LP Monitor Breaker Keeps Popping ???

[pkdailey4]

So here's what's happening, I checked the breaker to see if it was getting hot while the switch was on and the stove was going for an extended amount of time and it was not. I checked the solenoid to see if it is overheating and causing the breaker to trip and it was quite hot so I am assuming the solenoid is toast after 40 years of operation and will replace it. I'll let you all know if this gets sorted out. Thanks for the responses.

[a64pilot]

Solenoids get hot, they are a dead short.
My belief is that they are cooled somewhat by the cold propane flowing through them, it’s cold of course cause it’s boiling off in the tank.
While it’s likely you do have a bad one, getting hot isn’t an indicator of a bad one.

[AKA-None]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Solenoids get hot, they are a dead short.
My belief is that they are cooled somewhat by the cold propane flowing through them, it’s cold of course cause it’s boiling off in the tank.
While it’s likely you do have a bad one, getting hot isn’t an indicator of a bad one.

They shouldn’t be hot, slightly warm maybe but hot never

[Scubaseas]

A properly operating solenoid will be warm/very warm to the touch. Like 120*F or less warm. Heat makes more resistance which makes more heat which makes more resistance.... Do they normally get warm? Yes. I don't know about the propane acting as a coolant though. I have replaced four solenoids on other people's boats for shorting out and blowing the fuse. Each one was HOT to the touch when operating. Like burn your finger tip hot Fuse would blow after anywhere from instantly to three to 5 minutes.



Simply way to find out if the solenoid is the problem is take it out of the system and see if the fuse still blows. Good solenoid will draw about 6 amps at 12V. If the draw goes up over time the solenoid may be the source of your problem.