T@B 400 BD propane/CO sensor sounding alarm

Bill&Suze · September 16

Our camper has been sitting unused all summer. Rooftop solar has easily kept the battery charged daily. Today the CO/propane sensor began chirping four times periodically and non-stop. Logically it could be explained by either low battery voltage, a buildup of CO or a propane leak - or if the unit has gone bad. The former two possibilities are very unlikely. we're currently not using the camper and the propane is firmly shut off and not in use. The only factor that may explain the sensor activity is that I winterized the camper yesterday and there is a slight noticeable antifreeze odor inside. Has anyone had a similar occurrence and determined that antifreeze fumes are known to trigger the CO sensor?

pthomas745 · September 16

The newer fangled "RV Safe" detectors "seem" to have more of an issue with being flaky or overly sensitive compared to the older Atwood alarms. These type of detectors are looking for tiny particles in the air, and a lot of things have to potential to set them off. This web page has a quick rundown on all the sorts of things that can set a Carbon Monoxide detector off. (List starts about 1/3rd of the way down the page, and there is an "FAQ" towards the bottom of the article).

Carbon Monoxide Detector Random Alarms

I know some owners have either used compressed air blowers or vacuum cleaners to help clean off the detector's sensors, so you might try that.

kellyw · September 17

I just replaced my co2/propane leak detector today because it’s been chirping every minute for about a year (my Tab 400 has been sitting in my detached garage for over a year - and today I won the battle over procrastination.) There’s a date on the detector for expiration - mine expired in June of 2025 - and like clockwork it’s started chirping right around then. So you might want to check the date on the front of yours. My 400 is a 2021 model but I took ownership of it in summer of 2020. I think those detectors are only good for 5 years. It was pretty easy to replace using wago connectors and the original wiring connected to the new units 12v lines. I got the exact same part off Amazon (a year ago! 😂) It’s done now and no more chirping. 😊

Bill&Suze · September 18

Thanks to both of you. The article that @pthomas745 mentioned was good information and I took a vacuum to it. Per @kellyw's suggestion I checked the expiration date and it's August 2028. So, it's anyone's guess whether the unit has failed or if it's the RV antifreeze fumes it doesn't like, or if there was a dust buildup. I'll continue monitoring it another day and then perhaps replace it.

T@B 400 BD propane/CO sensor sounding alarm

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