Switch Replacement
This is the type of switch you see in most RV's. It is a typical on/off switch.
There is a reason that RV's are required to have fire extinguishers onboard. My son, the fireman, tells me that if I have a miniature fire (the size of a tissue box for instance) then use it, if it is larger then get out immediately and call 911. Let it burn to the ground, insurance will replace most of it, and you can't be replaced for any amount of money. The problem is not the fire (you will be long dead before the fire ever gets to your body). The problem is the toxic gas produced by the fire will knock you unconscious - that's why they say to drop to the ground and crawl fast when there is overhead smoke. Never go back in for pets, let them come out on their own. OK, so what causes fires in RV's. I can't find any stats that talk specifically about RV's but in regular houses many fires are caused by faulty electric connections. Here is an example of a faulty RV electric switch:
How do you determine if switches are faulty? You can take the switch cover off and inspect them. If you feel the switch cover and it is warm to the touch - you have a dangerous problem. One night when I went to turn off the switches in the 4 switch model, I noticed that it felt warm. I removed the switch cover to discover that one of the switches was scorched and melted. The male piece of the switch broke off and stayed in the female bayonet connector when I tried to disconnect it from the switch. We need to be vigilant about inspecting and maintaining our own RV systems. I went to the nearest RV parts store and purchased a new switch and installed it. I also cut the old connectors off the wires leading to the switch and replaced these with new electrical female bayonet connectors. 
The lesson learned here is to be alert to your RV systems and when something doesn't seem right - investigate before it becomes a larger problem. RV dealers are really good about repairing factory mistakes, but you are responsible for finding the mistakes and getting them corrected. Jim
There is a reason that RV's are required to have fire extinguishers onboard. My son, the fireman, tells me that if I have a miniature fire (the size of a tissue box for instance) then use it, if it is larger then get out immediately and call 911. Let it burn to the ground, insurance will replace most of it, and you can't be replaced for any amount of money. The problem is not the fire (you will be long dead before the fire ever gets to your body). The problem is the toxic gas produced by the fire will knock you unconscious - that's why they say to drop to the ground and crawl fast when there is overhead smoke. Never go back in for pets, let them come out on their own. OK, so what causes fires in RV's. I can't find any stats that talk specifically about RV's but in regular houses many fires are caused by faulty electric connections. Here is an example of a faulty RV electric switch:How do you determine if switches are faulty? You can take the switch cover off and inspect them. If you feel the switch cover and it is warm to the touch - you have a dangerous problem. One night when I went to turn off the switches in the 4 switch model, I noticed that it felt warm. I removed the switch cover to discover that one of the switches was scorched and melted. The male piece of the switch broke off and stayed in the female bayonet connector when I tried to disconnect it from the switch. We need to be vigilant about inspecting and maintaining our own RV systems. I went to the nearest RV parts store and purchased a new switch and installed it. I also cut the old connectors off the wires leading to the switch and replaced these with new electrical female bayonet connectors. The lesson learned here is to be alert to your RV systems and when something doesn't seem right - investigate before it becomes a larger problem. RV dealers are really good about repairing factory mistakes, but you are responsible for finding the mistakes and getting them corrected. JimLabels: Electrical, Safety
posted by Jim Twamley at
1/06/2007 11:05:00 AM
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