'Pilot' Gas Alarm - what's going on..?

C

ClassicPlastic

Well-Known Member
Joined
22 Jan 2005
Messages
131
Visit site
\'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

So, having taken ownership of the boat, I re-connected the gas alarm power, and all was well for about ten minutes, then it started beeping. Checked for gas, and none apparent, and the 'alarm' light wasn't illuminated on the box, though it would come on if the test switch was pressed.

I gather that some alarms need to be allowed to sound for a while if they've been unused for a long time, so I left it all day, sounding away. Sadly it now sounds as though the piezzo is on the way out (suddenly very much quieter even on test).

So, am I into a new gas alarm?

Or is something going on that someone here has encountered before?

...and does anyone know who makes these alarms? A web search has revealed nothing, and there are no manuals on the boat (of course)...
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

A silly question, but is the battery that is supplying power on a full charge? I ask the question, as we were sailing home last season after a weekend away, and suddenly the gas alarm started squaking away. It transpired that the service battery which is not re-charged from the alternator, but is kept topped up by solar power had had a cable disconnected and had gradually discharged itself to the point where the residual charge could not support the alarm and so it sounded.

No cause for concern, but it frightened the living daylights out of us until we had traced the problem!
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

Thanks - good call - but the batteries are all tip-top, on the charger...

Any other ideas?
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

Mine beeps for about 10 secs after switch on whilst it goes through a self test...then silent. Sounds like a faulty unit, but I'll check the manual for you in the next day or so (on the boat) if nobody else can answer you first.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

I had the same problem with my last boat.

In my case the sensor had got dipped into the bilge, and was thus wet.

A recent PBO article says that they don't do wet. (except one I believe)

On my present boat I use a Pilot Gas Alarm, seems to work well, never gone off yet!

Regards
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

It may be possible the sensor has become wet (or splashed with bilge water) in the past and needs to be replaced.

This has happened to me and a telephone call to the manufacturers 'Technisol' (link below) will establish if this is the case and they will send a replacement. From memory the cost is quite reasonable with prompt service!

Technisol Ltd

David
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

In the nicest possible way, are you sure the battery is actually charged? Have you measured its voltage? I ask because the symptoms you describe are those you would expect if the voltage is low.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

Almost certainally the sensor has been affected by damp.......they dont like to get wet!!!! which is silly as they are meant to be but in the bilge!!!!! think if you replace the sensor all will be fine.

Paul.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

I haven't had the same problem, but I did find a fault with my Pilot gas alarm after a few months (broken solder joint on the power supply lead). Contacted Technisol and they replaced it by return of post - no quibbles!
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

I had a similar problem when I was doing some sanding near the sensor which I think got dusty. I gave the sensor a good blast of air and it has been ok since.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

[ QUOTE ]
Almost certainally the sensor has been affected by damp.......they dont like to get wet!!!! which is silly as they are meant to be but in the bilge!!!!! think if you replace the sensor all will be fine.

Paul.

[/ QUOTE ]

So where do you put them? If gas sinks, it is going to end up in the bilge. With a bilge keeler the space between the keels is almost flat. As the gas sinks, it is certainly going to be at the same level as any water in the bilge.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

My pilot is the same. When I have shut off the batteries for a few days. I have to switch off and on several times, usually by the third time it behaves itself. I have fitted a switch to facillitate the on off routine.
It will also sound if the battery gets low.
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

Well, a happy ending...

I telephoned Technisol today, and they were most helpful, suggesting that I should send the unit back for them to look at... Realising that this might head towards being as costly as a new alarm, I then asked about a replacement, and the chap explained that as mine appeared faulty, he could replace it at trade price (very reasonable). So, deciding that it may have been a little long in the tooth anyway, I've gone for a new alarm at a very manageable cost.

Well done Technisol!

Thanks to everyone who posted help here, too!
 
Re: \'Pilot\' Gas Alarm - what\'s going on..?

Good to hear a successful outcome, and also good to hear of a company that is cooperative and helpful.
Like I intimated in my previous post - quality customer service from this company still appears to be their priority!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Other threads that may be of interest

N
Volvo Penta Alarm Module/Alternator Issues
Replies
1
Views
121
superheat6k
superheat6k
geem
First 6 months with no gas onboard
2 3
Replies
41
Views
1K
Baggywrinkle
Baggywrinkle

Share this page

Top