Breckwell P23FSA, P23I, P23FSL User Manual 2

OWNER’S MANUAL



•

: If your appliance is not properly installed a house fire may result. For your safety,

TRADITION SERIES P23

P23FSL P23I P23FSA

WARNING

follow the installation directions. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and
installation inspection requirements in your area.

• PLEASE read this entire manual before installation and use of this pellet fuel-burning room heater.

Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death.

• Save these instructions.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Manufactured by

Breckwell Hearth Products

Eugene, Oregon

Grand Prairie, Texas

BRECKWELL HEARTH PRODUCTS

C-L-068 8/03

Thank you for purchasing the Breckwell Pellet Burning Stove. You are now prepared to burn

INTRODUCTION

2

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

MAIL YOUR WARRANTY CARD TODAY

wood in the most efficient, convenient way possible. To achieve the safest, most efficient and
most enjoyable performance from your stove, you must do three things: 1) Install it properly;

2) Operate it correctly; and 3) Maintain it regularly. The purpose of this manual is to help you
do all three.

PLEASE read this entire manual before installation and use of this pellet fuel-burning
room heater. Failure to follow these instructions could result in property damage,
bodily injury or even death.

Keep this manual handy for future reference.

Your Breckwell P23 comes as a fireplace insert or as a freestanding stove with legs or a
pedestal.

This stove has been independently tested to ASTM E1509-95 Standard Specification for
Room Heaters, Pellet Fuel Burning Type 1, UL 1482-1998 Standard for Solid Fuel Room
Heaters, Oregon Administrative Rules for Mobile Homes (814-23-900 through 814-23-909)
and Installation as a Stove Heater.

This pellet stove, when installed, must be electrically grounded in accordance with local
codes, or in the absence of local codes, with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70.

This appliance is designed specifically for use only with pelletized wood. It is designed for
residential installation according to current national and local building codes as a freestanding
room heater. It is also approved as a mobile home heater which is designed for connection to
an outside combustion air source.

The stove will not operate using natural draft or without a power source for the blower
systems and fuel feed system and must not be burned with any type of coal (see PROPER
FUEL).

This stove is designed to provide the optimum proportions of fuel and air to the fire in order to
burn free of smoke and soot. Any blockage of the air supply to or from the stove will seriously
degrade its performance and will be evidenced by a smoking exhaust and a sooting window.
For best operation the ash content of the pellet fuel should be less than 1% and the calorific
value approximately 8200 BTU/LB. Avoid high ash content fuels because this will rapidly fill
up the burn pot and eventually cut off the combustion air supply.

Commercial and industrial installations of Breckwell Pellet Stoves should not be used since
operational control is often not well managed in these settings.

Model: _____P23___________________
Style: ____________________________
Serial Number:_____________________
Purchase Date: ____________________
Purchased From:___________________
___________________
___________________

To receive full warranty coverage, you will
need to show evidence of the date you
purchased your stove. We suggest that
you attach your sales invoice to this page,
and fill in the form on the left, so that you
will have all the information you need in
one place should the need for service or
information occur.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

3

• Do not operate your stove if you

smell smoke coming from it. Turn it off,
monitor it, and call your dealer.

• Never use gasoline, gasoline-

type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter
fluid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen
up” a fire in this stove. Keep all such liquids
well away from the stove while in use.

• Never block free airflow through

the open vents of the stove.

• Never try to repair or replace any

part of the stove unless instructions are
given in this manual. All other work should
be done by a trained technician.

• The stove will not operate during

a power outage. If an outage does occur,
check the stove for smoke spillage and
open a window if any smoke spills into the
room.

• Disconnect the power cord

before performing any maintenance or
repairs on the stove.
NOTE: Turning the stove “off” does not
disconnect all power from the stove.

• Keep foreign objects out of the

hopper.

• Do not throw this manual away.

This manual has important operating and
maintenance instructions that you will need at
a later time. Always follow the instructions in
this manual.

• Do not place clothing or other

flammable items on or near the stove.

• The viewing door must be closed

and latched during operation.

• Do not operate the stove if the

flame becomes dark and sooty or if the
burnpot overfills with pellets. Turn the stove
off, periodically inspect it, and call your
dealer.

• Do not touch the hot surfaces of the

heater. Educate all children of the danger of a
high temperature stove. Young children
should be supervised when they are in the
same room as the stove.

• If the stove is installed in a room

without air conditioning, or in an area where
direct sunlight can shine on the unit, it is

• Do not unplug the stove if you

suspect a malfunction. Turn the stove off,
periodically inspect it, and call your dealer.

possible this can cause the temperature of
the stove to rise to operational levels; one of
the sensors could then make the stove start
on its own. It is recommended that the stove
be unplugged when not in use for extended
amounts of time (i.e. during the summer
months).

• Contact your local building

officials to obtain a permit and information
on any installation restrictions or inspection
requirements in your area. Notify your
insurance company of this stove as well.

• This unit must be properly

installed to prevent the possibility of a
house fire. The instructions must be strictly
adhered to. Do not use makeshift methods
or compromise in the installation.

• Allow the stove to cool before

carrying out any maintenance or cleaning.
Ashes must be disposed in a metal
container with a tight lid and placed on a
no combustible surface well away from the
home structure.

• This stove must be connected to

a standard 120 V., 60 Hz grounded
electrical outlet. Do not use an adapter
plug or sever the grounding plug. Do not
route the electrical cord underneath, in
front of, or over the stove.

• The exhaust system should be

checked, at a minimum, at least twice a
year for any build up of soot or creosote.

• The exhaust system must be

completely airtight and properly installed. The
pellet vent joints must be sealed with RTV
500°F. (260°C.) silicone sealant, and with UL­181-AP foil tape.

• Your stove requires periodic

maintenance and cleaning. Failure to
maintain your stove may lead to smoke
spillage in your home.

• This stove is designed and

approved for pelletized wood fuel only. Any
other type of fuel burned in this heater will
void the warranty and safety listing.

• When installed in a mobile home,

the stove must be bolted to the floor, have
outside air, and NOT BE INSTALLED IN A
BEDROOM (Per H.U.D. requirements).
Check with local building officials.

• Breckwell Hearth Products

grants no warranty, implied or stated, for
the installation or maintenance of your
stove, and assumes no responsibility of
any consequential damage(s).

TABLE OF CONTENTS

4

INTRODUCTION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3
SPECIFICATIONS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
INSTALLATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5

Preparation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Clearances ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5
Combustion Air Supply -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
When Outside Air Is Not Used ----------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Venting ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6
Freestanding Installations ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 7
Insert Installations -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Electrical Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 14
Special Mobil Home Requirements ---------------------------------------------------------- 14

OPERATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15

Proper Fuel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Pre-Start-Up Check ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Building a Fire ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
The HotRod™ Automatic Fire Starter -------------------------------------------------------- 15
Panel Controls ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15
Opening Door -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Room Air Fan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Re-Starting a Warm Stove ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
If Stove Runs Out Of Pellets -------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Damper Control ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17
Refueling --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Breckwell Maintenance Tool -------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Shutdown Procedure ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Safety Features ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 17
Optional Thermostat ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 18
Thermostat Installation -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18

MAINTENANCE ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Ash Removal ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Ash Disposal - Freestanding ------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Ash Disposal - Insert ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
Vacuum Use ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
Blowers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Chimney Cleaning -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 22
Recommended Maintenance Schedule ----------------------------------------------------- 22
Removal & Replacement of Broken Door Glass ------------------------------------------ 22

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 23

Smoke Smell or Soot Build-Up ---------------------------------------------------------------- 28

ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 29
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 30

(Please Read This) Operating Safety Precautions

-------------------------------------- 19

INSTALLATION

5

SPECIFICATIONS

FREESTANDING:

Width: 22 ½”
Height: 29” (with pedestal), 28 ½” (with legs)
Depth: 27” (excluding ash lip)
Weight: 210 lbs.
Pedestal: 40 lbs.
Legs: 13 lbs.
Flue size: 3” or 4”
Hopper Capacity: Up to 60 lbs.
(this can vary widely depending on pellet size, length, and diameter)
EPA status: exempt
Burn time: 1 lb. to 5 lbs. per hour
BTU range: 8,200 to 47,000
Approved installations: mobile home, alcove, conventional

FIREPLACE INSERT:
Width: 21” (With flashing: 42”)
Height: 20” (With flashing: 30” or 32”)
(depending on which size of flashing used)
Depth: 22 ¾”
In fireplace: 11 ½”
Weight: 185 lbs.
Flashing: 13 lbs.
Flue size: 3” or 4”
Hopper Capacity: Up to 60 lbs.
(this can vary widely depending on pellet size, length, and diameter)
EPA status: exempt
Burn time: 1 lb. to 5 lbs. per hour
BTU range: 8,200 to 47,000
Approved installations: zero-clearance, masonry, as a built-in

PREPARATION

Factory packaging must be removed, and some minor assembly work is required
prior to installation. Access to the rear of the stove is necessary.

The circuit board/control panel must be unpacked and installed in the side flashing
on the insert. (See installation instructions provided with the circuit board)

NOTE: Normally, your dealer will perform these functions.

CLEARANCES

The Breckwell P23 Freestanding has been tested and listed for installation in
residential, mobile home and alcove applications.

The P23 Insert is approved for installation into code complying masonry fireplaces.

The P23 Insert is also approved for use in listed factory built fireplaces (UL 127)
and standard residential built-ins (see As A Built-In Fireplace), including Mobile
Home built-in installations, of the following description: all brands at least 33” wide
and 20 ½” high.

FIGURE 1

FIGURE 2

FIGURE 3

FLOOR PROTECTION: Freestanding installations, minimum 22” wide by 31” deep.
The stove must be placed on a continuous (grouted joints) noncombustible material
such as ceramic tile, cement board, brick, 3/8” millboard or equivalent, or other
approved or listed material suited for floor protection. NOTE: ceramic tile, or any
tile, requires a continuous sheet beneath to prevent the possibility of embers falling
through to the combustible floor if cracks or separation should occur in the finished
surface, this would include floor protection for Built-in raised hearths. Check local
codes for approved alternatives.

Clearances are measured from the sides, back and face (door opening) or stove
body (refer to fig. 4).

DO NOT USE MAKESHIFT MATERIALS OR COMPROMISES IN THE
INSTALLATION OF THIS UNIT.

INSTALL VENT WITH CLEARANCES SPECIFIED BY THE VENT
MANUFACTURER.

FLOOR PROTECTION

FIGURE 4

COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY

INSTALLATION

6

For a mobile home installation the stove must be
connected to an outside source of combustion air. A 2”
inside diameter metallic pipe, either flexible or rigid, may
be attached to the inlet at the stove’s rear (refer to figures
5 and 6). A rodent guard (minimum ¼” wire mesh)/wind
hood must be used at the terminus (refer to figure 7). All
connections must be secured and airtight by either using
the appropriately sized hose clamp and/or UL-181-AP foil
tape.

For mobile home installations only: 2” inside diameter
pipe may be used for the first 5 feet of combustion air
supply run. From 5 to 10 feet use 2 ¾” inside diameter
pipe. No combustion air supply may exceed 10 feet.

Sources of Outside Combustion Air

a. In fireplaces

• Chimney top.

• Ash clean out door.

b. For freestanding installations

• A hole in floor near stove rear terminating only
in a ventilated crawl space.

• A hole in the wall behind the stove.

WHEN OUTSIDE AIR IS NOT USED

If outside air is not used, it is important that combustion
air is easily available to the air inlet. A closeable outside
air register can be used in tightly insulated homes. In
insert installations, flashing vents should not be restricted.
The flashing should not necessarily seal the fireplace
face.

VENTING

The Breckwell P23 Freestanding is certified for use with
listed TYPE L-Vent, 3” or 4” diameter in size. The stove
was tested with Simpson Duravent brand. Class “A”
chimney is not required. Refer to the instructions provided
by the vent manufacturer, especially when passing
through a wall, ceiling or roof.

This is a pressurized exhaust system. All vent connector
joints must be sealed with 500°F (260°C) RTV silicone
sealant to ensure consistent performance and avoid
smoke spillage. All horizontal connector joints must be
sealed with UL-181-AP foil tape. We recommend that all
vertical vent connector joints be secured with a minimum
of 3 screws.

FIGURE 5

FIGURE 6

DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE
SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.

DO NOT INSTALL A FLUE DAMPER IN THE EXHAUST
VENTING SYSTEM OF THIS UNIT.

INSTALL VENT AT CLEARANCES SPECIFIED BY THE
VENT MANUFACTURER.

FIGURE 7

Equivalent Vent Length (EVL)

INSTALLATION

7

The longer the run of pipe in your installation (both with insert and
freestanding models), the more restriction there is in the system.
Therefore, larger diameter pipe should be used.

• Use 4” pipe if you have more than 15 feet of equivalent vent
length.

• Horizontal runs shall not exceed 10 feet of EVL.

• Recommended vertical runs to be a minimum of 8 feet.

• To calculate EVL, use the following conversions:

90º elbow or “T” = 5 equivalent feet
45º elbow = 3 equivalent feet
Horizontal Pipe Run = 1 equivalent foot per actual foot
Vertical Pipe Run = 0.5 equivalent foot per actual foot

NOTE: At altitudes above 3,000 feet, we suggest the use of 4”
diameter vent at an EVL of 7 feet or more.

FREESTANDING INSTALLATIONS

A. ASSEMBLING PEDESTAL OR LEG SET

If using a pedestal, follow the instructions inside the Breckwell P23
Pedestal w/ Ashpan Part # A-P23-PNEW
(Refer to figure 8).

If using cast legs, follow the instructions inside the Breckwell P23
Leg Set w/ Ashpan Part # A-CGL-NEW or # A-CL-NEW.

Legs are installed by using the four bolts provided in the kit into the
four holes under the stove at each corner, thread on nuts from the
top and tighten. Make sure to save the hole plugs.

NOTE: If converting from legs to pedestal the hole plugs must be
installed in the unused holes.

FIGURE 8

B. HORIZONTALLY THROUGH WALL

INSTALLATION

8

(refer to Figure 9)

NOTE: Follow L-Vent chimney
manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Position stove, adhering to
clearances shown in Figures 1 & 2.

2. Locate position of hole in wall;
directly behind stove exhaust vent
(refer to figure 5).

3. Always maintain 3” clearance from
combustible materials.

4. Install L-Vent wall thimble per L-Vent
manufacturer’s instructions.

5. Attach enough piping to penetrate
and extend at least 6” beyond
exterior walls. A minimum 8-foot
vertical pipe run is suggested where
possible to reduce the possibility of
smoke spillage in the event of a loss
of negative pressure.

6. Attach cap and seal outside wall
thimbles with non-hardening
waterproof mastic.

7. Termination should not be located so
that hot exhaust gases can ignite
trees, shrubs, or grasses or be a
hazard to children. Exhaust gases
can reach temperatures of 500ºF and
cause serious burns if touched.

FIGURE 9

Locate terminations: a) not less than 3 feet above any forced air inlet
located within 10 feet; b) not less than 4 feet below or horizontally from, or
one foot above, any door, window or gravity air inlet into any building; c) not
less than two feet from an adjacent building and not less than 7 feet above
grade when located adjacent to a public walkway. Mobile home installations
must use a spark arrester.

B. VERTICALLY WITH NEW CHIMNEY SYSTEM (Refer to

INSTALLATION

9

Figure 10)

NOTE: Follow L-Vent chimney manufacturer’s instructions.
OPTION: To achieve a center vertical installation a 45º elbow and a

clean-out tee can be used to offset the pipe from the exhaust outlet
to the rear center of the stove.

OPTION: Install L-Vent elbow in place of clean-out tee. Locate
stove. Drop plumb bob to center of tee outlet, mark point on ceiling.
Install ceiling support and L-Vent pipe per L-Vent manufacturer’s
instructions.

1. Always maintain 3” clearance from combustible materials.
When passing through additional floors or ceilings, always
install firestop spacer.

2. After lining up for hole in roof, cut either around or square hole
in roof, always 3” larger all the way around pipe. Install upper
edge and sides of flashing under roofing materials, nail to the
roof along upper edge. Do not nail lower edge. Seal nail heads
with non-hardening waterproof mastic.

3. Apply non-hardening, waterproof mastic where the storm collar
will meet the vent and flashing. Slide storm collar down until it
sits on the flashing. Seal and install cap. Mobile home
installations must use a spark arrester.

C. VERTICALLY INTO EXISTING CHIMNEY SYSTEM

Adapters are available to adapt from 3” L-Vent to 6” or 8” Class-A
chimney. (Figure 11a)

As an alternative, 3” or 4” L-Vent can be run inside existing chimney
to termination. (Figure 11b)
This is the preferred method.

Follow guidelines for equivalent vent length.

FIGURE 10

FIGURE 11a

FIGURE 11b