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rockies
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# Posted: 14 Feb 2018 07:33pm
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Many smaller rooms or cabins use small direct vent propane heaters, but some people still use unvented heaters. Certain additional codes apply if the appliance is used in a bedroom or bathroom.
http://www.propane101.com/lpgasspaceheaters.htm
LP Gas Space Heater Location Exceptions
Although it is recommended that direct vent LP Gas space heaters be installed in rooms normally kept closed, unvented indoor propane space heaters are permitted to be installed in bedrooms and bathrooms provided the following requirements are met:
1.Bathrooms may have one listed wall-mounted propane space heater as long as the heater's input rating does not exceed 6,000 BTU/hr and is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS).
2.Bedrooms may also have one listed wall-mounted propane room heater as long as the heater's input rating does not exceed 10,000 BTU/hr and the heater is equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor.
Safely shutting down the heater if oxygen levels become too low is the purpose of an ODS. The oxygen depletion sensor detects the absence of needed oxygen and will automatically shut off an unvented space heater. This safety mechanism works to keep the heater from using available oxygen that is needed for people in enclosed areas, such as rooms.
A propane indoor space heater without an ODS installed in a room can cause asphyxiation and Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Also keep in mind that wall mounted room heaters are subject to installation requirements as previously discussed.
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darz5150
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# Posted: 14 Feb 2018 08:55pm - Edited by: darz5150
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Mine has the sensor. It is VERY sensitive. If it gets any dust in it, it will shut everything off including the pilot light. Also as a side note. The ceramic plaque type seems to be more fuel efficient than the blue flame type. Haven't had a problem with either type, and haven't had to repair or replace any parts.
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razmichael
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2018 07:02am
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Just a safety side note - USE A CARBON MONOXIDE (CO) DETECTOR whether your heater has an ODS or not. I have seen (not saying in this thread) a misconception that an ODS will prevent CO production and poisoning. CO production is normally caused by incomplete combustion and, although an ODS will reduce the risk of this by shutting down the heater, low oxygen is not the only cause of incomplete combustion and CO release. Example reference from Iowa State U
"One cause of carbon monoxide poisoning from unvented heaters– incomplete combustion caused by lack of air–has been virtually eliminated in newer heaters by use of Oxygen Depletion Sensors (ODS). Unfortunately, the ODS does not respond to incomplete combustion caused by improper gas pressure; dust, dirt, or rust on the burner; incorrect placement of artificial logs in a gas fireplace; or disruption of the burner by air currents. CO poisoning from unvented heaters remains a concern."
Not to mention the simple case where the ODS fails.
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rockies
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# Posted: 15 Feb 2018 07:52pm
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That is why I always advocate using only direct vented heaters, so no combustion (or its byproducts) come into the interior.
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