Visit our Popular Forums

willyd · 08-02-2008, 08:06 AM

I recently purchased an Airstream where the previous owner had removed two gas burners and installed 2 electric burners with an electrical cord that has to be plugged in prior to usage. I am guessing that this would not be a safe situation..............

richinny · 08-02-2008, 08:08 AM

you'd probably be right. got any pictures?

Journalist · 08-02-2008, 08:47 AM

That's definitely up there in the top ten worst Airstream mods ever.

**moosetags** · 08-02-2008, 09:00 AM

That sounds like something that I would not care to cook on. Electric stove burners usually run on 220 volts. The prior owner may have done ever further mods that you can't see. I would not even turn that dude on. If you do decide to use this cooking setup, I would suggest wearing a fire extinguisher strapped to your belt.

Brian

willyd · 08-02-2008, 09:04 AM

The best picture I have - please note the electrical cord sticking out above the range.

HowieE · 08-02-2008, 09:07 AM

Sounds like he was a permanent and had access to a 50 amp service. The idea in itself is not wrong but from your description I question if the electrical work was done with any regard for code or safety. If you are remaining at Melbourne and an improved electrical and control system, other than plugging in, can be installed you will save on propane.

Look around at the number of trailer next to you that are using free standing plug in electric heater. A properly install range top is much safer than those heaters.

Lumatic · 08-02-2008, 09:10 AM

I don't see any reason why theoretically this can't be done safely. I would guess the PO wanted a electric backup in case the propane ran out. Might not be a bad idea for some circumstances. But, your description sure sounds like it was jury rigged and I would question it's safety. I agree with Moosetags. What other invisible improvements has the PO made.

richinny · 08-02-2008, 09:17 AM

take a look at where the wiring was connected to the burner, it should tell you a lot. we could rate a picture if you could post one. they do draw a lot of power but i think they can run on 110v. without doubt, safety is the issue.

wkerfoot · 08-02-2008, 09:21 AM

This is not necessarily dangerous. We have a 110V two burner hot plate which we use on occasion. It does have a switch in front and temperature dials for each burner.

Bill

Lumatic · 08-02-2008, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HowieE

Look around at the number of trailer next to you that are using free standing plug in electric heater. A properly install range top is much safer than those heaters.

This post got me thinking. Even if the electric burners appear to be wired safely that is a lot of draw on the 110 wiring in the trailer. Similarly a portable electric heater is potentially a heavy draw. Anybody out there with more expertise than I have any thoughts on the factory 110 wiring being able to handle these type of loads safely?

**azflycaster** · 08-02-2008, 09:39 AM

These portable cooking units normally are rated for around 10 to 13 amps. The trailer outlets in the trailer are rated at 15 amps, so this would not be an issue. If another high amp devise was to be used on the same breaker at the same time, the 15 amp breaker would trip.

If the breaker is not working correctly or the PO did some "modifications", all bets are off.

richinny · 08-02-2008, 09:46 AM

i did find this surfing:

Model: B41601
Brand: Kenyon
Subtly textured black glass
Push-to-turn control dials
Durable and easy to clean surface
Infinite heat control
Quick-to-heat radiant ribbon elements
Heat limiting cooking surface protectors
On indicator light for each burner
Hot indicator light for each burner
2 - 6.5" burners at 1200 watts each
Surface dimensions: 21" x 12"
Depth: 2 5/8"
120 volt – 20 amp.
Warranty: Three years replacement

i don't understand how you can have 2 1200w burners only need a 20a line. i don't think that cord in the picture is rated more than 15A.

**azflycaster** · 08-02-2008, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by richinny

i don't understand how you can have 2 1200w burners only need a 20a line.

1200 watts x 2 burners = 2400 watts
2400 watts / 120 volts = 20 amps

mustang · 08-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Thats a good looking unit you got there. I had to comment on it. I dont know much about the electric issue. I know alcohol is pretty scary.

davidz71 · 08-02-2008, 10:24 AM

I'm still trying to picture the altered stove top in my mind. Willyd, since this was originally a 4 burner stove, did the PO leave the stove top intact, removed the 2 front cast iron grates along with the center propane burners and then put in an electric burner plate that matched the width of the two holes in the top?

willyd · 08-02-2008, 10:41 AM

When I get back to Florida in a couple of months, I will take more pictures. In any event, I am going to have the electric burners removed and replaced with the originals. Thanks for your comments.

**azflycaster** · 08-02-2008, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willyd

When I get back to Florida in a couple of months, I will take more pictures. In any event, I am going to have the electric burners removed and replaced with the originals. Thanks for your comments.

That is what I would do. Most of our camping is without hook ups and an electric range would not be piratical for us.

christopher · 08-02-2008, 10:48 AM

Speaking of alcohol. What time are you serving drinks??

willyd · 08-02-2008, 10:49 AM

In response to Craig's comments: It was originally a 4 burner stove. The right two grates and the gas burners were removed and electric burners simply fit into those openings. The range cover fits fine and the only way you can tell is that there is an electrical cord that must be plugged into a recepticle in order to work. The control knobs for electric were also installed in place of the gas knobs. Real interesting setup. I just purchased the Airstream and only know that I would not use the range until the matter is safely resolved. Thanks.