Caravan alarms – gas, carbon monoxide, and smoke

Caravan alarms aren’t about stopping theft — they’re about protecting people.

Gas, carbon monoxide (CO), and smoke alarms provide early warning when something isn’t right, often long before you’d notice a problem yourself. They don’t need constant attention, but they do need to be understood and used correctly.

This page explains the different alarm types, what they’re for, and how to use them sensibly without turning safety into anxiety.

The three main types of caravan alarm

Although they’re often grouped together, each alarm type serves a very different purpose.

Carbon monoxide (CO) alarms

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas produced by incomplete combustion. In caravans, potential sources include:

  • Gas heaters

  • Cookers and ovens

  • Water heaters

  • Barbecues used incorrectly

A CO alarm detects dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in the air and sounds before levels become harmful.

Key point:
A CO alarm protects people, not appliances — and it’s essential.

Gas alarms (LPG)

Gas alarms are designed to detect leaked LPG (propane or butane).

Because LPG is heavier than air, gas alarms are usually fitted low down, close to floor level.

They can help detect:

  • Loose connections

  • Failed hoses or regulators

  • Accidental leaks from appliances

Gas alarms don’t replace good installation or regular checks — they add an extra layer of awareness.

Smoke alarms

Smoke alarms detect smoke particles from fires and overheating materials.

In caravans, they’re commonly triggered by:

  • Cooking mishaps

  • Electrical faults

  • Soft furnishings overheating

They provide early warning so you can act quickly — particularly important in the confined space of a caravan.

Do caravans need all three?

Not always — but many modern caravans are fitted with:

  • A CO alarm as standard

  • A smoke alarm as standard

  • Optional gas alarms added by owners

CO alarms are the most critical from a life-safety perspective. Smoke alarms are strongly recommended. Gas alarms are a useful extra, especially for peace of mind.

Where alarms are usually fitted

Correct positioning matters.

Typical placements are:

  • CO alarms: at breathing height, near sleeping areas

  • Gas alarms: low down, near floor level

  • Smoke alarms: high up, usually on the ceiling

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance — caravans are small spaces, and placement affects performance.

Power sources and maintenance

Most caravan alarms are:

  • Battery powered

  • Sealed-unit with long-life batteries

  • Occasionally wired into the caravan’s 12V system

Good practice includes:

  • Testing alarms regularly

  • Replacing units at end of service life

  • Not ignoring nuisance alarms without understanding why

An alarm that’s been disabled because it’s “annoying” isn’t providing protection at all.

Common misunderstandings

  • CO alarms do not detect gas leaks

  • Gas alarms do not detect carbon monoxide

  • Smoke alarms do not replace either

Each alarm does a specific job — and none are interchangeable.

🔧 TalkWrench Tip

If an alarm sounds, don’t silence it first and investigate later.
Ventilate the caravan immediately, turn off appliances if safe to do so, and take the warning seriously — even if it turns out to be a false alarm.

Alarms as part of sensible safety

Alarms work best alongside:

  • Proper appliance servicing

  • Good ventilation

  • Correct use of heaters and cookers

  • Safe storage of gas cylinders

They’re there to catch problems early — not to compensate for unsafe practices.

The takeaway

Caravan alarms aren’t about fear — they’re about awareness.

Gas, CO, and smoke alarms quietly watch for things you can’t always see or smell, especially when you’re asleep. Used properly, they add reassurance without adding stress.

Fit the right alarms, keep them working, and then get on with enjoying the caravan.

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