Berkshire Vented Gas Fireplace Heater

[MSC]

Folks,
We're renting a cabin on a pond not far from where we're building our retirement home on the Downeast coast of Maine. The place has the above listed heater. The blower is actuated by a bimetal fan switch that is attached to the stove magnetically. It kicks on when the side wall of the stove is at or above a certain temperature. There are two wires spade-clipped to the bimetal gizmo. The bimetal unit connects to a switch box that allows one to set the fan speed, when it's on. However, the fan only comes on when the fire has gone away. I'd like to be able to on/off the fan when I want to, rather than depend on the capriciousness of the switch. Suggestions re bypassing the gizmo? Thanks.

 

[DAKSY]

You should be able to find a small 3-way switch for the blower.
That will allow you to override the snapdisk.
The switch should be available at a hearth shop since they
are a pretty common item on a lot of fire place inserts.

 

[Heatsource]

you just hard wire the 2 leads going to the snap disc.
then your rheostat will control the unit manually