Where do you install a propane detector sensor?

[Rich Stidger]

I am adding a propane detector before the coming season and I'm wondering where to locate the sensor.Since the propane tank is in a sealed locker and vented overboard, putting the sensor in that locker seems wrong. It seems like the sensor should be located so that it can detect a propane leak in the cabin.The stove is the only propane device I have, so I could locate the sensor under the stove.But is this the best location? Will it generate 'false' alarms just from the products of combustion? Would it be better to locate the sensor lower in the boat- perhaps in the bilge? Or would that be too far away from a leak source to alarm quickly?Perhaps someone with a newer boat that has a factory installed unit can tell me where the sensor was installed and how well it works- any false alarms, etc.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Rich, Low, very low,

but dry.

 

[Jim]

Agree, in cabin, low, near floor in front

of stove/range. I've not experienced false alarms from combustion; however, have experienced alarms from a variety of aerosol sprays. You may want to check with a local RV dealer as most use propane for refrigeration as well as for cooking/heating.

 

[Ernie]

top of the bilge and/or UNDER the locker

I don't know about your particular set-up, but I have two sensors. I put one at the top edge of the bilge, and the other under the propane locker. I figure that way I'm sure to catch whatever leaks might arise.

 

[Benny]

No substitute for regularly testing for leaks.

a propane leak detector is not part of the recommended guidelines for propane systems on boats. Modern marine stoves are equiped with thermocuple valves which shut off gas if the flame is extinguished. The leak you are trying to protect against would either be from the stove or from the hose; as the hose travels through several comparments the leak could spring up in any of them. Unfortunately a single detector may not protect against every leak that could develop. Also these comparments all have a slope and passages leading to the bilge. It is not practical to install a detector inside the bilge itself. By all means any detector is better than none and two are better than one but what I'm trying to say is to not solely rely on them and frequently test for leaks with an ABYC rated pressure gauge. With the entire system pressurized close the tank valve and observe the indication of the pressure gauge; if no pressure is lost in 3 minutes the system can be deemed sound. If there is a pressure loss there is a leak which needs to be found and corrected. A safety recommendation is to shut the tank valve whenever the system is not in use. If I had a detector to place I would place it low in the cabin near the stove.

 

[Rich Stidger]

Benny, you are entirely correct.......

I understand the route of the hose from the tank to the stove and I agree that the stove itself is protected to shut down in the event of a flame-out event. The danger is if a leak develops at the connection to the stove itself or in a line within the stove before a valve.I realize that a leak could develop somewhere along the line between the tank and the stove, but I think it is more likely for a leak to develop at a fitting. I am assumming that the line between the tank and stove is not spliced.I do a leak-down test at least once per year, and the primary reason that I am installing a detector is that a survey that I just had done at the demand of my insurance company (10 year birthday of my h40.5) the surveyor mentioned in his list of "findings" that there was no propane detector. In anticipation of a follow-up demand from the insurance company that one be installed, I have already purchased one.

 

[Ernie]

Absolutely agree with Benny

I was refering to a "just in case" type scenerio. By all means thoroughly check the entire system at least once a season.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

And don't forget that you're checking it every

second that you're aboard with your nose; the best detector ever invented. There's a reason that detectors aren't mandatory.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Let's see, some of those reasons might be;

that propane is EXCEEDINGLY SAFE aboard a boat when properly installed. That includes a properly draining locker. And no splice connections in the feed hose to your appliance. All regulators and shut-off solenoids inside the locker with the bottle. Remember too, that propane is a LOW pressure, condensible gas, fuel. The pressure in the bottle will not exceed about 100 psi, NO MATTER how much LIQUID is in the bottle. Those new Overfill Protection Valves are BS! Next, the feed lines (rubber in most cases) are rated at about 300 psi. The pressure inside them is about 1/2 psi in most cases. (OK, maybe .56 psi, whatever)  So,,,,as we live our lives in our over-protected world, and never stray from the dock without fresh batteries for our EPIRB, and three VHF's, each with automatic 'mayday' buttons and automatic life jackets connected to jack lines, and netting (just in case), lets all have a few tall-cool one's in appreciation of modern technology! What's that? Liquor is THE danger aboard a boat? Well, nevermiiiiiind,,,,

 

[Benny]

I hear you, maybe the surveyor

has lost his sense of smell. You are correct the majority of the leaks develop at the fittings but be aware of gimballed stoves which may chaf the hose at friction points. A friend of mine intalled a cutoff switch in his.

 

[Fred Ficarra]

Yeah, I did too