Fridge Problems

[Graeme_374305421]

I discovered recently that my fridge does not work at all. I checked all the fuses - OK, I even pressed the de-frost button - OK, all seems fine but it wouldn't cool (from either the 12V or 240 V supplies). So then I tried the gas ..... The fridge turned into an oven and everything cooked. Now I know what you are going to say, it's knac***d and buy a new one. However, I was chatting to another site member and he mentioned about having the fridge re-gassed! Can this be done or am I going to have to fork out for a new fridge?

Graeme

 

[vernon]

One trick I learnt from a mate who was a caravan fitter. Sometimes the fridge coolant developes an airlock, so the fix was to remove the fridge and invert it for a few seconds to clear the airlock, then replace it.

I tried in on a domestic gas fridge years ago and it worked.

 

[SBS]

I don't think they can be re-gassed but the pipework(pre-gassed) can be replaced. Talk to www.arcsystems.biz

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Graeme,

It certainly sounds as though your fridge has lost its refrigerant - which is the fluid that allows the system to operate. This means there is leak. I do not know which types of fridge can be re-gassed, but it does need to be checked by an refrigerant engineer, to find the leak and then decide if it can be repaired or not.

 

[Graeme_374305421]

Thanks gents, I kinda knew it would be this so I will be booking it in to be checked out proffesionally. Thanks again.

Graeme

 

[Robert_374242026]

Try what Vernon done as it has worked each time with me also the domestic one had a new lease of life .

 

[Icemaker]

sorry to have taken so long to reply ive been busy.

The majority if not all caravan fridges run on ammonia as a refrigerant so you would definately know if it had leaked due to the very pungeant smell, even weeks later you would still smell the wet nappy like odour.

More than likely like Vernon has pointed out the fridge has a air lock which can sometimes be cleared by turning the fridge on to its top leaving for a few hours then turning upright again, i must stress this does need to be done a number of times to remix the gasses and clear the system, even this does not allways work.

Unfortunately if this does not work it will be cheaper to replace the fridge as the components are a specialist item and usually cost more than the new unit once labour is added.

 

[ProfJohnL]

Hello Graeme

A word of warning, as the fridge is a gas appliance it is subject to the Gas Safety (Installations and Use) Regulations.

The regulations require that a competent person must carry out all installation, service repair and removal of gas appliance. Failure to observe the regulations is a breach of Health and Safety Legislation and is thus a criminal act.

If you are not a verified LPG fitter, you must refer the job to one.

 

[vernon]

If you Google "Gas Safety (Installation and Use Regulations)

They state, -

Reg 4 "Caravans include those used for touring (WHICH ARE HIRED OUT IN THE COURSE OF A BUSINESS), permanently sited caravans, mobile homes (hired out or otherwise) on holiday-home parks or similar sites, including farms".

They do not include privately owned ones.

 

[RogerL]

John L's advice is good but the regulation doesn't exist, as far as privately owned touring caravans go, it only applies to domestic properties and hired/rented caravans.

Personally I don't think caravans should be the exception having seen the poor work of some caravan dealers, even Approved Caravan Workshops.

 

[ProfJohnL]

QUOTE FROM REGULATIONS.

All Gas systems including those in privately owned caravans and motorhomes are subject to the regulations contained in the UK Gas safety (Installation and Use) Regulations, which in essence require all gas installation, services,/maintenance repair and removal of gas appliances to conducted according to the regulations.

The regulations make special provisions for touring caravans, in so far as they do not require the fitter to be CORGI registered, BUT under:

Statutory Instruments 1998 No. 2451

The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) regulations 1998

"Part B - General Provisions

Section 3- Qualification and supervision. -

(1) No person shall carry out any work in relation to a gas fitting or gas storage vessel unless he is competent to do so."

and

"(4) The requirements of paragraph (3) above shall not apply in respect of -

(a) the replacement of a hose or regulator on a portable or mobile space heater; or

(b) the replacement of a hose connecting a re-fillable cylinder to installation pipework."

These regulations are not superseded by any further subsections.

Failure to do so is a breach of the Health & Safety regulations that view such breaches as a criminal act, and in the event of an incident that is prosecuted the guilty person might receive a prison sentence.

If you have gas work carried out on your caravan that is not compliant to the regulations your insurance company may have cause to avoid liability in the event of any claim.