Vogelzang VG820E (new as of 2013) - Manual (Page 7)

14 7
CAUTION:
NOT ALL FIREPLACES
ARE SUITABLE FOR
INSTALLATION OF A WOOD
HEATER.
Many people may wish to convert an existing
fi replace to heater use. Usually, safe con-
nection of stovepipe to a masonry chimney
requires more eff ort than connection to a
prefabricated chimney. Th
e fi replace must
be closed and sealed at the damper in the
fl ue. Good sealants are high temperature
caulking, ceramic wool, and furnace cement.
Always remember to inspect the masonry
chimney and fi replace. If necessary, clean
the fl ue and smoke shelf before beginning
your installation. Install the heater into the
chimney so that the system can be dismantled
for cleaning and inspection.
Before deciding to convert your fi replace or
existing chimney, keep in mind that older
fi replaces and their chimneys are unsafe.
Th
ey must be structurally sound, and the
fl ue liner must be in good condition. Do
not use a chimney if it is unlined (should
have a tile clay 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 qualifi ed engineer,
competent mason, certifi ed Chimney Sweep,
or knowledgeable inspector.
Many prefabricated fi replaces fall into the
"zero-clearance fi replace" category. Th
is is
a factory metal fi replace with multi-layered
construction. It is designed to provide
enough insulation and/or air cooling so that
the base, back and sides can be safely placed
in close contact with combustible fl oors
and walls. Although many prefabricated
fi replaces have been tested by nationally
recognized organizations for use as fi re-
places, they have not been tested to accept
heaters. In fact, their use as such may void
the manufacturer's warranty.
Steel-lined fi replaces, on the other hand,
can be used with heaters. Th
ese units use a
1/4-inch fi re box liner and an air chamber
in connection with 8 inches of masonry to
meet code. Th
ey contain all the essential
parts of a fi replace, fi rebox, damper, throat,
smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. Many of
them look exactly like a masonry fi replace
and must be checked closely for above re-
quirements before installing a coal heater
into them.
Another method frequently used by some
people is to vent the heater directly into the
fi replace. Th
is does not meet code since the
heater is being vented into another appli-
ance - the fi replace. Th
is method should not
be attempted because combustion products
will deposit and build up in the fi rebox or
fi replace. Be certain not to install a hazard
in you house. You will void your warranty
with this installation.
VENTING INTO A FIREPLACE
(Not recommended)
Heartwood
6 5 4
21
22
7 8
27
26
24 23
28
29
30
31
27
32
33
31 27
28
17 18
19 20
15
16
13
14
13
3 2
1
11
9 12 10
35
25
34
REPAIR PARTS - EXTERIOR
REPAIR PARTS - INTERIOR