CO detector/alarm End of Life

[portlandtug25]

Hello All:

What I thought would be a simple unplug/plug-in swap of the Xintex Co detector ( in the cave) on my R25 SC, turns out to be a bit more complicated because the old unit (CMD-4M) is no longer available. The replacement unit ( CMD-5) doesn't have the 2-prong plug the old one has and is physically larger, has different mounting plate, etc.

Before I try to connect new wires to the 12v power supply to wire in the new one I'd like to know where the fuse is for this power supply and if there is anything else on this circuit. (the simpler way would be to just disconnect the original and mount a battery-powered unit close to the original )

Has anyone done this swap? Any advice? ( dumb question I
know--there's always advice on the Tugnuts.)

Thanks

 

[Red Raven]

I just replaced my CMD-4 with the CMD-5 a month ago. Easy peasy, the screws mount in the same holes. You do have to crimp a new connection to the 12 volt wire with butt connectors. The fuse on our R27 is in the port cockpit locker in the auxiliary fuse block (the smaller one). Don’t know if it is the same on your R25SC. I have a laminated sheet with the fuse locations from Ranger Tugs that came with the manual. It was located per that sheet. 3 amp fuse.

Curt

 

[NorthernFocus]

battery powered replacement

 

[lbrown]

I also use a battery powered detector

 

[Larry H]

Curt,

Thanks for the info. My CO detector reached EOL this past summer. I have the replacement and am going to install it soon. Now I don't have to look up the fuse location.

 

[Red Raven]

Curt,

Thanks for the info. My CO detector reached EOL this past summer. I have the replacement and am going to install it soon. Now I don't have to look up the fuse location.

Good to hear from you Larry. Are you heading north this summer?

Curt

 

[portlandtug25]

Thanks, everyone.I found my laminated diagram. It looks like there is nothing else on this circuit.

 

[asm777]

In case other Ranger/Cutwater folks end up here after they discover their CO monitors beeping... thought I'd share what I researched upon discovering that the Fireboy-Xintex CDM-4M CO detectors on our C30 are approaching End of Life and beeping incessantly.

The factory-installed CO detectors have been discontinued and replaced with a newer CMD5-M model that comes in both Battery powered (MB/MBI) and Direct wired (MD/MDI) versions.

Here's a link to PDF explaining how to replace older models with current models:
https://www.fireboy-xintex.com/wp-conte ... Alarms.pdf

Here's the manufacturer's page with more details about the different replacement options available ($154-180 each?!):
https://www.fireboy-xintex.com/marine-c ... or-cmd5-m/

I was getting confused by the different models, especially with the "Interconnect" since we have 2 units on the C30 and searched online to see else was available and found the Fireboy-Xintex units for $100-$130 on WM and this Universal CO detector on Amazon for $25 that has a sealed battery good for 10 years and a 10 year warranty (versus 7 years according to WM on the CMD5-MB and a 1 year warranty):
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00M3H78TE/

What makes the Fireboy-Xintex worth more than 4x the Universal model? Maybe the Universal model isn't designed for the marine environment or boats since it isn't marketed as such?

Apparently not, both the FX and the Universal are advertised as conforming or ETL listed to UL STD 2034. Looked that up and found it here which states:

These requirements cover electrically operated single and multiple station carbon monoxide (CO) alarms intended for protection in ordinary indoor locations of dwelling units, including recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and recreational boats with enclosed accommodation spaces and cockpit areas.

https://standardscatalog.ul.com/standar ... ndard_2034

While researching, also found reference to new ABYC A-24 standards for CO detectors for boats... so looked that up too and found:

24.5.1 Detectors shall be certified by an independent third party to meet the requirements of UL 2034, Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Detectors including the applicable sections pertaining for use on recreational boats.

...

24.9.1 Detectors shall be marked with the following:
24.9.1.1 Name of certifying body,
24.9.1.2 "Marine Carbon Monoxide Alarm" or equivalent as tested to A-24,
24.9.1.3 Replace by date - MM/YYYY or
24.9.1.3.1 Replace by: XX months after retail sale as determined by the manufacturer.
24.9.1.2 The markings shall be clearly visible as intalled.

Note: These marking are in addition to markings required under UL 2034, Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Detectors including the applicable sections pertaining to use on recreational boats.

https://cdn.ymaws.com/abycinc.org/resou ... 24_Pub.pdf

Based on the above, I'm feeling pretty good about saving $150+ given that both units are built to the same UL STD 2034... and the price difference appears to be due to the markings requirements in the A-24 publication linked above that the Universal unit doesn't comply with.

If I'm missing something and someone can point me to why I'm making a mistake not going with the Fireboy-Xintex units, please let me know as I haven't received my order yet and haven't had a chance to disconnect the beeping EOL units yet! Thanks and hope this helps others who find themselves in my shoes wondering what to do about that infernal beeping! :lol:

 

[linedoctor]

I think you’re on to something especially since the only difference appears to be the labeling, which is set by the ABYC. Maybe they’re not as resistant to the pounding a boat experiences but I don’t see anything about the expensive ones being any sturdier.

And the ABYC?

“ABYC is driven by a voluntary group of technical experts including boat builders, technicians, engineers, boat and accessory manufacturers, surveyors and investigators, retailers and dealers, yacht brokers and designers, marinas, law firms, government agencies, boat owners, insurance companies and more. As an independent consensus-based body, these industry experts work together to develop standards with the sole purpose of protecting the safety of the boating public.”

I’m guessing the accessory manufacturers had a big say in recommending the specs (markings in this case)for the specialized and very expensive units over the reasonably priced units.

 

[asm777]

One final comment on this.

I received the Universal units from Amazon.

After reviewing the physical documentation included, noted that it states (I didn't see this anywhere on the Amazon product page):

To avoid causing damage to the unit, to provide optimum protection, and to prevent unnecessary alarms. Do NOT locate this alarm:

...

● In very cold or very hot environments or in unheated buildings or outdoor rooms where the temperature can go below or above the operating range of the alarm. Maximum temperature limits for proper operation are 40°F to 100°F (4.4°C to 37.8°C)

This is in contrast to the ABYC A-24 publication which states:

24.5.1.1 Design operating temperature range = -22°F to +158°F (-30°C to +70°C).

I had assumed that since it was a subpoint under requirements of UL 2034 (25.5.1), that all UL 2034 devices were built to the above standard but apparently, that is not the case.

The big price difference between these Universal units and the Fireboy-Xintex units then is likely due to the latter being built to withstand harsher environments (which apparently aren't covered by the UL 2034 standard?).

In our operating environment, I expect that I don't need to worry about the lower limit (cold) but the 100°F could be problematic in the summers when inside temperatures in an unattended boat can soar.

My plan is to monitor the temperatures where the CO detectors are mounted over the next summer to see how high the temps get and make sure to test the alarms periodically to make sure they are in working condition. Given the significant cost differences, I think even if the units expire pre-maturely due to high temperatures, I'd still save $ replacing these cheaper units more frequently compared to just purchasing the Fireboy-Xintex units.

Given that we mostly use the boat for short outings rather than overnight trips, I'm comfortable with my decision but wanted to share so that others who may have different needs can make their own choices as this is critical safety equipment. If our use was predominantly overnight trips with lots of generator use... my decision would likely be very different!

Safe boating to all!