Location for Probe Thermometer

[lumbering on]

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.

 

[pen]

That's a double wall connector?

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

pen

 

[lumbering on]

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.

 

[pen]

If it's single wall, you certainly don't want a probe there. If it's double wall, the poor thing would read high. Regardless, that's a bit too close to the stove for most stove pipe thermometers to read as designed.

I'd suggest starting with a good condar stove top thermometer.

http://www.amazon.com/Inferno-3-30-...ie=UTF8&qid=1361215236&sr=8-1&keywords=condar

pen

 

[Highbeam]

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.

 

[lumbering on]

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?

 

[Highbeam]

Looks like a predrilled screw hole.

 

[pen]

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?

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

 

[soupy1957]

+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

 

[lumbering on]

Should I plug up that hole, then?

 

[pen]

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.

 

[lumbering on]

What would you use to plug it?

 

[pen]

What would you use to plug it?

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

 

[lumbering on]

Still don't know for sure. I think single.
How would I tell?

(don't get me started on asking the installer)

 

[pen]

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

 

[Highbeam]

You also won't hurt anything by plugging it, nomatter if it is single wall or double wall.