When to Replace Your RV Gas Detector
Every RV gas detector has a hard 5-year service life. After that, the sensor degrades silently and may fail to alarm at the proper threshold. Here's how to know when yours is due.
The 5-year clock
Both propane and CO sensor elements degrade over time. Catalytic and semiconductor propane sensors slowly poison; electrochemical CO cells exhaust their electrolyte. After 5 years, the sensor may still appear to power on and self-test green — but it can no longer reach proper sensitivity at the alarm threshold. This is the worst possible failure mode for life-safety equipment: it looks like it's working, but it isn't.
How to find the start date
SENSYX SRC2000-S and PRC2000 detectors have the retail-sale start date printed on the rear or side housing. The 5-year clock begins on that date. Add 5 years — that's your replacement deadline.
For older detectors (Safe-T-Alert, Atwood, Briidea, original PANGAEA PRG1000 / PRC2000), check the back of the unit for a manufacture date or sensor-expiration sticker. If you cannot find one, assume the unit is at end-of-life and replace.
Other replacement triggers
Yellow / fault LED is on
Sensor self-diagnostic has detected a fault. Some faults are recoverable (power cycle, dust on sensor surface), but a persistent yellow indicator after troubleshooting means the unit is at end-of-life.
False alarms with no smell or symptom
Sensors becoming over-sensitive as they age is a known degradation pattern. If you're getting alarms with no propane smell (mercaptan is added so leaks are detectable by nose) and no CO symptoms (headache, nausea), the sensor is likely failing.
Failure to alarm during cooking / heater test
Some RV owners do a yearly "test" by holding a low concentration of butane or propane near the detector. If the unit fails to alarm during a known-positive test, replace immediately.
Physical damage
Water ingress, impact, or chemical exposure (cleaning solvents, bug spray sprayed near the sensor inlet) can permanently damage the sensor element. Replace the unit; do not try to recalibrate.
What to replace it with
If your existing unit is Safe-T-Alert / Atwood / Briidea / PANGAEA — direct-fit upgrade
SRC2000-S Surface → · PRC2000 Flush →
Want to identify the right model first?
Don't wait
An expired gas detector is worse than no detector — it gives you false confidence. CO is odorless and propane leaks settle silently. The 5-year clock is conservative for a reason. Replace on schedule.