Posted 2008-02-29 11:42 AM (#78317) Subject: questions about propane
Member
Posts: 36
I want to know more about using propane. What is the safety factor involved. Are you in risk for carbomonoxide poisoning?? I am interested but nervous.
Posted 2008-02-29 11:55 AM (#78319 - in reply to #78317) Subject: RE: questions about propane
Veteran
Posts: 296 Location: Tennessee
Any heater that burns carbon-based fuel has some CO risk involved, but most are safe if used as designed. Here's some info on various propane RV heaters:
Posted 2008-02-29 12:21 PM (#78327 - in reply to #78317) Subject: RE: questions about propane
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
As Towfo suggested, there is always a risk for CO problems when propane is used in a closed area. The devices are inspected and certified to be safe when they are sold. Down the line after some wear and tear, and maybe with a little less maintenance than they needed, the appliances can start to malfunction. A simple dirty component can cause improper combustion, and be a recipe for CO poisoning.
They are safe when used and maintained properly. There have been millions of components sold with relatively few accidents reported. However, just last year a family died of CO poising while camping because of a malfunctioning heater.
Follow the manufacturer's operating and maintenance instructions. Purchase and install CO and smoke detectors with new batteries.
Posted 2008-02-29 12:22 PM (#78328 - in reply to #78321) Subject: RE: questions about propane
Expert
Posts: 1283 Location: Home of Wild Turkey Whiskey
Originally written by always amazed on 2008-02-29 1:01 PM
is it the same risks using it for the frig or water heater?
RV Refridgerators have to have a vent at the bottom and top for fresh air and release of gasses. The water heater is a little different as the flame is really sealed to the outside of your trailer. The water heaters are contained in their own box. So the vent is outside of the walls of the trailer. They make a LP detector and Carbon Monoxide detectors and I don't let a trailer leave here without them.
Posted 2008-02-29 12:31 PM (#78332 - in reply to #78317) Subject: RE: questions about propane
Elite Veteran
Posts: 1069 Location: MI.
When you're using your cooktop(if ya' have one)be sure and have your "lighter" ready/lit when turning on the gas. Letting a propane burner "run" without being lit can have issues. Propane hovers.....It doesn't rise like natural gas so whatever is hovering can ignite.
You're on the right track because the more educated you are on the subject, the less fearful you'll be. It's the lack of understanding that causes fear. Everybody has it in form or another.......You're not alone.
Posted 2008-02-29 4:00 PM (#78366 - in reply to #78332) Subject: RE: questions about propane
Expert
Posts: 2957 Location: North Carolina
Originally written by Gone on 2008-02-29 11:31 AM
When you're using your cooktop(if ya' have one)be sure and have your "lighter" ready/lit when turning on the gas. Letting a propane burner "run" without being lit can have issues. Propane hovers.....It doesn't rise like natural gas so whatever is hovering can ignite. You're on the right track because the more educated you are on the subject, the less fearful you'll be. It's the lack of understanding that causes fear. Everybody has it in form or another.......You're not alone.
I'd like to clarify a bit on "Propane hovers" It doesn't actually ... The gas is heavier than air. It will flow down like water, seeking the lowest level. The danger is that the propane gas will accumulate in a pool waiting for a spark to ignite it. Or it will continue to fill the space up till it reaches an ignition source like a pilot light or sparking motor (water pump ?)
Propane is odorized so you'll easily smell small amounts. Aside from a massive leak, The greater danger is Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
Usually the CO is hot so it'll flow up. The CO density at room temperature is very close to air so I positioned my CO detector at the sleeping level
questions about propane
