On Mon, 5 Jun 2006 10:49:24 -0400, "GBM"
wrote:

Two questions:

1. Remote Solenoid switch

My Seaward propane switch is powered from the main panel supply. But this
could be a potential safety problem. If the main panel switch/breaker trips
or is accidentally switched on and off, the propane solenoid will switch on
and off and could cause propane to flow to an unlit stove.

The burners should be left in the "off" position when the stove is not
in use, so you don't depend on the solenoid being off to stop the flow
of propane. (I had a solenoid valve that didn't close completely, due
to some junk in it). Most propane stoves have built-in safety devices
that will prevent the burners from passing propane if they are not
lit.

Should the propane switch be hot wired from the house battery?

The propane solenoid should be controlled through the propane
detectors.

2. Propane Detectors

My propane detectors (have two) are powered from a fused switch on the main
panel. This means we must remember to turn them on before activating the
propane solenoid.

Should the detectors be:
- hot wired to the battery like bilge pump (not good because of continuous
battery drain.)
- wired to main battery switch (so they come on whenever we have power
turned on from house batteries)
- wired so they activate when solenoid switch is turned on (probably not
good due to start-up delay in detectors.)

Does ABYC address this? How are modern boats wired for propane? (OK - that
two more questions )

I believe that ABYC requires the propane solenoid valve to be
controlled by the propane detector.


GBM


--
Peter Bennett, VE7CEI
peterbb4 (at) interchange.ubc.ca
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