Checking for propane leaks.

It is easy to test your systems for leaks if you suspect one or smell propane occasionally and want to check your system.

On your regulator, most have a pressure indicator that is green on a tank/cylinder with propane pressure, and turns red when empty. This can be used as an easy way to check for leaks, even small ones, that need attention, according to the good folks at Marshall Gas Controls.

1. Turn all gas appliances inside the rig off. This especially includes any pilot lights.

2. Open the valve on the cylinder/tank and wait till the regulator indicator shows green.

3. Turn the valve on the cylinder/tank off and wait 15 minutes.

4. If the indicator is still green, you are within limits.

Notes on above:

1. Many think that if 15 min is good, longer is better and that is not true in this case. Propane controls all along the system do have allowable, minute leakage to the outside, which is well below any ignition thresholds or danger. Not enough to smell or to set off alarms. If you leave the system for much longer you may observe the green turning red, and that is normal.

2. This is a screening test only. It should detect even small leaks that need attention. However, if you continually smell propane odorant, and can't find the source, see a service technician immediately.

Propane detectors/alarms.

Propane is heavier than air so detectors/alarms for propane should be located near the floor.

Most propane detectors/alarms have a combination of flashing lights, and audible beeps/chirps that indicate system faults, as well as the presence of propane. Read the owner's manual thoroughly. With mine there is an adhesive "Quick Reference" guide to the meanings of each that is behind the cabinet door above the detector.

As many have found out, aerosols like hairspray, insect repellant, etc. can cause them to go off.

With the switch from Freon for aerosol propellants, many now use a butane/propane mixture as a propellant, as they are not considered as much of an ozone hazard. Your detector/alarm will alert on those gasses as well. If it alerts when you just sprayed something in the rig, and you don't smell propane (not always reliable if the propane containers have not been purged, and odorant fade has occurred due to oxidation of the Ethyl/Methyl Mercaptan) reset it according to directions and if it does not re-alert, it was the spray. Mine goes bonkers with my insect repellant.

Always take a detector alarm seriously and evacuate the rig leaving the doors and windows open if they already were open. Don't take the time to open them if your alarm is continuously alerting. Do leave the exit door open. Just because you don't smell the odorant (garlic smell) from the propane does not mean that it is not present. Remember the odorant fade from the preceding articles?

Even if the odorant faded, the alarm will still detect the propane, as it does not depend on the odorant to detect the propane molecules themselves. That is one reason they are now required in all rigs. So it is imperative that you check and test your detector according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Your propane systems are engineered to provide long life, and excellent levels of safety to protect you. The appliances also have additional safeguards. Your detectors AND nose are your backup systems.

Safe travels