WHICH SMOKE ALARM AND CARBON MONOXIDE ALARMS

[Fraseb01]

Good Evening all,

I had my caravan serviced today and the engineer brought to my attention the above items are expiring this year. So my question is what do you guys suggest regarding brands ? will i just replace both with like for like which is Fire Angel or is there other options i should consider.

I have no issues with Fire Angel at all but would like some views on other options perhaps.

Many Thanks,

Brian.

 

[Fraseb01]

Sorry for the caps in title , oops.

 

[Jcloughie]

For reasons I don’t understand. Caravan CO alarms are different than those for the home.

See these.

Perhaps it’s the same for smoke alarms.

See this.

John

 

[otherclive]

I’ve tended either to Fire Angel or Kidde. At home we have fire alarms with integral 10 year batteries. But in the caravan I always had smoke alarms with removable batteries as if an alarm gave a problem I’d always have a spare battery which could also be used in the motor mover remote.

This company link explains which standard for leisure vehicles.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Caravans, Boats & Camping

Buy a portable carbon monoxide detector for caravans, campervans, boats & camping from our range of travel CO alarms. FREE delivery on selected products.

www.safelincs.co.uk

 

[Fraseb01]

That didn't even cross my mind that they were different from home use units.

 

[RogerL]

That didn't even cross my mind that they were different from home use units.

I think the difference is to cope with vibration during transit.

 

[Fraseb01]

I’ve tended either to Fire Angel or Kidde. At home we have fire alarms with integral 10 year batteries. But in the caravan I always had smoke alarms with removable batteries as if an alarm gave a problem I’d always have a spare battery which could also be used in the motor mover remote.

This company link explains which standard for leisure vehicles.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Caravans, Boats & Camping

Buy a portable carbon monoxide detector for caravans, campervans, boats & camping from our range of travel CO alarms. FREE delivery on selected products.

www.safelincs.co.uk

That's a good call replaceable batteries or the 10yr option?

 

[ProfJohnL]

That's a good call replaceable batteries or the 10yr option?

I think the 10yr option is a sensible way to go, because as far as I know all the smoke and CO sensor elements do have a finite life, and if you go for replaceable batteries, unless you are very fastidious and check the dates of the unit, you might end up fitting fresh batteries to a unit that doesn't actually work properly. What price you or your families' safety.

 

[Fraseb01]

I think the 10yr option is a sensible way to go, because as far as I know all the smoke and CO sensor elements do have a finite life, and if you go for replaceable batteries, unless you are very fastidious and check the dates of the unit, you might end up fitting fresh batteries to a unit that doesn't actually work properly. What price you or your families' safety.

so true ,10yr option it is .

 

[toad a caravan]

May be they are water repellent 😁

 

[JTQ]

With the 10 year type you have some level of assurance the sensor is designed for that "life", as opposed to some replaceable battery units that I have had with a 6 year "life".
However, I note one, the FireAngel FA3820 is only guaranteed for 5 years, which somewhat mitigates the 10 year life claim!

LINK to Screwfix
LINK to FireAngel's user manual

As mentioned, about checking the suitability, there are some are sold that are suitable for both domestic and "caravan" applications. The above being one such.

This is FireAngel's manual wording about the issue:

"Caravans & BoatsCaravans & boats have additional risks due to the presence of other vehicles, engines, generators or barbecues, however this does not change the basic guidance on locating the alarm. Caravans & boats should have an alarm in the same room as any fuel-burning appliance, located in accordance with advice above. If the caravan has a single living space, one alarm is sufficient. However, any sleeping accommodation which is in a separate room from the fuel-burning appliance should also contain an alarm. The two most important considerations when positioning your alarm are:• Not to place the alarm directly above a source of heat or steam; • Positioning the alarm at a distance of 1 – 3 m from the nearest edge of the potential source"

 

[Dustydog]

You will note the BS number ends with a -2 for the caravan / marine application. Domestic ones end -1

The primary difference is the ability to function perfectly in a wider range of temperatures.
Internally a caravan can be freezing or sky high hot on a sunny day. Not quite so in an ordinary home.
The guarantee varies from one manufacturer to another.
OC beat me, I too use either Kiddie or Fire Angel with 10 year integral battery.
NB make sure the BS ends in a -2.

 

[JTQ]

Some will be marked with the EN standard, rather than BS.
From this guidance given in a FireAngel webpage {LINK ] I quote:

"In order to detect carbon monoxide, and so prevent carbon monoxide poisoning in the home, the fire Building Regulations recommend the use of CO alarms. These should conform to the following:

EN50291-1:2010 for CO alarms (EN50291-2:2010 for CO in recreational vehicles and boats)"

---------------------------------------------------

I note that the FireAngel FA 3820 does meet the required EN50291-2:2010

 

[Rottek]

Investing in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors is crucial for the safety of caravan usersWhen choosing the right models pay attention to their certificates, power supply method and alarm functionsRegular testing and maintenance of sensors also contribute to safer travel;-)

 

[otherclive]

Investing in carbon monoxide and smoke detectors is crucial for the safety of caravan usersWhen choosing the right models pay attention to their certificates, power supply method and alarm functionsRegular testing and maintenance of sensors also contribute to safer travel;-)

We always take the CO detector if using self contained accommodation even though the owners are required to install them. Likewise the test button on fire or CO detectors is always used early in our occupancy.

 

[Jcloughie]

We always take the CO detector if using self contained accommodation even though the owners are required to install them. Likewise the test button on fire or CO detectors is always used early in our occupancy.

We have recently returned from a week in an Airbnb in France. Airbnb made a point that this apartment was not fitted with one. I wonder if this was perhaps due to French law, or simply because the apartment did not have gas.

John

 

[otherclive]

This came from “policy connect.org.uk

A carbon monoxide surveillance systemwas coordinated by the French Institute of Sanitary Surveillance in 2005 to foster better characteristics of exposure events such as social and temporal distribution, circumstances of exposure and risk factors.

There are no regulations for carbon monoxide alarms, however, emphasis lies in prevention. There is a legal requirement to ensure regular maintenance of boilers using gas or fuel oil, but no sanction for non-compliance exists.