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Last Updated on August 23, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 5 Best RV Smoke Detectors
RV smoke detectors are essential safety devices explicitly designed for recreational vehicles. They are equipped with advanced technology to detect smoke and potential fires, providing an early warning to keep RV occupants safe.
- RV smoke detectors: crucial for timely fire detection.
- Types: ionization and photoelectric detectors cater to scenarios.
- Installation: Proper placement on walls or ceilings is essential.
- Maintenance: Regular testing and battery replacement ensure functionality.
- Best practices: Multiple detectors cover various fire scenarios.
- Features: Carbon monoxide detection and hush buttons enhance safety.
The level of comfort in an RV is essential, but safety is much more important than that. Since an RV is essentially a home with wheels, there is also the risk of smoke and CO accidents.
If you happen to be looking for ways to improve the safety of your RV, our material featuring what we think are the best RV smoke detectors and more may interest you.
Best RV Smoke Detectors
1. Dometic Digital CO Detector
Summary
First on our list is a digital CO detector by Dometic. This particular model was previously manufactured by Atwood. However, since Dometic acquired Atwood, Dometic has produced its safety device line.
This carbon dioxide detector employs an electrochemical sensor to detect CO in the air, the type of sensor most CO detectors use today.
Thanks to the built-in display, you can see the CO level in the air anytime, even if it hasn’t reached dangerous levels. For example, the display would allow you to spot the CO level creeping up and take measures to prevent it from becoming dangerous.
Dometic boasts that this CO detector has a 10-year life cycle, which is very good for CO alarms since they usually live for five years.
This CO detector can be wall-mounted or used as a tabletop unit. However, unless you move it around, it would be best to mount it to a wall in your RV.
The Dometic digital CO detector operates on three AA batteries, so you don’t need to hardwire it to your RV’s electrical system. However, you will need to keep an eye on the batteries’ condition, which is a small plus.
Pros:
- The built-in digital display shows CO levels.
- Long 10-year life cycle.
- It can be either wall-mounted or set on a table.
2. BRK FG250RV Detector Smoke
Summary
The FG250RV by BRK is an RV-approved smoke detector—and a very good one, we should say, both in terms of safety and ease of use.
The FG250RV is compliant with Underwriters Laboratories’ smoke alarm Standard 217. Since UL’s testing procedures are rigorous, one can be sure that this smoke alarm does its job well.
Relying on a dual-ionization sensing chamber, the BRK FG250RV smoke detector is designed to detect smaller particles produced by flaming, fast flames. On the other hand, it won’t be good at detecting the larger particles of smoldering smoke.
This smoke alarm is again battery-operated, with a 9V alkaline battery included out of the box. With the hinged cover design, replacing the battery isn’t too tricky.
Plus, the tamper-resistant pin locks the alarm cover to prevent battery removal.
Pros:
- Excellent at detecting smoke from flaming fires.
- UL-certified.
- The tamper-resistant locking pin prevents battery removal.
Cons:
- It won’t detect smoldering smoke too well.
3. CO400MRVA Smoke & CO Detector
Summary
The CO400MRVA Smoke & CO detector by First Alert has a more straightforward design than the previous Dometic detector we reviewed. This detector doesn’t have the digital display or the long lifetime of the Dometic detector, but it is noticeably cheaper.
However, when it comes to CO detection performance, the CO400MRVA detector shouldn’t differ too much from the Dometic unit. The main reason for this is that they both employ effective electrochemical sensors.
This CO detector offers nothing outstanding in terms of lifetime—it is designed to last five years, which is typical for smoke detectors. And, unlike the Dometic detector, it operates on a 9V battery.
The absence of the display may be an advantage for you. For some people, displays overcomplicate things in CO detectors. And if you don’t need the benefits of a built-in display in a CO detector, the CO400MRVA detector may be a good option for you.
Pros:
- Not too expensive.
- Intuitive and easy to use.
4. PI9010 Kidde Battery Dual Smoke Detector
Summary
The PI9010 smoke alarm by Kidde is an excellent option if you want to fully smoke-protect your RV. Unlike the BRK smoke alarm we overviewed a little earlier, this smoke alarm comes with two types of sensors: ionization and photoelectric.
Thanks to this, this smoke alarm can detect smoke from either flaming or smoldering fires. Each type of sensor covers the dead zone of the other.
Like the BRK smoke alarm, the PI9010 is compliant with the UL 217 smoke alarm standard, so you can be sure that it will perform well.
Aside from that, the Kidde PI9010 smoke alarm is also tamper-resistant and operates on a 9V battery.
In the end, the PI9010 smoke alarm delivers comprehensive smoke protection thanks to its dual sensors, but it costs a little more than the BRK FB250RV alarm.
Pros:
- Can detect smoke from both flaming and smoldering fires.
- Tamper-resistant.
- Meets the requirements of the UL 217 standard.
Cons:
- A bit pricey.
5. Safe-T-Alert 35-742 Dual CO/LP Alarm
Summary
The last safety alarm on our list is the Safe-T-Alert 35-742 dual CO/LP alarm by MTI Industries. If you’ve been looking to protect your RV crew from CO and propane, this may be a great option.
This alarm features two independent electronic sensors that simultaneously detect CO and propane. Aside from that, the Safe-T-Alert CO/LP alarm is also UL-listed, so its two sensors will likely deliver good performance.
You may also like that this CO/LP alarm is designed to be hardwired to a 12V RV battery. This means that it will operate as long as your RV battery has a charge (which it should always have).
On the other hand, if your RV battery is damaged in an accident, the alarm won’t be able to run autonomously, so be mindful of that.
Pros:
- Detects propane and CO.
- Hardwired design.
- UL-listed.
Cons:
- Cannot operate autonomously.
Things to Look for in RV Smoke and CO Detectors
We know what each reviewed detector offers, but how do we pick the best RV smoke detector or CO detector? Let’s look at the things that matter most in them.
Types of RV Smoke & CO Detectors
1. Smoke Detectors
As their name suggests, smoke detectors are explicitly designed to detect smoke in the air. Since fires can burn differently and produce varying amounts of smoke, there are two types of smoke detectors on the market – ionization and photoelectric.
There also are dual-sensor smoke detectors that combine the features of the two.
Ionization smoke detectors are the most effective with fast, flaming fires that produce smaller smoke particles. On the other hand, these smoke detectors don’t react well to smoldering and smoky fires.
In addition, they tend to falsely alarm from steam and burnt food, so place them away from the RV kitchen and bathroom.
In contrast with ionization smoke detectors, photoelectric smoke detectors are effective at detecting large smoke particles typical of smoldering and smoky fires.
Photoelectric smoke detectors largely mirror the pros and cons of ionization detectors. Thus, they may be used in kitchens and bathrooms.
Lastly, dual-sensor smoke detectors, as the name implies, combine the technologies of the two other detector types. As a result, these detectors detect particles of either fast or smoldering fires.
Dual-sensor smoke detectors cost more, but they allow you to avoid the hassle of installing two separate detectors.
2. Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Carbon monoxide detectors are specifically designed to detect carbon monoxide in the air.
The technology used in these detectors is entirely different, meaning they can’t detect smoke (or explosive gases like propane or natural gas), and they cannot detect carbon monoxide.
Carbon monoxide detectors also have different sensors, but most CO detectors nowadays rely on electrochemical sensors.
Electrochemical sensors rely on electrodes and chemical solutions to detect and alert you to high CO levels.
These sensors have proven to be the most effective among all CO detector sensor types, so you don’t need to look for other types unless they are specifically needed.
3. Two-In-One Smoke and CO Detectors
Some detectors combine the capabilities of smoke and CO sensors, allowing you to keep track of smoke and CO at safe levels with just one device.
You are probably going to pay more for a combo smoke & CO detector
Essential Features in Smoke and CO Detectors
1. Smart Capability
Smart CO and smoke detectors are available on the market, offering RVers more convenience and perhaps more safety.
For example, Smart detectors occasionally perform diagnostics and alert users via their companion mobile device apps if something is wrong.
Among the other conveniences that smart detectors offer is the ability to hush alarms from your mobile device, check their battery level, and control and monitor all the detector functions remotely.
2. Built-in Screen
Smoke detectors usually don’t have built-in displays, but CO detectors do. The built-in screens display the carbon monoxide concentrations in parts per million.
They display the CO concentration even if it is well below the dangerous level that triggers the alarm.
A built-in display could alert you of the increase in CO levels, possibly higher than usual. In addition, some units show the peak CO levels after their last reset, which would allow you, for example, to see if there have been any spikes while you were away.
3. Power Source
It is very important to consider the power source of your smoke/CO detector. If it isn’t powered correctly, it won’t work when needed.
Detectors can operate on a battery or be hardwired into your RV’s electrical system to run without batteries. Units intended to be hardwired usually have backup battery sources for cases when your RV battery discharges.
The main advantage of battery-operating units is that they don’t require complex hardwiring procedures; you just need to mount them in a proper spot.
However, with such detectors, battery charge and health become a concern – you will need to keep track of the battery charge and occasionally check the battery’s health.
Hardwired detectors don’t rely on a built-in battery to operate, but they do rely on an external power source, like an RV battery. They work as long as the RV battery is charged.
And even if the detector loses power, its backup batteries will keep it up and running for some time.
With hardwired detectors, the RV battery isn’t as big of an issue since you have to keep it in good shape with or without the detector installed.
On the other hand, with a battery-operated detector, you will have one more battery to worry about. Hardwired detectors, though, require more effort for setup.
4. Safety Lights
Safety lights can genuinely be lifesavers in smoke or CO detectors. In an emergency at night, safety lights would allow you to quickly orient yourself in the RV and escape if the situation requires it. So, having safety or strobe lights in your smoke or CO detector is a good idea.
5. Date of Manufacture
Detectors lose their sensitivity with time, so the newer a smoke/CO detector is, the better. Usually, it is recommended that CO detectors be replaced every five years and smoke detectors every ten years.
While you don’t need to get a brand-new detector, ensure it falls within these time frames at least.
6. UL Certification
You may also want your RV safety detector to have an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) certification.
If you didn’t know, UL is a global safety certification company that has been operating for around 125 years. It has rather rigorous requirements that safety devices must satisfy to be UL-certified.
So if a smoke/CO detector is UL-certified, you can be sure it performs well.
Two Types of Carbon Monoxide Detectors?
The two types of carbon monoxide detectors are biomimetic and electrochemical detectors.
Biomimetic detectors use a gel that changes color in the presence of carbon monoxide, triggering the alarm. They offer the advantage of visually checking for the presence of the gas even when the alarm is not sounding.
Electrochemical detectors, on the other hand, use a chemical solution and electrodes to detect carbon monoxide. They are susceptible and provide accurate readings.
Wrapping Up
RV smoke detectors are an essential safety measure for any recreational vehicle. They provide crucial and timely fire detection that can save lives and prevent extensive property damage.
Two main types of detectors are typically used: ionization detectors, which are more responsive to flaming fires, and photoelectric detectors, better suited to detect smoldering fires.
Installation of these RV smoke detectors is a vital aspect to consider. They should be appropriately placed on walls or ceilings, away from windows or vents that could interfere with their operation.
Additionally, regular maintenance is key to ensure their optimal functionality. This includes regular testing to check the alarm system and timely battery replacement.
Best practices recommend using multiple detectors in different RV areas to cover various potential fire scenarios. This ensures comprehensive coverage and enhances the chances of early fire detection.
Modern RV smoke detectors also come equipped with additional features for enhanced safety.
These include carbon monoxide detection, a potentially life-saving feature given the risk of poisoning in enclosed spaces like an RV. Hush buttons are another beneficial feature, allowing users to silence false alarms quickly without disabling the entire unit.
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