Next message: Ed Kelly: "lv-ab: Flying Pig lost first day out (longish)"
On Wed, Feb 07, 2007 at 11:27:39AM -0500, Norm of Bandersnatch wrote:
>
> I think safety is the same for the ceramic or wire heater types since they
> both output 1500 watts from a small source thus both have similar output
> temp and thus a similar ability to kindle something too close to them.
>
> My wire type cube heaters have lasted for many years. The trick is to not
> buy the cheapest model. As Dream Scene implies, weight is often a good
> indicator of quality.
>
> If safety is prime, then the oil filled types are best.
>
It's a little more tricky than just the heat distribution. A major source of
ignition is the thermostat switch, which even in a very "safe" heater may
spark as it switches on and off. So long as you don't have fumes (gasoline,
propane, paint) settling around the heater, that will be OK. Norm gives some
examples in later mails of what can happen.
Electric motors with brushes in general can be sources of ignition, too.
Hence the current standards require the eviction of pump motors, compressors
etc. from gas-engine compartments.
I had a long battle with gas smells in my boat, finally won when I sent my
fuel pump out for rebuilding (after replacing all hoses, sealing the gas
tank, and other painful "fixes"). I'll never buy an inboard gas-powered boat
again.
Stefan
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