Is it using a second breaker as a switch? You wouldn’t two breakers in the same circuit but it works as a regular switch.

 

Yes, that makes perfect sense.

So followup ... any safety (or other) implications in deleting one of these breakers and leaving only one place to turn the propane on and off?

 

Of the boats I've seen with propane stoves, there's only been the valve on the tank and the solenoid switch near the stove. I haven't seen a separate breaker for it on the main panel. Use the solenoid switch when you need to cook, and screw the valve shut when you leave the boat.

Being able to quickly reach the switch from the galley is a key safety element (and I suspect is also in various standards that your insurance company expects you to be in compliance with).

 

Of the boats I've seen with propane stoves, there's only been the valve on the tank and the solenoid switch near the stove. I haven't seen a separate breaker for it on the main panel. Use the solenoid switch when you need to cook, and screw the valve shut when you leave the boat.

Beign able to quickly reach the switch from the galley is a key safety element (and I suspect is also in various standards that your insurance company might expect you to be in compliance with).

A friends Mariner 39 has such a dedicated breaker on the main panel and a switch (not sure if it’s fused) in the galley. Plus the tank valve. I agree about not removing the galley switch. Makes it easy to bleed the line when you’re done cooking.

 

I'm guessing the one near the stove is there as an quick emergency fuel cutoff. Not sure if it's necessary or not. I had CNG.

The boat I deliver every year has a dedicated breaker on the main DC Panel and a large amber indicator light near the stove. I find that set-up useful.

 

Just a thought, the switch in the galley must be placed so that in the event of a fire, it is still accessible.... The boat is only 12 ft or so wide, is it really a hardship to take two steps to turn on the solenoid?

 

not a hardship at all, I was just trying to understand why two switches/breakers, and this is exactly the rationale I was wondering about.

 

We have a similar setup with a switch on the main board for the propane solenoid and another near the stove. Obviously also a hand valve on the tank. Seems like a good way to make sure you know the propane is on because it won't run without them both open.

 

Shiva has a solenoid valve with a switch and gas sensor in the galley for the gas. When we are staying aboard the tank valve is opened...
Xintex S-2a Propane/S+CNG fume detector & control system (with alarm)

 

Just in case anyone keeping track, our boat has the switch at the galley. No circuit breaker. We close the valve at the tank when not in use.

 

No circuit breaker ... or fuse ?

 

Mid 1990s Catalina’s had the solenoid switch on the main panel.

 

My boat has a breaker on the DC panel (as there should be) to protect the wiring. And there is an on/off switch in the galley with fuse. I wouldn't have it any other way.

 

My boat has a breaker on the DC panel to protect the wiring. and there is an on/off switch in the galley with a light and a fuse. The light is handy reminding us when we are forgetful that the solenoid valve is still open.

 

Yes the red light is very useful for reminding you didn't off

 

............

 

The surveyor in my recent boat purchase made a comment that the ABYC has a recommendation on a switch being located "near" the stove, and the boat in question only had a breaker at the panel. The panel was athwartship of the stove, so the argument was that it was "near" enough. If I had a stove fire, I'd be happy to not reach for a switch near the stove, so being across the boat from the flame seems safer.

 

One of the benefits of a dedicated switch "near the stove" is that its really quick to find in an emergency as typically there are no other switch/breakers in its immediate vicinity. near the stove as I recall has to be close enough that its pretty obvious what it does but far enough away as to not require the operator to have to reach over flames to use. Typically that will mean to the side or behind the operator. just ideally not burried in a panel of 24+ breakers

 

Thanks~ This thread reminded me that I left a 10# alum tank for refill back in the pandemic and forgot about it. I am going to drive up and get it. Waste of gas, waste of time... but I should get it.

 

Picked up the propane tank but didn't bother to have it filled. Let the next owner do that.
Started the engine for 1st time after winter.... started right up... ran well. Everything on board was OK. Next visit I will fill water tanks and do a Spring cleaning.