For the second time (that I know of) the temperature of the CAT probe hit 2000 degrees. I was in bed reading last night and started hearing an unusual number of metal pinging expansion sounds when I noticed what the CAT probe was reading. I also smelled some non-wood burning, and noticed the CAT combustor glowing very brightly, so immediately opened the damper to cool down the CAT and burn down the wood somewhat. After re-engaging the CAT, the temperature was hovering around 1,750 when I went back to bed.
I am using a Candor digitital gauge ((broken link removed to http://www.condar.com/digital_monitor_woodstoves.html)) and have heard that it may read 200-300 degrees high, which would still be quite hot. The manual for my stove mentions that normal CAT operating temperature should be between 1000 and 1700.
Why did the temperature go up so high? I noticed that there was very little flame, just the hot coals at the bottom and some charred wood. Would wood that is wet or not well seasoned cause a lot of smoke which can cause the CAT to work hard raising it's temperature? How do I deal with this once it happens? Does increasing the air control cause more or less smoke? Lowering it seems to make sense since it would cause the wood to smolder more; but raising it also makes sense since more combustion = more smoke. What do you think?
Thanks
I am using a Candor digitital gauge ((broken link removed to http://www.condar.com/digital_monitor_woodstoves.html)) and have heard that it may read 200-300 degrees high, which would still be quite hot. The manual for my stove mentions that normal CAT operating temperature should be between 1000 and 1700.
Why did the temperature go up so high? I noticed that there was very little flame, just the hot coals at the bottom and some charred wood. Would wood that is wet or not well seasoned cause a lot of smoke which can cause the CAT to work hard raising it's temperature? How do I deal with this once it happens? Does increasing the air control cause more or less smoke? Lowering it seems to make sense since it would cause the wood to smolder more; but raising it also makes sense since more combustion = more smoke. What do you think?
Thanks