Fridge not running on gas

[paul_5132583]

My electrolux domestic runs on electric, but whilst attempting to switch to gas, the ignition flickers, and although i am depressing the control, and i can hear that the gas is getting through, the fridge fails to run.

Any suggestions please.

Regards Paul.

 

[Damian]

Paul,

It may be one of several things, from a faulty flame sensor to blocked jet or faulty ignition electrode.

Simple answer, get it serviced.

 

[KiwiPete]

Hi Paul,

I had a similar experience and it turned out to be because the knob that you press to ignite the flame was not going in far eneough before it hit the face plate of the fridge.

Try taking the knob off and push the spindle in and see if that works, it did for me!

I overcame the "short spindle syndrome" by putting a small packer in the knob to stop the spindle going down so far.

Hey presto it works every time now. Hope it works for you too.

 

[paul_5132583]

Thanks for the responces, on further examination, it turns out that when replacing the heater element last year, i must of dislodged the heat baffle, which had dropped down and lodged itself between the jet and ignition electrode, all sorted now and currently under test, just saved myself loads of grief.

Regards Paul.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Paul,

I must remind you that under the current regulations all gas appliances must be installed, removed, serviced, and repaired by a competent person.

For your safety and that of your family and others please have the appliance checked by a competent fitter.

You may also find that your insurance is invalid if a competent fitter has not carried out gas work.

 

[Happy-Lappy]

John L. In response to your comment about Gas regulations, does this cover the Bulkhead mounted regulator, or can I replace this myself (mine packed up last week), I am not a Gas Fitter, but class myself as a competent person (Time served Toolmaker) currently working in the Aircraft Industry (RR),

best regards, Martin

 

[rob_jax]

Martin,

That's an interesting question, and today there may not be an exact answer.

The gas regulations specifically exclude the regulator, flexible piping and bottle top fittings, so that the user can exchange bottles and regulator if necessary. But these were written for the previous bottle mounted regulator, and need redrafting for the fixed regulator

So you could argue both cases, that the BS EN 1949 bulkhead regulator is covered by the user replacement exclusion, or that the connection between the fixed regulator and the fixed pipework means that it's inside the competent person framework.

Or maybe I've missed an annex to the 1998 gas regulations which covers this situation.

And competent person means someone who's completed the approved training course and has the relevant professional qualification (bottom rung is HND)

Robert

 

[ColinA]

Martin,

That's an interesting question, and today there may not be an exact answer.

The gas regulations specifically exclude the regulator, flexible piping and bottle top fittings, so that the user can exchange bottles and regulator if necessary. But these were written for the previous bottle mounted regulator, and need redrafting for the fixed regulator

So you could argue both cases, that the BS EN 1949 bulkhead regulator is covered by the user replacement exclusion, or that the connection between the fixed regulator and the fixed pipework means that it's inside the competent person framework.

Or maybe I've missed an annex to the 1998 gas regulations which covers this situation.

And competent person means someone who's completed the approved training course and has the relevant professional qualification (bottom rung is HND)

Robert

Robert is it actually stated anywhere what is meant by "competent person" or is this your interpretation of the regulations.

Colin.

 

[paul_5132583]

Hello John L , i take your point about having the appliance checked, i never use any thing on gas,. For that very reason apart from the cooker, don't really like the idea of combustion while my family sleeps, and in previous caravans i have removed the gas fire altogether in leiu of electric convector.However i did'nt disturb any piping,so would sliding the fridge forward constitute a removal or refitting of this applaince, just for the record.

Regards Paul.

 

[rob_jax]

Colin,

You asked if my definition of the "competent engineer" was part f the act or an interpretation.

Well it was a paraphrase from the gas safety regulations and the ACS / CITO training scheme for CORGI registered engineers.

It's certainly possible to operate without the City & Guilds or HND, but I'd hope and expect that responsible engineers would have a professional qualification - rather than only attending a two week course.

If the caravan workshop is a member of the "Approved Workshop Scheme", then a professional qualification is mandatory for workshop staff. And that's the right way forward.

The white paper (on workshop staff) seeks to promote mandatory professional qualifications for every workshop engineer

Robert

 

[Damian]

My understanding of the regulations is that the exclusion relating to the regulator and flexible hose on older caravans relates only to those, as in effect the owner is not breaking any gas union when replacing them, if you disregard the jubilee cilps on the hose to rigid pipework.

With bulkhead mounted regulators the union between pipe and regulator has to be broken, and as they have cutting rings to make the gastight seal, they have to be fitted precisely, or they are liable to leak.

The question relating to sliding a fridge out to effect an element change, without breaking the gas union , any movement of the pipework can cause leakage, so the unions should be leak tested after the fridge has been relocated, and using washing up liquid is not permissable , as the salt content degrades the pipework over time!!! and it is easily detectable if things go wrong.