Safe-Home.com

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 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

Question about the CoStar 12M-DB 12VDC Marine CO Alarm, 9V Backup

Answer:

The advantage of the Costar 12M-DB is that it has a 9volt battery back-up. This unit comes only in one color, white, and is round and surface mounted.Designed for installation in marine vessels , this dual source input marine carbon monoxide alarm by Quantum Group allows for connection both to the 12 volt house battery and to the 12 V engine battery. This Marine UL listed co monitor is designed so that power is drawn from the 12V battery with the highest voltage. The replaceable 9 volt alkaline battery is a back-up when both 12 volt batteries are disconnected. Replace the 9 volt battery every 12 months minimum. This carbon monoxide detector features a solid state infrared carbon monoxide gas sensor . No relay contacts: not for security systems. This unit is 5 inches in diameter and 1.75 inches thick. The 5 year limited warranty begins on the date of sale.

Thank you for your question. I hope this helps you to choose the best unit for your needs.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about carbon monoxide alarms.

Answer: The best choice for your needs is the CoStar 9V Battery UL Home and RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Unless it gets below 40 degrees below zero or above 151 degrees, this is what you need. We sold these when astronauts were doing training in Alaska many years ago.

This unit is UL listed both for homes and for RV applications. A 9V Duracell alkaline battery is included.The Costar 9RV carbon monoxide detector cannot be mounted without a battery installed. Meets RV Standards for higher humidity and temperature limits plus current UL standards for home use. Approvals: UL2034 (Oct 1, 1998), C-UL for Canada and CE for Europe, RVIA Approved, CSA 6.19-01

Features:

• Detection Technology: Solid-state Infrared (SIR) sensor with reservoir system
• U.S.-Based CO Sensor Manufacturer.
• Installation Method: Mounting plate, screws and anchors included for easy mounting. Remove tamper resist pin to replace battery. Battery installation required to close door and attach to mounting bracket
• Power Source: 9-Volt alkaline battery
• Battery Life: One Year (Normal Use)
• Operating Environment: -40 degrees F to +151 degrees F 15% to 95% RH
• Warranty: 6 year limited by manufacturer

Remember that you should have a unit in each sleeping room. Without knowing your cabin's lay-out, I suggest a minimum of 2 units.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Safety Siren Propane and Natural Gas Alarm

Answer: In your situation, you need a minimum of two carbon monoxide alarms, one inside your bedroom and one in the living area at the other end. You need 3 propane gas alarms. Each one of your gas appliances needs a combustible gas alarm installed near to it. This means inside the closets where the furnace and the water heater reside. We understand from a park home model reseller that at least the newer models do have outlets near the appliances and near the floor.

Our suggestion is that you install two of the RV carbon monoxide units, the CoStar 9V Battery UL Home and RV Carbon Monoxide Alarm. This is because these units can handle both high humidity and high temperatures without sensors being destroyed. Operating Environment:-40 degrees F to +151 degrees F 15% to 95% RH. Since they are battery powered, you don't have to worry about plugging them into those very scarce outlets. Just change the battery out once a year.

As far as the propane alarms are concerned, we recommend that you use direct plug in units only if you have outlets close to the appliance and low to the floor. Propane is heavier than air so it sinks and pools around the bottom of an appliance. Otherwise, we recommend that you install the Safe-T-Alert Propane Natural Gas Alarm, 120V because it has a 65 inch cord that allows proper placement probably 99% of the time. This unit has micro current technology which means it uses only 3.8 watts of energy, which is about US $3.00 per year to operate. Since propane gas is heavier than air, mount this gas alarm within 4 to 20 inches of the floor. For methane or natural gas which is lighter than room air, mount the detector within 6 inches from the ceiling or on the ceiling at least 12 inches from a wall.

Thank you for your question. Remember that carbon monoxide is a by product of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels like propane, natural gas, wood, etc. Raw propane or natural gas detectors won't detect carbon monoxide nor will carbon monoxide sensors detect raw leaking gas. We do sell a combination plug in unit as well. Proper placement for carbon monoxide detector alarms is different from combustible gas alarms.  For example, gas-burning appliances may emit it a small amount of carbon monoxide when starting up. So this carbon monoxide alarm should be placed 15 feet or more from heating or cooking appliances and never hear a very humid room such as a bathroom.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question: "We recently converted to natural gas heat and gas hot water boiler. We have two floors above this basement installation. What safety alarm units are required for protection? Nate.

Answer: Thanks for your question for the Ask Barbara Contest, Nate. I am going to answer with the assumption that your home was all electric prior to this conversion. If you heated with propane or oil, some of these recommendations may not apply.

Natural gas homes or businesses need two different types of safety alarms.

Combustible Gas Alarms.

Why do I need a combustible gas detector/gas alarm?

The purpose of a combustible gas alarm is to alert you when you have a raw gas leak. Yes, mercaptan is added to natural gas to make it smell like rotten eggs. But if you are not in the area of the gas appliances and/or you do not have an ability to smell, the odor does you no good. This units must be installed near the gas using appliances. So if your gas furnace and gas water heater are side by side, one natural gas alarm is all you need.

We sell two different models with gas specific sensors. These are the Safe-T-Alert Model 40-411-120 and the Safety Siren Pro Gas Alarm; The main differences between the units are how they are installed.

To properly install the Safe-T-Alert you need an electrical outlet near to the gas appliances. Because this unit has a line cord that is approximately 65 long, mounting ths unit properly is usually less a problem that the direct plug-in Safety Siren. Raw gas detection units must be mounted within 6 inches of the ceiling or on the ceiling at least 12 inches from a wall for natural gas leak protection. Natural gas pools above the appliance: think of an upside down pothole filling with water and you get the picture.

The Safety Siren requires an electrical outlet near the appliance. Many people choose this option because the Safety Alert unit has a safety tab through which an outlet screw goes. This means the unit cannot be removed from a standard, single screw, double outlet without removing the screw.  These units meet the UL1484 standards for combustible gas alarms.

Note: UL 1484 listed combustible gas detectors are not detectors for minute gas leaks. Sensors and detectors are tested in a combustible gas environment and meet the UL 1484 standards for alerts of dangerous gas levels. Deliberate exposure to natural gas, butane, propane, etc. can destroy the sensor in this unit. Use the test button to test this unit, not exposure to raw gas.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

One product of natural gas and all fossil fuels like coal, wood, peat, etc. is carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas. If your furnace and water heater are working properly, carbon monoxide is vented outside. If the vents are not working properly due to obstructions or the furnace heat exchanger cracks, then carbon monoxide is discharged into the air. Unlike combustible gasses, carbon monoxide does not pool but is distributed throughout your air. Carbon monoxide exposure symptoms range from flu-like symptoms to brain damage to death from asphyxiation.

Recommended at a minimum are carbon monoxide alarms in or outside every bedroom, near the gas appliances and at the top of stairways. The easiest to install are the 9 volt battery units. Believe the alarm even if it sounds intermittently. About 5 years ago, I went to visit my parents in Pennsylvania. They have a washer and gas dryer in their kitchen (since 1952). I noticed that the Costar 9 volt CO alarms were all off their mounts (there were three units total). I was told they were "defective" as they were going off intermittently. I took them home with me and sent them to Quantum Group to be tested. Dave from Quantum phoned and said nothing was wrong with them! Meanwhile, my elderly father did NOT install the plug in Safe-T-Alert unit I had sent them because "I didn't know where to put it." The problem was the vent for the gas dryer was partially clogged with lint!  Since then, local code has changed: their 4 inch diameter gas dryer vent had to be replaced with a 5 inch for the newest dryer to be installed this past year.

Types of Carbon Monoxide Alarms:

• 9 Volt Battery: Examples are the Costar 9V Home or RV with Solid-state Infrared (SIR) sensor with reservoir system  and the the Kidde 9 Volt with electrochemical sensor.
• 12/24V Security System Hard Wired Unit: Costar 12/24 which meets the UL standard 2075
• 120VAC hard wired: See the Safe-T-Alert Carbon Monoxide alarms on our website for this unit and the next two.
• 120VAC direct plug in
• 120VAC line cord
• 120VAC with Battery Back-Up. For example the the Kidde Nighthawk 120VAC Plug In with 9 volt battery back-up  

Also install and maintain your smoke alarms which I am sure you already have.

Thank you for your question and your entry in the Ask Barbara Contest.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Scentry III GFRAB Automatic Gas Valve and Gas Detector System

Answer: This unit allows you to use remote gas detectors to place near your other gas appliances. There is a battery back-up available if you want protection during a power failure. We do have an installation manual available on our website for this unit.The Scentry Installation Manual.

The GFRAB stands for gas sensor, mounting feet, remote ready, alarm and battery and includes the gas valve shut-off/controller. NOTE: Must be used with a Scentry III gas valve (sold separately).  Each Scentry gas sensor is calibrated in a gaseous atmosphere so it will alarm at 10% of the lower explosive level (LEL) of the combustible gas. This is not a carbon monoxide alarm as it has only a combustible gas alarm sensor.

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 4 calibrated remote sensors (not included)
    Requires Scentry III-GVD gas valve (purchase separately)
    Supports Battery Back-Up (Not Included)
    Gas Valve Controller for combustible gasses such as natural gas or propane gas that includes a 24 volt transformer
    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.  

The gas valves include a 1/2 inch, a 3/4 inch and a 1 inch valve.

The Scentry III-GFRAB gas alarm and gas valve controller (shut-off) has the capability of adding options such as battery back-up, remote gas sensors and remote alarms.  If you add the battery option, you can keep pilot lights lit during intermittent power failures in regions such as the mountain states where electric power is not always continuous. A 12V output gives the option of a phone dialer to alert owners of vacation homes, etc. when an unsafe condition has occurred. Remote gas sensors can be added near gas ranges, gas water heaters, gas furnaces, gas heaters, etc. to add protection using only one gas valve controller.

Please contact us if you have questions about what components to install.

Thanks again for your timely question.

Sincerely, Barbara

Question about the Kidde Fire Sentry Smoke Alarm i9040E

Answer: The sensors are different for smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms and combustible gas alarms (for propane, lp or natural gas). Until recently, some towns did not require the other two alarms. In fact currently the propane and natural gas alarms remain optional and virtually unknown except when a home or building explodes due to build up of combustible gasses.

There are several kinds of smoke alarm sensors available: ionization and photoelectric. It is best to have both kinds of alarms in your home.

Here are some examples of the choices we offer in Kidde Smoke Alarms and BRK alarms:

• The Kidde Fire Sentry Smoke Alarm i9040E is an ionization sensor alarm that operates via one 9volt battery. There are 120VAC units such as the FireX/Kidde I5000 FADC which has a 10 year warranty and hard-wired to 120VAC. It has a 9V battery backup in case of power failure. It has a front loading battery door and can be used as a single station or multiple station unit, i.e. connects with other units in your home or business. This unit is great if you have a new home and can wire the appropriate connectors.
• Otherwise a better choice is the Kidde Wireless RF Hardwired Interconnected Smoke Alarm with Battery Back -Up. The new wireless technology uses a radio frequency to both transmit and receive messages about a hazard in the home; when one alarm sounds, all will sound. This also has a ten year warranty. 
• The Kidde Silhouette is a low profile AC/DC powered, ionization smoke alarm that operates on a 120V power source with a sealed rechargeable battery backup.
• Photoelectric Smoke Alarm AC / DC Battery Backup - BRK 7010B UL 217 standard.Dust cover * Single button test / silence feature * 9V battery backup * Alarm indication * Photoelectric sensing chamber * Perfect mount keeps alarm secure over a wide rotation range * 10 year limited warranty * Optipath 360 technology.

Most homes need at least 4 smoke alarms.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely,

Barbara

Question about the Safe-T-Alert RV Propane Gas Alarms, Models 35-742, 30-441, 30-442 and 70-742

Question: "The CCI propane alarm in my RV needs replaced. I've just learned CCI is no longer in business. What are my options? Thanks, Tony."

Answer:  CCI closed down in February 2009.

To determine which unit you need, you need first to answer this question: Do you have a unit that shuts off the propane gas valve if there is a leak or is yours a propane gas alarm without an automatic gas valve shut-off?

For a unit that has a gas valve shut off, you need a 70-742-R Kit which is available in white, brown or almond. This kit includes the solenoid valve. Do not connect the Safe-T-Alert to any other valve or you risk a fire. These units replace the 7719.04 and 7719.7.

For a recessed or flush mount propane alarm only, the recessed propane gas alarm model 30-442 in brown, white or almond fits the CCI LP Gas Alarm Cut Out (7770 series) for Flush Mount Models. These can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

For a recessed or flush mount propane alarm only, you can add a carbon monoxide alarm and propane gas combination unit, the recessed 35-442 in brown, white or almond fits the CCI LP Gas Alarm Cut Out (7770 series) for Flush Mount Models. These can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

For a surface mount propane alarm only, the 30-441 in brown, white or almond replaces the CCI LP Gas Alarm 7770 surface mount series These can be mounted vertically or horizontally.

Note: Some CCI units in Fleetwood or Winnebago RV's have two power leads, i.e. three wires. The Safe-T-Alert 30 and 35 series units have only one power lead. Connect the red power lead to the coach power supply and cap or remove the other power lead. Use butt connectors to replace any unit with spade connections.

I hope this helps.

Thanks for your question.

Sincerely, Barbara