Panel Bowing

[Art-n-Marge]

First, it's probably a propane alarm. Carbon monoxide monitors are mounted high, propane alarms are low.

I think the wood has warped. These are very thin sheets and I've seen this happen. Coupled with the extra weight of the propane alarm this could have helped a piece of thin veneer-like wood to warp.

This probably happened at the factory. When thin pieces of wood are stored for long periods they cool down a lot. Before using them the pieces should be set aside for a day (or two) to allow it to warm up to the climate of the installation. If you don't do this warping can occur. I've also seen this problem with wood flooring and it isn't allowed enough time to cure to the ambient temperature.

My propane alarm is attached to a panel similar to this but the panel is very small and the chance of warping decreases with the size of the panel. I'm guessing your panel is larger and therefore has a greater chance of warping especially with the extra weight of even that propane alarm.

For fixing it, I can't help you there other than replacing it which could be a lot of work because of its location.