Battery operated CO detector?

[bikeoutback]

I don't want to sound dumb but is there a difference between a low oxygen sensor and a CO detector? I know the Mr. Buddy Heaters have a low oxygen sensor but I'm also looking for a backup option as a precaution not as much for in the ice house but for in a tent when using Lil buddy camping. Also occationally stay at a buddy's cousins 5th wheel and the heater on it's been acting up to where it shuts off during the day while we are out fishing and concerns me that what happens if it does it at night. My choices are not go with or pick up something that would alarm so I'm attempting the latter. Anyone know of an inexpensive battery operated CO detector/low oxygen sensor (digital readout a plus but not necessary)? Anybody else use these in any of the various houses/campers they sleep in with heaters or am I simply being over paranoid?

[acesinthehole]

I'm not sure on the first question but, I use a bid buddy in my 6.5X14. I have to different brands in mine one was 14.99 and the other was 19.99 from manerds. The 19.99 has a read out and I like the option of the screen for 5 more bucks. IMO you can never be " over paranoid " when it comes to that.

[Gus]

Yes they have battery operated CO detectors. Available at most hardware or big box stores. I have one that has a digital readout.

The low oxygen sensor is different and is not a CO detector. The low oxygen sensor is basically the pilot light. When oxygen depletes the flame can't burn as high and the thermocouple kicks off thus turning the heater off.

If you are sleeping I would get a CO detector. I think I paid $20-30 for mine.

[WhiskeyPete]

I bought a "CO detector" a few years ago. It doesn't take any batteries, but I have to feed him. He sleeps alot, but works everytime. As soon as he hears the snowmobile, he starts barking!!

[PiedmontAngler]

Exactly what I was thinking WP!

[Heft]

The low oxygen sensor shuts off the heater if the oxygen drops below 18%. Normal air has 20.9% oxygen in it. At 16% oxygen you can die. A Co alarm has no sensor for oxygen and the digital display units are not real time. That means they will not show any numbers until the unit alarms. The alarms are basicly dumbed down for the average public and will not alarm until they have been exposed to 70 ppm for over 4 hours. For children and people with heart issues, they could be effected or dead before the cheap alarms ever go off. Almost all the UL listed CO alarms are the same unless you want to spend $150 (coexperts). But whats your families life worth?

[Ed Carlson]

I don't want to sound dumb but is there a difference between a low oxygen sensor and a CO detector? I know the Mr. Buddy Heaters have a low oxygen sensor but I'm also looking for a backup option as a precaution not as much for in the ice house but for in a tent when using Lil buddy camping. Also occationally stay at a buddy's cousins 5th wheel and the heater on it's been acting up to where it shuts off during the day while we are out fishing and concerns me that what happens if it does it at night. My choices are not go with or pick up something that would alarm so I'm attempting the latter. Anyone know of an inexpensive battery operated CO detector/low oxygen sensor (digital readout a plus but not necessary)? Anybody else use these in any of the various houses/campers they sleep in with heaters or am I simply being over paranoid?

It is a misconception that the Low Oxygen Sensor on the Buddys is a CO2 detector, it is not...it is what it states it is... a "Low Oxygen Sensor"...not the same.

So yes indeed, it is very wise to add a CO2 detector to a shack as your Buddy could still function and the CO2 levels could be very dangerous or possibly in the lethal range..and you would never know.

First Alert has a economic CO2 detector, I have one in my bedroom and I also have one for portable use if I need.

[Sonicrunch]

Ed, good clarification, but I think you mean CO and not CO2.

[Ed Carlson]

Yes..I stand corrected..CO would be correct..Thanks.