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Location for Probe Thermometer

Post in 'The Hearth Room - Wood Stoves and Fireplaces' started by lumbering on, Feb 18, 2013.

  1. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    I want to install a probe thermometer. My chimney connector has a pre-drilled hole about 6 inches from the collar.

    1. Is this hole designed for a probe thermometer. If not, what is it there for, and can I use it anyway?

    2. Is it too close to the stove to get accurate readings? (I'm reading most people have theirs at 18" but my masonry chimney would prevent that.

    Please see picture below.

    Thanks in advance.
    photo.JPG
    lumbering on, Feb 18, 2013
    #1

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  2. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    That's a double wall connector?

    Are you using any other thermometers currently on the stove top or pipe?

    pen
    pen, Feb 18, 2013
    #2

  3. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    I honestly don't know if it is a double wall connector. I'm having a "second opinion" overview of the whole set up when I get it swept this spring.

    No thermometers yet.
    lumbering on, Feb 18, 2013
    #3

  4. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    pen, Feb 18, 2013
    #4

  5. Highbeam Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 28, 2006
    6,906 posts
    base of Mt. Rainier on the wet side, WA
    Probe meters are for double wall pipe. If that is not double wall than a regular magnetic surface meter is the right thing.

    In an insert type installation, this location might be the best you can do. Obviously you want to be able to see the dial and you only have a short section of pipe to work with. Condar instructs you to install the meter at 18" it's not some random height, it is dictated. Yes, you may get high readings closer or you may get some effect on the probe from the stove itself but I use my probe meter so much that it would be worth these drawbacks. Put the probe as high as possible while still being able to read it.
    Highbeam, Feb 18, 2013
    #5
    soupy1957 and Jon1270 like this.

  6. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    I just ordered a stove top thermo.

    It's a bit tricky with the chimney, but how low can I put a magnetic surface thermo on the pipe and still get accurate readings?

    And what is that hole there for anyway?
    lumbering on, Feb 20, 2013
    #6

  7. Highbeam Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 28, 2006
    6,906 posts
    base of Mt. Rainier on the wet side, WA
    Looks like a predrilled screw hole.
    Highbeam, Feb 20, 2013
    #7

  8. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    If it is single wall and you use a magnetic, you'll get accurate readings no matter where you put it. The only thing that may be off is the "optimal" zone that is marked on the thermometer since that correlates to a higher position on the stove pipe.

    For example, if you place it there you may find that the thermometer has 450 as your "redline" you'll have to mentally adjust that for being located closer to the stove.

    pen
    pen, Feb 20, 2013
    #8

  9. soupy1957 Minister of Fire

    joined: Jan 8, 2010
    1,356 posts
    Connecticut
    +1to Highbeam's response. 18 inches from the top of the stove is the recommended distance. It's where I drilled and installed mine a few years ago (double wall flue pipe), and it has become the thermostat that I use most of all, for gauging temp..

    Condar recommends replacement every two years, by the way.

    -soupy1957
    soupy1957, Feb 22, 2013
    #9

  10. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    Should I plug up that hole, then?
    lumbering on, Feb 22, 2013
    #10

  11. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    If it's single wall pipe, and it's leading into the stove pipe (where the flue gasses are) with no use, then yes, plug it.
    pen, Feb 22, 2013
    #11

  12. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    What would you use to plug it?
    lumbering on, Feb 22, 2013
    #12

  13. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    I've used an allen plug before, but that's only because I had a few around. Otherwise, a short metal screw of the right size is fine.

    BTW, what the heck did that turn out to be? Is it single or double wall? My guess would be single, but you haven't said.

    You should be able to stick something in that hole to help. If it doesn't lead into the area where gasses are present, don't worry about plugging it.

    pen
    pen, Feb 22, 2013
    #13

  14. lumbering on Member

    joined: Dec 7, 2012
    214 posts
    New York
    Still don't know for sure. I think single.
    How would I tell?

    (don't get me started on asking the installer)
    lumbering on, Feb 22, 2013
    #14

  15. pen Super Moderator

    joined: Aug 2, 2007
    6,075 posts
    N.E. Penna
    I'd be taking a flashlight and a piece of wire and sticking it in that hole to feel around / inspect.

    You won't hurt anything doing that.

    pen
    pen, Feb 22, 2013
    #15

  16. Highbeam Minister of Fire

    joined: Dec 28, 2006
    6,906 posts
    base of Mt. Rainier on the wet side, WA
    You also won't hurt anything by plugging it, nomatter if it is single wall or double wall.
    Highbeam, Feb 22, 2013
    #16

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