How Long Should Life of Atwood Carbon Monoxide and Propane Sensor Last

Question:

I have an Atwood co monitor installed in my motorhome and have been traveling for 3 days running generator almost full time which is gas. Today it started alarming every few minutes. Sometimes it stops for 20-30 min then starts again. I bought it new 2 1/2 years ago after it set on lot for 16 mo. Could it have reached end of life? It is black on outside. I will try to enclose a photo.

asked by: Tamara B

Expert Reply:

The lifespan of Atwood carbon monoxide and LP sensors like the part # AT36681 that you referenced is 7 years so if you are having alarms go off at 2-1/2 years I'd recommend taking the alarms seriously. You can also make sure the batteries that it uses for power are in good shape but you should open the windows to ventilate the motorhome to make sure you aren't in danger and see if turning the generator off and with the windows open if the alarms go away.

expert reply by: Jameson C

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Steve

11/18/2021

I have an older still "new in the package" Atwood CO/LP detector. Does the 7+/- years of life start from the manufacturing date (Dec 16, 2015) or date of powering the unit up? Thanks

Les D.

11/24/2021

@Steve CO alarms have a life expectancy of around seven years. All CO alarms produced after August 1, 2009, have an end-of-life warning notification that alerts the resident that the alarm should be replaced. Based on this information, the clock starts when it was manufactured. Even if it could last longer, you will start getting alarms until you do something about it.