Propane sensor

[Bobby P.]

Hello good people.

Should this (the propane sensor in the propane locker) be really hot? Like you can't keep you finger on it too long hot? I am wondering if this is what might be draining my starter battery too quickly.

Like to know others' experience with this.

Thanks,
Bobby

 

[CAPTCRUNCH]

I believe you're actually dealing with the on/off solenoid valve, not the sensor. If so, the following post probably applies.

Re: Propane Solenoid Problems
Postby knotflying on Fri Sep 23, 2016 5:55 pm

I recommend that you keep the propane solenoid off unless in use. The valve can get rather hot if left on. It is a solenoid and opens via electrical current and a magnetic field. Keep it off when not in use.

 

[Bobby P.]

On my boat, next to the stove, there is a round propane sensor. On the sensor there is a green light that is always on. This indicates the sensor is powered up. When we want to use the propane, we open the gas cock on the cylinder and then go back to the stove and press a button on the sensor which then shows two green lights, indicating the the sensor is on AND the solenoid is activated. Note: when the solenoid is activated, it is hot to the touch and allow propane to flow. That is one way you know it is working (hot solenoid).

Awhile back, I noticed my starter battery depleting quickly. I ended up replacing it and found the battery I pulled out was actually just find (load tested). I assumed the propane sensor was drawing down the battery, down so I planned to put in a switch that would completely shut off power to the sensor and solenoid (mounted on the battery) so that I could turn it to off when propane was not needed.

I got into the project a couple weeks ago and before starting it I did a thorough inspection of the current sensor switch and solenoid. I found that the solenoid was stuck in the "on" position. I determined this because whether the sensor switch was showing one green light or two, the solenoid remained hot and we could still use the stove.

After checking and cleaning everything up, it seemed the solenoid was no longer stuck in the on position. Now when the switch is on, the solenoid is hot to the touch. When the switch is off, the solenoid is cool.

Also, now when the switch is off, although there is still a green light on, I cannot detect much of any battery amperage dropping over night. Recently, when we have forgotten to turn the switch off, there was a noticeable depletion of the battery.

Takeaway - If you starter battery seems to b not holding a charge, check to see if you propane solenoid is warm (when the sensor indicates it is off). Also, as I've mentioned in other posts, get yourself a battery load tester. It take a lot of the guess work out and you won't end up buying a battery when you didn't need to!

Hope everyone is staying warm.

Bobby

 

[knotflying]

Glad you did a more thorough check. I would be reluctant to have a cut off switch to the sensor, which uses very little power. The sensor is always on for a reason. Ever see accumulated propane ignite? The solenoid valve does have quite a draw because it is run by an electro magnet and the fact that it does get quite hot is an indication of how much current it uses. The sensor is negligible.

 

[Alpina]

Note: when the solenoid is activated, it is hot to the touch and allow propane to flow. That is one way you know it is working (hot solenoid). Bobby

Wow. Learned something new today. I pretty much leave it on all the time when I’m on the boat. Didn’t realize how hot it got. Will be mindful to turn it off. Not too thrilled that it’s connected to the engine battery. Will look to shift it to the house bank at some point.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Toucan]

If you have a small leak in the propane line, you will have little accumulation of propane in the boat if the propane solenoid is only on when you are cooking. You can have a lot of propane accumulate from a small leak if the solenoid is left on for extended periods. This is why the boat is equipped with a solenoid having a switch in the galley and a propane detector inside the boat. It is why the propane storage tank and the solenoid are located outside the hull of the boat.

Propane is inherently dangerous on boats because it is heavier than air and can accumulate in low areas of a boat with poor ventilation. It is also explosive when mixed with air. But then, all of the other alternatives for heating and stoves are inherently dangerous also. Carbon monoxide is generated using an internal combustion engine to generate electrical power for an electric stove. Alcohol flames are very difficult to see in lighted areas. Alcohol spills are not uncommon on boats equipped with alcohol stoves. Diesel stoves also have their own safety issues.

Barry Thompson
TOUCAN, R-27 Classic