1994 Buccaneer Crusader has a small problem

[Hughtheboatman]

Hi Gary, it is an Electrolux RM4271.

Here's a snap of the switch cupboard. You'll see that the switch labelled 'switchboard' is in the off position. I'm wondering if that has any bearing on the lack of an active extractor fan?
The van is 'out in the sticks' with no Internet so I can't engage while there.

 

[Hughtheboatman]

I bought a new Compass in 1990. I did not have a gas leak but discovered that the heater had been installed with an 8mm compression joint. The manufacturer insisted that all operatives were fully trained and gas safety was their greatest priority. Why then did the put sealing paste on the threads?

I mentioned this on a discussion form with an AWS gas trained technician who insisted this was the correct way of doing things. Then quoted regs for mild steel threaded pipes.


John

I empathise with you, John. Training isn't what it used to be. Back in the 60s I was sent to a local steelworks where I learned how to bash raw off-mill rod into a try-square. In the second year of the OND we constructed 3-phase star and delta circuits and then tested them.
Nowadays, Regulations testing seems to have been commercialised to the point of meaningless. Recenly a lad was sent alone to a property for a certification check and by the time I arrived to help him access the property he'd filled in the form and was getting back into his van.

 

[Hughtheboatman]

I empathise with you, John. Training isn't what it used to be. Back in the 60s I was sent to a local steelworks where I learned how to bash raw off-mill rod into a try-square. In the second year of the OND we constructed 3-phase star and delta circuits and then tested them.
Nowadays, Regulations testing seems to have been commercialised to the point of meaningless. Recenly a lad was sent alone to a property for a certification check and by the time I arrived to help him access the property he'd filled in the form and was getting back into his van.

 

[otherclive]

My daughter wants a radiator removed from a lounge wall prior to a decorator arriving. She’s asked me to go round to ensure that the granddaughter’s boyfriend does it properly. He’s a plumber/heating technician. One day Dad will get a break 😂

 

[ProfJohnL]

I bought a new Compass in 1990. I did not have a gas leak but discovered that the heater had been installed with an 8mm compression joint. The manufacturer insisted that all operatives were fully trained and gas safety was their greatest priority. Why then did the put sealing paste on the threads?

I mentioned this on a discussion form with an AWS gas trained technician who insisted this was the correct way of doing things. Then quoted regs for mild steel threaded pipes.


John

I'm sorry but I'm not sure whether you were agreeing with me or not, but my reference about the sealant was related to compression fittings, which in UK caravans should not need sealant, as the copper and brass components when properly prepared and assembled have enough designed deformation to create a suitable LPG seal.

As far as I'm aware threaded steel pipe is not used in caravans. However if it were then either PTFE tape or a suitable LPG approved jointing paste would be needed on threaded steel pipes.

 

[Jcloughie]

I'm sorry but I'm not sure whether you were agreeing with me or not, but my reference about the sealant was related to compression fittings, which in UK caravans should not need sealant, as the copper and brass components when properly prepared and assembled have enough designed deformation to create a suitable LPG seal.

As far as I'm aware threaded steel pipe is not used in caravans. However if it were then either PTFE tape or a suitable LPG approved jointing paste would be needed on threaded steel pipes.

Yes, I was totally agreeing with you. Hence the highlighting of your post. And, no they don’t use steel on caravans. But my point was. You would expect a trained gas fitter not to mix up the totally different fixing methods between threaded steel and compression.

My son in law is a commercial gas fitter. A few years ago he won a contract to fit solenoid shut off valves to all schools in Devon and Dorset. One leaked. There was an enquiry. This could have led to his losing his whole business. Lab tests showed that the specified sealing paste had failed. The manufacturer put their hands up and he got paid to re-do a number of schools. He could breath again.

John