Chimney connections continued – Vogelzang TR009 User Manual
Page 13
 
VGZ-029 / 20120113.0
TR009 PERFORMER™ /
Page 13
CHIMNEY CONNECTIONS continued …
CAUTION: NOT ALL FIREPLACE CHIMNEYS 
ARE SUITABLE FOR CONVERSION TO AC-
COMMODATE 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.
Steel-lined fireplaces are constructed with
1/4˝/6.4mm firebox liner, an air chamber in connection 
with 8˝/203mm of masonry. These can be safely used 
with wood burning stoves. They contain all the essen-
tial components of a fireplace, firebox, damper, throat, 
smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. Many look identical 
to masonry fireplaces and should be checked carefully 
before connecting a stove to them.
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 19 “Type 
A” Fireplace Conversion) 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 qualified installer.
Figure 19 - Fireplace Conversion
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 
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 14 
on page 10).
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 14 & 15 on pages 10 & 11). 
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.