Time to replace defective and potentially dangerous absorption fridge

[gondolaguy]

Well I de-editorialized the title of my thread to better pay homage to those that will stand by their absorption units. Let's face it, if we weren't risk takers - we wouldn't be piloting 50K lb tubes full of flammables at 70mph down the highway.....right?

[Darrell Snell]

(07-04-2013 10:42)gondolaguy Wrote:  Well I de-editorialized the title of my thread to better pay homage to those that will stand by their absorption units. Let's face it, if we weren't risk takers - we wouldn't be piloting 50K lb tubes full of flammables at 70mph down the highway.....right?

Well put!
But I would like to add ........while texting.

[dentmac]

Hi,
For a residential fridge-- need to consider efficiency:
so,
Sine wave is somwhat more efficient then modified sine wave inverters: see:
Sine wave vs modified

Also efficiency of fridge --:
fridges
The early 450s had a separate sine wave inverter for the fridge-- later , they had ONLY sine wave inverters
Ross

[davidbrady]

(07-04-2013 10:30)gondolaguy Wrote:  Apparently it's not only heat to worry about.

The more I read, the happier I am with my decision. I also get the concept of keeping the absorption for its versatility and with some of you it will not be a problem as you are good at monitoring and preventative diagnosis. On the other hand, this article may tip the scales for some. I'm definitely excited about getting a much more modern and feature-full replacement for almost the same cost as the repair parts too.

Please read!!!
http://www.aegiforensics.com/library/pdf...-Part1.pdf

Corey,

Don't for get "Investigating Absorption Refrigerator Fires: Part 2":
  Invest-Absorpt-Refrig-Fires-Part2.pdf (Size: 2.08 MB / Downloads: 699)

These articles were written in 2008 and every year or so they make the rounds, and every year we go thru the same fear.

I spoke with Pierce over on the ForeForums website and he allowed me to post this link. He used a 1/4" thick Hardy Backerboard to fireproof the walls and ceiling behind the refrigerator. The backboard should be cut to fit and all the seams should be filled with flameproof caulk. The idea is that if there is an escape of the Hydrogen and Ammonia, if conditions are just right with the correct air/fuel mixture and an ignition source the gasses may burn. With a Hardy backboard lined cavity combustibles are isolated from any flame allowing the small quantity of fuel to burn out and extinguish.

Absorption refrigerators have a lifetime and as they age they can corrode and if run in a non-level condition for extended periods they can overheat and the cooling unit piping can crack. To circumvent this we need to inspect them or replace the cooling unit at a reasonable interval. Mine has been running continuously for almost ten years so it's probably a good time now to open it up and replace the cooling unit and clean and fire proof the cavity.

[al perna]

My unit was replaced in 2011 by the PO with a new Norcold . did Dometic/Norcold work out the cause of the FIRE by this year model ? Can we narrow the failed units down by year or factory ?
I like the absorption fridge due to the long periods we spend Boondocking . We have learned how to work around the limited space as we did going from a 5000 sq home and 4 kids , 3 dogs , and 2 cats to a 43' motorhome . I would hate to remove a new unit if all we are doing is buying additional Life Insurance !

[tcandt]

(07-04-2013 12:49)al perna Wrote:  My unit was replaced in 2011 by the PO with a new Norcold . did Dometic/Norcold work out the cause of the FIRE by this year model ? Can we narrow the failed units down by year or factory ?
I like the absorption fridge due to the long periods we spend Boondocking . We have learned how to work around the limited space as we did going from a 5000 sq home and 4 kids , 3 dogs , and 2 cats to a 43' motorhome . I would hate to remove a new unit if all we are doing is buying additional Life Insurance !

The premium for added life insurance might be cheap. I have a neighbor at Rancho California RV Resort who burned out AFTER the recall was performed on his Norcold. Fortunately, they made it out unharmed.

[gondolaguy]

David,
This is only the second time I'm not in tune with your rationale, but I respect it's your decision and your risk. I'm actually happy my refer quit, as I would never have paid attention to the issues. I suppose I am glad it lasted long enough for the household fridges to get more efficient. I believe I'll be as happy getting the Dometic out as I was the Microphor. I simply cannot accept that the lifespan of these units is so short, that aside from the possible safety concerns.
It appears this safety concern is far more valid than the overloaded 450 front axle issue at the very least.

[gondolaguy]

(07-04-2013 14:02)davidmbrady Wrote:  Hey Corey,

I'm afraid to ask when the other time was... LOL

Starts with Micro - - - ends in 4!!!

Ok, sounds like a great idea putting the fire box back there. How many owners have done that prior to the refer going bad????

[davidbrady]

(07-04-2013 14:09)gondolaguy Wrote:  

(07-04-2013 14:02)davidmbrady Wrote:  Hey Corey,

I'm afraid to ask when the other time was... LOL

Starts with Micro - - - ends in 4!!!

Ok, sounds like a great idea putting the fire box back there. How many owners have done that prior to the refer going bad????

Oops, I edited my post and deleted it by mistake. Here it is:

Hey Corey,

I'm afraid to ask when the other time was... LOL

The gentleman that put together the Hardy backerboard fire container had a long career in the fire prevention industry. The idea of shielding fuel from combustibles is the rationale, and we've been doing it for a long time. We put electrical devices in metal boxes, fuels get stored in fuel containers, engine's get put behind firewalls, high amperage wiring is put behind fuses and circuit breakers, and webasto furnaces are contained in stainless steel enclosures. Plus, household compressor refrigerators aren't without their problems; it's always a good idea to check out reported problems and recalls related to them. Check out these publications from The National Fire Protection Agency on home fires caused by refrigerators.

I may change my stance if I can find supporting statistics to the contrary. I'm still looking for statistics that put absorption refrigerator fire risk in it's proper perspective. I'd like to see government agency statistics of recreational vehicle fires and a break out of the cause of each.

[Darrell Snell]

(07-04-2013 12:49)al perna Wrote:  My unit was replaced in 2011 by the PO with a new Norcold . did Dometic/Norcold work out the cause of the FIRE by this year model ? Can we narrow the failed units down by year or factory ?
I like the absorption fridge due to the long periods we spend Boondocking . We have learned how to work around the limited space as we did going from a 5000 sq home and 4 kids , 3 dogs , and 2 cats to a 43' motorhome . I would hate to remove a new unit if all we are doing is buying additional Life Insurance !

Hi Al
We replaced our Norcold coils with the heavier Amish one in 2012. Prior to this we had two recalls addressed by Coach Worxs and the PO had at least one recall. In my estimation these were only band aids. The recall called for installing a thermal switch clipped to one of the hot coils that would kill the power to the unit if the coil temp exceeded a certain limit.
The boiler and cartridge heater area are easy to access for visual inspection. Reading the forensic report that Dave and Cory posted might shed some light on early signs of failure.
I will post some pics of this area on my 1 year old Amish replacement when I'm at the coach again.