Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryandLiz
I think I’m at the “end of life” for the wired in Safe-T-Alert propane alarm. it’s beeped a few times while parked on our front pad. I’ve muted it twice. As per the manual I assume it will quit working soon).
I have a few very basic questions (I haven’t done much electrical work).
1. ? Reading this thread it seems I will have to snip the wires running to the Alarm. Or will I be able to open the alarm up and unscrew the wires from the alarm (and then just reattach the wires to the new alarm).
2. ? Again reading this thread (and assuming I will be snipping the wires) it appears I will need to extend the wires. What size/type of wire will I be buying. (I guess it’s just basic 12v wire? ( Is 12v wire “a thing”) I’ve read that there are different sizes or grades of electrical wiring used in our trailers.
3. ? It seems there are two ways to extend wires: the “shrink wrapped” way and “wire nut” way. Is there a proper name for the two ways so I can google and learn. Which way is best? The “shrink wrapped” sounds complicated.
4. ? I suppose I should buy the same model so everything fits into the cabinet and yes I won’t start any of this until I have the replacement on hand. I will remove the fuse before beginning.
Thanks for any answers. I look forward to expanding my experience in all things electrical.
Larry
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You do not have to extend the wires if you snip them close to the alarm being replaced because you will retain some of the wire from the alarm being replaced. You will have two splices, but that will not affect the alarms performance. If you are at all handy, I would suggest you install a toggle switch on the positive wire in an out of the way location, so that you can silence false alarms. You can always tell if it is on and working because it’s green LED will be illuminated. Furthermore, if you turn it off in storage it will last a lot longer as it only “ages” when powered. At least, that is what the owner of MTI, the maker of Saf-T-Alert told me.
And do not allow the bare wires of two feeds to touch. Cut each one separately and keep the apart. If they contact eachother, you will create a short and blow a fuse. The fuse is easily replaced, but you might as well make the effort to avoid it.