Leak detector i would like to know if a propane detector also detects ammonia

Copy following link for troubleshooting leaking water heater.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Leaking-water-heater.html

You posted question under propane gas heater.
Propane is heavier and air, and this type gas water heater should not be installed in basement (below grade) since gas leak can fill basement with explosive gas.
Water leak does not cause gas leak, so water leak is separate problem.
Recommended for propane safety: install gas detector close to floor near gas water heater
Regular Natural Gas heater, install gas detector higher on wall since NG is lighter than air and will rise.

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

Some of the propane units use ammonia as the coolant and not freon. Is the odor you are smelling anything like ammonia? If so you need to check the coils for a leak.

If you post the make and model, I will try to help further.

There are several possible causes to your problem. The first, is that your RV is parked on an incline and the ammonia that is the cooling medium has accumulated in the tube and that impacts the process required to cool. The second in that the lower control board is bad. The third is that you have lost the ammonia cooling medium from a leak in the coils.

But you should also check to see how it works on propane. If that works then it can't be anything to do with the Ammonia coolant.

http://www.gasrefrigeration.net/dom_techdata/26121_2852SM.PDF

It sounds like you have two problems. !. An ammonia leak (probably around the cooling coils). 2. A start problem. Although the two may be connected and the unit is detecting the leak, it may not be.

NOTE for #1: Leaks are detected (in small amounts of ammonia) when a lit sulfur candle is used. The candle will give off a very thick, white smoke when it contacts the ammonia leak. The use of phenolphthalein paper is also considered a good test. The smallest trace of ammonia will cause the moistened paper strip to turn pink. A large ammonia will cause the phenolphthalein paper to turn a vivid scarlet. Also some HVAC shops have ammonia leak detectors.

NOTE for #2: First, make sure that you have DC voltage to the unit, then compare the indications of the unit to the troubleshooting chart in the manual referenced.

co has no odor, that's why you have a co detector. That sweet ammonia smell is a mystery (it's not gas. Gas has a rotten egg smell). So, a service call would be a great idea.

if you have a furnace it could be detecting the exhaust emission. if none of the above then get it recalibrated or buy a new one if its cheap.

Propane is heavier than air so if the detector is mounted ABOVE the appliances that use it (or any tubing that brings the propane into the house) it (the propane) will NOT be detected, even if there is a leak. That said, the PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION of a propane appliance will still contain carbon monoxide (CO) which is lighter than air and will be detected by a properly installed detector. If you continue to get alarms and readings that differ from each other, along with no error codes on the display, it sounds like the detector is really detecting something. If the fire department cannot identify a source, try calling the Kidde "Hotline" at 1-800-880-6788 and ask if they can recommend another agency in your area to check your premises. I don't think these units detect Radon but am not sure. If your dwelling is of relatively new construction, the problem can be complicated by the fact that there is less outside air infiltration to disperse any build-up of gas/radon/CO/etc. than is typical in older construction. *Disclaimer: I am not a lawyer, despite the handle. Words to live by: "Every creative act results from a sudden cessation of stupidity." -Edwin H. Land, inventor of the Polaroid Land Camera"The problem can always be solved with the materials in the room." -My college Physics Lab

Hello .. In most places , there are no requirements for detectors in a single family residence. It is advised that the bedroom areas be protected wioth smoke detectors and each floor haver a CO2 detector , If you have propane in use in your house , then you may want a detector for that also.
In a multi family or commercial residence, the smoke and CO2 detectors are required, for each bedroom area, the common stairways, and basement.

RTealistically , with a normal sized propane tank , like on a grill , it would not be as dangerous in a large home as it would be in a camper, The propane is heavier and will stay down, and you would probably smell it before it was at a dangerous level.

I believe that they are standard on most new RV's

Please vote !!

Ammonia is just what you a re smelling as the coolant is ammonia based Your cooling unit has leaked and is done for- Sorry I had to be the one to tell you

2 choices Replace the refer or Replace the coiling unit, I would suggest replacing the refer and having a new warranty