Cobra Cpi 2575 - DC to Ac power inverter - 2.5 kW or the Go Power 2500 watt inverter.

Q: "hi, i am interested on your Cobra Cpi 2575 - DC to Ac power inverter - 2.5 kW Item Code WTCPI2575 or a similar model by Go Power. i was wondering if it can run amicrowave, a tv and two fluorescent bulbs connecting it to a lead acid battery, and for how long it can provide light to my mountain house, since i have no electricity. i would also like you to recommend me if you know a product for my needs, thank u"

Answer: The power inverters we typically sell convert 12V DC to 120VAC. Your email address indicates that you live in the United Kingdom where power is typically 240VAC. The first unit you refer to has this description: This inverter provides household power on the go! It converts battery power to 120 V AC household power, allowing you to power up multiple loads such office equipment and major household appliances from your vehicle. This unit is ideal for microwave ovens, mini fridges, coffeemakers, laptops, TV sets, video games, CD players, DVD players, cellular phone chargers and much more!

What you missed is that you have to have a vehicle with the engine running in order to power the inverter. If you attach the inverter to a charged 12 volt battery, you will quickly drain the battery of its charge. Remember that watts equals volts times amps. I am not an expert on power inverters. What I do know is that most microwave ovens here in the USA are 1000 watts. This power inverter could power most smaller microwaves if it were connected to an operating vehicle but not to a battery.

A gasoline generator would power your appliances. Another option would be solar panels.

Thanks for your question.
Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Roomaid Air Purifier.

Q: "I am interested in purchasing the Roomaid since I understand the unit can be operated both in a motor home or car on a 12VDC power adapterand also on standard AC power. My concern is maintaining the unit. What is involved with that? Do you have any personal experience with the unit? Thanks. Mary

Answer: The Roomaid is made in Canada by Amaircare. I've run a "white" ( it is really cream colored) Roomaid in my home office continuously (except for when I wash the prefilters) for over 9 years. I've changed the HEPA once and the pre-filter maybe 4 times. By the way, I have allergies and have run an Amaircare 3000 continuously in our bedroom for 9 years as well. Original motors still purr along quietly. (German motors.)

Both units are especially needed since Buddy the Siamese cat joined the family a year ago. Since Buddy likes to sleep in his cat bed right next to my monitor, the Roomaid prefilter does pick up a lot of cat hair over the course of a month (don't believe everything you read about Siamese shedding very little). The annual filter kit includes both pre and post filters There is also an optional VOC carbon filter if you are sensitive to formaldehyde or other volatile organic compounds.

To maintain the unit, turn the unit off and wash the prefilters in soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry. Remember that HEPA filters can become a source of mold or bacterial growth if air does not move through them nearly continuously. Never have an air purifier with a HEPA filter sit idle for more than 3 or 4 days or you need to replace the HEPA.

To change the snap on HEPA replacement filter you just jank a bit (or maybe use a knife for leverage) and pull off the entire top of the unit which is the HEPA. There are 4 or 5 little peg inserts that snap into the bottom of the Roomaid where the motor is. Then push the new unit on and put on the new prefilter. The post filter sits in the middle of the HEPA unit.

You could add a scent to the top of the HEPA unit. There is a little round container for scent. I choose not to since I am allergic to begin with.

For use in the car, there is a seat belt clip included with the optional 12volt power adapter.

In my opinion, there is not a sturdier unit available in this price range. And certainly maintenance is simple as well.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about using a thermoelectric cooler/warmer indoors on AC power.

Q: "Which AC/DC converter do you suggest for a larger thermoelectric cooler/warmer that draws up to 70 watts or 6 amps? We'd like to use our cooler indoors as an extra fridge or pre-cool prior to going camping." Thanks. Thomas

Answer: The best choices for any thermoelectric coolers are the TravelMate units which we sell, at this time, under three different labels. This is the only one we know that can power a unit that draws up to 6 amps. (Most power only up to 4 amps). Vector actually makes all three units but they are marketed under the brands Rubbermaid, Black and Decker and Vector. Since all three have different UPC codes, we sell all three brands.

TravelMates Advantages are:

Questions about RV solar panels by Go Power.

Q: "I see that you sell the Go Power brand solar panel kits for RV's. What is the advantage of a digital regulator on a solar panel kit? I own an RV, want to go to areas without electricity and am not sure which one to purchase. Also what is the difference, besides cost, between the 50 watt, 80 watt and 110 watt kits?" Thanks. Joe

Answer: We recommend the solar panel kits with the digital regulators unless you plan to monitor the battery or power pack very closely. A digital regulator keeps track of the battery charge and stops power to the battery once it is fully charged. Overcharging batteries can result in explosions or damage to the battery.

The higher the wattage, the faster the battery or powerpack will recharge. The other factor is, of course, the amount and intensity of sunlight that hits the solar panel. For example, a 1500 watt powerpack like the Xantrex XPower 1500 unit, would require about 72 hours of direct sunlight to recharge fully with the 110 watt solar kit, 144 hours with the 50 watt solar kit and about 108 hours with the 80 watt solar kit. Most portable powerpacks like the Xantrex 600HD are no more than 600 watts so figure about half that time for a complete recharge.

Before you make your choice, I recommend that you consider how many appliances you plan to use each day, what the watts are used per appliance and how long each day you plan to operate them. Also how many days do you plan to be off the electric grid? If your preference is a more primitive campground, the larger units are a better choice if you need to run blowers on furnaces, etc.

Thanks for your interesting question. Sincerely, Barbara