Electrical Wire Fire

Mex,

As a fellow EE (PE), I have to say that we probably have a greater respect (some say fear) of electricity than most. We know what can and will happen if we don't do our job right the first time!

To add to the discussion on smoke detectors: Ionizing detectors are not very well suited for high elevations. The dual chamber version is a good option if you camp at both high and low elevations. As smoke detectors age, they actually tend to become more sensitive and result in false alarms (and thus become ignored or disconnected).

glennts wrote:
Would this type of incident cause enough of an increase in amp draw that a night time amp monitor/alarm could trigger when the draw is > normal overnight. If so then you would be alerted before the smoke/fire stage.

Generally overheating due to a loose connection will cause Less current (amps) so a monitor described above won't help.

The connection overheats because the additional resistance caused by the loose connection causes a voltage drop across the connection. The combination of current going through the connection and the voltage drop across it results in it dissipating wattage (volts X amps). Since the connection is not a normal load, it overheats. An ideal connection would have no resistance so it wouldn't drop any voltage. A realistic connection has low enough resistance that it drops a small enough voltage that it doesn't overheat at the current it is rated for.

Since it is a combination of voltage & amperage, a connection that would work OK with a light load may overheat when heavily loaded.

Would this type of incident cause enough of an increase in amp draw that a night time amp monitor/alarm could trigger when the draw is > normal overnight. If so then you would be alerted before the smoke/fire stage.

Pauljdav wrote:
+I suppose this is another reason to use my infra red thermometer to see if the electrical box is running hotter than it should.

Now this is a good precautionary tool. I have used an infrared thermometer for other things... I will be adding another use to the list.

Real good stuff here. I am gonna make sure I have the type discussed in my fifth wheel.

thanks

Your welcome Mex, after surviving more than one electrical fire as an OTR driver over the years I too am terrified of nighttime fires.

IAMICHABOD,

Thank you for that Kidde update. A heavy dose of overheated insulation and plastic fumes can lead to dangerous respiratory problems long after a person may survive expose to them. Not only that, the odor and many synthetic fabrics seem to have a synergistic affinity for one another. Afraid of lightning and terrified of night-time electrical fires - some electrical engineer I am... :(

Very informative thread, I think I'll go through and check all my buss screws for tightness (with shore power disconnected, of course).

I'll second the thoughts on wire nuts - there's a reason they aren't used in automotive connections.

NHIrish wrote:
For information purposes, there are 2 types of smoke detectors; ion and photo electric. The ion are the cheaper that you see installed everywhere. They are best at detecting flaming fires. The PE detectors are more expensive and are best at detecting smoking fires. You should have both to protect yourself.

And both should be replaced every 10 years.

To expound on this,What is needed is a dual chamber detector that will detect CO and smoke from a slow smoldering fire such as may start in a R/V because of electrical fires and fast burning smokeless fires.

After a lot of research.

This is what I found.
A Kidde KN-COSM-XTR-B
That seemed to be best suited for this kind of application.

Like This

They now can be bought at Home Depot, also At Amazon.

Amazon

I suggest you read all the info and make your decision on this but I replaced the ones in my Class C with this one.They are rated for 7 years
and most are only rated for 5,If your RV is older than 5 years old and they haven't been changed they are most likely no good. Mine needed to be replaced so this was a good deal for me.

Just a reminder,a first line of defense is always the best. Check those smoke detectors and replace them if needed,all have a date on them and how long they are good for. If they don't, toss them.

While it is important to know all of your emergency exits it is also
important to be warned early,especially if you are older or have mobility issues or have small children.

I hope that this helps,It is better to be safe than sorry and it is a small price to pay for security and peace of mind.

+I suppose this is another reason to use my infra red thermometer to see if the electrical box is running hotter than it should.