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Dual Watch Lpg/CO Detector Making Safety Simple

Safety and protection in the leisure market is heavily influenced by mainstream regulations. Whilst such regulations may take many years to become mandatory in the leisure industry, there is a general trend towards greater protection and detection. For example, in recent years, people renting properties have had a right to see a valid gas safety certificate.

Research undertaken by Marine Care highlighted some of the problems with detection in boats, yachts and mobile homes. Since they are often only used for holiday and short-term occupation, people don’t necessarily take the same care over protection as they might in their own home or office, and both lpg and carbon monoxide (CO) can be killers.

There is often a requirement for multiple detectors (CO and lpg) in leisure vehicles, which can cause confusion. Space is often at a premium and it can be difficult to fit multiple detectors. As a result of this research, detection system providers Amos Detection and Marine Care developed Dual Watch, a single detector for both lpg and CO.

“This single device overcomes many of the user-perceived problems with multiple detectors, meaning that they are more likely to be installed and used, providing greater protection,” said Bob Edwards of Amos Detection.

Amos and Marine Care decided not to use internal batteries to power the detector. “This is partly because the lpg part draws a reasonably large current, which would limit the life, but also to overcome the need for the user to monitor and replace batteries,” said Bob.

The detector is powered from an external source, commonly a 12V ‘domestic’ leisure battery. The detector is then in use whenever the boat or motorhome is, avoiding draining the main engine battery during potentially long periods where the vehicle is not being used. An alternative power source is the standard 240V AC supply available at more permanent installations.

Any competent person can install the Dual Watch detector. The main body of the unit incorporates the CO detector, which is typically placed near a cooker or heater. Since lpg is heavier than air, a separate smaller sensor is provided on an extension cable, typically mounted low in the bilges to provide early detection of lpg build up. The main unit monitors the remote lpg sensor to ensure connection and operation is maintained.

“The technology used in these detectors has remained relatively constant for a number of years, primarily because it has proven to be both very reliable and cost effective,” said Bob.

The lpg detector is made from a sintered metal oxide designed specifically for lpg, and its electrical conductivity increases as gas is detected, monitored by the control circuit board. When the conductivity reaches a predetermined level, indicating 10-20 per cent of the lower explosive limit (LEL) to provide a wide margin of safety, an alarm is triggered.

In order to help protect the unit from the effect of humidity, salt and vibration, the control circuit board is treated with a conformal coating.

“Some research has been done into using infrared technology for the detectors,” said Bob. “However, this has only become available for use in propane refrigerant applications and is quite expensive, so it looks as though the tried and tested method of protecting lives from CO and lpg events will continue for some time to come.”

Contact Amos Detection on 01582 506130 www.amos.uk.com

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