United States Stove Company 2007 - Manual (Page 7)

7
VENTING INT VENTING INT VENTING INT VENTING INT VENTING INTO A FIREPLA O A FIREPLA O A FIREPLA O A FIREPLA O A FIREPLACE CE CE CE CE
Many people may wish to convert an existing
fireplace to heater use. Usually, safe connection
of stovepipe to a masonry chimney requires more
effort than connection to a prefabricated chim-
ney. The fireplace must be tightly closed and
sealed at the damper in the flue. Good sealants
are high-temperature caulking, ceramic wool, and
furnace cement. Always remember to inspect the
masonry chimney and fireplace. If necessary,
clean the flue and smoke shelf before beginning
your installation. Install the heater into the fire-
place so that the system can be dismantled for
cleaning and inspection.
Before deciding to convert your fireplace, keep in
mind that some fireplaces and existing chimneys
are unsafe. They must be structurally sound, and
the flue liner must be in good condition. Do not
use a chimney if it is unlined (should have a fire
clay tile liner to protect brickwork). Have it relined
professionally. Clearances to combustibles are
explained in the previous section on masonry
chimneys. If you have any questions regarding
the condition of the chimney, consult a qualified
engineer, competent mason, or knowledgeable
inspector.
Many prefabricated fireplaces fall into the "zero-
clearance fireplace" category. This is a factory-
built metal fireplace with multilayered construc-
tion. It is designed to provide enough insulation
and/or air cooling so that the base, back and sides
can be safely placed in direct contact with com-
bustible floors and walls. Although many prefab-
ricated fireplaces have been tested by nationally
recognized organizations for use as fireplaces,
they have not been tested to accept heaters. In
fact, their use as such may void the manufacturer's
warranty.
Steel-lined fireplaces, on the other hand, can be
used with heaters. These units use a 1/4-inch
firebox liner and an air chamber in connection
with 8 inches of masonry to meet code. They
contain all the essential parts of a fireplace, fire-
box, damper, throat, smoke shelf, and smoke
chamber. Many of them look exactly like a ma-
sonry fireplace and must be checked closely for
above requirements before installing a wood
heater into them.
Another method frequently used by some people
is to vent the heater directly into the fireplace. This
does not meet code since the heater is being
vented into another appliance - the fireplace. This
method should not be attempted because com-
bustion products will deposit and build up in the
firebox or fireplace. Be certain not to install a
hazard in your house. You will void your warranty
with this installation.
CAUTION: CAUTION: CAUTION: CAUTION: CAUTION:
NO NO NO NO NOT ALL FIREPLA T ALL FIREPLA T ALL FIREPLA T ALL FIREPLA T ALL FIREPLACES ARE CES ARE CES ARE CES ARE CES ARE
SUIT SUIT SUIT SUIT SUITABLE FOR INST ABLE FOR INST ABLE FOR INST ABLE FOR INST ABLE FOR INSTALLA ALLA ALLA ALLA ALLATION TION TION TION TION
OF A OF A OF A OF A OF A W W W W WOOD HEA OOD HEA OOD HEA OOD HEA OOD HEATER. TER. TER. TER. TER.