CO detectors

[John]

I have a Fireboy-Xintex CO detector that went out. I've been looking into replacing it. The CO detectors certified for marine use start at at least about $70. Home use ones are around $20-$30. Does anybody know if there is a substantial difference between them - other than the price?

(By the way, my detector lasted about two years and costs about $130 - not a very good bargain in my opinion. I certainly wouldn't buy another one from this manufacturer.)

 

[Mulf]

Try Campingworld.com..

I got two there a couple years ago that matched the original ones on my H410. They show similar ones now for $70.

 

[catsailor]

I used one of the HD detectors; I actually tested it with calibration gas (used to calibrate industrial meters) and found it good.

However, if you leave it under an open port, that's bad (actually, even small amounts of moisture will ruin the accuracy of any CO meter). I got it when I put in a new propane heater, and I will replace it with the same kind (mounted instead of sitting on a shelf!) for this winter.

 

[John]

Thanks for the link. So now it appears there are three types: Those certified for home use (only); those for RV use and those for marine use, with the last being the most expensive of course. So what's the difference, if any? Is there any reason I shouldn't just get a $25 one from a hardware store or Amazon?

 

[Rich Stidger]

FWIW, I have been using a Kidde Nighthawk model for the last 6+ years. The sensor still indicates as good and it has a digital readout of ppm for CO, shows both current reading and peak reading. It has gone off on gasses other than CO, but I believe that is the nature of these detectors.

I think I paid $30-40. It is a "home unit". It is not mounted near a port or a high moisture area. My surveyor at 10 years had no problem with my "home unit".

 

[FastOlson]

CO detector in use

My experiences, FWIW.
http://www.ericsonyachts.org/infoexchange/showthread.php?t=6713&referrerid=28
Note the info in reply #12, also.

L