FAQ

Q. How is the RV Safe alarm powered? A. The RV Safe must be connected to the RV’s existing 12-volt battery system.
Q. What will happen when the alarm reaches its 5-year life. A. The alarm’s red light will double flash and horn will chirp once per minute. The alarm cannot be reset. However, power is required for the internal 5-year clock to trigger the end-of-life warning. So if you’re RV or trailer is often disconnected from power (or battery), this warning will not occur at the 5-year mark. However, the alarm must be replaced by the “REPLACE BY” date on the face of the alarm. This is due to degradation of the internal sensors.
Q. Can I replace my existing RV gas detecting alarm with the RV Safe? A. Yes, however it is possible that new holes will need to be drilled in order to mount the unit. Also, one of the two RV Safe adapter brackets could also be necessary to adequately cover the exiting cut-out. Please refer to the Product Selection Chart for help.
Q. Can the alarm be mounted either vertically or horizontally? A. Yes. It will function installed in either direction.
Q. I accidentally sprayed my alarm with a strong cleaner…now it goes off randomly. Should I replace it? A. Yes. The internal sensors that detect Propane or Carbon Monoxide (CO), can be easily damaged with chemicals. Therefore, it should be replaced. “CLEAN THE ALARM WITH A DRY CLOTH ONLY – USE NO CHEMICALS”.
Q. Can the alarm be damaged by strong-smelling items? A. Yes, the alarm can be damaged by vapors given off by certain products. Silicone-based products will damage the propane sensor in the alarm. Do not use anything with silicone near the alarm. This includes silicone caulking, silicone glues, silicone lubricants, and even certain types of sunblocks and hair care products can include Silicone. THE DAMAGE IS PERMANENT. Other potentially harmful chemicals:
  • Acetone
  • Alcohol
  • Methanol
  • Sunblocks with silicone or alcohol
Q. Does the test button test all functions of the alarm?A. No. Pressing the Test/Silence button will verify that the alarm is receiving adequate voltage (12V). It will confirm that the LED lights and the horn are functioning. It will confirm that the two internal gas sensors (Propane and CO) are connected. However, it cannot confirm that they are still sensitive to gas. To test:
  1. Expose the alarm to propane gas for 30 seconds to confirm that the alarm activates. Take care to be sure there is no potential source of flame to ignite the propane. Vent your RV/Trailer for several minutes after the test has been completed.
  2. CO gas cannot be simulated by the electronics.
Note: CO alarm test kits can be purchased online by various retailers. Example products: Heads Up CO Alarm Test Kit HSI Fire and Safety CoCheck Carbon Monoxide Detector Tester Safe T Alert SA-HHTG-1 Carbon Monoxide Test Gas
Q. Do I really need to replace my alarm at the “Replace By Date” located on the front face of the alarm?A. Yes. The internal sensors degrade over time and the unit must be replaced to improve safety.
Q. We accidentally connected the 24Vdc output to our 12Vdc lines when converting our RV to solar. Can this damage the alarm?A. Yes. The alarm is rated to a MAXIMUM of 15Vdc. Any additional voltage can possibly damage the alarm’s input circuitry. Replace the alarm.

The same damage can occur with any incorrect connection, such as connecting to AC power.

Q. My current LP/Propane gas alarm has three or four wires and controls a shutoff valve at the Propane tank. Can I replace this with an RV Safe alarm?A. No. RV Safe does not sell a compatible alarm to work with a control valve. Search the internet for an appropriate replacement.
Q. Where is the RV Safe alarm with 3 wires used?A. The RV Safe CO/LP alarm with 3 wires has been discontinued due to very small sales volume.

Its original purpose was to allow the alarm to be powered by two separate 12V battery systems (i.e. RV utility battery and engine start battery)

Q. What does it mean when my alarm is “chirping” once per minute?A. This is an error code. These codes are explained in the manual and on the front of the alarm.

There is no reset for an error code. The alarm must be replaced.

Q. How do I check the voltage output from my power converter?
  1. Look at your main control panel. Some units will display the battery voltage. 12-14 VDC is normal.
  2. Use a handheld voltmeter, these are inexpensive at all hardware stores. Set the meter to DC voltage. Check the voltage at the alarm connection wires. Red is “+”, Black is “-“.
  3. Set the meter to AC voltage and measure again. Any measurement >0.1VAC means that the RV’s power converter is bad and must be replaced.
Q. Sometimes when I power up my RV after the battery has been drained, my alarm will go into propane alarm mode after a minute or two. Is it broken? A. No. When the electronic sensor inside of the RV Safe alarm is not been powered for several weeks, it may go into alarm mode as it “warms up”. The alarm will reset itself after a few of minutes. If the issue continues, contact customer service for support.