Gas Detector

[frilaens]

I'm thinking of installing a gas heater (already have gas in the galley) to replace a very dodgy arctic lamp-oil type heater that I have tried over many years to get working. The benefit would be a simpler set up, the air ducts are there already and I could have the galley gas pipes replaced and rerouted at the same time. As gas detectors are a reasonable price I wonder if anyone has experience of the DualWatch type? How long would the sensors last? Can they also detect petrol vapour?

<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/acatalog/Dual_Watch_Gas_Detectors.html>http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/acatalog/Dual_Watch_Gas_Detectors.html</A>

Andy

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Hardley]

I do not know about duel watch systems, but I have a gas cooker & fire, I use one gas detector fitted low down between the two, it seems to work ok.
Yes they do detect petrol vapours, if they drift into the cabin.
Hardley

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[jon]

Go to http://www.seath-haztec.com/gas control etc.htm , especially if you want remote gas solenoid switching by the sensors via the alarm. Their valves are latching so v low current consumption.


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davidwf]

Fitted a nereus alarm which offer various combinations including a waterproof bilge sensor. Very pleased with the installation whereby the control unit was separate from the control panel.

http://www.nereusalarms.co.uk/html/gas_alarm_systems_for_boats.html

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davidwf]

Just seen nereus price list

Whow!! they have seriously gone up in price, I'm sure I only paid about £120 for a gas and CO unit.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[ongolo]

Re: Just seen nereus price list

T make an alarm will cost you about GBP20,- per either Co or explosive fumes.

I am wondering about the life span myself.

ongolo


<hr width=100% size=1>1000 dream about it, 100 talk about it, 10 start and 1 completes it

 

[ongolo]

Re: Just seen nereus price list

T make an alarm will cost you about GBP20,- per either Co or explosive fumes.

I am wondering about the life span myself.

ongolo


<hr width=100% size=1>1000 dream about it, 100 talk about it, 10 start and 1 completes it

 

[frilaens]

Re: Just seen nereus price list

Does the nereus gas switch only function as an emergency cut off or can you use it as a remote switch as well?

Andy

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[fastjedi]

I inhereted an old & tatty looking gas detector with my Trailer Salier last year ..... gets quite damp down below over the winter ... Thought I would be discarding it as part of the refurb / rewire this winter. I tested it with a disposable lighter in the garage a few weeks ago and it works just fine .... so, looks like they are more hardy than I imagined and its going back in !


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[davidwf]

Re: Just seen nereus price list

Don't think the Nereus gas valve can be used to switch the gas off in normal cercumstances. In my previous boat I had a Hastec and looking at nereus's prices I think if I was to buy another I would go back to Hastec.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[celandine]

The Nereus alarm seems to be the only one with a waterproof detector. I had a Pilot alarm once, one sniff of bilge water and the detector was a right-off. I can't see a detector placed any where other than fairly low down in the bilge as being worth having. So the Nereus may be worth the extra money. Does anyone else have any experience of these?

Mick


<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[StephenW]

Compass do a very compact (100mm by say 30x30) all-in-one unit for £45 ish. Work pretty well and don't break the bank.

They go through a self test when initially powered up which results in an LED illuminating and an alarm sound for about 3 seconds. I wired into the water pump so when switched on it stays powered up.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[pheran]

Although I am normally enthusiastic about any gadget that improves safety on-board, IMHO gas detectors are a waste of time. The main problem we found was that it isn't just gas that will set them off and we were wakened 5 or 6 times in the early hours of the morning by false alarms. Imagine the panic as you try to prise your eyes open! Favourites were low voltage and on one occasion it picked up on a ripe piece of blue cheese in the galley! Now we have a bubble tester which is checked regularly and the discipline of turning off at the bottle when gas is not in use.

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue>A convert to steel boats and displacement cruising - the only way to go</font color=blue>

 

[philip_stevens]

I've just had a look at it on the Compass24 site, but does not show whether it has a remote sensor, or if it is just built in. As you have one, can you say if the sensor is remote (and if so, how long is the cable to it) or built in??

Thanks.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[StephenW]

As I said, all-in-one. Supplied with about 3-4ft of wire, which you may need to extend - best to use connectors with shrink-to-fit sleeves to ensure watertightness

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[frilaens]

I am intending to install a bubble detector, and like you I always turn off the gas at the regulator. However, once or twice I have forgotten to do this, never overnight when we have been aboard but when leaving the boat for a while. I always seem to realize when we are half an hours drive away! What I think is a good idea is the solenoid cut off: no power means no gas. Most detectors have an automatic cut-off possiblilty, so it may have been possible to combine this with a manual switch. Again there could be reliability issues here. As I am thinking of installing another gas-using device I would like to improve safety as well, both when using the boat and when she is left unattended i.e. no power to a detector anyhow. I am thinking about a solenoid on/off and the bubble detector as being a good compromise, and a major improvement over my present set up.

Andy

<hr width=100% size=1>