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Pirate · 02-04-2014, 05:07 PM

Since we decided to keep our Norcold N821 instead of going residential, I looked around for safety features. I pulled my fridge our and checked all the cooling tubes. They have minor rust but not bad. Another gizmo I found is the ARPrvSafe. This device stores your normal fridge operating temp, and then through a sensor, relay, and control box, will turn your fridge off if the boiler tube exceeds your normal temperature range. It appears well designed and built. It is not a plug and play device so plan on spending a bit of time doing an install. If I was in a hurry, I could have done it in a couple hours but I wanted a display, extra led, and audible alarm too.

DAJO · 02-04-2014, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pirate

Since we decided to keep our Norcold N821 instead of going residential, I looked around for safety features. I pulled my fridge our and checked all the cooling tubes. They have minor rust but not bad. Another gizmo I found is the ARPrvSafe. This device stores your normal fridge operating temp, and then through a sensor, relay, and control box, will turn your fridge off if the boiler tube exceeds your normal temperature range. It appears well designed and built. It is not a plug and play device so plan on spending a bit of time doing an install. If I was in a hurry, I could have done it in a couple hours but I wanted a display, extra led, and audible alarm too.

So did you install it? Can't tell by your post.

Pirate · 02-04-2014, 07:42 PM

Yes, finished installing today. It's going through the 24 hour setup procedure now but it tested fine earlier.

DAJO · 02-04-2014, 07:45 PM

I have one and waiting for weather to warm up and stop snowing. Did you install control unit inside or out?

Pirate · 02-04-2014, 07:48 PM

I installed inside. Right next to fridge range hood had a nice big plastic spot that was open. It was easy to run the wires into the range hood and mount the controller there. I also ran a extra pair of wires for an LED and audio alarm, that way I can hear the system activate while driving. I also put a toggle switch on the alarm so I can turn it off if it becomes too annoying. I pulled out the fridge which made the install easier.

MSHappyCampers · 02-05-2014, 08:48 AM

I bought the ARP but haven't installed it yet. Waiting for a nice, warm day! I really believe it's a good investment!

BTW- David Force at RV Cooling Unit Warehouse is selling these now!

KJINTF · 02-07-2014, 08:41 AM

Pirate

Did you get the data logging function operational?
Take a close look at the boiler tube temps - during frig cool down both on level and off level - It will OPEN your eyes to what's really happening. I did a few MS Excel data grabs and produced several graphs - surprised me a lot with the temp swings. Really glad to have this installed and operational. Remember you can manually set it up as compared the auto tune function. I tried the auto tune and later went with the manual setup. Paul answers his emails very quickly and was a great help.

I'm happy with my installation - I interrupted the stock over temp sensor with the ARP relay. Installed a blower motor powered off the gas solenoid w/ a three terminal 8Vdc regulator which eliminated the fan noise. The ARP controller w/ it's 6 pin data port can easily be accessed with a temporary cable connected to the Rigs computer system.

My frig is in a slide thus has a stock 4" thermostat controlled fan. I left that alone - it makes a lot of noise but only comes on once in a great while.

Guess I'm lucky to have a heated barn to do this stuff during the off season. So many projects never enough time to get to them all.

Pirate · 02-07-2014, 05:11 PM

Yeah, I did data logging today. I wish I could have the live monitor of it near the dash when driving. I'm sitting still so no real changes that I saw in temps.