Date:         Fri, 5 Nov 2010 08:39:13 -0500
Reply-To:     mcneely4@COX.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mcneely <mcneely4@COX.NET>
Subject:      Re: Some potentially stupid actions
Comments: To: craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <AANLkTi=h0a2WHM6WEveQZp7-mrep+5=RbVqsHna2ZGSx@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

---- craig cowan <phishman068@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> I don't believe that for a second. Yes, it would be most safe to shut it off
> at the source....
> but the way the Dometic fridge works (assuming a functioning thermocouple),
> if no heat source is detected the gas is shut off. I've tested this on a
> bench blowing out the flame plenty of times.

the warning in the camper manual is about driving, not bench testing.  Sure, there is a thermocouple, and it works.  If it fails, most likely it will fail to keep the valve at the flame open, rather than the other way around.  That's the most common failure in older home furnaces and water heaters -- the thermocouple eventually burns out and fails to keep the valve open, so the standing pilot is shut off.

But, we are not talking about a stationary home appliance, or a bench test when the refrigerator is being operated on propane in a moving vehicle.  I follow the warning in the manual.  That's why the Dometic has a battery mode.
David McNeely