Breckwell Big E SP1000PWA, Big E SP1000PB, THE BIG E UTILITY FURNACE, THE BIG E HOME HEATER Owner's Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

THE

BIG

E



•

THE BIG E HOME HEATER

ECONOMICAL TO BUY

EFFICIENT TO OPERATE

EASY TO USE

THE BIG E UTILITY FURNACE

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

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

National Steelcrafters of Oregon, Inc.

Eugene, Oregon

Grand Prairie, Texas

www.breckwell.com

BRECKWELL HEARTH PRODUCTS

7/04

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.

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: _____The Big E _____________
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.

• Hot while in operation. Keep

children, clothing, and furniture away. Contact
may cause skin burns. 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.

• Do not unplug the stove if you

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

• Do not open the door during the

start up cycle and do not add pellets to the
burnpot by hand at any time, otherwise a
dangerous condition could result.

• 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.

• 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
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).

• 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.

• The exhaust system should be

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

• 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
Big E Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 7
Electrical Installation ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 9
Special Mobil Home Requirements -------------------------------------------------------------- 10

OPERATION --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11

Panel Controls ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 11
Proper Fuel ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Pre-Start-Up Check ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
Building a Fire ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 12
The HotRod™ Automatic Fire Starter ----------------------------------------------------------- 12
Damper Control ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Opening Door -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Room Air Fan -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12
Re-Starting a Warm Stove --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
If Stove Runs Out Of Pellets ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13
Refueling -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Breckwell Maintenance Tool ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 13
Shutdown Procedure --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Safety Features ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
Optional Thermostat ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14
Thermostat Installation ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14

MAINTENANCE --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16

Ash Removal --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Ash Disposal --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Vacuum Use --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 16
Cleaning ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
Blowers ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17

Chimney Cleaning ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Recommended Maintenance Schedule --------------------------------------------------------- 18
Removal & Replacement of Broken Door Glass --------------------------------------------- 18

TROUBLE SHOOTING GUIDE ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

Smoke Smell or Soot Build-Up -------------------------------------------------------------------- 24

ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 25
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 26
WARRANTY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 27

(Please Read This) Operating Safety Precautions

----------------------------------------- 15

SPECIFICATIONS

INSTALLATION

5

FLOOR PROTECTION

Width: 25 ¾”
Height: 32 5/8”
Depth: 23 7/8”
Weight: 275 lbs.
Flue size: 3” or 4”
Hopper Capacity: Up to 140 lbs.
(This can vary widely depending on pellet
size, length, and diameter)
EPA status: exempt
Burn time: 1 lb. to 5.5 lbs. per hour
BTU range: 8,200 to 55,000
Approved installations: mobile home, alcove,
conventional

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.

NOTE: Normally, your dealer will perform
these functions.

CLEARANCES

The Big E has been tested and listed for
installation in residential and mobile homes.

FIGURE 1

FLOOR PROTECTION: Freestanding
installations, minimum 30” wide by 32” 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.

THE MATERIAL(S) USED MUST HAVE, OR
COMBINE TO HAVE, A MINIMUM
INSULATIVE RATING OF ‘R1’.

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. 2).

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

INSTALL VENT WITH CLEARANCES
SPECIFIED BY THE VENT
MANUFACTURER.

(MINIMUM 30” W X 32” D)

FIGURE 2

COMBUSTION AIR SUPPLY

INSTALLATION

9

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 figure 3). A rodent guard (minimum ¼” wire
mesh)/wind hood must be used at the terminus (refer to figure 4).
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.

VENTING

The Big E 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.

FIGURE 3

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.

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 4

Equivalent Vent Length (EVL)

INSTALLATION

7

The longer the run of pipe in your installation, 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’ of EVL.

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

• 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.

BIG E INSTALLATION

A. HORIZONTALLY THROUGH WALL (refer to Figure 5)
NOTE: Follow L-Vent chimney manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Position stove, adhering to clearances shown in Figure 1.

2. Locate position of hole in wall; directly behind stove
exhaust vent (refer to figure 3).

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. An 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 non­hardening 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.

Locate terminations: a) not less then 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.

FIGURE 5

B. VERTICALLY WITH NEW CHIMNEY SYSTEM

INSTALLATION

8

(Refer to Figure 6)

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 7)

As an alternative, 3” or 4” L-Vent can be run inside existing chimney
to termination. (Figure 8)
This is the preferred method.

Follow guidelines for equivalent vent length.

D. VERTICALLY INTO EXISTING MASONRY FIREPLACE
NOTE: Follow L-Vent chimney manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Have the masonry chimney inspected by a qualified chimney
sweep or installer to determine its structural condition.

2. You will need a pipe length equal to the chimney height from
the hearth. If outside combustion air is to be used, you will
need a pipe length equal to the chimney height plus 18 inches.

3. Install a blanking plate and the chimney pipe, and if used the
outside air pipe, as shown in Figure 9.

4. Attach the L-vent adapter, a section of pipe and clean out tee,
making sure the clean out tee is centered in the chimney flue
area. Use RTV, metallic tape, and a minimum of three self­taping screws at all joint connections to ensure a tight seal.

5. Position the stove, adhering to the clearances in Figure 1.

6. Measure and build chimney top plate. Cut out holes for
chimney pipe, and if used the outside air pipe. Install and seal
with non-hardening mastic to prevent water leakage. Install
vent cap.

FIGURE 6

FIGURE 7

FIGURE 8

INSTALLATION

9

E. INSTALLATION THROUGH SIDE OF MASONRY CHIMNEY
NOTE: Follow L-Vent chimney manufacturer’s instructions.

1. Position the stove, adhering to the clearances in Figure 1. Mark
the center of the hole where the pipe is to pierce the masonry
chimney.

2. It will be necessary to break out the masonry around the
location of the pipe center mark. Use a 4-inch diameter hole for
3-inch pipe and 5-inch diameter hole for 4-inch pipe.

3. Measure and build chimney top plate. Cut out holes for
chimney pipe, and if used the outside air pipe.

4. Install the tee on the bottom of the vertical pipe system and
lower it down the chimney until the center branch of the tee is
level with the center of the hole in the masonry, as shown in
Figure 10.

5. Install and seal the top plate from step 3 with non-hardening
mastic. Slip the storm collar over the pipe, and while holding
the pipe at the proper elevation, affix the collar with a minimum
of three ¼” stainless steel sheet metal screws. Seal all joints
and seams around the collar.

6. Connect the horizontal pipe by pushing it through the hole in
the masonry and lining it up with the branch in the tee. Push
the pipe into the tee while twisting it to lock it into the tee.

7. If desired, once the horizontal pipe is in place, the space
between the pipe and masonry may be filled with high­temperature grout.

8. Install the trim collar. An adjustable pipe length and adapter
may be needed to finish the connection to the stove.

ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION

This stove is provided with a 6-foot grounded electrical cord
extending from the rear of the stove. We recommend connecting to
a good quality surge protector that is plugged into a standard three­prong, 120V, 60 Hz electrical outlet. Voltage variations can lead to
serious performance problems. The Breckwell electrical system is
designed for 120V AC with no more than 5% variation. Breckwell
cannot accept responsibility for poor performance or damage due to
inadequate voltage. If connected to an older, two-prong outlet, a
separate ground wire should be run to a proper ground (refer this to
a qualified technician). Always route the electrical cord so that it will
not come in contact with any hot part of the stove.

FIGURE 9

FIGURE 10