*********Caution, when using the leaf blower as a cleaning tool!**********

LW and I noted that in this thread.But better to remind poeple just in case. Maybe in safety red even!

https://www.hearth.com/econtent/index.php/forums/viewthread/66024/#753973

If inquiring minds want to know why its safer to disconnnect???? it I'll be glad to explain.

geez....I better to clean my stoves PRONTO..!!

All greek to me, is this it? http://www.thepelletstovecorner.com/tips-ideas/the-vacuum-pressure-switch/ I've not done that and have done the leaf bower thing several times. Just luck? or not an issue in my stove? :-S

I dont use the leaf blower I find that the vent kit brush works better it scrapes the walls of the vent pipe, the blower does not. However, the blower will blow the dickens out of anything thats just laying around in there.

save$ said:

All greek to me, is this it? http://www.thepelletstovecorner.com/tips-ideas/the-vacuum-pressure-switch/ I've not done that and have done the leaf bower thing several times. Just luck? or not an issue in my stove? :-S

Click to expand...

Let me explain if I may?

Check attached photo you will see the switches have a range for rating in water column(WC) This is what the switch is rated for, See below.

Lower number is when the micro switch closes. Normal stove vacuum must be great enough to pull the diaphragm to close the micro switch. Example for N/O contact: Open stove door, switch opens because of decreased vacuum. Control system stops feeding pellets.

Higher number is the switch safe high limit. Maximum safe amount of vacuum you can apply without damage. The reason for the high limit is the switch contains a diaphragm or some say bladder. Usually made of rubber. If you over pressure with to much vacuum you could rupture the diaphragm.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the explaination. Good not to damage the stove. But it does add another layer in the process and to the time. Since I have a lot more time than money, I'll try to do it the safe way. "Better safe than sorry"

I just pull the hose off the switch. Just takes a second. While the leaf blower is sucking the soot from the stove its also cleaning out the soot that might have clogged the hose. Once every ton I pull the hose off the switch and blow air back thru the stove to be sure the hose is clear. A plugged hose will effect the stove.

And one other thing. Don't let the impeller suck your shirt into the leaf blower without the protective grill in place.

sounds like experience talking.

Yes, but just a close call.

tonyd said:

Yes, but just a close call.

Click to expand...

I was using a gas model leaf blower to clean the yard, when it got too close to some athletic shorts I "WAS" wearing, enough said!

kinsman stoves said:

save$ said:

tonyd said:

Yes, but just a close call.

Click to expand...

I was using a gas model leaf blower to clean the yard, when it got too close to some athletic shorts I "WAS" wearing, enough said!

Click to expand...

Another stupid warning that would be funny to see on a warning label. "Caution do not fill the hopper while naked!" But I guess that would take into consideration your height.

Eric

Click to expand...

And/or your ummm length.....

Nicholas440 said:

I dont use the leaf blower I find that the vent kit brush works better it scrapes the walls of the vent pipe, the blower does not. However, the blower will blow the dickens out of anything thats just laying around in there.

Click to expand...

The leaf blower is intended for use after doing a full cleaning, not in place of.

what if you just cover the hole in the stove with tape?

Safety and protecting the stoves internal parts is a good practice.

I believe that if the stoves door is open that the chance of damaging the pressure/vacuum switch is NIL

Depending on the model/make of the stove the pressure switch port can be located in one of several places.

Some tap the switch to a port in the drop tube up fairly high and away from the fire.

Some stoves may tap the port to other spots in the fire box or even on the suction side of the exhaust fan where it connects to the ash trap chambers.

Generally, unless there are issues, if the door is fully open while using the leaf blower, there should not be any real pressure drop across the switch.

To disconnect the hose CAN'T HURT AT ALL

My large Whitfield has the switch connected to the drop tube.

The small Whitfield has a pressure switch (Not vaccum) and it is connected to the air plenum where the convection fan is mounted.

This stove uses some air from the convection fan ducted via a shunt tube to the fire pot as a combustion enhancer.

As long as the door is open there can be no connection to the switch.


The Quads connect the Vaccum switch to the firebox as well and run a negative Pot pressure.

Again as long as the door is open things should be fine.

Snowy

Before attaching the leaf blower I run the brush down the exhaust vent then connect the blower. I have the leaf blower on "during" my cleaning routine to keep the stove under negative pressure. This keeps the ash out of the house. I also disconnect the pressure switch hose before cleaning the stove.