Installation and Operation Manual
Optima
(DB03210 model)
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY PHASE II CERTIFIED
WOOD STOVE
Safety tested according to ULC S627, UL 737
and UL 1482 Standards
by Intertek Testing Services
250, rue de Copenhague, St-Augustin-de-Desmaures
45570A
Printed in Canada 15-10-2014
This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a
copyrighted document. Re-sale is strictly prohibited. The manufacturer may update this
manual from time to time and cannot be responsible for problems, injuries, or damages
arising out of the use of information contained in any manual obtained from unauthorized
sources.
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
www.drolet.ca
Stove Builder International Inc.
(Quebec) Canada G3A 2H3
Tel: (418) 878-3040 Fax: (418) 878-3001
Optima Installation and Operation Manual
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS DROLET WOOD STOVE
As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace manufacturers,
Stove Builder International takes pride in the quality and performance of all its products. We want to
help you get maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
In the pages that follow you will find general advice on wood heating, detailed instructions for safe
and effective installation, and guidance on how to get the best performance from this stove as you
build and maintain fires, and maintain your wood heating system.
We recommend that our wood burning hearth products be installed and serviced by professionals
who are certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®) or in Canada by WETT
(Wood Energy Technical Training) or in Quebec by APC (Association des Professionnels du
Chauffage).
Congratulations on making a wise purchase.
When this stove is not properly installed, a house fire may result. To reduce the risk of fire,
follow the installation instructions. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions
and installation inspection requirements in your area.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use your new stove. Failure to follow
instructions may result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death. It is important that
you follow the installations guidelines exactly.
You may need to obtain a building permit for the installation of this stove and the chimney
that it is connected to. Consult your municipal building department or fire department before
installation to determine the need to obtain one. We recommend that you also inform your
home insurance company to find out if the installation will affect your policy.
REGISTER YOUR 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:
http://www.drolet.ca/en/service-support/warranty-registration
Registering your warranty online will help us to quickly track the
information we need about your stove.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Table of content
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .................................. 6
1 Safety Information ............................................................................... 6
1.1
Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings ......................... 6
2 General Information ............................................................................ 7
2.1
Optima Specifications ............................................................................................. 7
2.2
Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You ..................................................... 9
2.3
The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency ............................................. 10
2.4
The SBI Commitment to You and the Environment .............................................. 10
2.4.1 What is Your New Stove Made Of? ................................................................... 10
3 Fuel ...................................................................................................... 11
3.1
Materials That Should Not be Burned ................................................................... 11
3.2
How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood ................................................................ 11
3.2.1 What is Good Firewood? ................................................................................... 11
3.2.2 Tree Species ..................................................................................................... 11
3.2.3 Log Length ......................................................................................................... 11
3.2.4 Piece Size .......................................................................................................... 12
3.2.5 How to Dry Firewood ......................................................................................... 12
3.2.6 Where to store wood ......................................................................................... 14
3.2.7 Judging Firewood Moisture Content .................................................................. 14
3.3
Manufactured Logs ............................................................................................... 15
4 Operating Your Stove ....................................................................... 16
4.1
The use of a fire screen ........................................................................................ 16
4.2
Your First Fires ..................................................................................................... 16
4.3
Lighting Fires ........................................................................................................ 16
4.3.1 Conventional Fire Starting ................................................................................. 17
4.3.2 The Top Down Fire ............................................................................................ 17
4.3.3 Two Parallel Logs .............................................................................................. 17
4.3.4 Using Fire Starters ............................................................................................. 18
4.4
Maintaining Wood Fires ........................................................................................ 18
4.4.1 General Advice .................................................................................................. 18
4.4.2 Ash Removal ..................................................................................................... 18
4.4.3 Raking Charcoal ................................................................................................ 19
4.4.4 Firing Each New Load Hot ................................................................................. 20
4.4.5 Turning Down the Air Supply ............................................................................. 20
Building Different Fires for Different Needs ................................................................... 21
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
5 Maintaining Your Wood Heating System ....................................... 23
5.1
Stove Maintenance ............................................................................................... 23
5.1.1 Cleaning Door Glass ......................................................................................... 23
5.1.2 Door adjustment ................................................................................................ 24
5.1.3 Replacing the Door Gasket ................................................................................ 24
5.1.4 Replacing the Glass Gasket and/or the Glass ................................................... 24
5.1.5 Cleaning and Painting the Stove ....................................................................... 25
5.2
Chimney and Chimney Connector Maintenance ................................................... 25
5.2.1 Why Chimney Cleaning is Necessary ................................................................ 25
5.2.2 How Often Should You Clean the Chimney? ..................................................... 25
5.2.3 Cleaning the Chimney ....................................................................................... 26
PART B - INSTALLATION ................................................................... 27
6 Safety Information ............................................................................. 27
6.1
Summary of Installation Cautions and Warnings .................................................. 27
6.2
Regulations Covering Stove Installation ............................................................... 27
7 Clearances to Combustible Material ............................................... 28
7.1
Location of the certification label ........................................................................... 28
7.2
Clearances to Walls and Ceiling ........................................................................... 28
7.3
Floor protector ...................................................................................................... 30
7.4
Reducing Wall and Ceiling Clearances Safely ...................................................... 30
7.4.1 Shield Construction Rules ................................................................................. 31
7.4.2 Table of Clearance Reduction Percentages ...................................................... 32
8 The Venting System ........................................................................... 33
8.1
General ................................................................................................................. 33
8.2
Suitable Chimneys ................................................................................................ 33
8.2.1 Factory-built Metal Chimneys ............................................................................ 33
8.2.2 Masonry Chimneys ............................................................................................ 34
8.3
Minimum Chimney Height ..................................................................................... 34
8.4
The Relationship Between the Chimney and the House ....................................... 35
8.4.1 Why inside chimneys are preferred ................................................................... 35
8.4.2 Why the chimney should penetrate the highest heated space........................... 35
8.5
Supply of Combustion Air ..................................................................................... 36
8.5.1 Air Supply in Conventional Houses ................................................................... 36
8.6
Installing the Chimney Connector ......................................................................... 37
8.6.1 Installation of Single Wall Chimney Connector .................................................. 37
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix 1: Installing the Fresh Air Intake Kit (AC01334) ............... 39
Appendix 2: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01319) ............................... 40
Appendix 3: Use of the Blower and Optional Thermodisc .................. 41
Appendix 4: Exploded Diagram and Parts List .................................... 42
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY .................................................... 44
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Please see Part B for installation instructions.
1 Safety Information
1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings
•
HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.
CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR STOVE
OPERATION.
•
USING A STOVE WITH CRACKED OR BROKEN COMPONENTS, SUCH AS GLASS OR
FIREBRICKS OR BAFFLES MAY PRODUCE AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND MAY DAMAGE
THE STOVE.
•
OPEN THE AIR CONTROL FULLY BEFORE OPENING FIRING DOOR.
•
THIS STOVE HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH AN OPEN DOOR IN CONJUNCTION WITH
A FIRE SCREEN (AC01319, SOLD SEPARATELY). THE DOOR MAY BE OPEN OR FIRE
SCREEN REMOVED ONLY DURING LIGHTING PROCEDURES OR RELOADING. ALWAYS
CLOSE THE DOOR OR PUT BACK THE FIRE SCREEN AFTER IGNITION. DO NOT LEAVE
THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED WITH OR WITHOUT FIRE
SCREEN.
•
NEVER USE GASOLINE, GASOLINE-TYPE LANTERN FUEL (NAPHTHA), FUEL OIL, MOTOR
OIL, KEROSENE, CHARCOAL LIGHTER FLUID, OR SIMILAR LIQUIDS OR AEROSOLS TO
START OR ‘FRESHEN UP’ A FIRE IN THIS STOVE. KEEP ALL SUCH LIQUIDS OR
AEROSOLS WELL AWAY FROM THE STOVE WHILE IT IS IN USE.
•
DO NOT STORE FUEL WITHIN HEATER MINIMUM INSTALLATION CLEARANCES.
•
BURN ONLY SEASONED NATURAL FIREWOOD.
•
DO NOT BURN:
o GARBAGE OF ANY KIND,
o COAL OR CHARCOAL,
o TREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD,
o PLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD,
o FINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD,
o SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD, OR
o RAILROAD TIES.
•
DO NOT ELEVATE THE FIRE BY USING A GRATE IN THIS STOVE.
•
THIS APPLIANCE SHOULD BE MAINTAINED AND OPERATED AT ALL TIMES IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
•
2 General Information
2.1 Optima Specifications
Fuel Type Cordwood
Test Standards (safety) ULC S627, UL 737 and UL 1482
Test Standard (emissions) EPA Method 28 (40 CFR Part 60)
Heating capacity range* 500 to 1700 sq. ft. (46,5 to 157,9 m2)
Maximum heat output**
(EPA test fuel)
Maximum heat output**
(natural hardwood fuel)
29 300 BTU/h (8,6 kW/h)
65 000 BTU/h (19,0 kW/h)
Optimum efficiency 77 %
Test Standard (efficiency) CSA B415.1-10
Approximate Burn Time 3 to 5 hours
Shipping Weight 330 lb (150 kg)
Firebox Volume 1,6 cu.ft. (0,045 m3)
Maximum Log Length 22" east-west***
Flue Outlet Diameter: 6" (150 mm) diameter (vertical)
Baffle Material Steel and firebrick
* Combustion autonomy and heating capacity may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft,
chimney diameter, locality, heat loss factors, climate or fuels.
** The EPA test fuel is dimensional Douglas fir pieces stapled together into cribs with air spaces
between. We also test using the same procedure except using split hardwood firewood to reflect realworld heat output. This stove is not intended to operate at its peak heat output continuously.
*** East-west: through the door you see the sides of the logs; north-south: through the door you see
the ends of the logs
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
2.2 Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You
Your new Optima wood stove is a space heater, which means it is intended to heat the area it is
installed in, as well as spaces that connect to that area, although to a lower temperature. This is
called zone heating and it is an increasingly popular way to heat homes or spaces within homes.
Zone heating can be used to supplement another heating system by heating a particular space within
a home, such as a basement family room or an addition that lacks another heat source.
Houses of moderate size and relatively new construction can be heated with a properly sized and
located wood stove. Whole house zone heating works best when the stove is located in the part of
the house where the family spends most of its time. This is normally the main living area where the
kitchen, dining and living rooms are located. By locating the stove in this area, you will get the
maximum benefit of the heat it produces and will achieve the highest possible heating efficiency and
comfort. The space where you spend most of your time will be warmest, while bedrooms and
basement (if there is one) will stay cooler. In this way, you will burn less wood than with other forms of
heating.
Although the stove may be able to heat the main living areas of your house to an adequate
temperature, we strongly recommend that you also have a conventional oil, gas or electric heating
system to provide back up heating.
Your success with zone heating will depend on several factors, including the correct sizing and
location of the stove, the size, layout and age of your home and your climate zone. Three-season
vacation homes can usually be heated with smaller stoves than houses that are heated all winter.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
2.3 The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside the Optima firebox mean that your
household will release up to 90 percent less smoke into the outside environment than if you used an
older conventional stove. But there is more to the emission control technologies than protecting the
environment.
The smoke released from wood when it is heated contains about half of the energy content of the
fuel. By burning the wood completely, your stove releases all the heat energy from the wood instead
of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features inside the firebox allow you to reduce the
air supply to control heat output, while maintaining clean and efficient flaming combustion, which
boosts the efficient delivery of heat to your home.
The emission control and advanced combustion features of your stove can only work properly if your
fuel is in the correct moisture content range of 15 to 20 percent. See Section A3.0 of this manual for
suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
2.4 The SBI Commitment to You and the Environment
The SBI team are committed to protecting the environment, so we do everything we can to use only
materials in our products that will have no lasting negative impact on the environment.
2.4.1 What is Your New Stove Made Of?
The body of your stove, which is most of its weight, is carbon steel. Should it ever become necessary
many years in the future, almost the entire stove can be recycled into new products, thus eliminating
the need to mine new materials.
The paint coat on your stove is very thin. Its VOC content (Volatile Organic Components) is very low.
VOCs can be responsible for smog, so all the paint used during the manufacturing process meets the
latest air quality requirements with regards to VOC reduction or elimination.
Lightweight firebrick is made of pumice and cement. Pumice is in fact volcanic rock, a naturally green
product found in the Northwest United States. Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
The door and glass gaskets are fibreglass which is spun from melted sand. Black gaskets have been
dipped into a solvent-free solution. Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
The door glass is a 5 mm thick ceramic material that contains no toxic chemicals. It is basically made
of raw earth materials such as sand and quartz that are combined in such a way to form a glass at
high temperatures. Ceramic glass will not re-melt in the same way as normal glass, so it should not
be recycled with your regular household products. Disposal at a landfill is recommended.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
3 Fuel
3.1 Materials That Should Not be Burned
•
GARBAGE OF ANY KIND,
•
COAL OR CHARCOAL,
•
TREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD,
•
PLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD,
•
FINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD,
•
SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD
•
MANUFACTURED LOGS CONTAINING WAX OR CHEMICAL ADDITIVES
•
RAILROAD TIES
•
LIQUIDS SUCH AS KEROSENE OR DIESEL FUEL TO START A FIRE
3.2 How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood
3.2.1 What is Good Firewood?
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the stove, split to a range of sizes and stacked in
the open until its moisture content is reduced to 15 to 20 per cent.
3.2.2 Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content. The main
difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood. Hardwoods are denser
than softwoods. People who live in the coldest regions of North America usually have only spruce,
birch and poplar, other low-density species to burn and yet they can heat their homes successfully.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood fuel sometimes use both types for different
purposes. For example, softer woods make good fuel for relatively mild weather in spring and fall
because they light quickly and produce less heat Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods so a
given volume of wood contains less energy. Using softwoods avoids overheating the house, which
can be a common problem with wood heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder
winter weather when more heat and longer burn cycles are desirable.
Note that hardwood trees like oak, maple, ash and beech are slower growing and longer lived than
softer woods like poplar and birch. That makes hardwood trees more valuable. The advice that only
hardwoods are good to burn is outdated. Old, leaky cast iron stoves wouldn’t hold a fire overnight
unless they were fed large pieces of hardwood. That is no longer true. You can successfully heat your
home by using the less desirable tree species and give the forest a break at the same time.
3.2.3 Log Length
Logs should be cut about 1” (25 mm) shorter than the firebox so they fit in easily. Pieces that are
even slightly too long make loading the stove very difficult. The most common standard length of
firewood is 16” (400 mm).
The pieces should be a consistent length, with a maximum of 1” (25 mm) variation from piece to
piece.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
3.2.4 Piece Size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry enough to
burn. Even when dried, unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don’t have the sharp edges
where the flames first catch. Logs as small as 3” (75 mm) should be split to encourage drying.
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3” to 6” (75 mm to 150 mm) in cross section.
Having a range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier. Often, the firewood
purchased from commercial suppliers is not split finely enough for convenient stoking. It is sometimes
advisable to resplit the wood before stacking to dry.
3.2.5 How to Dry Firewood
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood stoves. The
complaints usually involve a lack of heat and dirty door glass.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Here are some things to consider in estimating drying time:
•
firewood takes a long time to dry
•
firewood bought from a dealer is rarely dry enough to burn, so it is advisable to buy the wood in
spring and dry it yourself
•
drying happens faster in dry weather than in damp, maritime climates
•
drying happens faster in warm summer weather than in winter weather
•
small pieces dry more quickly than large pieces
•
split pieces dry more quickly than unsplit rounds
•
softwoods take less time to dry than hardwoods
•
softwoods like pine, spruce, and poplar/aspen can be dry enough to burn after being stacked in
the open for only the summer months
•
hardwoods like oak, maple and ash can take one, or even two years to dry fully, especially if the
pieces are big
•
firewood dries more quickly when stacked in the open where it is exposed to sun and wind; it
takes much longer to dry when stacked in a wood shed
•
firewood that is ready to burn has a moisture content between15 and 20% by weight and will allow
your stove to produce its highest possible efficiency
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
3.2.6 Where to store wood
This stove has been certified to store logs in the pedestal provided that the following requirements are
met:
•
The logs must not exceed the inside
edge (A) of the pedestal.
•
The heat shield baffle (B) under the
firebox must never be removed.
•
No combustible material can be placed
above the heat shield baffle.
3.2.7 Judging Firewood Moisture Content
You can find out if some firewood is dry enough to burn by using these guidelines:
•
cracks form at the ends of logs as they dry
•
as it dries in the sun, the wood turns from white or cream coloured to grey or yellow,
•
bang two pieces of wood together; seasoned wood sounds hollow and wet wood sounds dull,
•
dry wood is much lighter in weight than wet wood,
•
split a piece, and if the fresh face feels warm and dry it is dry enough to burn; if it feels damp, it is
too wet,
•
burn a piece; wet wood hisses and sizzles in the fire and dry wood does not.
You could buy a wood moisture meter to test your firewood.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Do not burn manufactured logs made of wax impregnated sawdust or logs with any chemical
Manufactured logs made of 100% compressed sawdust can be burned, but use caution in
the number of these logs burned at one time. Start with one manufactured log and see how the stove
reacts. You can increase the number of logs burned at a time to
rises higher than 475 °F (246 °C) on a magnetic thermometer for installation on single wall stove
pipes or 900 °F (482 °C) on a probe thermometer for installation on double wall stove pipe
about
re the temperature never
Higher temperatures
3.3 Manufactured Logs
additives.
thermometer should be placed
overheat and damage your stove.
making su
18” (457 mm) above the stove.
. The
can lead to
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
4 Operating Your Stove
4.1 The use of a fire screen
This stove has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen (AC01319, sold
separately). Make sure the fire screen is properly secured on the stove to avoid any risk of fire. When
the fire screen is used, it is important not to leave the stove unattended to respond promptly in the
event of smoke spillage into the room. Potential causes of smoke spillage are described in section
height of this manual. See Appendix 2: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01319) for installation
instructions.
4.2 Your First Fires
Two things will happen as you burn your first few fires; the paint cures and the internal components of
the stove are conditioned.
As the paint cures, some of the chemicals vaporize. The vapors are not poisonous, but they do smell
bad. Fresh paint fumes can also cause false alarms in smoke detectors. So, when you first light your
stove, be prepared by opening doors and/or windows to ventilate the house. As you burn hotter and
hotter fires, more of the painted surfaces reach the curing temperature of the paint. The smell of
curing paint does not disappear until you have burned one or two very hot fires.
Burn one or two small fires to begin the curing and conditioning process. Then build bigger and hotter
fires until there is no longer any paint smell from the stove. Once the paint smell disappears, your
stove is ready for serious heating.
4.3 Lighting Fires
Each person who heats with wood develops their own favorite way to light fires. Whatever method
you choose, your goal should be to get a hot fire burning quickly. A fire that starts fast produces less
smoke and deposits less creosote in the chimney. Here are three popular and effective ways to start
wood fires.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
4.3.1 Conventional Fire Starting
The conventional way to build a wood
fire is to bunch up 5 to 10 sheets of
plain newspaper and place them in the
firebox. Next, place 10 or so pieces of
fine kindling on the newspaper. This
kindling should be very thin; less than
1” (25 mm). Next, place some larger
kindling pieces on the fine kindling.
Open the air control fully and light the
newspaper. If you have a tall, straight
venting system you should be able to
close the door immediately and the fire
will ignite. If your venting system has
elbows or an outside chimney, you may
need to leave the door closed but
unlatched for a few minutes as the
newspaper ignites and heat in the
chimney produces some draft. Once
the fire has ignited, close the door and
leave the air control fully open.
A conventional kindling fire with paper
under finely split wood.
DO NOT LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPENED DURING
IGNITION. ALWAYS CLOSE THE DOOR AFTER IGNITION.
After the kindling fire has mostly burned, you can add standard firewood pieces until you have a fire
of the right size for the conditions.
4.3.2 The Top Down Fire
The top down fire starting method solves two problems with the conventional method: first, it does not
collapse and smother itself as it burns; and second, it is not necessary to build up the fire gradually
because the firebox is loaded before the fire is lit. A top down fire can provide up to two hours of
heating or more. The top down method only works properly if the wood is well-seasoned.
Start by placing three or four full-sized split pieces of dry firewood in the firebox. Next, place 4 or 5
more finely split pieces of firewood (2” to 3” [50 mm to 75 mm] in dia.) on the base logs at right angles
(log cabin style). Now place about 10 pieces of finely split kindling on the second layer at right angles.
The fire is topped with about 5 sheets of newspaper. You can just bunch them up and stuff them in
between the kindling and the underside of the baffle. Or you can make newspaper knots by rolling up
single sheets corner to corner and tying a knot in them. The advantage of knots is that they don’t roll
off the fire as they burn. Light the newspaper and watch as the fire burns from top to bottom.
4.3.3 Two Parallel Logs
Place two spit logs in the firebox. Place a few sheets of twisted newspaper between the logs. Now
place some fine kindling across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin style.
Light the newspaper.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
4.3.4 Using Fire Starters
Many people like to use commercial fire starters instead of newspaper. Some of these starters are
made of sawdust and wax and others are specialized flammable solid chemicals. Follow the package
directions for use.
Gel starter may be used but only if there are no hot embers present. Use only in a cold firebox to start
a fire.
DO NOT USE FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA, FUEL OIL, MOTOR OIL,
OR AEROSOLS TO START OR REKINDLE THE FIRE.
4.4 Maintaining Wood Fires
4.4.1 General Advice
Wood heating with a space heater is very different than other forms of heating. There will be
variations in the temperature in different parts of the house and there will be variations in temperature
throughout the day and night. This is normal, and for experienced wood burners these are
advantages of zone heating with wood.
Do not expect steady heat output from your stove. It is normal for its surface temperature to rise after
a new load of wood is ignited and for its temperature to gradually decline as the fire progresses. This
rising and falling of temperature can be matched to your household routines. For example, the area
temperature can be cooler when you are active, such as when doing housework or cooking, and it
can be warmer when you are inactive, such as when reading or watching television.
Wood burns best in cycles. A cycle starts when a new load of wood is ignited by hot coals and ends
when that load has been consumed down to a bed of charcoal about the same size as it was when
the wood was loaded. Do not attempt to produce a steady heat output by placing a single log on the
fire at regular intervals. Always place at least three, and preferably more, pieces on the fire at a time
so that the heat radiated from one piece helps to ignite the pieces next to it. Each load of wood
should provide several hours of heating. The size of each load can be matched to the amount of heat
needed.
When you burn in cycles, you rarely need to open the stove’s loading door while the wood is flaming.
This is an advantage because there is more chance that smoke will leak from the stove when the
door is opened as a full fire is burning. This is especially true if the chimney connector has 90 degree
elbows and if the chimney runs up the outside wall of the house.
IF YOU MUST OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE FUEL IS FLAMING, OPEN THE AIR CONTROL
FULLY FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN UNLATCH AND OPEN THE DOOR SLOWLY.
4.4.2 Ash Removal
Ash should be removed from the firebox every two or three days of full time heating. Do not let the
ash build up in the firebox because it will interfere with proper fire management.
The best time to remove ash is after an overnight fire when the stove is relatively cool, but there is still
some chimney draft to draw the ash dust into the stove and prevent it from coming into the room.
After ashes have been removed from the stove and placed in a tightly covered metal container, they
should be taken outside immediately. The closed container of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor or on the ground well away from all combustible materials pending final disposal.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Ashes normally contain some live charcoal that can stay hot for several days. If the ashes are
disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the closed
container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled. Other waste shall not be placed in this container.
NEVER STORE ASHES INDOORS OR IN A NON-METALIC CONTAINER OR ON A WOODEN
DECK.
4.4.3 Raking Charcoal
Rekindle the fire when you notice that the room temperature has fallen. You will find most of the
remaining charcoal at the back of the firebox, furthest from the door. Rake these coals towards the
door before loading. There are two reasons for this raking of the coals. First, it concentrates them
near where most of the combustion air enters the firebox and where they can ignite the new load
quickly, and second, the charcoal will not be smothered by the new load of wood. If you were to
simply spread the charcoal out, the new load will smoulder for a long time before igniting.
Remove ash first, and then rake charcoal towards the front of the firebox before loading so that it will
ignite the new load.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
4.4.4 Firing Each New Load Hot
Place the new load of wood on and behind the charcoal, and not too close to the glass. Close the
door and open the air control fully. Leave the air control fully open until the firebox is full of flames, the
wood has charred to black and its edges are glowing red. Firing each load of wood hot accomplishes
a few things:
•
drives the surface moisture from the wood,
•
creates a layer of char on the wood, which slows down its release of smoke,
•
heats the firebox components so they reflect heat back to the fire, and
•
heats the chimney so it can produce strong, steady draft for the rest of the cycle.
Although it is important to fire each new load hot to prepare for a clean burn, do not allow the fire to
burn at full intensity for more than a few minutes.
DO NOT LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHILE A NEW LOAD IS BEING FIRED HOT.
When you burn a new load of wood hot to heat up the wood, the stove and the chimney, the result will
be a surge of heat from the stove. This heat surge is welcome when the room temperature is a little
lower than desirable, but not welcome if the space is already warm. Therefore, allow each load of
wood to burn down so that the space begins to cool off a little before loading. Letting the space cool
before loading is one of the secrets to clean burning and effective zone heating.
4.4.5 Turning Down the Air Supply
Once the firewood, firebox and chimney are hot, you can begin to reduce the air supply for a steady
burn.
As you reduce the air supply to the fire, two important things happen. First, the firing rate slows down
to spread the heat energy in the fuel over a longer period of time. Second, the flow rate of exhaust
through the stove and flue pipe slows down, which gives more time for the transfer of heat from the
exhaust. You will notice that as you reduce the air setting, the flames slow down. This is your
indication that the stove is burning at its peak efficiency.
If the flames get small and almost
disappear when you turn down the air, you
have turned down the air too early, or your
firewood is wetter than it should be. With
good fuel and correct air control use, the
flames should slow down, but should stay
large and steady, even as the air supply is
reduced.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Building Different Fires for Different Needs
Using the air control is not the only way to match the stove’s heat output to the heat demand. Your
house will need far less heat in October than in January to be kept at a comfortable temperature. If
you fill the firebox full in fall weather, you will either overheat the space or turn the stove down so
much that the fire will be smoky and inefficient. Here are some suggestions for building fires to match
different heat demand.
4.4.5.1 Small Fires to Take the Chill Off the House
To build a small fire that will produce a low heat output, use small pieces of firewood and load them
crisscross in the firebox. The pieces should be only 3” to 4” in diameter. After raking the coals, you
can lay two pieces parallel to each other corner to corner in the firebox and lay two more across them
in the other direction. Open the air control fully and only reduce the air after the wood is fully flaming.
This kind of fire is good for mild weather when you are around to tend the stove and should provide
enough heat for four hours or more. Small fires like this are a good time to use softer wood species
so there will be less chance of overheating the house.
4.4.5.2 Long Lasting Low Output Fires
Sometimes you will want to build a fire to last up to eight hours, but don’t need intense heat. In this
case use soft wood species and place the logs compactly in the firebox so the pieces are packed
tightly together. You will need to fire the load hot for long enough to fully char the log surfaces before
you can turn the air down. Make sure the fire is flaming brightly before leaving the fire to burn.
4.4.5.3 High Output Fires for Cold Weather
When the heat demand is high during cold weather, you’ll need a fire that burns steadily and brightly.
This is the time to use your biggest pieces of hardwood fuel if you have it. Put the biggest pieces at
the back of the firebox and place the rest of the pieces compactly. A densely built fire like this will
produce the longest burn your stove is capable of.
You will need to be cautious when building fires like this because if the air is turned down too much,
the fire could smoulder. Make sure the wood is flaming brightly before leaving the fire to burn.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
MAXIMUM
BURN
TIME
4.4.5.4 Maximum Burn Cycle Times
The burn cycle time is the period between loading wood on a coal bed and the consumption of that
wood back to a coal bed of the same size. The flaming phase of the fire lasts for roughly the first half
of the burn cycle and the second half is the coal bed phase during which there is little or no flame.
The length of burn you can expect from your stove, including both the flaming and coal bed phases,
will be affected by a number of things, such as:
•
firebox size,
•
the amount of wood loaded,
•
the species of wood you burn,
•
the wood moisture content,
•
the size of the space to be heated,
•
the climate zone you live in, and
•
the time of year.
The table below provides a very general indication of the maximum burn cycle times you are likely to
experience, based on firebox volume.
FIREBOX VOLUME
<1.5 cubic feet 3 to 5 hours
1.5 c.f. to 2.0 c.f 5 to 6 hours
2.0 c.f. to 2.5 c.f. 6 to 8 hours
2.5 c.f. to 3.0 c.f. 8 to 9 hours
>3.0 c.f. 9 to 10 hours
Long burn times are not necessarily an indication of efficient stove operation. When you are home
during the day and able to tend the fire, it is preferable to build a smaller fire that might provide three
or four hours of heating than to fully load the firebox for a much longer burn. Shorter burn cycles
make it easier to match the heat output of the stove to the heat demand of the space.
4.4.5.5 North-South Fires Versus East-West Fires
In fireboxes that are roughly square, wood can be loaded so that looking through the glass door you
see the ends of the logs (north-south) or the sides of the logs (east-west).
East-west loads that are built compactly break down slowly when heated, but the amount of wood you
can load is limited because if you put in too many pieces, one may fall against the glass. East-west
loads are excellent for long, low output fires for relatively mild weather.
North-south loads break down more quickly, but much more wood can be loaded at a time. This
makes north-south loading good for high output, long lasting fires for cold weather.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
5 Maintaining Your Wood Heating System
5.1 Stove Maintenance
Your new stove will give many years of reliable service if you use and maintain it correctly. Some of
the internal components of the firebox, such as firebricks, baffles and air tubes, will wear over time
under intense heat. You should always replace defective parts with original parts (see Appendix 4:
Exploded Diagram and Parts List). For firing each load hot to begin a cycle as described above will
not cause premature deterioration of the stove. However, letting the stove run with the air control fully
open for entire cycles can cause damage over time. The hotter you run the stove throughout burn
cycles, the more quickly its components will deteriorate. For that reason, never leave the stove
unattended while a new load is being fired hot.
5.1.1 Cleaning Door Glass
Under normal conditions, your door glass should stay relatively clear. If your firewood is dry enough
and you follow the operating instructions in this manual, a whitish, dusty deposit will form on the
inside of the glass after a week or so of use. This is normal and can be easily removed when the
stove is cool by wiping with a damp cloth or paper towel and then drying. Never try to clean the
glass when the stove is hot.
In spring and fall when the stove is run at lower temperatures, you may see some light brown stains
forming, especially at the lower corners of the glass. This indicates that the fire has been smoky and
some of the smoke has condensed on the glass. When the weather is mild, you may find that letting
the fire go out is better than trying to maintain a continuous fire. Use the technique described above
for building a fire to take the chill off the house.
If you do get brown stains on the glass you can remove them with special cleaners for wood stove
glass doors. Do not use abrasives to clean your stove’s door glass.
The deposits that form on the glass are the best indication of the quality of your fuel and how well you
are doing in operating the stove. Your goal should be clear glass with no brown stains. If you continue
to see brown stains on the glass, something about your fuel and operating procedure needs to be
changed. Stains on the glass indicate incomplete combustion of the wood, which also means more
smoke emissions and faster formation of creosote in the chimney.
If you see brown streaks coming from the edge of the glass, it is time to replace the gasket around
the glass. Visit your stove retailer to get the self-adhesive glass gasket and follow the instructions
below for installation.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
5.1.2 Door adjustment
In order for your stove to burn at its best efficiency, the door must provide a perfect seal with the
firebox. Therefore, the gasket should be inspected periodically making sure to obtain an air tight fit.
Air tightness can be improved with a simple latch mechanism adjustment. To adjust:
1. Remove the lock pin (spring pin) by pulling and turning it using pliers ("wise grip").
2. Turn the handle counter clock wise one turn to increase pressure.
3. Re-install the lock pin (spring pin) with a small hammer.
5.1.3 Replacing the Door Gasket
It is important to maintain the gasket in good condition. After a year or more of use, the door gasket
will compress and become hard, which may allow air to leak past it. You can test the condition of the
door gasket by closing and latching the door on a strip of paper. Test all around the door. If the paper
slips out easily anywhere, it is time to replace the gasket.
Use the correct replacement gasket that you can purchase from your retailer. The diameter and
density of the gasket is important to getting a good seal.
Place the door face-down on something soft like a cushion of rags or piece of carpet. Remove the old
gasket from the door by pulling and prying it out with an old screw driver. Then use the screwdriver to
scrape the old gasket adhesive from the door. Now run a 1/4” (6 mm) bead of high temperature
silicone in the door gasket groove. Starting from the middle of the hinge side, press the gasket into
the groove. Do not stretch the gasket as you place it. Leave the gasket about 1/2” long when you cut
it and press the end into the groove. Tuck any loose fibres under the gasket and into the silicone.
Close the door and do not use the stove for 24 hours.
5.1.4 Replacing the Glass Gasket and/or the Glass
It is a good idea to replace the glass gasket when the door gasket is replaced. The gasket is flat,
adhesive-backed, woven fibreglass. Remove the glass retaining screws and clips. Lift out the glass
and pull off the old gasket. This is a good time to clean the glass thoroughly.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
The gasket must be centred on the edge of the glass. To do this easily, peel back a section of the
paper covering the adhesive and place the gasket on a table with the adhesive side up. Stick the end
of the gasket to the middle of one edge, then press the edge of the glass down onto the gasket,
taking care that it is perfectly centred on the gasket. Peel off more of the backing and rotate the glass
and press the next section onto the gasket. Do not stretch the gasket as you place it. Continue until
you get to the start and trim the gasket to length. Now pinch the gasket to the glass in a U shape, all
around the glass. Reinstall the glass, being careful to centre the glass carefully in the door. Do not
over-tighten the screws. Note that the two main causes of broken door glass are uneven placement in
the door and over-tightening of retaining screws.
Do not abuse the glass door by striking or slamming shut. Do not use the stove if the glass is broken.
To change the glass, perform the same operation described above.
5.1.5 Cleaning and Painting the Stove
Do not attempt to clean or paint the stove when the unit is hot. Painted surfaces can be wiped
down with a damp cloth. Plated surfaces may be scratched by abrasive cleaners. To maintain the
finish at its original brilliance, use only a damp soft cloth to clean plated surfaces.
If the paint becomes scratched or damaged, you can give your wood stove a brand new look by
repainting it with heat-resistant paint. Before painting, roughen the surface with fine sand paper, wipe
it down to remove dust, and apply two thin coats of paint. For best results, use the same paint that
was originally used on the stove, which is available in spray cans. See your dealer for details.
5.2 Chimney and Chimney Connector Maintenance
5.2.1 Why Chimney Cleaning is Necessary
Wood smoke can condense inside the chimney connector and chimney, forming a combustible
deposit called creosote. If creosote is allowed to build up in the venting system it can ignite when a
hot fire is burned in the stove and a very hot fire can progress to the top of the chimney. Severe
chimney fires can damage even the best chimneys. Smouldering, smoky fires can quickly cause a
thick layer of creosote to form. When you avoid smouldering so the exhaust from the chimney is
mostly clear, creosote builds up more slowly. Your new stove has the right characteristics to help you
to burn clean fires with little or no smoke, resulting in less creosote in the chimney.
5.2.2 How Often Should You Clean the Chimney?
It is not possible to predict how much or how quickly creosote will form in your chimney. It is
important, therefore, to check the build-up in your chimney monthly when getting used to the new
stove until you determine the rate of creosote formation. Even if creosote forms slowly in your system,
the chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once each year.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Chimney cleaning can be a difficult and
Contact your local municipal or provincial fire authority for information on how to handle a chimney
fire. Have a clearly understood plan to handle a chimney fire.
5.2.3 Cleaning the Chimney
dangerous job. If you don’t have
experience cleaning chimneys, you might
want to hire a professional chimney
sweep to clean and inspect the system for
the first time. After having seen the
cleaning process, you can decide if it is a
job you would like to take on.
The most common equipment used are
fibreglass rods with threaded fittings and
stiff plastic brushes. The brush is forced
up and down inside the chimney flue to
scrub off the creosote.
The chimney connector assembly should
always be cleaned at the same time the
chimney is cleaned.
CAUTION: Operation of your stove without the baffle may cause unsafe and hazardous temperature
conditions and will void the warranty. NOTE: Before installing the firebrick, check to ensure that
none are broken or damaged in any way. If so, have the damaged ones replaced. Check the
firebrick for damage at least annually and replace any broken or damaged ones with new ones.
Inspection and cleaning of the chimney is facilitated by the removable baffle.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
PART B - INSTALLATION
6 Safety Information
6.1 Summary of Installation Cautions and Warnings
•
THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE APPLIANCE
ALWAYS OVERRIDES THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED, IN ANY OTHER MEDIA (OWNER’S
MANUAL, CATALOGUES, FLYERS, MAGAZINES AND/OR WEB SITES).
•
MIXING OF APPLIANCE COMPONENTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OR MODIFYING
COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS CONDTIONS. WHERE ANY SUCH CHANGES
ARE PLANNED, STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC. SHOULD BE CONTACTED IN
ADVANCE.
•
ANY MODIFICATION OF THE APPLIANCE THAT HAS NOT BEEN APPROVED IN WRITING
BY THE TESTING AUTHORITY VIOLATES CSA B365 (CANADA), AND ANSI NFPA 211
(USA).
•
CONNECT THIS STOVE ONLY TO A LISTED FACTORY-BUILT CHIMNEY FOR USE WITH
SOLID FUEL OR TO A LINED MASONRY CHIMNEY CONFORMING TO NATIONAL AND
LOCAL BUILDING CODES.
•
IF REQUIRED, A SUPPLY OF COMBUSTION AIR SHALL BE PROVIDED TO THE ROOM OR
SPACE.
•
DO NOT CONNECT TO OR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION
DUCTWORK UNLESS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED FOR SUCH INSTALLATION.
•
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.
•
DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME
6.2 Regulations Covering Stove Installation
When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the Optima wood stove is suitable for
use as a freestanding heater in residential installations. The Optima wood stove is not intended for
installation in a sleeping room of 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 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid
Fuel-Burning Appliances and the ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code are to be followed in the
absence of local code requirements.
This stove must be connected to a chimney complying with the requirements for Type HT chimneys in
the Standard for Factory-Built Chimneys for Residential Type and Building Heating Appliances, UL
103 and ULC S629 or to a code-approved masonry chimney with a flue liner.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
A
B
C
D
E
F
K
L
A
B
C
D
E
F
K
L
7 Clearances to Combustible Material
The clearances shown in this section have been determined by test according to procedures set out
in safety standards ULC S627 (Canada), UL1482 (U.S.A.) and UL737 (U.S.A.). When the stove is
installed so that its surfaces are at or beyond the minimum clearances specified, combustible
surfaces will not overheat under normal and even abnormal operating conditions.
No part of the stove or flue pipe may be located closer to combustibles than the minimum
clearance figures given.
7.1 Location of the certification label
Since the information given on the certification label affixed to the appliance always overrides the
information published, in any other media (owner’s manual, catalogues, flyers, magazines and/or web
sites) it is important to refer to it in order to have a safe and compliant installation. In addition, you will
find information about your stove (model, serial number, etc.). You can find the certification label on
the back of the stove.
7.2 Clearances to Walls and Ceiling
The clearances to combustible walls may be slightly different in Canada and the U.S.A. and may also
differ depending on whether you use single or double wall flue pipe. Please be sure to choose the
correct clearance for your location and type of flue pipe. See figure Clearances to combustible
materials and floor protection to match each letter to a clearance.
CLEARANCES
(SINGLE WALL PIPE)
CANADA USA
15" (381 mm) 15" (381 mm)
21" (533 mm) 21" (533 mm)
11" (279 mm) 11" (279 mm)
18¼" (464 mm) 18¼" (464 mm)
31½" (800 mm) 31½" (800 mm)
21" (533 mm) 21" (533 mm)
48" (1219 mm) 48" (1219 mm)
84" (213 cm) 84" (213 cm)
CLEARANCES
(DOUBLE WALL PIPE)
CANADA USA
13" (330 mm) 13" (330 mm)
21" (533 mm) 21" (533 mm)
11" (279 mm) 11" (279 mm)
16¼" (413 mm) 16¼" (413 mm)
31½" (800 mm) 31½" (800 mm)
21" (533 mm) 21" (533 mm)
48" (1219 mm) 48" (1219 mm)
84" (213 cm) 84" (213 cm)
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Clearances to combustible materials and floor protection
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
G
H
I
J
M
N
7.3 Floor protector
If the stove is to be installed on top of a combustible floor, it must be guarded by a non combustible
material as shown on figure 1.3 (see the dotted line area).
CANADA USA
FLOOR PROTECTOR*
8’’ (203 mm) – Note 1 N/A (Canada only)
8’’ (203 mm) N/A (Canada only)
18’’ (457 mm)
From door opening
16’’ (406 mm)
From door opening
N/A (USA only) 8’’ (203 mm)
8’’ (203 mm) N/A (Canada only)
N/A (USA only) Note 2
*Steel with a minimum thickness of 0.015’’ (0.38 mm) or ceramic tiles sealed together with grout.
No protection is required if the unit is installed on a non-combustible floor (ex: concrete).
Note 1: The floor protection at the back of the stove is limited to the stove’s required clearance if
such clearance is smaller than 8 inches (203 mm).
Note 2: Only required under the horizontal section of the connector. Must exceed each side of the
connector by at least 2 inches (51 mm).
7.4 Reducing Wall and Ceiling Clearances Safely
It is often desirable to reduce the
minimum installation clearances by
placing the stove closer to walls so the
installation takes up less floor space.
You can safely reduce the minimum
clearances by permanently installing a
shield between the stove and
combustible material. The rules for safe
shields can be complicated, so read
them carefully and follow them exactly.
Note that there may be minor regional
differences in clearance reduction rules
so be sure to check with your building
or fire inspector before proceeding.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
7.4.1 Shield Construction Rules
1. Minimum space behind shield: 25 mm (1 in.). In Canada 21 mm (7/8 in).
2. Minimum clearance along the bottom of shield: 25 mm (1 in.).
3. Maximum clearance along the bottom of shield: 75 mm (3 in.).
4. Minimum clearance along the top of shield at ceiling: 75 mm (3 in.).
5. Shield extension beyond each side of appliance: 450 mm (18 in.).
6. Shield extension above appliance: 500 mm (20 in.).
7. Edge clearance for ceiling shields: 75 mm (3 in.).
8. Adhesives used in shield construction must not ignite or lose adhesive qualities at
temperatures likely to be encountered.
9. Mounting hardware must allow full vertical ventilation.
10. Mounting hardware must not be located closer than 200 mm (8 in.) from the vertical centre line
of the appliance.
11. Mounting hardware which extends from the shield surface into combustibles may be used only
at the edges of the shield.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Clearances may be
Sides
Top %
mm)
7.4.2 Table of Clearance Reduction Percentages
Type of shield
reduced by these
percentages
and rear %
(ceiling)
Sheet metal, a minimum of 24
gauge (0.61 mm) in thickness ,
spaced out at least 25 mm (1 in)*
67 50
by non-combustible spacers
Ceramic tiles, or equivalent noncombustible material, on noncombustible board spaced out at
50 33
least 25 mm (1 in)* by noncombustible spacers
Ceramic tiles, or equivalent noncombustible material, on noncombustible board, with a
minimum of 24 gauge (0.61
67 50
sheet metal backing spaced out at
least 25 mm (1 in)* by noncombustible spacers
Brick, spaced out at least 25 mm
(1 in)* by non-combustible spacers
50 N/A
Brick, with a minimum of 24 gauge
(0.61 mm) sheet metal backing,
spaced out at least 25 mm (1 in)*
67 N/A
by non-combustible spacers
* In Canada this space can be 21 mm (7/8 in)
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
The venting system, made up of the chimney and the connecting pipe between the stove and the
that drives your wood heating system. Even the best stove will not
function safely and efficiently as intended if it is not connected t
The heat in the flue gases that pass from the stove and chimney connector into the chimney is not
waste heat. This heat is what the chimney uses to make the draft that draws in combustion air, keeps
vents exhaust to outside. You can think of heat in the flue gas as
the fuel the chimney uses to make draft.
Your wood stove will provide optimum efficiency and performance when connected to a 6
diameter chimney flue system. The conne
(Canada only) or no more than 7 inches is permitted, if it allows the proper venting of combustion
gases and that such application is verified and authorized by a qualified installer. Otherwise, the
diameter of the flue should be 6 inches.
built metal chimney must comply with UL 103 (U.S.A.) or ULC S629
built Metal Chimneys
These are sometimes referred to as ‘high
temp’ chimneys because they have the
special characteristics to withstand the
temperatures that can be created by wood
built chimneys are
tested as a system with all the necessary
for installation. The instructions
provided with the chimney by its manufacturer
are the only reliable source of installation
guidelines. To be safe and effective, the
chimney must be installed exactly in
accordance with the manufacturer’s
e only components intended
for the brand and model of chimney you
are using. Never substitute parts from
other chimney brands or fabricate your
The chimney must be a
o a suitable chimney.
ction to a chimney having a diameter of at least 5 inches
8 The Venting System
8.1 General
chimney, acts as the engine
smoke inside the stove and safely
8.2 Suitable Chimneys
-inch
To be suitable, a factory(Canada).
8.2.1 Factory-
burning stoves. Factorycomponents
instructions. Us
own components.
type suitable for solid fuel.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
onnected to a
masonry chimney, provided the
chimney complies with the construction
rules found in the building code
enforced locally. The chimney must
have either a clay liner or a suitably
listed stainless steel liner. If the
masonry chimney has a square
rectangular liner that is larger in cross
sectional area than a round 6” flue, it
should be relined with a suitably listed
6” stainless steel liner. Do not
downsize the flue to less than 6” unless
the venting system is straight and
When
passing through a combustible wall, the
thimble is
The top of the chimney should be tall
enough to be above the air turbulence
caused when wind blows against the
The chimney must
extend at least 1 m (3 ft.) above the
highest point of contact with the roof,
and at least 60 cm (2 ft.) higher than
any roof line or obstacle within a
8.2.2 Masonry Chimneys
The stove may also be c
exceeds 25 feet in height.
use of an insulated listed
required.
or
8.3 Minimum Chimney Height
house and its roof.
horizontal distance of 3 m (10 ft.).
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
The Relationship Between the Chimney and the
Because the venting system is the engine that drives the wood heating system, it must have the right
characteristics. The signs of bad system design are cold backdrafting when there is no fire in the
stove, slow kindling of new fires, and smoke roll
two guidelines to follow. First, the chimney should be installed up through the heated space of the
house, not out and up an outside wall. Second, the chimney should penetrate the top of the building
r near the highest heated space.
Why inside chimneys are preferred
Venting systems that rise straight up from the stove flue collar provide the best performance.
Chimneys that rise inside the warm space of the house tend to provide a small amount of draft
when there is no fire burning. This means that when you light a fire, the initial smoke goes up the
chimney and strong draft builds quickly as the chimney flue warms up. Although they are common in
North America, chimneys that exit a house wall and r
Good System Design
Inside chimneys are preferred because even
when no fire is burning, there is normally
upward flow in the system.
Why the chimney should penetrate the highest heated space
When it is cold outside, the warm air in the house is buoyant
warm air to rise creates a slight pressure difference in the house. Called ‘stack effect’, it produces a
slightly negative pressure low in the house (relative to outside) and a slightly positive pressure zone
he house. If there is no fire burning in a heater connected to a chimney that is shorter than
the warm space inside the house, the slight negative pressure low in the house will compete against
the desired upward flow in the chimney.
out when the door is opened for loading. There are
un up outside can cause problems.
Inferior System Design
Outside chimneys are a problem
because when no fire burns they will go
into cold backdraft if the stove is
installed low in the house.
so it tends to rise. This tendency of
8.4
at o
8.4.1
House
-
even
8.4.2
high in t
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
There are two reasons
why the
chimney in the house at right will cold
backdraft when it is cold outside and
there is no fire burning in the stove.
First, the chimney runs up the outside
of the house, so the air in it is colder
and denser than the warm air in the
house. And second, the chimney is
shorter than the heated space of the
house, meaning the negative pressure
low in the house will pull outside air
down the chimney, through the stove
and into the room. Even the finest
stove will not work well when
connected to this chimney.
8.5 Supply of Combustion Air
In Canada, wood stoves are not required to have a supply of combustion air from outdoors (except in
mobile homes) because research has shown that these supplies do not give protection against house
depressurization and may fail to supply combustion air during windy weather. However, to protect
against the risk of smoke spillage due to house depressurization, a carbon monoxide (CO)
detector/alarm is required in the room in which the stove is installed. The CO detector will provide
warning if for any reason the wood stove fails to function correctly.
8.5.1 Air Supply in Conventional Houses
The safest and most reliable supply of combustion air for your wood stove is from the room in which it
is installed. Room air is already preheated so it will not chill the fire, and its availability is not affected
by wind pressures on the house. Contrary to commonly expressed concerns, almost all tightly-sealed
new houses have enough natural leakage to provide the small amount of air needed by the stove.
The only case in which the wood stove may not have adequate access to combustion air is if the
operation of a powerful exhaust device (such as a kitchen range exhaust) causes the pressure in the
house to become negative relative to outdoors.
Some jurisdictions in the United States require that wood stoves have a supply of combustion air from
outdoors. If you do install an air supply through the wall of the house, be aware that its pressure can
be affected during windy weather. If you notice changes in wood stove performance in windy weather,
and in particular if smoke puffs from the stove, you should disconnect the outdoor air duct from the
stove and remove the duct. In some windy conditions, negative pressure at the duct weatherhood
outside the house wall may draw hot exhaust gases from the stove backwards through the duct to
outdoors. Check the outdoor air duct for soot deposits when the full system is cleaned and inspected
at least once each year.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Installing the Chimney Connector
The chimney connector is the single or double wall
the chimney breech. Single wall pipe components are available from most hardware and building
supply stores. These components are not usually tested to a particular standard and certified as
fore, a list of rules found in solid fuel installation codes apply to the installation of
Double wall chimney connectors are tested and certified. The rules for double wall pipe are found in
the manufacturer’s installation instructions.
Installation of Single Wall Chimney Connector
The chimney connector assembly has been called ‘the weak link’ in the safety of wood heating
systems because failure to install the connector prope
The best flue pipe assembly is one that rises straight up from the stove to the base of the chimney
with no elbows. Straight assemblies are less likely to cause problems like smoke roll
door is opened for loading. They are also more stable and easier to maintain than assemblies with
elbows. Horizontal runs of flue pipe should be avoided where possible because they reduce chimney
Use 45 degree elbows where possible, i
pipe installed between the stove flue collar and
These rules will be very different than those for single
rly (which has been common in the past) can
8.6
compliant. There
single wall pipe.
wall.
8.6.1
result in house fires.
draft.
-out when the
nstead of 90 degree elbows.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
The rules below are based on those found in the CSA B365 installation code. Please carefully follow
these installation instruction rules, or those enforced where you live.
•
Maximum overall length of straight pipe: 3 m (10 ft.) including elbows.
•
Minimum clearance from combustible material: 450 mm (18 in.). The minimum clearance may be
reduced by 50 percent to 225 mm (9 in.) if suitable shielding is installed either on the pipe or on
the combustible surface.
•
The assembly should be as short and direct as possible between the stove and chimney. The use
of two 45 degree elbows is often preferable to a single 90 degree elbow because less turbulence
is created in the exhaust flow and they result in less horizontal run.
•
Maximum number of 90-degree elbows: 2.
•
Maximum unsupported horizontal length: 1 m (3 feet).
•
Galvanized flue pipes must not be used because the coatings vaporize at high temperatures and
release dangerous gases. Use black painted flue pipes.
•
Flue pipes must be at least 24 gauge in thickness.
•
Flue pipe joints should overlap 30 mm (1 1/4 in.)
•
Each joint in the assembly must be fastened with at least three screws.
•
The assembly must have allowance for expansion: elbows in assemblies allow for expansion;
straight assemblies should include an inspection wrap with one end unfastened, or a telescopic
section.
•
Minimum upward slope towards the chimney: 20 mm/m (1/4 in/ft.).
•
One end of the assembly must be securely fastened to the flue collar with 3 sheet metal screws
and the other end securely fastened to the chimney.
•
There must be provision for cleaning of the pipes, either through a clean out or by removal of the
pipe assembly. Removal of the assembly should not require that the stove be moved.
•
The male ends of the sections must be oriented towards the appliance so that falling dust and
condensation stay inside the pipe.
•
A flue pipe must never pass through a combustible floor or ceiling or through an attic, roof space,
closet or concealed space.
•
Where passage through a wall or partition of combustible construction is desired, the installation
shall conform to CAN/CSA-B365, Installation Code for Solid-Fuel-Burning Appliances and
Equipment.
The ideal flue pipe assembly is one that rises straight up from the appliance flue collar and directly
into the chimney with no elbows. A straight up connector assembly needs either a telescopic length or
an inspection wrap (pipe coupler) to allow it to be assembled and disassembled without moving the
stove.
A straight flue pipe assembly offers the least restriction to gas flow and results in stronger draft.
Straight assemblies also need less maintenance because there are no corners to collect creosote.
The chimney connector must be in good condition.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix 1: Installing the Fresh Air Intake Kit (AC01334)
The installation instructions are provided with the Fresh Air Intake Kit (AC01334), sold separately.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix 2: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01319)
Open the door.
Hold the fire screen by the two handles and
bring it close to the door opening.
Lean the upper part of the fire screen
against the top door opening making sure
to insert the top fire screen brackets behind
the primary air deflector as in (Detail A).
Lift the fire screen upwards and push the
bottom part towards the stove then let the
fire screen rest on the bottom of the door
opening.
Warning: Never leave the stove unattended while in use with the fire screen.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix 3: Use of the Blower and Optional Thermodisc
Your Optima comes with a blower on
the back of the stove to increase the
flow of air past heat exchange
surfaces and to help circulate warm
air in the room. When used regularly,
the blower can provide a small
increase in efficiency, up to 2 percent.
However, a blower should not be
used as a way to gain more output
from a stove that is undersized for the
space it is intended to heat.
When using the blower, allow the stove to
reach operating temperature (approximately
one hour), before turning it on. The
increased airflow from the fan cools the
firebox and could affect the start-up
combustion efficiency if the fan is turned on
too early. You can also install an optional
thermodisc to enable the blower to start or
stop automatically when the stove is hot or
too cold. The thermodisc part number is
AC05530 for a basic model and ACO2055
for a quick connect model. Installation
instructions are supplied with the
thermodisc kit.
CAUTION: ENSURE THAT THE FAN’S POWER CORD IS NOT IN CONTACT WITH ANY
SURFACE OF THE STOVE TO PREVENT ELECTRICAL SHOCK OR FIRE DAMAGE. DO NOT
RUN THE POWER CORD BENEATH THE STOVE.
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
Appendix 4: Exploded Diagram and Parts List
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
# # de pièce Description
1 AC01319 FIRE SCREEN DOOR 1
2 30569 ROUND WOODEN HANDLE BLACK 2
3 30025 1/4-20 X 1/2" PAN QUAD BLACK SCREW 1
4 30185 17/64" "AA" TYPE WASHER 1
5 30742 DRILLED BLACK WOODEN DOOR HANDLE 1
6 SE24235 CAST IRON DOOR WITH GASKET AND HANDLE 1
7 AC09196 HANDLE AND LATCH KIT 1
8 AC09185 DOOR LATCH KIT 1
9 AC06500 SILICONE AND 5/8" X 8' BLACK GASKET KIT 1
10 SE65275 REPLACEMENT GLASS WITH GASKET 9 13/16" x 19" 1
11 AC06400 BLACK SELF-ADHESIVE GLASS GASKET KIT (6') 1
12 PL65272 LEFT GLASS RETAINER 1
13 PL65270 TOP AND BOTTOM GLASS RETAINER 2
14 PL65271 RIGHT GLASS RETAINER 1
15 30124 SCREW #8 - 32 X 5/16'' TRUSS QUADREX ZINC 10
16 SE65261 ASH DRAWER 1
17 PL65290 BOTTOM HEAT SHIELD 1
18 99999 BUILD TO ORDER 1
19 AC01335 AIR MATE 1
20 AC01334 FRESH AIR INTAKE KIT 1
21 SE45570 OPTIMA INSTRUCTION MANUAL KIT 1
22 30129 METAL SCREW #10 X 1/2" PAN QUADREX ZINC "A" TYPE 2
23 PL06728 AIR CONTROL HANDLE 1
24 PL65256 AIR DAMPER COVER 1
25 30138 METAL SCREW #6 3/8'' QUADREX ''A'' TYPE BLACK 2
26 30060 THREAD-CUTTING SCREW 1/4-20 x 1/2" F HEX STEEL SLOT WASHER C102 ZINC 4
27 PL65277 AIR DAMPER COVER SUPPORT 2
28 30094 HEX SCREW WASHER HEAD 1/4-20 X 3/4" F ZINC TYPE 2
29 30428 BUSHING 2
30 SE65253 AIR CONTROL DAMPER 1
31 AC02050 ULTRA-QUIET 100 CFM BLOWER WITH VARIABLE SPEED CONTROL 1
32 60013 POWER CORD 96" X 18-3 1
33 44073 CROSSFLOW BLOWER 115V-60Hz-39W 100 CFM (P) 1
34 44080 RHEOSTAT WITH NUT 1
35 44087 RHEOSTAT NUT 1
36 44085 RHEOSTAT KNOB 1
37 AC05530 THERMODISC KIT 1
38 44046 THERMODISC F110-20F 1
39 SE16059 ASH DUMP PLUG 1
40 29010 4 1/2" X 9" X 1 1/4" REFRACTORY BRICK 11
41 PL36027 3" X 9" X 1 1/4'' REFRACTORY BRICK 2
42 VP00020 4'' X 4 1/2" X 1 1/4'' REFRACTORY BRICK 2
43 PL36060 3 1/2" X 9'' REFRACTORY BRICK 1
44 PL36021 2 1/8" X 9" X 1 1/4'' REFRACTORY BRICK 2
45 29015 4'' x 9'' x 1 1/4'' REFRACTORY BRICK 4
Qté par
poêle
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Optima Installation and Operation Manual
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
The warranty of the manufacturer extends only to the original consumer purchaser and is not transferable. This warranty covers brand
new products only, which have not been altered, modified nor repaired since shipment from factory. Proof of purchase (dated bill of
sale), model name and serial number must be supplied when making any warranty claim to your DROLET dealer.
This warranty applies to normal residential use only. Damages caused by misuse, abuse, improper installation, lack of
maintenance, over firing, negligence or accident during transportation, power failures, downdrafts, or venting problems are
not covered by this warranty.
This warranty does not cover any scratch, corrosion, distortion, or discoloration. Any defect or damage caused by the use of
unauthorized parts or others than original parts void this warranty. An authorized qualified technician must perform the installation in
accordance with the instructions supplied with this product and all local and national building codes. Any service call related to an
improper installation is not covered by this warranty.
The manufacturer may require that defective products be returned or that digital pictures be provided to support the claim. Returned
products are to be shipped prepaid to the manufacturer for investigation. If a product is found to be defective, the manufacturer will
repair or replace such defect. Transportation fees to ship the product back to the purchaser will be paid by the manufacturer. Repair
work covered by the warranty, executed at the purchaser’s domicile by an authorized qualified technician requires the prior approval
of the manufacturer. Labour cost and repair work to the account of the manufacturer are based on predetermined rate schedule and
must not exceed the wholesale price of the replacement part. All parts and labour costs covered by this warranty are limited according
to the table below.
The manufacturer at its discretion may decide to repair or replace any part or unit after inspection and investigation of the defect. The
manufacturer may, at its discretion, fully discharge all obligations with respect to this warranty by refunding the wholesale price of
any warranted but defective parts. The manufacturer shall in no event be responsible for any special, indirect, consequential damages
of any nature, which are in excess of the original purchase price of the product. A one-time replacement limit applies to all parts
benefiting from a lifetime coverage. This warranty applies to products purchased after October 1st, 2011.
WARRANTY APPLICATION
DESCRIPTION
Combustion chamber (welds only) and castings.
Stainless steel firebox components, secondary air tubes*, surrounds and heat
shields, ash drawer, steel legs, pedestal, trims (aluminum extrusions),
plating* (defective manufacture), and convector air-mate.
Carbon steel firebox components, glass retainers, handle assembly, C-Cast
baffle*, and vermiculite baffle*.
Standard blowers, heat sensors, switches, rheostat, wiring, and other controls. 2 years 1 year
Optional blowers, ceramic glass (thermal breakage only*), paint (peeling),
gaskets, insulation, and ceramic fibre blankets.
Firebrick
*Pictures required
Shall your unit or a components be defective, contact immediately your DROLET dealer. Prior to your call make sure you have the
following information necessary to your warranty claim treatment:
• Your name, address and telephone number;
• Bill of sale and dealer’s name;
Before shipping your unit or defective component to our plant, you must obtain from your DROLET dealer an Authorization
Number. Any merchandise shipped to our plant without authorization will be refused automatically and returned to sender.
• Serial number and model name as indicated on the
nameplate fixed to the back of your unit;
• Nature of the defect and any relevant information.
PARTS LABOUR
Lifetime
5 years 3 years
3 years 1 year
1 year
n/a
3 years
n/a
n/a
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