Carbon monoxide alarm and caravan battery

As far as I am aware, leakage of fumes from a battery, while they can be an irritant and sometimes dangerous if these cannot escape into the atmosphere, they should not trigger a Co2 alarm.  In any case if I am wrong, batteries should be installed in their own housing and should not vent into the accommodation area. Have you installed the alarm according to the manufacturers instructions?

peedee

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Some years back we had the same. The leisure battery (unbeknownst to us) had reached its expiry date and began leaking fumes as it became overheated. In hindsight, it was a good job our alarm sensor was screwed onto the panel under the seat backing onto the battery box, as it allowed the fumes to gradually vent into the van and was detected by the carbon monoxide alarm! We opened the battery box and it was really hot! We won’t forget that experience! 🙄

Not sure I like that idea Davy even if they are gels. Don't they have vents as well even though they don't need any maintenance/topping up?

peedee

You could try taking the alarm indoors at home for a day and see if it sounds there just to prove the new alarm is ok.

JK

You live an learn, If there was some form of combustion, I guess CO2 would be given off.

peedee

I’d just get the battery health checked and then you’ve got peace of mind 👍

I believe it’s the hydrogen that’s given off interferes with the monitor causing the activation.

yes from recall batteries cannot give off carbon monoxide but can give off hydrogen which can set off an alarm as you say but also it can be a sign of overcharging?

We had this issue back in 2021. returned to van one evening to he CO detector sounding. Vented van but could 'smell' that something was amiss and it turned out to be the leisure battery.