How to Install and Maintain Safe-T-Alert CO / LP Gas Alarms

Safety in our RVs is paramount, and one of the most critical safety systems we rely on are Carbon Monoxide (CO) and Propane (LP) gas alarms.

These unassuming devices are literal lifesavers, providing early warnings against two invisible but potentially deadly threats. Today, I want to focus on the installation and maintenance of Safe-T-Alert CO/LP gas alarms, a brand many of us trust to protect our families and pets on the road.

I can’t stress enough how important these alarms are. These alarms are lifesavers. Regular testing and knowing the chirp patterns for low battery or end-of-life is crucial. Replacement every 5 years is a must, regardless of testing.

This isn’t just a recommendation; it’s a critical safety practice that every RVer should adhere to.

Understanding the Dangers: CO and LP Gas

Before we dive into the specifics of the alarms, let’s quickly recap why these gases are so dangerous in an RV environment:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO): This is an odorless, colorless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of fuels like propane (used in your furnace, water heater, stove, refrigerator), gasoline (from a generator), or wood. In an enclosed space like an RV, CO can build up quickly to deadly levels. It’s often called the “silent killer” because you can’t see it or smell it.
• Propane (LP Gas): While propane itself has an odorant added so you can smell leaks, a significant leak can still pose a fire or explosion hazard. LP gas is heavier than air and can accumulate in low-lying areas of your RV.

A dual CO/LP gas alarm, like many Safe-T-Alert models, is designed to detect both these threats.

Key Safe-T-Alert Alarms and Their Features

Safe-T-Alert, by MTI Industries, offers a range of alarms designed specifically for RVs. You’ll find these at RVupgradestore.com, and here are a couple of common examples:

• Safe T Alert 35-742-BL Dual LP/CO Alarm: The 35 Series is a popular choice for combined CO and LP gas detection. These are typically hard-wired into your RV’s 12-volt system. They feature advanced sensor technology to distinguish between nuisance alarms (like those from aerosols or cooking fumes, though you should still ventilate well) and genuine threats. They have specific alarm patterns (beeps and lights) to indicate whether CO or LP gas is detected.
• Safe T Alert SA-339 Safe-T-Alert Mini CO Alarm: While the SA-339 is a dedicated CO alarm (not LP), it’s a good example of a compact, battery-powered option that can be useful for supplemental CO detection or in specific areas. However, for primary protection, a hard-wired dual CO/LP alarm is generally recommended in RVs due to the presence of propane appliances.

Installation Best Practices for Safe-T-Alert Alarms

Proper installation is crucial for your alarm to function correctly:

1. Location, Location, Location

• LP Gas Alarms (or dual CO/LP alarms): Since propane is heavier than air, the LP sensor needs to be close to the floor. The ideal location is usually within 6 inches of the floor, in an area where leaking propane could accumulate but not in a dead air space or too close to a door or window where drafts could affect readings. It should also be near propane-fueled appliances.
• CO Alarms (or dual CO/LP alarms): Carbon monoxide mixes more readily with air, but it’s often recommended to install CO alarms on a wall, about 5 feet from the floor, or on the ceiling. If it’s a dual unit, the LP gas detection requirement (near the floor) takes precedence for placement.
• Always follow the specific placement guidelines in the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular Safe-T-Alert model.

2. Wiring (for Hard-Wired Units)

• Most RV CO/LP alarms are designed to be hard-wired into the RV’s 12V DC system. This ensures they have a constant power source (as long as your house batteries are charged).
• ALWAYS disconnect all power sources (shore power, generator, and house batteries) before working on RV wiring.
• Connect the alarm according to the manufacturer’s wiring diagram, ensuring correct polarity. Improper wiring can damage the alarm or cause it to malfunction.
• If you are not comfortable with 12V wiring, have a qualified RV technician perform the installation.

3. Avoid Problematic Locations

Do not install alarms in areas with high humidity (like directly inside a shower), in turbulent air (near fans or open windows), in direct sunlight, or in areas where the temperature can go below or above the alarm’s operating range.

Maintenance: Keeping Your Alarms Ready

Installation is just the first step. Regular maintenance is key:

1. Test Regularly: Test your alarms weekly, or at least every time you start a trip. Most Safe-T-Alert alarms have a “Test/Reset” button. Pressing this button should activate a test sequence, and you’ll hear the alarm sound. This verifies that the circuitry and sounder are working.
2. Keep it Clean: Gently vacuum the alarm cover at least once a month using a soft brush attachment to remove dust and cobwebs that could interfere with the sensors.
3. Know the Chirps: Familiarize yourself with the different beep or chirp patterns for your specific alarm. A continuous loud alarm means a dangerous condition. Intermittent chirps usually indicate a low battery (if battery-powered), a fault, or, importantly, an “End-of-Life” (EOL) signal.
4. Heed the End-of-Life (EOL) Signal: CO and LP gas sensors have a limited lifespan, typically around 5 years from the date of manufacture (not the date you bought it or installed it). Most modern Safe-T-Alert alarms have an EOL signal (often a specific chirp pattern and/or flashing light sequence) to tell you when the alarm needs to be replaced. Do not ignore this signal. Even if the alarm still passes the button test, the sensors may no longer be reliable once they reach their EOL.
5. Replace Every 5 Years (or as Indicated): As per my initial insight, mark your calendar and replace your CO/LP alarms according to the manufacturer’s recommendation, which is generally every 5 years for Safe-T-Alert models. Write the replacement date on the alarm itself with a permanent marker.
6. Never Paint Alarms: Paint can clog the sensor openings and prevent them from working.

Final Thoughts

Your Safe-T-Alert CO/LP gas alarm is a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment. Proper installation, regular testing, and timely replacement are your responsibilities as an RVer. Understanding how these devices work and what their signals mean can genuinely save lives.

Take the time to read the manual for your specific alarm model, follow these maintenance tips, and never become complacent about the invisible threats of CO and LP gas. A little diligence goes a long way in ensuring many safe and happy adventures on the road.

I’m Bill Rowell, the founder of RVupgrades.com. In 2002, I launched the business to help fellow RV enthusiasts find unique and hard-to-find products. Over the years, it’s grown to offer more than 15,000 items, with a warehouse in Eastlake, Ohio. Having owned and repaired nearly every type of RV, I bring over two decades of hands-on experience to the table. For me, this isn’t just a business – it’s a passion and a way of life that I love sharing with the RV community.

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