I've worried about this long enough and have decided to install fire extinguishing equipment around the refrigerators in two Unicoaches. I've read what I can find including the various sellers mtl but somewhat skeptical of what I'm reading there. The plan is to install this equipment now, and when lay up time comes to pull the refs, install Pierce's Hardypanel scheme, and probably replace cooling units with new Amish ones. However, I see no problem with belt and suspenders options, and need to proceed with the extinguishers as a first step. Cost is not a consideration. I realize the domestic refrigerator is a common fix but not an option here.
I'm seeing recommendations for a small halon system as the standard install but question the effectiveness of this in the well ventilated compartment where the burner, and presumably the fire danger is located. After fighting an on board fire in a boat engine room, and using what I thought was more than I would ever conceivably need fire extinguishers, and luckily having a game warden nearby toss me a couple extras, I'm a believer in having plenty of capacity. Doesn't really matter, though, because in the tight compartment of the side by side Dometics there's no room in burner area to install anything. Looks like it will take a remote mount unit, probably installed either in the cabinet above microwave or adjacent closet.
Questions:
Where should head with fusible link be installed relative to burner?
What would be the most effective extinguishing material, foam, gas or other? Not worried about cleanup or damage from agent.
What should capacity of unit be?
Has anyone thought this out who would be willing to make some recommendations? I'd sure appreciate hearing your thoughts and will document my install with pics for others who may be interested. Thanks, Chuck
Chuck, give Mac the fire guy a call. He will set you straight.
I called him last year, after my refrigerator fire, and was ready to go with his halon unit plus an ARPrv device to prevent most fires. This is the combination he has in his own coach.
I eventually went with a 12v compressor driven marine refrigerator at my insurance company's expense.
Absolutely second Tom's advise.
Keith
Took your advice. Talked to Mac. I'm comfortable with the standard unit once he explained the dynamics of operation, order placed for two units.
Hi Chuck,
Have you considered an ARP device (Absorption Refrigeration Protection) to keep the refrigerator from ever reaching combustible temperatures? Google it and see how it cuts off the refrigerator 12 VDC when ever the boiler temp goes above normal. That is designed to keep refrigerator fires from occurring
Just a thought.
Jim
Hi Jim- I'm planning to have the ARP installed when we get back to Fl. Paul Yasbeck services my coach and he will be the installer. Presently we are at Fort Wilderness TT in Minefee Ca helping with the grandkids -who will be transferring to Naples Italy in July.
Ed
I wasn't aware of this device until you mentioned it, thanks for that. Yep, order placed, completing both belt and suspenders upgrades. I'm resisting the temptation to take a thermocouple, Arduino, and about fifty hours of dinking to build something similar.
Yes, that is the way to go. I mentioned the ARPrv device in my earlier post. Mac has one in his coach. He also recommends an additional fire extinguisher in the bedroom.
I did a remote install on my refer, using halon. On reflection, I wish I had gone with foam, or just bit the dust and put in a residential refer.
I wonder about the halon snuffing the fire, then disapating and the fire reigniting.
Can we see any examples of these things actually working ?
I ask that question of Mac last year. His answer s that the halon will outlast the combustible hydrogen gas by a large margin.