I need some assistance from the members. For the last 40 years my homes have had a conventional masonary fireplace, an insert or a stove. None of these involved a catalytic combuster.
The house I recently moved into has an Appalachian Gemini 32 BW. (pic uploaded) This is a zero clearance model. It was manufactured in late 1992. It has a catalytic combuster. The stove is set back from the face of and is surrounded by a masonry wall. It is attached to a multiple wall stainless steel chimney of 22'. There is plenty of draft.
I've been fighting to bring this model to life as it's never performed well IMO. It needs a new damper/bypass
![[Hearth.com] Cat Temp Gauge Questions](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/image-webp.173689/ "[Hearth.com] Cat Temp Gauge Questions")
assembly and catalytic combusters, both of which should arrive in a few days.
My question is regarding temp gauges, particularly for operation of the cat. There currently are no gauges. When I removed the old warped damper housing I noticed a small hole in the top plate of the stove. It is an inch behind where the cat is located. A wire comes out of the hole, across the top and down the side of the stove. The manual makes no mention of it, but I was told by the manufacturer the wire is a thermocouple for measuring the temp for operation of the catalyst.
Specifically, I'm looking for a simple, small thermometer to plug into. Another pic is attached showing the 2 wires I have to work with. I don't want a controller, just a simple digital readout so I'll know when it's best to shut the damper bypass.
I'm not an electrician and would really appreciate your opinion and guidance.
![[Hearth.com] Cat Temp Gauge Questions](https://www.hearth.com/talk/attachments/image-webp.173692/ "[Hearth.com] Cat Temp Gauge Questions")
The house I recently moved into has an Appalachian Gemini 32 BW. (pic uploaded) This is a zero clearance model. It was manufactured in late 1992. It has a catalytic combuster. The stove is set back from the face of and is surrounded by a masonry wall. It is attached to a multiple wall stainless steel chimney of 22'. There is plenty of draft.
I've been fighting to bring this model to life as it's never performed well IMO. It needs a new damper/bypass
My question is regarding temp gauges, particularly for operation of the cat. There currently are no gauges. When I removed the old warped damper housing I noticed a small hole in the top plate of the stove. It is an inch behind where the cat is located. A wire comes out of the hole, across the top and down the side of the stove. The manual makes no mention of it, but I was told by the manufacturer the wire is a thermocouple for measuring the temp for operation of the catalyst.
Specifically, I'm looking for a simple, small thermometer to plug into. Another pic is attached showing the 2 wires I have to work with. I don't want a controller, just a simple digital readout so I'll know when it's best to shut the damper bypass.
I'm not an electrician and would really appreciate your opinion and guidance.
