I attended a lecture last night and it was mentioned that Propane Solenoid Valves can get hot. While making coffee this morning I checked the valve and sure enough it was warm to hot to the touch. I know this is not right, hot valve, flammable propane, so I plan on changing the valve out next weekend. Has anybody experienced this situation? What causes it to overheat? Should I expect a new valve to get warm also?
Thankyou,
Tony
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Tony Cullen
s/v Sceptre
1995 C-36 MkII 1449 TR/FK
San Diego, CA. (Chula Vista Marina)
The solenoid on my 2005 model also gets quite warm to the extent that I make a point of only switching it on when I use the stove.
Peter Taylor Melbourne Australia. Altair #2227 2005 C36 Mk11
When it is turned on the propane solenoid valve will get hot as it consumes power to hold the valve open. The solenoid draws 1.5 to 2 amps when on.
To give you a better idea of the amount of heat that can be generated, let's say your solenoid draws 2 amps and your battery voltage is 12.5 at the solenoid, that represents 25 watts of power the solenoid will consume. The heat generated is equivalent to 1/4 of a 100 watt light bulb. So...the solenoid will get hot, especially if left turned on for extended periods of time. We only turn ours on to cook and then turn it off once finished. At the end of the day we also shut off the propane at the tank itself.
Tom & Janis Grover
C36 #0949
SR/WK, M25XP
Midland, ON
Tom, that was a very good explanation.
Many people don't realize that solenoid-actuated valves consume electrical power continuously when they are energized. If the power is cut (open circuit) this valve is designed to fail closed with the spring pressure.
Duane Ising - Past Commodore (2011-2012)
s/v Diva Di
1999 Catalina 36 Hull #1777
Std rig; wing keel, M35B, Delta (45#)
Punta Gorda, FL
http://www.sailblogs.com/member/diva-di/
Thank you all for responding and Tom for the explanation of how the heating occurs. Fortunately my wife and I are very aware of the dangers of propane and use a tassle to hang from the shelf above the dry storage to remind us when the solenoid is in use. We're in the habit then of turning of the gas at the tank and burning off any residual gas at the stove, When all is burnt off, we switch off the solenoid and put away the tassle.
Thankyou,
Tony
Tony Cullen
s/v Sceptre
1995 C-36 MkII 1449 TR/FK
San Diego, CA. (Chula Vista Marina)