Harman Pellet Stove DIP Switch Settings Explained

If you own a Harman pellet stove, you may have heard about DIP switches. These tiny switches are located on your control board and act like the “settings menu” for your stove. They tell your stove how to ignite, how much fuel to feed, and even which temperature sensor (ESP probe) it should read.

Most owners will never need to change them. But if you replace your control board, or if your stove is struggling to ignite properly, knowing what DIP switches do (and how to check them) can save a lot of headaches.

At Northeast Pellet Stoves, we service and refurbish Harman stoves daily. This guide explains what DIP switches control, the correct factory default settings, and how to safely make adjustments — without the misinformation that floats around online. We recommend that only Harman dealers or technicians modify any settings.

What Do DIP Switches Control?

Here are the main functions you’ll see across Harman pellet stoves:

• Ignition Feed Time – Controls the number of pellets fed into the burn pot during startup. Too many = heavy smoke, too few = delayed ignition.

• ESP Probe Type – Dip switch #5 tells the stove whether it’s using a red or black ESP temperature sensor.

• Power Failure Mode – Determines whether the stove shuts down quickly during an outage or attempts to resume operation once power is restored.

• Room Sensor Settings – Fine-tunes how precisely the stove maintains temperature.

• Safety Limits – Set maximum ESP temperatures and ensure safe operation.

⚠️ Important: Check Your Control Board Revision

Harman has released multiple versions of control boards over the years. The DIP switch positions and functions changed in the newer Rev E and Rev F boards.

👉 To avoid mistakes, always check your board’s part number and revision (printed on the control board itself, e.g., 3-20-05886E).

DIP Switch Settings for Common Harman Pellet Stoves

Below are the factory defaults for the most common Harman pellet stove models. We’ve divided the charts into:

1. Older Boards (Rev A–C)

2. Newer Rev E/F Boards

Legend:

1. 0 = OFF 1 =ON Shown in order from DIP switch 1 to 8.

2. DIPSWITCH 1, 2 and 3 = Ignition Feed Time Offset Adjustment for US (quantity of pellets augured into the burn pot on start-up)

DIPSWITCH 1,2,3 Offset time 60Hz

Dipswitch 1,2,3	Offset time 60 Hz
on,on,on (111)	+85 sec
on, on, off (110)	+64 seconds
on, off, on (101)	+43 seconds
on, off, off (100)	+21 seconds
off, off, off (000)	+0 seconds
off, off, on (001)	-21 seconds
off, on, off (010)	-43 seconds
off, on, on (011)	-64 seconds

3. DIPSWITCH 4 = Power failure shutdown when using UPS/battery back-up 0 = Quick Shut Down 1 = Continue Operation

Note: Power failure shutdown is available on boards: 3-20-05886E, 3-20-05887B, 3-20-05888C, 3-20-05892F, 3-20-06142E, 3-20-06143D, or newer.

4. DIPSWITCH 5 = ESP identification: Red vs. Black 0 = Black 1 = Red (to be “OFF” with any color other than RED)

5. DIPSWITCH 6, Boilers = When using Atmospheric Kit, or high altitude installation 1 = ON should adjusted

DIPSWITCH 6, Pellet Stoves and Inserts = Room sensor differential 1 = ON reduces the differential by 1 degree F (Recommended)

6. DIPSWITCH 7,8 = Set the MAX ESP temperature for specific models using the Dipswitch Reference Chart

Notes

1. Always refer to the owner’s manual.

2. Ensure all Dipswitch settings are correct for the unit being installed or board being replaced.

3. Depending on stove configuration (such as Rev of pusher arm, RPM of feed motor, or size of gears in chain drives), ignition feed time may need to be adjusted.

Adjustment: Run the stove or insert through normal ignition and allow the stove to cool. Without disturbing the burn-pot, start a new ignition cycle.

Important: Normal re-ignition is required to ensure filling of the burn pot with pellets and ash is consistent.

- If there is excessive smoke within the first 6 to 10 minutes, the ignition feed may need to be reduced.

- If there is no smoke and it takes longer than 10 minutes for ignition, the ignition feed may need to be increased.

- Use Dipswitch 1, 2, and 3 to adjust ignition feed.

- Always take note of the existing setting before increasing or decreasing the ignition feed.

4. Fin Igniters: Initial feed should allow pellets to cover the holes above the igniter.

5. Excessive pellets(over feeding) cause extra smoke during ignition.

6. Different pellets may change the amount of smoke seen within the stove or insert during ignition.

How to Adjust DIP Switches Safely

If you absolutely need to adjust your DIP switches:

1. Unplug the stove (safety first).

2. Locate the control board (usually behind a side panel).

3. Check your board revision number.

4. Compare your switches to the chart above.

5. Flip only what’s necessary using a small tool (pen tip or precision screwdriver).

6. Restart and test ignition. Watch for heavy smoke or delayed ignition.

When to Call a Professional

For many stove owners, DIP switches are “set it and forget it.” The only time you’ll deal with them is after replacing a control board or troubleshooting ignition issues.

⚠️ Setting them incorrectly can cause poor ignition, safety risks, or even damage to the stove.

At Northeast Pellet Stoves, we handle control board replacements, ESP sensor swaps, and DIP switch programming daily. Whether you’re in Rhode Island or nearby Massachusetts, we’ll make sure your Harman stove is programmed correctly for safe, efficient operation.

Final Word

DIP switches may be small, but they have a big impact on how your Harman pellet stove performs. With the right settings, your stove will ignite smoothly, heat consistently, and keep your home comfortable all winter.

Need help? Book your pellet stove service online today — and let the Harman experts at Northeast Pellet Stoves take care of the details.\

Northeast Pellet Stoves