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Post Info TOPIC: Gas heater for van
herbie


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Gas heater for van
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Hello JayDee, your a game person to even think of using this type of gas heater inside a confined area,even with the use of a gas detector.As they still give off fumes for hrs after you have turned them off.The levels can be high enough to result on CO poisoning.Opening doors /widows and flaps on annex or tent is insufficient to prevent build up of CO concentrations from these devices( such as the heater )Keep in mind carbon monoxide's specific gravity is 0.9657 as stated by EPA.Carbon monoxide will rise with warmer air.Place your detector about 20 centimeters above the floor near where you will be sleeping. Carbon Monoxide/ Propane/ Butane/ Methane are all heavier than air so will fall to the floor level.But in saying all this regarding where to place the detector I only use mine due to the fact I only use specified gas appliances inside my van.I would be using this heater out side only.



-- Edited by herbie on Friday 14th of June 2013 01:16:38 PM

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JayDee


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Just purchased a gas heater from Brisbane Caravan Show for around $100.

Only to be used while free camping, as we have A/c 240 V for C. Parks etc.

Will use same in the winter months when travelling down south or outback. 

Instructions says not to be used in van or enclosed area.

But!!! we are very mindful of problems and would only have the heater on early morning and late evenings, with heater turned off prior to going to bed.

After all we use the gas hot plate and oven.

Is there a difference.???

I know it should never be used in confined area.

 

Jay&Dee.

 



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GaryKelly


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You'll learn a few things from this thread on Techies Corner, Jaydee.



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Cloak


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You say you know it should never be used in a confined area and yet seem unsure.

To be clear........

All combustion gasses should be vented outside or you will be breathing carbon monoxide. Even having it on a short time is a big a risk.

Please get professional advice on heating and never use the hot plate or anything that isn't vented.


Apologies if I sound blunt but I'd rather ruffle a few feathers than attend a funeral.

Cheers

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jimricho


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I've now purchased and fitted the carbon monoxide alarm as recommended in the thread Gary refers to above. The one Dorian refers to in that thread was out of stock at my local Bunnings so I purchased a slightly more expensive Quell unit.

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neilnruth


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I've replied to this post in the Hints, Ideas section where you have also posted it. (Wondered why you put it there!)

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NeilnRuth
jimricho


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As I mentioned in the other thread I only use my heater for a brief period inside and I do ensure adequate ventillation. I've added the CO alarm for an extra precaution. The instructions with the unit do state it should be mounted on a side wall, unlike smole alarms that are ceiling mounted.

To the best of my knowledge CO alarms do not detect (unburned) gas leaks nor do gas alarms detect CO. (There may be dual purpose alarms available that I'm not aware of).

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D and D


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I have to agree with Herbie and Cloak, using a gas heater in a non-recommended manner such as suggested by some in this thread is crazy. The claims that "Oh I'm careful" or "I only use it for short periods of time" don't really wash. One of the dangers of carbon monoxide is that it doesn't trigger any alarms in the body - that is you don't know you're being exposed to it, you just drift off so being careful isn't going to help you much. I've attached one of the many information sheets on using gas appliances and the production of carbon monoxide on the web - it can be downloaded from here: http://www.esv.vic.gov.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=BQ-_cyJLGnQ%3D&tabid=123&mid=2068

 

Mr D



Attachments
CO Alarms.pdf (62.8 kb)
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JayDee


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Thanks to everyone.
I am having second thought re my idea.
Now, previously I have used a small (say 10cm diameter) terracotta pot on top of a gas burner on the cook top to warm the van. Leave the pot on the burner for about no longer than 10 min and we have a warm van. I am also exposing myself to the same dangers??
What are the dangers from using the gas appliances in a concealed van in winter???
Cheers
Jay&Dee

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elliemike


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I have written this  before in another Post  on CO.

We used to have boring meetings in an air conditioned office in the middle of a noisy factory.   All the doors shut and about 20 people inside sitting around the table.   Minimum  fresh air coming in.

It was common for people to just fall asleep at the table if we stayed too long in there.   I did it once along with another fellow at the same time.   It was a case of  "this room is stuffy"     Yawn a couple of times   Blink,  Blink,    Blink, and your eyes don't open again.   Very comfortable feeling. 

I imagine that's what it would be like.    A few glasses of your favourite tipple  at Happy hour,    Nice evening meal,  Good book, Curl up for a minute with the Doona over you pleasant and warm. 

Blink ! ----------------------------_____________________________________________________

 



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sandsmere


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The terracotta pot thing has been done to death on some forums too . Extremely Dangerous .

Spend the money and get a proper heater , or rug-up JayDee .



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