Gas & Heating
What is a Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm?
The single most important safety device in the van — detects the gas you can't see, smell or taste.
Simplified animation — not to scale.
In plain English
Carbon monoxide can build up from a faulty heater, blocked flue, or gas appliance used without enough ventilation — and it's completely undetectable to human senses. This alarm is your only real warning.
How it works
An electrochemical sensor reacts specifically to CO in the air and sounds an alarm well before levels become dangerous, giving you time to ventilate and get out.
Signs of trouble
- ⚠Alarm sounding — get everyone outside into fresh air immediately, turn off gas appliances, and don't go back in until it's safe
- ⚠Alarm past its expiry date (usually printed on the unit, typically 5–7 years) — replace it, don't ignore it
- ⚠Unusual drowsiness, headaches or nausea inside the van — treat as a possible CO warning even without the alarm sounding
Rough UK cost
£15 – £40 for the unit itself.
Ballpark only — depends on your van, converter and local labour rates.
Heads up: CamperAutonomy is for general guidance only. Anything gas-related must be signed off by a Gas Safe engineer with LPG endorsement.