I've run across some information recently about certain models of Norcold and Dometic refrigerators having problems with fires. I know this is from the Internet so that's why I'm bringing it here, I trust the folks here not to be alarmist. That said, apparently there are 3 models that have been recalled and a fix applied. I've also heard that the fixes are not the greatest. Does any one here have any first or close second hand experience with this issue and if so is there a solution or maybe models to avoid. It would appear as if these are older models from 1996 through 2003 but I would also like to know if it is affecting any newer models where there has not been a recall yet. Just trying not to buy a lemon.
Bill and Linda said
01:21 PM Apr 12, 2019
arcaguy wrote:
I've run across some information recently about certain models of Norcold and Dometic refrigerators having problems with fires. I know this is from the Internet so that's why I'm bringing it here, I trust the folks here not to be alarmist. That said, apparently there are 3 models that have been recalled and a fix applied. I've also heard that the fixes are not the greatest. Does any one here have any first or close second hand experience with this issue and if so is there a solution or maybe models to avoid. It would appear as if these are older models from 1996 through 2003 but I would also like to know if it is affecting any newer models where there has not been a recall yet. Just trying not to buy a lemon.
I would recommend this device regardless of the age of unit.
Scroll down the page and you will see several ARP control devices. Not just the fan assemblies, the over temp "active" protection device
This device is specifically made to deal with the issue of a "boiler runaway" which is the cause of most fires. Look for some links on the page and I think you will find some very educational information as to the nominal cause of fires the issue with over temp boilers.
The protection device is not particularly expensive. I won't say it is or is not at DIY. Depends on the person. We have this device on our Dometic. We've been using "RV" fridges since the mid 70's and never had a problem. This device made sense so it is installed in our rig regardless.
I've run across some information recently about certain models of Norcold and Dometic refrigerators having problems with fires. I know this is from the Internet so that's why I'm bringing it here, I trust the folks here not to be alarmist. That said, apparently there are 3 models that have been recalled and a fix applied. I've also heard that the fixes are not the greatest. Does any one here have any first or close second hand experience with this issue and if so is there a solution or maybe models to avoid. It would appear as if these are older models from 1996 through 2003 but I would also like to know if it is affecting any newer models where there has not been a recall yet. Just trying not to buy a lemon.
I would recommend this device regardless of the age of unit.
https://www.arprv.com/products.php
Scroll down the page and you will see several ARP control devices. Not just the fan assemblies, the over temp "active" protection device
This device is specifically made to deal with the issue of a "boiler runaway" which is the cause of most fires. Look for some links on the page and I think you will find some very educational information as to the nominal cause of fires the issue with over temp boilers.
The protection device is not particularly expensive. I won't say it is or is not at DIY. Depends on the person. We have this device on our Dometic. We've been using "RV" fridges since the mid 70's and never had a problem. This device made sense so it is installed in our rig regardless.
Bill
Here is the recall info websites:
https://norcold.com/recall-information/
Official, but limited Dometic Recall info: http://67.238.126.140/
Info from Escapees RVForum website: http://www.rvforum.net/SMF_forum/index.php?topic=20819.0
The fix is some shielding and a safety switch if a certain area gets to hot.