Is there any reason I can't drill to insert a temp probe here?

[williaty]

I finally figured out how to get the surround off of my Pacific Energy Super Insert and found I have much better clearance above the stove than I expected. This means I have way better access to the bottom of the stove pipe than I expected. At my previous house, I had an Ideal Steel that I had stuffed thermocouples into all over the place so I'm used to having a lot of data on the stove's behavior. Is there any reason I can't drill a hole in the stainless steel pipe immediately above the top of the stove to insert an Auber Instruments thermocouple? I'd drill it roughly in the area where there's that bright blue reflection on the stove pipe in the 2nd picture. I should be able to notch the bottom of the surround to pass the cord of the thermocouple through to the outside world.

 

[stoveliker]

I think that'd be fine. Size it properly/seal it with a sleeve so no air gets sucked in.

Also add a blockoff plate and insulation to avoid a LOT of heat going up the chimney outside of the liner Possibly insulation behind the insert too if it's an outside wall. Rockwool, not fiberglass.

I don't know if the color of your 30 deg angle there indicates things have been too hot...?

 

[begreen]

That will work. The probe will read on the high side, being so close to the flue outlet.

Note, this is definitely a Summit, not a Super. The Summit has two blowers, the Super has one.

 

[williaty]

Note, this is definitely a Summit, not a Super. The Summit has two blowers, the Super has one.

The label on the side of the stove says it's a Super Insert Series D.

 

[williaty]

That will work. The probe will read on the high side, being so close to the flue outlet.

What's your best guess for what I should be targeting to avoid creosote formation with the high read? In the old stove, I tried to keep it above 500F, but that sensor was 15" above the flue transition, as called for by Auber.

 

[begreen]

It depends on the stage of the fire. In the flame stage keep it above 400º. In the coaling stage, once the wood has fully outgassed, it doesn't matter. More important will be when and how quickly to reduce the air on startup. That is where it's greatest value is for me. Try to keep the flue gas temp below 700º on startup.

 

[begreen]

The label on the side of the stove says it's a Super Insert Series D.

I stand corrected. I just pulled up the latest manual for the Super LE and that has 2 blowers. I don't have the Super D manual, but apparently that's when they did the change. Thanks.