Question on use of a barometric draft control

Chris · By: **Chris** On: Wed Jan 25, 2006 8:49 pm

I am installing my new Reading stove with a back vent and sidewall power venter kit. The stove came with a "tee" and barometric draft control and I was wondering if I need to install it or is it for a top vent stove? Or is it optional? The owners manual isn't very clear on the matter.

lime4x4 · By: **lime4x4** On: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:33 pm

my brother inlaw has the same stove with power vent he has barometric dampner set to wide open all the time..Hope that helps

Jerry & Karen · By: **Jerry & Karen** On: Wed Jan 25, 2006 9:34 pm

It is very important that you install the baro. Using a stoker stove without a baro could cause a hopper fire. Also without a baro you will suck all the heat out of the stove. Make sure the PV has a rheostat on it and set the draft at .03-.05 for best results.
Jerry

lime4x4 · By: **lime4x4** On: Sat Jan 28, 2006 8:34 pm

Jerry i'm curious how would a barometric dampner prevent a hopper fire??
When i got my stove i was told i had to use it with my harman to maintain a constant .05 draft. I know Al has been running his stoker without a barometric dampner for a couple of years now without and issues.
Just curious..
Thanks John

BinghamtonNY · By: **BinghamtonNY** On: Mon Jan 30, 2006 10:00 am

I too run my Magnum without a baro. I'm a really losing that much heat without one?

lime4x4 · By: **lime4x4** On: Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:16 pm

in my case yes i was..If i run the stove with the baro closed my flue temps range from 300 to 600 degrees.With the baro adjusted properly my flue temps never get higher then 250

BinghamtonNY · By: **BinghamtonNY** On: Mon Jan 30, 2006 2:31 pm

Thanks Lime! I have a horizontal run to my flue and I guess I don't know the proper way to install it. Does anyone have a picture that show's this? I definately need to put it in. Still warm here in Binghamton this week so it would be a good time to do it..

Jerry & Karen · By: **Jerry & Karen** On: Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:04 pm

I can't speak for harmon, but with the Leisure line we gain about 20% more. your chimney draws x amount of air when it is working properly, as it get hotter and it gets colder outside the draw of the chimney increases. As the chimney draws harder and harder it needs to get air from someplace. Without a baro it will sometimes reach into the hopper to get its needed air, but because of harmans feeder design, I don't think you need to worry about this. When you use a baro, it lets room temp air in and mix with the 500* stoker air. As a result, the temp of your chimney lowers and causes less draw. BINGO, it keeps the hot air in the stove a little longer letting the convection fan do its job better.
jerry