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Topic: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice (Read 527 times) previous topic - next topic

Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

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
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #1 –
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.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #2 –
Absolutely second Tom's advise.

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #3 –
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. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #4 –
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
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #5 –
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
Ed Pan, M.D.
2002 U320 40'

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
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
Jim

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. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #7 –
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.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #8 –
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 ?
Dave W. (AKA Toyman )
'03, 270, 36', Build 6095, Pulling whatever I hook it to.

"Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened."
Dr Seuss
 

Re: Auto deploy fire extinguisher options for refrig-need advice

Reply #9 –
I ask that question of Mac last year.  His answer s that the halon will outlast the combustible hydrogen gas by a large margin.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer