Date:         Wed, 13 Oct 2004 14:16:09 -0700
Reply-To:     Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jeffrey Earl <jefferrata@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Converting Coleman Catalytic Heater to LP tank?
Comments: cc: afox@CNR.COLOSTATE.EDU
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Andrew wrote:
"If [that is] true than why have so many people died
while using an unvented catalytic heater in a tent or
vehicle?


Andrew, the key to your question lies in the word
"unvented", as the Coleman heaters clearly state that
the user must provide PROPER VENTILATION. When proper
ventilation is supplied, as specified in the
instructions, I believe these catalytic heaters do not
produce dangerous levels of CO. The instances of death
you describe were likely not the first time a consumer
failed to follow the instructions for a product,
resulting in injury or death. I can see why Coleman,
from a liability standpoint, would not encourage users
to run the heater while asleep, nor introduce the
unknown quantity of a third-party CO detector.

My personal experiences are exactly that; not
suggestions or recommendations, and I can certainly
understand why fellow Vanagoneers might in the
interest of safety choose to completely disregard my
personal experiences and instead simply wear an extra
hat to bed.

On a related note, some small space heaters now have
an "ODS", or Oxygen Depletion System, which shuts off
the heater before ambient oxygen drops to a dangerous
level. I have found only one such "ODS"-equipped model
in a compact size suitable for Westy camping, the Mr.
Heater "Portable Buddy Heater", Model No. MH9B. About
$80
http://www.mrheater.com/productdetail.asp?id=678
There is a good article by the US Consumer Product
Safety Commission regarding such heaters at:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml03/03021.html

Unfortunately, even at its lowest output setting of
4000 BTUs, it consumes a standard 16-ounce LP cylinder
in about six hours. It should also be noted that
"oxygen depletion" is not the same as "dangerous CO
levels". Draw your own conclusions.

Jeffrey Earl
1983 diesel Westfalia "Vanasazi"
http://www.vanthology.com/








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