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  #21  
Old 10-28-2016, 04:48 AM
Malndi Malndi is offline
 
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Default Domestic CO detectors

I wont comment on dedicated aviaton CO detectors, but if you're still using an old black-spot type I'd suggest that domestic CO detectors have improved and some are worth considering for use in experimental aircraft. Any CO detector that complies with the performance requirements standardised in EN50291-2010 will have appropriate exposure levels and response times.

My RV now has a hardware store CO detector like this positioned on the lower right side near the heater outlet:
http://www.quell.com.au/collections/...-display-alarm

Not saying don't use an aviation CO detector, but I don't think a compliant domestic CO detector is any less safe, and would surely provide a better level of safety than a black-spot type. And the independent 10 year power supply is nice.
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  #22  
Old 10-28-2016, 10:14 PM
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RV7A Flyer RV7A Flyer is offline
 
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Mike Busch has a great webinar on CO monitors, and why home monitors are *not* a good solution for aviation.

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=4598110268001
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  #23  
Old 10-29-2016, 04:39 AM
Malndi Malndi is offline
 
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Location: Sydney Australia
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Default Beware of generalisations about CO detectors

Quote:
Originally Posted by RV7A Flyer View Post
Mike Busch has a great webinar on CO monitors, and why home monitors are *not* a good solution for aviation.

http://www.eaavideo.org/video.aspx?v=4598110268001
Saw the webinar some time ago and I encourage people to watch it. As always, Mike presents some very good information. But Mike is up front that he is giving his own opinions about alarm thresholds, and for that reason, that aspect of the webinar warrants some critical evaluation. That's what led me to a domestic CO detector that is right for my aircraft and that I have a high level of confidence in.

The basis of Mike's criticsm of domestic CO detectors is they have an alarm threshold of 70ppm after 4 hours, which he says is too high and I don't disagree.

That high alarm threshold may be true of all domestic CO detectors sold in the US, I don't know, I haven't studied their specifications. But it's not true of the domestic CO detector that I have in the RV, nor is it true of any CO detector that complies with the European standard, which will alarm at 50ppm after 60 minutes or at 300ppm in less than 3 minutes. Certainly more sensitive than 70ppm after 4 hours.

My CO detector is designed for mobile use (boats, campervans etc) so it's robust and a much better alternative to the black spot type. For less than $50 I think a domestic CO detector with appropriate alarm thresholds presents a compelling safety argument for renters or owners not wanting a panel mount.

Coincidentally, the CO detector in my RV alarmed for the first time today. The engine was not running at the time. I was about to take an aircraft mechanic for a local flight and as he was climbing into the passenger seat the CO detector chirped twice. He had just come from ground running a radial engine and I'm assuming he brought a cloud of CO along in his clothes. That's sensitive enough for me.

Last edited by Malndi : 10-29-2016 at 05:40 AM.
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  #24  
Old 11-16-2016, 04:45 AM
Selma Selma is offline
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Berlin, Germany
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Malndi View Post
My CO detector is designed for mobile use (boats, campervans etc) so it's robust and a much better alternative to the black spot type. For less than $50 I think a domestic CO detector with appropriate alarm thresholds presents a compelling safety argument for renters or owners not wanting a panel mount.
Malndi,
What brand/model is your CO detector? Would you mind to give us a hint where it is from? Thanks !
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  #25  
Old 11-16-2016, 01:02 PM
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rvbuilder2002 rvbuilder2002 is offline
 
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CO detectors are not a bad idea, but I think a firewall leakage test should be higher priority.

In a dark hangar, have someone pan a bright light over the entire fwd face of the firewall while you are inside looking from the rear. There should be zero light penetration to the back side,
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  #26  
Old 11-17-2016, 12:16 AM
Malndi Malndi is offline
 
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Location: Sydney Australia
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Selma View Post
Malndi,
What brand/model is your CO detector? Would you mind to give us a hint where it is from? Thanks !
Pit

I found this one from a UK supplier which appears to be the same model that I bought in Australia under a different brand name:
http://www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk/D..._7DCO_2015.pdf

According to the product info it senses down to 11ppm which is quite good.
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  #27  
Old 11-30-2016, 07:03 AM
Selma Selma is offline
 
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Location: Berlin, Germany
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Thanks Malndi,
for your help! 11ppm indication is really good. I ordered one unit from Kidde in the UK , looked good for 38 ?. We'll see what will happen.

All the best and always happy and CO free landings
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