BB marine
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2016
- Messages
- 2,916
- Fluid Motion Model
- C-26
- Non-Fluid Motion Model
- Grady White 208
- Vessel Name
- PORT-A-GEE
There is a lot of good information in this thread. I have always replaced Co detectors on an as needed basis. It alarms continuously, No CO present ( airing area out and alarm still chirps ) replace it. I self test yearly which is not near often enough, I actually owned the boat for a year and didn't know it was not installed properly. (My bad, it is a very important piece of safety equipment onboard a boat) When the alarm failed and I realized why. I just ordered a new marine CO detector. The original is not available anymore as discussed in the thread. I was amazed at the cost difference between the ABYC approved and a house unit. This thread has explained some of the differences.
Quote from Sailing Magazine
"There is a difference between the behavior of marine and residential carbon monoxide detectors because the presence of carbon monoxide means different things in either environment. Typically, the carbon monoxide level in a house is very low, and should never get any higher. If the level rises, it means there is a faulty combustion device (stove, furnace, dryer, etc) in the house and the occupants need to be alerted immediately. In a boat, it is acceptable for the carbon monoxide level to spike but only for short periods of time. For instance, if your boat is docked near another boat and it starts its engines, you could theoretically get a bit of carbon monoxide in the boat, even a relatively high level, but only for a short period of time. Marine detectors will note the carbon monoxide level, but will only alarm if the level stays high for a period of time. Marine detectors will typically have several concentration/duration profiles.
If you choose to use a residential unit in your boat you have a high potential of getting false-positive alarms. Additionally, the marine-specific units are better able to handle the harsh marine conditions. The marine units are worth the extra money, and I think it's the way to go in your situation."
Is there a difference between a ABYC approved CO detector and a house hold? Yes, it cost more! Yes, it is designed for marine environment. Are you putting you and your family at risk installing a Non compliant ABYC CO detector in your boat Probably not. I don't know much about these devises to answer the question correctly. So it is my choice to spend the extra $$ for a ABYC approved detector. It is a boat, that's what we do, pour money into it for our enjoyment!
The most important information to gain from this thread/topic is check your CO detector. If it is purchased from a marine store or Homedepot make sure you you selftest often to confirm it is working properly. I will be more proactive at this.
Quote from Sailing Magazine
"There is a difference between the behavior of marine and residential carbon monoxide detectors because the presence of carbon monoxide means different things in either environment. Typically, the carbon monoxide level in a house is very low, and should never get any higher. If the level rises, it means there is a faulty combustion device (stove, furnace, dryer, etc) in the house and the occupants need to be alerted immediately. In a boat, it is acceptable for the carbon monoxide level to spike but only for short periods of time. For instance, if your boat is docked near another boat and it starts its engines, you could theoretically get a bit of carbon monoxide in the boat, even a relatively high level, but only for a short period of time. Marine detectors will note the carbon monoxide level, but will only alarm if the level stays high for a period of time. Marine detectors will typically have several concentration/duration profiles.
If you choose to use a residential unit in your boat you have a high potential of getting false-positive alarms. Additionally, the marine-specific units are better able to handle the harsh marine conditions. The marine units are worth the extra money, and I think it's the way to go in your situation."
Is there a difference between a ABYC approved CO detector and a house hold? Yes, it cost more! Yes, it is designed for marine environment. Are you putting you and your family at risk installing a Non compliant ABYC CO detector in your boat Probably not. I don't know much about these devises to answer the question correctly. So it is my choice to spend the extra $$ for a ABYC approved detector. It is a boat, that's what we do, pour money into it for our enjoyment!
The most important information to gain from this thread/topic is check your CO detector. If it is purchased from a marine store or Homedepot make sure you you selftest often to confirm it is working properly. I will be more proactive at this.
