Correct Height for LP and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detector for an RV

Published 08/07/2024

Question:

I saw you mention the RV Safe COLP monitor/alarm. In my coach and others, it seems these are always mounted and head height level. Curious , When looking up on where to place a LP monitor, it is always stated near floor level because LP is heavier than air. But the CO detector should be mounted higher, as should smoke detectors. So How can one mount a LP / CO monitor when one should be low, the other higher. ??

asked by: Ludwig

Expert Reply:

Great question, Ludwig!

The RV Propane Gas and Carbon Monoxide Detector # RS34FR can be placed closer to the floor because LP is heavier than air, and while CO is technically lighter than air, it disperses evenly in a room as opposed to pooling at the ceiling, so the placement of a CO detector isn't as crucial when it comes to height.

If you are adding this detector new then I recommend shooting for the max 18" from the floor height just to get the best of both worlds, but if you're replacing a detector and it isn't lower than 4" then you'll still be just fine.

expert reply by: Jon G

Ludwig G.

8/7/2024

Yes, that was the point, I mentioned that the rv manufacturer, Fleetwood, and perhaps others, mouted the LP detector, in bedroom, at eye height, which makes it useless for LP Mine is mounted high. I will remove mine and put new one lower Maybe put a smoke detector over the hole. Should have a smoke detector there anyway. Thx Seems very wrong of them to mout it high. Might be noteworthy to let people know their LP detector from rv factory is wrong.

Jon G.

8/7/2024

@LudwigG Ah, I see what you meant. I was looking more at the CO side of things. Yeah, the LP definitely needs to be much lower than eye height. I'm not sure why they do that, but typically for things that are done "halfway" like that it's because they were able to do it cheaper/quicker by installing it that way...not that it makes it right. I'm glad you were able to catch that and you're being proactive about it!