Focus Agora 850, Méijifocus Operating Manual

Page 1 of 20

Agora 850

Design Installation & Operating Manual v.2 EN

Tested by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. and approved to

UL 737 standard – Omni report number: 304-F-06-2

US EPA exempt

-this document was packed with the appliance fire chamber-

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1 – INTRODUCTION

2 – SPECIFICATIONS
a) Characteristics

b) Roof outlet requirement
c) Chimney requirement

d) Structural requirement

e) Connector
f ) Fresh air intake
g) Clearances to combustibles

3 – INSTALLATION

a) Included parts, materials and required tools for installation
b) Options
c) Assembly details

4 – OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

a) Storage/use of flammable liquids
b) Grate
c) Ashes

d) Fuel
e) Before lighting your first fire

f) Building, starting and maintaining the fire
g) Protective glove

5 – MAINTENANCE

a) Taking out the ashes
b) Creosote formation and need for removal
c) Sweeping your chimney
d) Surfaces
e) Directions and reasons for cleaning glass

6 – WARRANTY

Page 2 of 20

1 – INTRODUCTION:

Please read this entire manual before you install and use your focus fireplace.
Failure to follow instruction may result in property damage, bodily injury or
even death. When this room heater 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.

KEEP THIS MANUAL HANDY FOR EASY REFERRAL.

All WARNING and CAUTION statements will appear in bold font and upper
case letters: THEY SHOULD BE STRICTLY OBSERVED.

Thank you for choosing focus fireplaces.
Appliance designation: agorafocus 850
Manufacturer: focus - atelier dominique imbert – le fort – 34380 viols le fort –
France.

2 – SPECIFICATIONS:

- NOT FOR MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION!

- DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM!

-THE AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION (SUCH AS MUNICIPAL
BUILDING DEPARTMENT, FIRE DEPARTMENT, FIRE PREVENTION
BUREAU, ETC.) SHOULD BE CONSULTED BEFORE INSTALLATION TO
DETERMINE THE NEED TO OBTAIN A PERMIT.

-USING MAKE-SHIFT COMPROMISES DURING INSTALLATION CAN
CAUSE DAMAGE . SUCH INSTALLATION IS NOT COVERED UNDER
FOCUS LIMITED WARRANTY.

-WHEN THIS ROOM HEATER 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.

Page 3 of 20

a) Characteristics:

• Hearth weight: 61 kg (130 lbs)

• Flue diameter: 273 mm (10-3/4 inch); length custom made

• Flue weight: 30 kg per meter (21 lbs per foot)

• Anchor plate weight: approx. 22 kg (48 lbs)

• 2.5 mm (1/10-inch) thick steel

• High heat resistant matte black paint

• Guaranteed efficiency with a minimum flue length (interior and exterior) of

4.00m (13 feet)

b) Roof outlet requirement:

Page 4 of 20

c) Chimney requirement:

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

Agorafocus 850 requirement: the total length of flue (inside + outside) must
be 13 feet minimum (16 feet for an installation less than 3 miles from the
ocean or if a 30° elbow is necessary).

The agorafocus 850 must be connected to a chimney complying with the
requirements for Type HT chimneys in the standard for Chimneys, Factory­built, Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance, UL 103. For example,
a class A insulated stainless steel flue chimney system with an 10-inch
minimum inside diameter.

d) Structural requirement:

CAUTION: THE SUPPORT OF THE ANCHOR PLATE (ROOF
STRUCTURE, SLAB, ETC.) OR PEDESTAL (FLOOR, SLAB, ETC…) MUST
BE SIZED IN CONGRUENCE WITH THE FIREPLACE STATIC AND
DYNAMIC CHARGES. THE SIZE CALCULATION FOR THE SUPPORT IS
NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FOCUS OR ITS AFFILIATES. IT IS YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ENGINEER OR ARCHITECT
FOR YOUR PROJECT.

e) Connector:
Connectors are all non-insulated chimney parts including focus black flue,
focus 10" universal adaptor and the chimney manufacturer single wall slip
connector.
To avoid heat traps the chimney connector shall not pass through an attic or
roof space, closet or similar concealed space, or a floor, or ceiling.
Passage through an attic, roof frame floor, or ceiling must be done using an
insulated chimney respecting all chimney manufacturer clearances.

Page 5 of 20

CAUTION: PASSAGE THROUGH A WALL OR PARTITION OF
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE
INSTALLATION FOR THIS FOCUS FIREPLACE.

Refractory compound must be used to seal each connection. Please refer to
installation details in this manual.

f) Fresh air intake:
For optimum functioning, focus requires a fresh air intake in the room (ideally
under of the fire). We recommend deflect-O A0684 semi rigid aluminium duct.
The wall plate is supplied with a fresh air control. Minimum fresh air intake
size:

31 in

2

Ø 6"

fresh air intake

or

Important: this fresh air intake is compulsory when operating venting
appliances such as kitchen hoods, permanent air extractors or any
appliances creating an air depression in the habitation.

Page 6 of 20

g) Clearances to combustibles:

• Clearances to floor and ceiling:

USE OF PROVIDED FIREBOX INSULATOR UNDER THE GRATE (IF ANY:
FIRE BRICKS OR VERMICULITE) IS COMPULSORY.

Page 7 of 20

• Clearances to walls:

CAUTION: THE DISTANCE TO A COMBUSTIBLE WALL MUST BE
MAINTAINED AT 36 inches. PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DEATH CAN
OCCUR IF THIS DISTANCE IS NOT MAINTAINED. DRYWALL PRODUCTS
LINED WITH PAPER SUCH AS SHEETROCK ARE COMBUSTIBLE.
CLEARANCES AS INDICATED FURTHER APPLY.

Important - manufacturer specifications:

- When placed close to a non-combustible wall leave a minimum of 8" for

proper ventilation. To avoid premature aging of your painted walls, only
use mineral paint. With other paints, above clearances apply.

- Fire clearance to glass (from hearth): 31-1/2".

- Fire clearance to vinyl windows: refer to window technical

specifications.
CLEARANCES MAY ONLY BE REDUCED BY MEANS APPROVED BY THE
REGULATORY AUTHORITY.

Page 8 of 20

3 – INSTALLATION:

a) Included parts, materials and required tools for installation:

-Appliance and designated parts are the fire box, anchor plate (or pedestal
if any), black steel flue pipe, focus kit (protective glove, mounting gloves,
can of touch-up paint), ash removal hatch, and insulating washers.

-Required tools: drill, M8 allen key, level, screwdrivers, M12 key,

scaffolding (up to underceiling height), refractory compound.

-2 persons minimum are required for installation.

b) Options:

• custom ceiling cover disc (steel disc) + cover disc screw kit

• custom anchor steel plate (inclined...)

• focus black steel flue extension

• pedestal

• anthracite grey paint

• custom roof outlet in stainless or lacquered steel with insulation and cap

Page 9 of 20

c) Assembly details:

- Suspended design: stainless steel chimney system anchor plate detail:

Page 10 of 20

- focus flue attachment to stainless steel chimney system plate:

Page 11 of 20

- junction sleeve (suspended design) detail:

Note: the junction sleeves are manufactured only in case the floor to ceiling
height in the room requires to manufacture the focus pipe in several parts
(you may not find junction sleeves on usual ceiling heights).

Page 12 of 20

- Suspension mechanism detail:

Page 13 of 20

- Pedestal design : stainless steel chimney system cover disc detail :

Page 14 of 20

4 – OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:

CAUTION: HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING
AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS.

a) Storage/use of flammable liquids:
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter
fluid, or similar liquids to start or « freshen up » a fire in this heater. Keep all
such liquids well away from the heater while it is in use.

b) Grate:
The grate is located inside the fireplace. It must not be removed except for
cleaning, once all cinders have thoroughly cooled. Fire must only be built on
the grate.

c) Ashes:

DISPOSAL OF ASHES – ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED IN A METAL
CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID. THE CLOSED CONTAINER OF
ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED ON A NON-COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR OR ON
THE GROUND, WELL AWAY FROM ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS,
PENDING FINAL DISPOSAL. 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.

d) Fuel:

CAUTION: DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMABLE FLUIDS SUCH
AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA OR ENGINE OIL. DO NOT STORE THE FUEL
WITHIN THE SPACE HEATER INSTALLATION CLEARANCES OR WITHIN
THE SPACE REQUIRED FOR CHARGING AND ASH REMOVAL.

Only burn dry, natural, well-seasoned wood. Wood moisture content should
not be more than 20%. We recommend using 2 year dry stored wood. For the
best efficiency use a covered storage.

Page 15 of 20

WARNING:
THE AGORAFOCUS 850 HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH GLAZED
DOORS FULLY CLOSED. IF DOOR IS OPEN OR LEFT PARTLY OPEN,
GAS AND FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE FIREPLACE OPENING,
CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE. TO REDUCE THE
RISK OF FIRE INJURY, DO NOT REMOVE GLAZED DOOR!

e) Before lighting your first fire:
For all designs it is necessary:

- to remove the stickers from the glass panels (if any).

- to clean off (with a damp sponge and/or a dry cloth) any dirt collected

during transport or installation.

- Actual scratches on painted designs can be retouched solely with the

expressly provided focus can. If this is necessary, ventilate the area

thouroughly before lighting your fire to disperse any fumes generated in

the spraying process.. In case of raw waxed models, a tube of « Z »

graphited wax is provided to take care of equivalent minor touch-ups.

The first fire should be a modest one; do not use packing material or pallet
wood for fuel.
The paint finish we use, oven baked at 250°C for 30 minutes, is thermo­plastic. Because of the very gradual polymerisation of the components, the
unit may give off a light smoke the first few times the fire is lit. The painted
surfaces nearest the fire may, while hot, acquire a certain viscosity, or slight
stickiness perceptible to the touch. We advise therefore:

- not to be alarmed at possible smoking or residual odors. This is normal
on the first fires and will rapidly subside.

- not to touch, rub or try to clean the fireplace while it is still hot.

To avoid thermal shocks, we strongly advise against throwing buckets of
water on a very vigorous fire to try to put it out.

f) Building, starting and maintaining the fire:

DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR FOCUS FIREPLACE TO AVOID OVER­FIRING.

Build the fire without elevating it, directly on the grate. For starting the fire, we
recommend using a small amount of fire starter with enough kindling (small
logs or mill ends) to establish a primary fire.

Page 16 of 20

After a few minutes, and making sure the primary fire is well started, add
larger wood (between 3 and 7 pieces, depending on their size), directly on
top, making sure not to smother the fire. Leave some spaces between the
logs for air intake.

To maintain or refuel your fire, add when needed (see note), a few larger
logs.

Note: For the same weight of fuel, 10 logs will burn more intensely (and
faster) than 3 logs, but you will get the same heat power at the end. The log
size you buy will determine the heating and refueling time.

g) Protective glove:

The use of the focus special protective glove supplied with our models is
required upon handling the damper, fresh air controls, fire irons, etc.

Page 17 of 20

5 – MAINTENANCE:

a) Taking out the ashes:

CAUTION: BE SURE THE FIRE IS OUT AND THE FIREPLACE BODY
COLD BEFORE REMOVING ASHES!

The ash removal hatch located below the grate is designed to make cleaning
easier. Dispose of ashes in an appropriate ash container (not supplied). The
hatch is removed by turning the handle. After cleaning, be sure to secure the
hatch back properly!

CAUTION: DO NOT LIGHT A FIRE WITH ASH REMOVAL HATCH
REMOVED, AS THIS WILL PRODUCE OVER-FIRING OR HOUSE FIRE.
DAMAGE CAUSED FROM NON-OBSERVANCE OF THIS CAUTION IS
NOT COVERED UNDER FOCUS LIMITED WARRANTY.

b) Creosote formation and need for removal:
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors
condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a
result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this
creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney and chimney connector
should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating
season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred. If a significant layer
of creosote has accumulated (3mm or more) it should be removed to reduce
the risk of a chimney fire.

Page 18 of 20

c) Sweeping your chimney:

CAUTION: CHEMICAL SWEEP NOT PERMITTED: ONLY MECHANICAL
SWEEP ALLOWED!

The focus black steel flue, stainless steel flue liner or insulated stainless steel
flue chimney system absolutly must be swept with a nylon head sweeper.
Never use metal head sweepers! Damage caused from non-observance of
this caution is not covered under focus limited warranty.

d) Surfaces:

CAUTION: DO NOT SCRUB!

The outer surfaces can be wiped with a soft, dry rag (making sure the metal is
cool).
For continued use of the touch-up paint can following its initial usage, invert
the can (spray head down) and spray into a balled up newspaper until the can
sprays clear. Clean the spray can bottom with a dry rag and store out of the
reach of children.

ovided to solely look after your fireplace . You must wax it twice a

e) Directions and reasons for cleaning glass:
The outer surfaces can be wiped with a soft, dry rag and a standard glass
cleaner product (making sure the glass is cool).

The inner surfaces can be cleaned with a special insert glass product.

Page 19 of 20

6 – WARRANTY:

All of our focus models are guaranteed against any defect in design,
construction, or manufacture, and guaranteed to function properly for 10
years from installation. Our product guarantees are applicable only when our
fireplaces have been installed with respect to all local building codes and with
strict attention to the technical details outlined in our Plan Study as well as our
installation, maintenance, and userʼs manuals. Our guarantee excludes
accidental damages such as those occuring during transport without written
notification upon receipt, damages incurred during installation, and damages
resulting from improper use.

Page 20 of 20

Appendix.
How to determine if alternate floor protection materials are acceptable.

All floor protection must be non-combustible (i.e., metals, brick, stone, mineral fiber
boards, etc.). Any organic materials (i.e., plastics, wood paper products, etc.) are
combustible and must not be used. The floor protection specified includes some form of
thermal designation such as R-value (thermal resistance) or k-factor (thermal conductivity).
PROCEDURE:

1. Convert specification to R-value:
i. R-value given - no conversion needed.
ii. k-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches:

T

k

1

R !=

iii. K-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches:

T

12xK

1

R !=

iv. r-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches:

R = r x T

2. Determine the R-value of the proposed alternate floor protector.
i. Use the formula in step (1) to convert values not expressed as “R”.
ii. For multiple layers, add R-values of each layer to determine overall R-value.

3. If the overall R-value of the system is greater than the R-value of the specified floor
protector, the alternate is acceptable.
EXAMPLE: The specified floor protector should be 3/4-inch thick material with a k-factor of

0.84. The proposed alternate is 4” brick with an r-factor of 0.2 over 1/8” mineral board with
a k-factor of 0.29.
Step (a): Use formula above to convert specification to R-value.

893.075.0x

84.0

1

T

k

1

R ==!=

Step (b): Calculate R of proposed system.
4” brick of r = 0.2, therefore:

431.04x2.0

rickb

R ==

1/8” mineral board of k = 0.29, therefore

431.0125.0x

29.0

1

board mineral

R ==

R

total

= R

brick

+ R

mineral board

= 0.8 + 0.431 = 1.231

Step (c): Compare proposed system R

total

of 1.231 to specified R of 0.893. Since

proposed system R

total

is greater than required, the system is acceptable.

DEFINITIONS:

Btu

)Fo)(hr)(

2

(ft

R =

12xK

)Fo)(hr)(

2

ft(

(Btu)(in)

k ==

)Fo)(hr)(2ft(

(Btu)(ft)

K =

k

1

)in)(Btu(

)Fo)(hr)(

2

(ft

r ==