Drolet ESCAPE 1800 User Manual

OWNER’S MANUAL

ESCAPE 1800 EPA WOOD STOVE

US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

AGENCY PHASE II CERTIFIED WOOD

STOVE

Verified and tested following

ULC S627 and UL 1482 Standards

by:

Manufactured by : STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC.

1700, Léon-Harmel, Québec (Québec) G1N 4R9

Tel : (418 ) 527-3060

Fax : (418 ) 527-4311

www.drolet.ca

READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE

45228

INTRODUCTION

Stove Builder International, one of the most important wood stove and fireplace manufacturers in
North America, congratulates you on your purchase and wishes to help you get maximum
satisfaction from your wood stove. In the pages that follow, we will give you advice on wood
heating and controlled combustion as well as technical specifications regarding installation,
operation and maintenance of the model you have chosen.

The instructions pertaining to the installation of your wood stove in North America comply with
ULC-S627 and UL-1482 standards.

Read this entire manual before you install and use your new stove. If this stove is not properly
installed, a house fire may result. To reduce the risk of fire, follow the installation instructions.
Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death.

Consult your municipal building department or fire officials about restrictions and installatio n
requirements in your area and the need to obtain a permit.

KEEP THIS INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

CAUTIONS:

• HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY

CAUSE SKIN BURNS.

• DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO IGNITE THE FIRE.

• DO NOT LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPENED DURING IGNITION.

• DO NOT BURN WASTE, FLAMMABLE FLUID SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA, OR MOTOR OIL.

• DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM.

• ALWAYS CLOSE THE DOOR AFTER IGNITION.

REGISTER YOU WARRANTY ONLINE

To receive full warranty coverage, you will

need to show evidence of the date you

purchased your stove. Keep your sales

invoice. We also recommend that you

register your warranty online at

www.drolet.ca

Registering your warranty

online will help us track rapidly the

information we need on your stove.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.1 GENERAL INSTALLATION ................................................................................. 4

1.2 POSITIONING THE STOVE ................................................................................. 5

1.3 CLEARANCES ..................................................................................................... 5

1.3.1 Reduced clearances using shielding .......................................................... 7

1.4 FLOOR PROTECTOR .......................................................................................... 8

TIPS ON WOOD HEATING ............................................................................................. 9

SECTION 2.0 CHIMNEY (FLUE SYSTEM) ................................................................. 10

2.1 DEFINITIONS ..................................................................................................... 10

2.2 CHIMNEY ........................................................................................................... 10

2.2.1 Step by step installation of your factory-built chimney .............................. 12

2.2.2 Typical installation through an existing masonry chimney ........................ 21

FIGURE 2.2.2 (C) Brick Thimble ................................................................................ 23

2.3 CHIMNEY CONNECTOR ................................................................................... 24

2.4 DRAFT ................................................................................................................ 26

2.5 OUTSIDE COMBUSTION AIR ........................................................................... 26

2.6 THE ADVANTAGE OF INSTALLING A BLOWER (FAN) ................................. 27

SECTION 3.0 OPERATION ........................................................................................ 28

3.1 SAFETY INFORMATION ................................................................................... 29

3.2 FUEL .................................................................................................................. 30

3.2.1 The use of manufactured logs .................................................................. 31

3.2.2 Simple wood moisture test ....................................................................... 32

3.3 NOTES ABOUT FIRST FIRING ......................................................................... 32

3.4 LIGHTING A FIRE .............................................................................................. 32

3.5 MAINTAINING THE FIRE ................................................................................... 34

3.6 FAN (BLOWER) OPERATION ........................................................................... 34

SECTION 4.0 MAINTENANCE ................................................................................... 35

4.1 CLEANING AND PAINTING YOUR STOVE ...................................................... 35

4.2 GLASS ............................................................................................................... 35

4.3 GASKETING ...................................................................................................... 36

4.4 ASH REMOVAL USING THE ASH DRAWER ................................................... 36

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4.5 CHIMNEY (FLUE) CLEANING ........................................................................... 37

4.6 BAFFLE INSTALLATION FOR ESCAPE 1800 MODEL ................................... 37

4.5 SECONDARY AIR TUBE REPLACEMENT ....................................................... 39

SECTION 5.0 SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................ 40

DROLET LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ................................................................. 41

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SECTION 1.0 - INSTALLATION

When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the Escape 1800 EPA wood stove is
suitable for use as a freestanding wood stove in residential installations. The Escape 1800 EPA
wood stove is not intended for installation in a bedroom or a mobile home.

In Canada, the CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment and
the CSA C22.1 Canadian National Electrical Code are to be followed in the absence of local code
requirements. In the USA, the ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and NFPA 211 Standard for
Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances are to be followed in the absence of
local code requirements.

In addition to the national installation and/or local building codes, fire officials (or other authorities
having jurisdiction) should be contacted to determine what restrictions and installation requirements
might apply locally.

This heating unit must serve as a supplementary heat source. An alternative heat source should be
available in the home if needed. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for additional heating costs
associated with the use of an alternative heat source.

It is highly recommended that the user buys this product from a retailer who can provide installation
and maintenance advices.

1.1 GENERAL INSTALLATION

CAUTION:

• MIXING OF APPLIANCE OR FLUE SYSTEM COMPONENTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OR MODIFYING THE

DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION OF COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS. WHERE SUCH
ACTION IS CONSIDERED, THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE CONSULTED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.

• DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

• CRACKED AND BROKEN COMPONENTS, e.g. GLASS PANELS OR CERAMIC TILES, MAY RENDER THIS

INSTALLATION UNSAFE.

• A SOURCE OF FRESH AIR INTO THE ROOM OR SPACE HEATED SHALL BE PROVIDED WHEN REQUIRED.

• INSTALL A SMOKE DETECTOR IN THE ROOM WHERE THE STOVE IS LOCATED

• CONNECT THE STOVE ONLY TO A LINED MASONRY CHIMNEY CONFORMING TO NATIONAL AND LOCAL

BUILDING CODES FOR USE WITH SOLID FUEL, OR TO A LISTED FACTORY BUILT CHIMNEY SUITABLE FOR
USE WITH SOLID FUEL.

4

1.2 POSITIONING THE STOVE

It is very important to position the wood stove in an area that will favour the most efficient heat
distribution throughout the house. The stove should therefore be installed in the room where the
most time is spent, and in the most spacious room possible. Recall that wood stoves produce
radiating heat, the heat we feel when we are close to a wood stove. A wood stove also functions by
convection, that is through the displacement of hot air accelerated upwards and its replacement with
cooler air at the floor level. The stove’s convection effect is facilitated by the installation of a
blower.

1.3 CLEARANCES

Clearances to any combustibles when measured directly from the floor protector to the ceiling must
be a minimum of 84" (2134 mm). Clearances to any combustibles when measured directly from the
front of the stove must be a minimum of 48" (1219 mm). The stove must also be placed so as to

maintain the minimum clearances to combustible walls specified for each type of connector used.

See Table 1.3 below for all clearance measures

Clearances to combustible materials**

Table 1.3 Clearances to combustible materials

MODEL

Escape 1800 12’’ / 12’’ 14’’ / 6”’ 7’’ / 5’’

Single wall pipe / Double wall

SIDES (A)

Single wall pipe / Double wall

* Height, from floor protection to ceiling

**See Figure 1.3 on the following page

You may decrease these clearances by installing heat radiation shields between th e walls or the
ceiling and the stove. These heat radiation shields must be installed permanently, and can
include sheet metal, a rigid non-combustible sheet or a masonry wall. The installation
standards of such heat radiation shields are listed on the following page.

IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO PLACE WOOD WITHIN MINIMUM CLEARANCES

BACK (B)

CORNERS (C)

Single wall pipe / Double wall

HEIGHT

(D)*

*7' / 2,13

5

Figure 1.3 Clearances to combustible materials

6

1.3.1 Reduced clearances using shielding

You may decrease the minimum clearances to combustible materials by installing heat radiation
shields between the walls or the ceiling and the stove. Those heat radiation shields must be installed
permanently, and must be made of a heat-resistant or heat-tolerant material. Consult the table below:

Reducing Clearances With

TYPE OF PROTECTION

Sides and

Rear/Back

Shielding

Top

Sheet metal, a minimum of 0,013" (0,33 mm) spaced out at
least 7/8" (21 mm) by non-combustible spacers.

67% 50%

Ceramic tiles, or an equivalent non-combustible material on
fire-proof supports spaced out at least 7/8" (21 mm) by non-

50% 33%

combustible spacers.

Ceramic tiles, or an equivalent non-combustible material on
fire-proof supports with a minimum of 0,013" (0,33 mm)
sheet metal backing spaced out at least 7/8" (21 mm) by non-

67% 50%

combustible spacers.

Brick spaced out at least 7/8" (21 mm) by non-combustible
spacers.

50% N/A

Brick with a minimum of 0,013" (0,33 mm) sheet metal
backing spaced out at least 7/8" (21 mm) by non­combustible spacers.

67% N/A

Source: CSA Standard B365-1991, Table 4, Page 27

Convert specification to R-value:
k-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches: R=1/k x T
C-factor is given: R=1/C

Example:

If the floor protector is 4” brick with a C-factor of 1.25 over 1/8” mineral board with

a k factor of 0.29 the total R-value of the system is:
4” brick C=1.25, R=1/1.25=0.8
1/8” mineral board K=0.29, R=1/0.29 x 0.125=0.431
Total R = Rbrick + Rmineral = 0.8 + 0.431 = 1.231
Total R is greater than 1.0, the system is acceptable.

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1.4 FLOOR PROTECTOR

If the stove is to be installed on top of a combustible floor, it must be guarded by a non-combustible
material extending at least 18” (300mm) from the front and 8” (200mm) from the sides and the back
of the firebox., as shown in Figure 1.4 below.

Please note that a floor protection is required with the pedestal models for spark and ash shielding,
but not for limiting floor temperatures from the radiant heat of the stove. The stove was designed and
safety tested so that without any protection, the floor would not overheat.

Please refer to local building codes for suitable floor protection materials.

FRONT

18” (300 mm)

8” (200 mm)

SIDES

BACK

8” (200 mm)

FIGURE 1.4 Floor protector

Caution: do not install in a bedroom.

8

TIPS ON WOOD HEATING

Wood is a renewable energy. It is also a very clean heat source when used with
appliances that are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a
standard accepted in Canada as well.

EPA-certified wood stoves are different than conventional wood stoves. Burning with an
EPA-certified wood stove may therefore require that you modify some of your heating
habits. To get the most satisfaction out of your new wood-heating system, please make
sure you go through the following check list.

9 The chimney is the engine that drives the wood-heating system. Use a chimney that

is UL-listed, with an inner diameter to match the stove’s outlet collar (6” for all Drolet

wood stoves);

9 Try to run the chimney inside the building for as much length as you can. A tall

and warm chimney will produce a good draft;

9 Try to install your chimney straight up and avoid 90 degree turns in the flue pipe

and offsets in the chimney;

9 Make sure that the chimney is tall enough and its top is clear of obstacles so it

can produce a stable draft;

9 Use a chimney thermometer installed at a distance of approximately 18 inches on

the flue pipe above the stove. Flue gases should reach at least 350oF before you

close the stove’s primary air intake completely. Operate your unit within the

comfort zone indicated on the thermometer;

9 To reduce the risk of smoke spillage into the room upon reloading your stove,

leave the primary air intake completely open for a few minutes. This will heat up

the chimney and build up draft before you open the stove door;

9 Maximize hot air circulation! Our wood stoves are designed to easily receive a

variable speed blower that will improve heat distribution in front of the stove;

9 Remember that wood stoves produce radiant heat. Since heat rises, the use of

floor traps will greatly improve the heat transfer to rooms upstairs;

9 Use a mobile home approved stove if you are going to install your wood-heating

system in a mobile home. A fresh air kit must be connected to the stove. Never

install your wood stove in a bedroom;

9 Burn only dry cordwood;
9 Make sure you have a good bed of red coals before you load your stove with logs

exceeding 3 inches in diameter;

9 Read and keep you owner’s manual. It will provide you with tips on how to run a

successful wood-heating system.

9

SECTION 2.0 CHIMNEY (FLUE SYSTEM)

2.1 DEFINITIONS

For clarity, the following definitions should be used with respect to these instructions:

• A chimney system consists of a connector off the top of the stove, and a chimney, which

attaches to the connector and terminates outside the house.

• A chimney can be a masonry chimney (of masonry construction with an inside liner), or a

factory built chimney.

• A factory built chimney can be a double walled chimney (two concentric pipes with

insulation - sometimes referred to as an insulated solid pack) or an air cooled chimney

(three concentric pipes, with insulation between the first and second pipes, and air between

the second and third pipes).

• A single walled connector is a single pipe.

• A double walled connector has two concentric pipes, no insulation, and is an air cooled

connector.

2.2 CHIMNEY

CAUTION:

• DO NOT fill any framed space around the factory-built chimney with insulation or any other

material. Insulation placed in this area could cause adjacent combustibles to overheat.

• Do not use makeshift compromises during installation as they may be safety hazards, and a

fire could result.

• Do not connect this unit to a chimney system serving another appliance.

• Do not cut rafters or ceiling joists without first consulting a building official to ensure

structural integrity is not compromised.

Your wood stove may be hooked up with a factory built or masonry chimney. If you are using a
factory built chimney, it must comply with UL103 (USA) or ULCS629 (Canada) standards. It must
therefore be a 6” (152mm) HT Type (2100°F) chimney. It is extremely important that it be installed
according to the manufacturer's specifications. The manufacturers’ installation instructions and
specified clearances should always be followed in accordance with local and national installation
codes. In Canada the CSA B365 and the CSA C22.1 installation codes are to be followed. In the
USA the ANSI NFPA 70

and ANSI NFPA 211 installation codes are to be followed.

10

If you are using a masonry chimney, it is important that it be built in compliance with the
specifications of the Building Code. It must be lined with fire clay bricks, or clay tiles, sealed

together with fire cement, or have a listed solid fuel burning stainless steel liner. Round chimneys

are the most efficient.

The interior diameter of the chimney should be identical to the stove's smoke exhaust. A chimney
which is too small may cause draft problems, since it may not have the required volume to properly
evacuate the quantity of smoke resulting from the combustion. A chimney whish is too large may
also cause draft problems. In fact, a large chimney will be harder to warm-up and may not reach high

enough temperatures to create a proper draft effect. Note that it is the chimney which creates the

draft effect, not your stove. Your stove's performance is therefore directly dependent on an
adequate draft from your chimney.

The following recommendations may be useful for the installation of your chimney:

• Do not connect your stove to a chimney serving another appliance.

• The chimney must rise above the roof at least 3' (0.9 mm) from the uppermost point of

contact. See Figure 2.2.

• The chimney must exceed any part of the building or other obstruction within a 10' (3.04 m)

distance by a height of at least 2' (0.6 m). See Figure 2.2.

• The minimum overall height of the chimney system, measured from the stove top to the

exterior termination cap of the chimney should be at least 12' (3.66m). A chimney which is

too short may lack the “tunnel effect” required to obtain a proper draft.

• Installation of an interior chimney is always preferable to an exterior chimney. Chimneys

constructed outside of the home on an exterior wall should be avoided if possible, especially

in colder climates. The gas which circulates into an interior chimney will cool more slowly,

thus reducing the build-up of creosote and the risk of flue fires.

• All else being equal, cooler chimneys will have less draft than hotter ones. This problem will

be amplified if the chimney is excessively long. A chimney which is excessively long may be

very hard to warm-up due to its higher volume. A cool chimney may even down draft

(reverse flow) due to the difficulty in heating it up to operating temperature while trying to

evacuate the stack gases.

• If an exterior chimney is used, the best results will be obtained by using a connector

vertically off the unit to the highest possible point before elbowing off horizontally to the

exterior chimney. For efficiency and safety reasons the stove must not be installed with an

insulated chimney connected directly to the appliance.

• Using a fire screen at the extremity of the chimney requires regular inspection in order to

insure that it is not obstructed, thus blocking the draft. It should be cleaned when necessary.

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FIGURE 2.2 Minimum Height of the Chimney

2.2.1 Step by step installation of your factory-built chimney

The way to install your chimney may vary from one chimney manufacturer to another. The instructions
contained in this manual are based on the recommendations of chimney manufacturers whose products
are sold at many North American retailers of wood stoves and related heating accessories.

Wall support system

If your chimney must rise along an outside wall, you need to connect it to your stove through an
adjacent wall. For this type of installation, the following items are normally required :

Chimney

• Suitable lengths of chimney (enough to go up to your roof)

• An adjustable wall support

• A wall thimble

• An adequate number of wall bands (one for every 8 feet of chimney, excluding the roof portion)

• A stove pipe adapter

• One insulated tee & plug

• A roof flashing kit (if necessary)

• A chimney cap.

• Roof guys (if required)

Stove pipe

• An adequate number of stove pipe sections.

• A 90

o

elbow

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