I can’t speak to the safety or lack of it as it concerns the original hot water heaters, especially those mounted the heads of classic models.
But I think my Excel mounted in the galley is far safer than the oven. The oven can run for a long time—up to an hour, is unvented, and has only a thermocouple as a safety feature. My Excel has no pilot light and runs for seconds at a time—only while water is flowing, has an oxygen depletion sensor, and is vented.
Of course all propane appliances need to be treated with respect. We also have a sniffer alarm connected to the solenoid and a CO monitor. And we keep the propane turned off in the locker when we’re not actively using it.
Anyway that’s my logic behind my assessment of relative risks. Everyone has to make their own assessment and choices. Stay safe.
Jim Cosgrove
FATE 30U#343
Galesville MD
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com