Smoke and CO Detectors for Boating and RV Enthusiasts
Marine/RV Detectors…What’s the difference?
CO detectors are extremely important in all environments; however, some might say they are slightly more important in the marine/RV world. Houses are large areas and depending on the use of gas appliances, may have fewer CO sources than a boat or RV. A boat or RV is a smaller enclosed space primarily powered by a gas/diesel engine or a gas-powered generator, all of which produce CO. Additionally, boats and RVs park near each other so the exhaust from another boat or RV nearby can leak into other boats or RVs and raise their CO levels. If you spend time boating or RVing, here is what you need to know about smoke and CO detectors.
First, there is a difference between the detector you would use in your home and those made for marine or RV use.
“These detectors alarm at much lower levels of CO,” says Jim McAllister, Marine Division Lead with Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton Volunteer Fire Department. “They are labeled as “low-level” CO detectors since they start to alarm at levels between 9-25ppm (depending on the brand) versus a home CO detector alarming at 70-100ppm, also depending on the brand.”
The next difference is the power source. A home CO detector typically runs off the 120-volt electrical system with a battery backup, whereas the marine or RV CO detector typically uses batteries as its primary source due to the limited electricity available on the boat or RV.
Finally, many of the marine or RV CO detectors are waterproof due to the environment they are utilized in.
OWL VFD encourages you to protect your family and property with the proper safety equipment in your recreational vehicles, including Marine/RV smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and a first aid kit. Always review safety plans with passengers before your trip and have fun!