Carbon monoxide is known as the silent killer. In a sealed campervan, a faulty heater can kill you in hours. A CO alarm is the most important safety device in your van.
Bottom Line
A £20 FireAngel CO-9D and a 5-minute installation. If you have a gas heater, diesel heater, gas cooker, or wood burner in your van, this is non-negotiable.
Why Van Lifers Are at Risk
Every van with a gas or diesel heater produces CO during combustion. In a house, CO dissipates through ventilation. In a campervan, the space is tiny and sealed. A cracked heat exchanger on your blown-air heater or a blocked flue on your wood burner releases CO directly into your living space. Symptoms of CO poisoning: Headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness. You go to sleep and do not wake up.
Legal Requirements
UK law does not require a CO alarm in a private campervan (it is required in rental caravans and motorhomes). However:
- Your insurance may require one (check your policy)
- MOT testers may fail a campervan that has a gas appliance and no CO alarm (discretionary in 2025, likely mandatory from 2026)
- It is simply the right thing to do
Best CO Alarms for Vans
| Alarm | Sensor Type | Display | Battery | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FireAngel CO-9D | Electrochemical | Digital | 7-year sealed | £20 | Best value, reliable |
| Kidde 10LLDCO | Electrochemical | Digital | 10-year sealed | £25 | Long life, good for vans |
| Nest Protect | Electrochemical | Split-spectrum | AA batteries + 10yr | £100 | Smart alerts, room-to-room comms |
| Ei Electronics Ei208 | Electrochemical | Digital | 10-year sealed | £30 | Professional grade, used in caravans |
Recommended: FireAngel CO-9D
Simple, reliable, affordable. The 7-year sealed battery means no battery changes. It tests itself monthly with an audible beep. It has a digital display showing CO levels in parts per million. Mounts with screws or adhesive pads.
Where to Mount
- Height: At head height (CO mixes with air, unlike smoke which rises). Mount at sleeping level.
- Distance from heater: 1-3m from the heater. NOT directly above it (false alarms from heat).
- Not in: Cupboards, behind curtains, near vents or windows (drafts reduce accuracy). Best location: On the wall opposite the heater, at pillow height. You want the alarm to wake you up if CO reaches dangerous levels while you sleep.
How Many Do You Need?
One if your living area is a single room (most vans). If you have a separate cab or a partitioned area (garage conversion), fit one in each sleeping area.
Testing and Maintenance
- Test monthly (press the test button)
- Vacuum dust off the sensor vents every 3 months
- Replace the unit when the end-of-life alarm sounds (7-10 years)
- Do not paint over the alarm
CO Poisoning First Aid
- If the alarm sounds, open all doors and windows immediately
- Turn off all fuel-burning appliances
- Get out of the van
- Call 999 or 111
- Do not re-enter until the alarm stops and the source is identified
