FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! July 10, 2022, 12:00:35 pm As you may o may not know, it has been freaking hot in Texas for the past couple of months. Temps over 100 for several weeks.Yesterday afternoon the temp was about 105 and too hot for me to do much of anything, so I was lounging in the back of my LD with the AC on but barely able to keep up. At some point, I could hear the AC making a weird noise, almost like it was cycling up and back down. I got up, turned it off, then noticed I had lost shore power. I checked my breakers, which were fine, and just figured it was a brownout but I heard a noise like water spilling somewhere on the driver's side of the rig. I was tuning my ear to try and find the source of the sound and as I looked out the kitchen window I smelled smoke and saw that the yard was on fire!I grabbed my extinguisher and put out about half the flames. I then ran to the house grabbed the water hose, rang the doorbell to alert my mother and step-father, and started fighting the flames. My step-father took over the water hose while I grabbed a 2nd extinguisher that I keep in one of the outside storage compartments. At some point, I noticed that there were some flames under my LD. I grabbed my keys, hopped in moved the LD onto the asphalt driveway. The culprit was a combination of the heat and a failure between a 30 amp extension cord and the 90-degree adapter I used to connect the cord to the LD for strain relief. It is still very hot, and I'm using the generator to keep my AC going. I've ordered a new longer power cord so that I don't have to use an extension. My brother, a retired LAFD Fire Capt. suggested that I keep the power plug-in point shaded as much as possible. I placed a beach umbrella near the port which I am also using with a 15-amp outlet from the garage.A scary day but I am grateful that I was present when that fire started and had all the firefighting tools I needed close at hand. I immediately replaced all of the extinguishers and added a few more to keep in the Jeep.Can't wait to leave this heat next month. :-) 15 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #1 – July 10, 2022, 12:07:11 pm Holy Moly as in YIKES!!! I’m so glad you and your much loved LD survived a terribly close call. And congratulations for your alert attitude. Your response showed some real knowledge and courage. No doubt it saved you from a much more serious outcome. At any rate, well done LD Amiga. 8 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #2 – July 10, 2022, 12:40:24 pm Glad you detected and put the fire out before the rig caught fire. that was too close for comfort.Running A/Cs for long periods can cause fires in the cords and in the Power Center.Besides keeping the cords out of the sun, I suggest tightening the connections inside the 120-VAC side of the Power Center. Too many Power Centers have burned up due to loose wires that lead to overheating.Adaptors also can cause problems in high heat, each one has contacts that can heat up in high current conditions.Larry 5 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #3 – July 10, 2022, 12:55:03 pm Wow Deb, that was a close one. I’m glad you are ok and came away with minimal loss. Your smart thinking and quick action plus being prepared saved the day. From the proximity of your mother and stepfather’s house, you probably saved it too.It’s supposed to get up to 112 degrees today and I was just on my way to Wally World when I read your story. I’m now putting a few fire extinguishers on the shopping list.- John 4 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #4 – July 10, 2022, 01:01:02 pm "...a failure between a 30 amp extension cord and the 90-degree adapter..."I'm happy to hear that you have managed to avoid a very sticky wicket! Presence of mind seems to be one of your attributes!There is a certain amount of 'resistance' at any connection, such as the power cord, and where that resistance exists there will be heat. It's similar to the old style incandescent light bulb, current through a filament ( a resistance) causes heat. Kudos! 3 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #5 – July 10, 2022, 01:19:28 pm Hi Debbie; Wow! Thanks for bringing that to our attention. I'm glad that your parents house and your Lazy Daze survived! In older motorhomes the cord is permanently attached, but I had the prongs on the connector at the end plug starting to burn where it transitioned to a 15 Amp adaptor. I replaced the plug on the end with a new Camco plug. Amazon.com: Camco Heavy Duty 30 AMP Mini PowerGrip Handle Male Plug Replaceme... And a new better quality adaptor. Amazon.com: Camco PowerGrip 12" Heavy Duty RV Dogbone Electrical Adapter |... . Amazon reminded me I did this in February 2018. It looks like you had a quality adaptor, so a little bit of corrosion will take off quickly it that high load, high heat situation. The fire could have started at the socket inside the house, and would have been worse! So a little bit of soot on the LD should come off. I'm so glad you were alert and noticed it right away! The extension cord represents a large investment, and looks like it survived. But carefully inspect the end socket that was attached to the adaptor. If it was damaged, the cord can be easily repaired by cutting off a few inches to get back to healthy wire, and putting on a new fitting, Looks like it got the tire protector too. I'm glad it was built of some fire resistant material. The company may be interested in that photo, and maybe give you a 'cut rate' on a replacement. I hope that tire underneath wasn't impacted either. For some reason those spray can fire extinguishers aren't legal in Ca. so I just order them through Amazon. I've got 5 extinguishers, but not any dry powder. Maybe I'll add one of those. RonB Larry's comment about tightening up the fittings in the power center is right on. Kent, you are good at finding those YouTube videos. Anything out there about that? 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #6 – July 10, 2022, 01:29:46 pm Very quick thinking, Deb! So glad you are OK. It looks like you will be able recoup from this well. 2 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #7 – July 10, 2022, 01:54:36 pm Quote from: Larry W - July 10, 2022, 12:40:24 pmGlad you detected and put the fire out before the rig caught fire. that was too close for comfort.Running A/Cs for long periods can cause fires in the cords and in the Power Center.Besides keeping the cords out of the sun, I suggest tightening the connections inside the 120-VAC side of the Power Center. Too many Power Centers have burned up due to loose wires that lead to overheating.Adaptors also can cause problems in high heat, each one has contacts that can heat up in high current conditions.LarryNot quite sure what the Power Center is. Would mind uploading a pic for me?I'm giving up on the 90-degree adapters. I've had the SmartPlug set up in my Amazon wish list for a while. Hopefully in the next year and I make the switch.Thanks!
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #8 – July 10, 2022, 01:55:16 pm Quote from: JohnR - July 10, 2022, 12:55:03 pmIt’s supposed to get up to 112 degrees today and I was just on my way to Wally World when I read your story. I’m now putting a few fire extinguishers on the shopping list.- JohnYay!!!! 1 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #9 – July 10, 2022, 02:09:37 pm Quote from: RonB - July 10, 2022, 01:19:28 pm<snip> And a new better quality adaptor. Amazon.com: Camco PowerGrip 12" Heavy Duty RV Dogbone Electrical Adapter |... . Amazon reminded me I did this in February 2018.<snip> Looks like it got the tire protector too. I'm glad it was built of some fire resistant material. The company may be interested in that photo, and maybe give you a 'cut rate' on a replacement. I hope that tire underneath wasn't impacted either. For some reason those spray can fire extinguishers aren't legal in Ca. so I just order them through Amazon. I've got 5 extinguishers, but not any dry powder. Maybe I'll add one of those. RonB Larry's comment about tightening up the fittings in the power center is right on. Kent, you are good at finding those YouTube videos. Anything out there about that?Thanks Ron!Great minds must think alike because I also have the same dogbone adapter which I purchased in 2020 but it wasn't the one that caught fire.Yes, the tire cover suffered damage. It was one cover the duallys. I just stick it up under the tire skirt and there is usually a gap between the cover and the tires (not so on the front tires). From what I can tell, the tire is fine, no soot or burn debris. I'll just rotate the cover so that the burned part is hidden by the skirt. The little spray cans are for keeping up in the cab door area of the LD (along with a first aid kit) and the front seat of the Jeep. I have some other small cans sowed a couple of storage compartments, that I purchased in California many years ago but don't like them as they have a different spray mechanism that keep falling off. :-) As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #10 – July 10, 2022, 02:11:46 pm Corrosion of the metal electrical parts (wire connections, sockets & plugs) also play a role in added unwanted resistance and heat buildup. I first clean the metal by using mostly steel wool, fine sand paper, or a blade to remove any corrosion down to bare metal. I then coat those metal parts by applying a thin film of dielectric grease to slow the corrosion and make sure all those metal to metal connections are tight .An emory board can be trimmed to get inside sockets for cleaning and Q-tips to apply the grease there. If steel wool is used, that area then needs to be well cleaned afterward to remove any strands of wire. Then test with a meter to make sure there is no shorts. <Dielectric grease:https://www.amazon.com/Permatex-81150-Dielectric-Tune-Up-Grease/dp/B000AL2RI2/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1HLMUAOAP72JR&keywords=dielectric+grease+for+electrical+connectors&qid=1657475482&sprefix=dielectric,aps,320&sr=8-6&th=1> 2 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #11 – July 10, 2022, 02:34:21 pm The late Gary Bunzer (aka RV Doctor) very frequently recommended cleaning the power cord contacts. His take:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoVUozvu5IURich 3 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #12 – July 10, 2022, 02:35:30 pm Thanks, Mike!I have the steel wool and grease at hand so I can do this task in the evening when it is cooler outsideThanks for the tip! 1 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #13 – July 10, 2022, 03:03:45 pm Very glad your close-at-hand fire extinguishers and quick thinking saved the rig and prevented what easily could have been a disastrous grass fire! 2 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #14 – July 10, 2022, 03:13:29 pm A couple of tidbits I left out of my story.On July 1st I replaced my smoke detector. The previous one, though only 1 year old, kept going off for no reason and odd times. Even when I removed it and took it outside and tried to clean it out, it would still go off. This is the second one of this model I've had to replace for the same reason. Both had a 10-year battery. I replaced it with a 9-volt battery version. I'll change that battery every 6 months.I actually smelled the smoke and saw the fire before the smoke alarm went off. :-)When I drove off and onto the asphalt driveway, I didn't remove my wheel covers. They are round so they just rolled with me.Also, I drove away with my awning out without the arms attached. It wasn't out very far since it was windy and I use it as a little eyebrow for just enough shade to cover the windows and barely open the door. 2 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #15 – July 10, 2022, 05:27:49 pm Hey Deb… I just got back from Wally World with 4 new fire extinguishers. 2 auto/marine for flammable liquids and electrical equipment, they will go into the Jeep and LD cab area. 1 kitchen fire extinguisher that will go into the kitchen area… still need to find a good location. And 1 4lb home fire extinguisher for wood, paper & fabrics, flammable liquids and electrical equipment. I think I’ll put that one in an outside storage cabinet. With the original one, that will make a total of 5 extinguishers. Again, I’m sorry it happened to you but thanks for the wake-up call.- John 1 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #16 – July 10, 2022, 05:52:36 pm Good on you John!We all learn from each other triumphs and mistakes. That's what makes this board so essential to a good LD RV lifestyle.Here's to hoping you never have to use your extinguishers! 4 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #17 – July 10, 2022, 07:27:40 pm Glad to hear all turned out well, considering the possible alternatives- quick thinking on your part, Deb!A good reminder for us all to make sure we have proper fire protection. You may also want to consider buying a halon extinguisher or two.What is a Halon Fire Extinguisher and Who Needs It? 1 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #18 – July 10, 2022, 08:37:53 pm Deb,You did well to protect your LD. Certainly it could have been worse and it was no doubt caused by your electrical connection as evidenced by your photos.When researching fire extinguishers for our LD, I discovered Halotron extinguishers which is superior to either dry chemical or foam for its intended use. Each fire extinguisher type has a specific use for fire protection so make sure to use each type for their intended purpose. I carry two Halotron units, 6 Foam units and the 1 Dry chemical unit that came with our RB. I hope to never use them.Halotron extinguishers are a bit pricey but can be recharged. Their use needs to be guided by adhering to the devices specification data. Good on you for a job well done. Too bad there isn’t dirt or gravel below and around your rig to help eliminate a potential fire hazard.https://youtu.be/d57TlnQLaAEAmerex A384T, 1.4lb Halotron I Class B C Fire Extinguisher Amerex A384T, 1.4lb Halotron I Class B C Fire Extinguisher: Amazon.com:...Kent 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #19 – July 10, 2022, 09:21:46 pm Thanks for the video and the link Kent! Hopefully, there will be an Amazon Prime Day deal. 2 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #20 – July 10, 2022, 11:49:47 pm Quote from: debinvenice - July 10, 2022, 09:21:46 pmThanks for the video and the link Kent! Hopefully, there will be an Amazon Prime Day deal. No kidding, $150 is rather pricey. 1 Likes
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #21 – July 11, 2022, 04:48:19 am Hi Debbie; So today I cleaned the prongs on my shore power plug and on my adaptors. I was surprised at how bad they were. I haven't trimmed down an emery board yet to get into the socket parts. The emery board seemed to work the best. As far as Halon extinguishers: "On January 1, 1994, production and import of virgin halons were phased out in the United States. Since that time, recycled halons are the only supply of halons in the United States for specialty fire suppression applications. Oct 8, 2020". There is a lot of recycled Halon around, and it is legal to use. I did order these (actually tomorrow is 'Prime' day): Fire Shield 343 - Home & MOBILE Use Aerosol Fire Suppressant Spray Foam... I try to have them in obvious places but out of the way. RonB 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #22 – July 11, 2022, 01:20:13 pm Sorry, I meant to say halotron. I bought two for Nocona, and yes, they were pricey but more so now, it appears. I also bought a case of the small cans. I mounted one of the Halotron's behind the passenger seat, and the other resides on a shelf in the wardrobe. The factory ABC unit remains near the coach entry door. The small cans are disbursed throughout the interior and exterior cabinets.Amerex B385TS, 2.5lb Halotron I Class B C Fire Extinguisher: Fire Extinguishe...Amazon.com: Max Professional Fire Gone White/Red Fire Suppressant Canisters...In reply #8 in this thread, you can see where I mounted the halotron in the cab:Mounting Fire ExtinguishersI always recommend that folks buy better quality brands, such as Amerex or Badger as they are all metal and servicable, not plastic like the cheaper brands. Also, check your extinguishers on a regular basis to ensure they are not discharged or leaking. 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #23 – July 11, 2022, 01:28:41 pm Quote from: RonB - July 11, 2022, 04:48:19 am I did order these (actually tomorrow is 'Prime' day): Fire Shield 343 - Home & MOBILE Use Aerosol Fire Suppressant Spray Foam... I try to have them in obvious places but out of the way. RonBThose extinguishers have the type of trigger that was giving me problems. They kept falling off or breaking off. I admit I probably should have secured them better. Hope you have better luck with them than I have. :) As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: FIRE! Nearly lost my LD! Reply #24 – July 11, 2022, 01:31:44 pm Quote from: HiLola - July 11, 2022, 01:20:13 pmIn reply #8 in this thread, you can see where I mounted the halotron in the cab:Mounting Fire ExtinguishersI always recommend that folks buy better quality brands, such as Amerex or Badger as they are all metal and servicable, not plastic like the cheaper brands. Also, check your extinguishers on a regular basis to ensure they are not discharged or leaking.There are some good ideas in that thread. Thanks for sharing! 1 Likes
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