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Refrigerator Fires

Yahoo Message Number: 79702
There have been, lately, a lot of discussions about refrigerator fires. It seems that one manufacturer, Norcold, is the one nentioned. Are there other manufacturers having similar problems or is Norcold the main culprit? Does anyone have other info and would like to share it with me. Thanks Fritz 98 Allure 30223

Re: Refrigerator Fires

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79705
Norcold and Dometic have the majority of RV absorption type refrigerators.
Norcold has had the publicity lately since they have issued multiple recalls to provide a heat sensor to shut down the refrigerator if it overheats. This does not even attempt to fix the problem causing the overheat situation but simple shut it down requiring an authorized tech to redo the recall with the latest update.
Dometic uses all the same technology and has had some fires but has not issued a recall or band aid fix. They have been lucky enough to stay out of the limelight.
The Norcold makes the 4 door refrigerator that is so popular on the higher end coaches we all have and keep track of.
Many have installed residential electric only refrigerators in part to avoid the fire hazard.
Other benefits of the residential refers is they stay cold and they tend to provide more storage for food.

Bob Wexler

SOB with Residential Refrigerator

Re: Refrigerator Fires

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 79717
Fritz - The Norcold failures and fires is an outrage!! I've been through a cooling unit replacement chronicled here: http://www.muniac.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68#Post68 At the bottom of that write-up there are some links to technical information you may find useful. Luckily I didn't take the big burn. This situation has gotten so bad mention of it was made in our insurance policy this go around.
Tons of information exists on the internet about this. The gas absorption cooling units aren't a problem, theoretically. It's how the designers and manufactures implement them. In Norcold's case, I think they went the cheapest route they could leaving the unsuspecting user with a fire bomb. Money flowed up in the organization not into the end product. As far as Norcold is concerned, they owe money. And a lot of it to the victims of their irresponsible design. How do we collect?? Until we can get good stuff, the burden of keeping tabs on safety falls on our shoulders. And you never know when and where the next crisis will be. I wonder how those poor souls felt when their tag axles fell of the back of their bus?? Yup - It's getting that ridiculous.
As for my Norcold 1200LRIM, it's working fine now. I keep a close eye on it, however. I hope this information is helpful to you. Good luck and be careful.

At 05:44 PM 5/29/2012, you wrote: