Vogelzang BX26E - Manual (Page 11)

VGZ-006 / 20120225.0 BX26E-STD / Page 11
CHIMNEY CONNECTIONS continued …
CAUTION: NOT ALL FIREPLACE CHIMNEYS
ARE SUITABLE FOR CONVERSION TO ACCOM-
MODATE CONNECTION TO A WOOD STOVE.
CHECK WITH A QUALIFIED EXPERT.
Many prefabricated fireplaces are of the “zero-
clearance fireplace” category. These consist of multi
layered metal construction. They are designed with
enough insulation and/or air cooling on the base, back
and sides so they can be safely installed in direct con-
tact with combustible floors and walls. Although many
prefabricated fireplaces carry endorsements from na-
tionally recognized organizations for use as fireplaces,
they have not been tested for connection to wood stove
heaters. Connecting a stove to such a device will void
the manufacturer’s warranty.
Venting a stove directly into a fireplace does not
meet code and should not be attempted. The stove war-
ranty will be void with such an installation. Do not create
a hazard in your home by connecting in this manner.
FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
NOTE: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO ROUTE THE CHIM-
NEY CONNECTOR PIPE THROUGH THE THROAT OF
THE FIREPLACE.
Directly connecting the stovepipe into the existing
masonry chimney (figure 9, Type A Fireplace Conver-
sion) of the fireplace is the ONLY approved method of
installation. This is a complicated and involved process
and to ensure safety should only be done by a quali-
fied installer.
1. An entry hole must be cut through the masonry and
tile liner with minimal damage to the liner. At least
8˝/203mm of liner must remain below the entry
position. When locating the stove and stovepipe, all
minimum clearances must be observed from com-
bustible surfaces including mantels, combustible
Figure 9 - Fireplace Conversion
trim work, ceilings, and walls. Positioning the center
of the stove pipe entry into the chimney 24˝/61cm
below the ceiling should insure proper clearance
for a 6˝/152mm stovepipe.
2. Install a metal or fire clay (5/8˝/16mm minimum
thickness) thimble. Make sure the thimble is
flush with the inner surface of the chimney liner
and does not protrude into the flue (see figure 5
on page 9).
3. Secure the thimble with refractory mortar. The
thimble should be surrounded by 12˝/305mm of
solid unit masonry brickwork or 24˝/61cm of stone.
4. Install the stovepipe into the thimble as far as pos-
sible without extending past the flue lining (see
figures 4 & 5 on pages 8 & 9).
5. A small airspace (about 1/2˝/13mm) should remain
between the stovepipe and thimble to allow for
expansion of the pipe. Seal this airspace with high-
temperature caulking or ceramic wool.
6. Secure and seal the damper in the closed posi-
tion using high-temp caulking, ceramic wool, or
furnace cement. Also check to see if the chimney
has a clean out. If it does, make sure it is closed
and sealed as well. A leaky clean out will greatly
reduce draft efficiency.
If you have any questions regarding venting your
stove, contact the manufacturer or contact the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and request a copy
of the latest editions of NFPA Standard 211 and NFPA
Standard 908. Their address is:
Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02269.