Thermostat

[StockHR]

I see a lot of discussion about thermostats and what type to use. Doesn't a thermostat just make or break the circuit and tell the stove to turn on or off? Why the need for specific thermostats, why can't just you use any type?

 

[railfanron]

You need a millivolt compatible thermostat because the regular ones need 24v power to work. Millivolt ones are just basically a temperature activated switch. No power needed.
Ron

 

[Manly]

You need a millivolt compatible thermostat because the regular ones need 24v power to work. Millivolt ones are just basically a temperature activated switch. No power needed.
Ron

Yes. You are correct.

 

[MalcolmH]

Also it is nice to be able to adjust the "swing temp", most thermostats are fixed 1*, good ones can be adjusted from 1*- 5*, anyone running Gas or a Pellet Stove would want a larger swing temp for an efficient burn as oppose to turning on and off to keep the temp within 1*-2* of set temp, especially for a pellet stove.

 

[DBCOOPER]

I see a lot of discussion about thermostats and what type to use. Doesn't a thermostat just make or break the circuit and tell the stove to turn on or off? Why the need for specific thermostats, why can't just you use any type?

You are correct. Anything that closes the circuit will work. Most thermostats that are rated for 24 volts will run just fine without 24 volts and just run on the battery backup. Adjustable swing is probably the most important thing in thermostat selection.