mowermech wrote: "I don't think it is too good of an idea to have an open flame near a gas pump."
That's true, and it is illegal in many states/localities.
However, exactly what IS an "OPEN FLAME"?
The flame in a frig is pretty well shrouded, not at all like a stove top (definitely "open") or a water heater(pretty much "open") or a cigarette lighter (definitely "open")...
Think about it...
The flame or electrical igniter of a RV frig and RV water heater is considered by the National Fire Protection Association to be a "Open Flame" or "Spark". "Shrouded" does not qualify, it must be "sealed". Same with any electrical relays or ignition devise that is not properly sealed. This is all covered under the National Electrical Code and the NFPA adopted codes. For the electrical part, check out: NEC - Preventing Fires at Gas Pumps. I have posted the NPFA code in the past.
mowermech wrote: "I don't think it is too good of an idea to have an open flame near a gas pump."
That's true, and it is illegal in many states/localities.
However, exactly what IS an "OPEN FLAME"?
The flame in a frig is pretty well shrouded, not at all like a stove top (definitely "open") or a water heater(pretty much "open") or a cigarette lighter (definitely "open")...
Think about it...
I'm not sure about your refrigerator but if I remove my exterior refrigerator cover, I can see the flame. Gasoline fumes don't need to have the exterior cover removed to get to the flame. To me it is a non-issue since I run my refer on AC ALL of the time. Like I said, my coach has an inverter that is working while I drive down the road, and I use it to power my refer. I see no reason to use propane when I have another power source sitting right there.
mowermech wrote: "I don't think it is too good of an idea to have an open flame near a gas pump."
That's true, and it is illegal in many states/localities.
However, exactly what IS an "OPEN FLAME"?
The flame in a frig is pretty well shrouded, not at all like a stove top (definitely "open") or a water heater(pretty much "open") or a cigarette lighter (definitely "open")...
Think about it...
No, while fueling (propane, gasoline or diesel if gas at the diesel island), ALL propane appliances should be OFF. Again the appliance OFF, not propane at the tank.
That is because your refrigerator, water heater or furnace could turn on (i.e. SPARK) while refueling.
AMEN to that!! And if people say its not that big of spark....let them take a tiny screwdriver and stick in there when its trying to ignite....stand back about 6-8 feet to catch them....
2000 Country Coach Allure; Cummins ISC 330 HP; 71/2 - 8 MPG regardless
2002 Jeep Liberty
I have a TRAVEL trailer with an LP device DESIGNED to keep my food cold. I use it. BTW, I have never filled my gas tank in an enclosed station, in fact there is so much natural ventilation it would be a remote possibility of igniting fumes concentrated enough to explode and I find it better to put the fuel into the fuel tank rather than squirting it everywhere. When there is a ordinance that prevents it from being on I will turn it off. Bigger chance of my cell phone causing an explosion at the pump IMO.
Always run fridge on propane except when plugged into 50 amps or in storage. It barely uses any propane. Never turn propane off and never have had an issue.
fla-gypsy wrote: When there is a ordinance that prevents it from being on I will turn it off.
Almost every state has adapted a fire code and require the local communities to adopt the same fire code, and most all fire codes are written by NFPA. That fire code is the local ordinance that requires no open flame or electrical ignition spark with in a protected area around the pump island. All gas stations are built subject to the code that says no open flame or spark within the protected area around the pump island and tank vents! Ignorance of the law is no excuse in court.
I am amazed that so few people know this stuff, but them having hauled petroleum products for the last 20 plus years of my working life, I have been amazed to see the unsafe, stupid, things done at gas stations. I always felt safer at the refinery than I did at gas stations. Those guys at the refineries had repect for petroleum products!!!
fla-gypsy wrote: When there is a ordinance that prevents it from being on I will turn it off.
Almost every state has adapted a fire code and require the local communities to adopt the same fire code, and most all fire codes are written by NFPA. That fire code is the local ordinance that requires no open flame or electrical ignition spark with in a protected area around the pump island. All gas stations are built subject to the code that says no open flame or spark within the protected area around the pump island and tank vents! Ignorance of the law is no excuse in court.
I am amazed that so few people know this stuff, but them having hauled petroleum products for the last 20 plus years of my working life, I have been amazed to see the unsafe, stupid, things done at gas stations. I always felt safer at the refinery than I did at gas stations. Those guys at the refineries had repect for petroleum products!!!
That would be the same ordinance that says no smoking, cell phones, put the container on the ground, yada, yada, yada, that everyone ignores yet fires at a gas pump are relatively rare still. the risk is very small when you get right down to it. Yeah I know about it.
"yet fires at a gas pump are relatively rare still. the risk is very small when you get right down to it."
There's the key to the whole argument: RARE occurences, VERY low risk.
Actually, to the point of being nearly non-existent risk.
"BUT, it COULD happen!" Yes, it is true, it COULD happen.
BUT, considering the tens of thousands of fuelings that take place every day, with NO problems, which is more likely to happen; will you get eaten by a bear in Yellowstone Park, or will you blow up a gas station?
Think about it.
CM1, USN (RET)
2002 Fleetwood Southwind 32V, Ford V10
Toad: 2006 Jeep Rubicon LJ
Other toad: '06 PT Cruiser, Kar Kaddy dolly
Toy: 1977 Dodge W100 CC SWB, 3/4 ton axles & springs
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