Hi-Flame Alpha Inset AL357i Instruction Manual

Instruction Manual

Model AL357i Alpha Inset

The

ALPHA

Collection

Multi Fuel and Wood Burning
Non-Boiler Inset Stove

Published August 2012

Please note This appliance has been independently
CE tested and approved for the burning of wood
and multi fuels and must, at all times, be used in
accordance with these instructions to ensure safe and
efficient operation.

You will need to refer to the serial number of your
stove should you ever need to make a claim under
the Alpha Warranty. You will find the serial number,
beginning with AL, on the CE plate at the rear of the
stove as well as on the lid of the outer packaging.

Write the date the stove was delivered to you below
as this is likely to differ from the purchase date.

- -

Ref: AL357i / UK-NI-ROI / V1.01-08-12

www.alphastoves.com

CONTENTS

Standard Features

Technical Data

Important Safety Advice

Installation Regulations

Buildings Insurance

Health & Safety

Packing List

Assembling the Stove

Removing the Baffle Plate

Smoke Control Areas

Recommended Fuels

Prohibited Fuels

Understanding Fuel Types

Burning Wood Logs

Burning

Overnight Burning

Removing Ash

Installation Check-list

Installation General Guidelines

Fitting Instructions

Commissioning

Important: First Fires

Trouble-shooting

Standing Down

Routine Checks

Routine Maintenance

Alpha Warranty

Spare Parts

Annual Service

Service Record

Mineral Fuels

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INTRODUCTION

Thank-you for purchasing the

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Alpha Inset stove. We are confident
that it will warm your home even on
the coldest winter days and provide
you with many years of pleasurable
heat.

Before you install or operate your
inset stove however, please read this
booklet which contains important
safety advice as well as instructions
which will help you make the most of
your new stove.

All users of this stove should be aware
of the contents of this handbook. If
other people are going to operate the
stove then please keep this booklet
handy so that it can always be quickly
referred to.

Never let anyone use the stove who is
unfamiliar with its correct operation.

PLEASE NOTE

This instruction manual is also used for a number
of other inset stove models in the Hi-Flame product
range and therefore some of the stove photographs
and diagrams used, which are used for guidance
purposes only, may differ slightly from your new
Alpha Inset stove. However, the principles illustrated
here remain the same.

Hi-Flame Fireplace (UK) L

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imited

TECHNICAL DATA

General Specification

Model Name

Model Number

Dimensions (mm): Facia H605 W490 D95

Dimensions (mm): Firebox Ext H

Net Weight 83 kg

Gross Weight (packed)

Alpha Inset

AL357i

515 W380 D175

95 kg

IMPORTANT

In the interests of safety please read these
instructions carefully before installing or
operating your new stove. Even if you have
installed or operated stoves before, remember
manufacturer’s requirements can vary and can
also change with updates to building
regulations. If you are installing this stove in a
UK Smoke Control Area the Alpha Inset can only
be fuelled with approved smokeless fuels – it
will be illegal to burn wood in it.

Data from CE Test EN13240

Fuel Mineral Fuel & Wood Logs

WOOD

Nominal Heat Output 4.9 kW

Test Duration (appro

Efficiency (net)

Mean CO Emission (at 13%) 0.15

Mean Flue Gas Temperature

Flue Gas Mass Flow 4.8 g/s

ANCIT (mineral fuel)

Nominal Heat Output (wood) 4.8 kW

Test Duration (appro

Efficiency (net)

Mean CO Emission (at 13%) 0.21

Mean Flue Gas Temperature

Flue Gas Mass Flow

Minimum Distance to Combustible Materials

Top (shelf)

Sides

Flue

Flue configuration

Flue pipe / liner diameter 150 mm (6”)

Minimum flue height
from base of stove 4500 mm (15’)

Wood Fuel Requirements

Wood Logs: Moisture content

Maximum Log Length 250 mm

x) 1.02 hrs

75.2%

302ºC

x) 3.99 hrs

68.3%

312ºC

6.3 g/s

600 mm

250 mm

top only

<20%

STANDARD FEATURES

1 Primary Air Control Air which enters under the
grate for multi fuel burning and to help get a wood
fire started

2 Secondary Air Control Air which enters at the top
of the fire chamber to ensure a cleaner burn and
effective wood burning (pull out to open)

3 Airwash System Part of the secondary air control
system which diverts hot air down along the front of
the glass to burn off unwanted sooty particulates and
help keep it clean

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IMPORTANT SAFETY ADVICE

• Ensure that an approved carbon monoxide detector
(BS EN50291:2001) is fitted in the same room as the
stove. It should be powered by a battery designed for
the working life of the alarm. Please note this is now a
requirement under UK Building Regulations.

• External surfaces including the fire chamber door
and operating handles, windows and stove bodywork
will become extremely hot. Always use the tool
provided and avoid touching these parts of the stove
without proper protection, such as heat-resistant
gloves or other protective aids.

• Potentially combustible material or objects such as
soft furnishings should never be left on or near any
of the stove’s hot surfaces. Ensure that wood supplies
and log baskets are kept at a safe distance from the
stove. See Minimum Distance to Combustibles page 3

• Never leave children unattended in the room where
your stove is being operated. Ensure that children are
aware of the potential danger and make sure that
they keep clear of the stove when it is in operation.
Where children, the elderly or the infirm are present
always use an approved safety fireguard (BS6539) to
prevent accidental contact with the stove.

• This stove should not be fitted in a room with an
extractor fan (eg kitchen) as this will adversely effect
the air quality in the room and could be dangerous for
the room’s occupants. It will also starve the stove of
combustion air and reduce the stove’s efficiency.

• To ensure your safety make sure that your stove’s
installation complies with all local, national and
European building regulations’ ventilation requirements.
Low energy houses have their own particular
requirements and should be strictly adhered to.

• Do not use flammable liquids to ignite the fire. In
the confined space of the stove’s fire chamber there is
a real potential to cause a life-threatening flash flame
or explosion.

• Never over-fire the stove. If any external parts of
your stove glow red during operation then immediate
action should be taken to reduce the supply
of combustion air to the fire chamber through the
Primary and Secondary air controls which should
quickly limit the intensity of the fire.

• This stove is CE approved and tested to EU EN13240
standards in the United Kingdom by Kiwa GasTec at
CRE of Stoke Orchard, Gloucestershire. Alterations to
its construction could be potentially dangerous and
will also render your product warranty void.

• Do not use aerosol products in the vicinity of the
stove when it is in use.

• Check and clean the stove’s flue way and the top
of the baffle plate regularly to help avoid potential
blockages.

• Clean your chimney regularly

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INSTALLATION REGULATIONS

You must ensure that your stove is installed by a
recognised competent person who is appropriately
qualified in the installation of stoves and that the
installation complies with all local, national and
European building regulations.

In the UK we strongly recommend using a Hetas
registered installer (www.hetas.co.uk) and in Ireland
a registered installer from INFO – the Irish
Nationwide Fireplace Organisation (www.fireplace.ie).

For further information please consult:

England & Wales

Building Regulations Document J (revised October

2010) – Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage
Systems www.planningportal.gov.uk

Scotland
Building Standards (2001) Domestic

www.sbsa.gov.uk

Northern Ireland

The Building Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 /
Amendment 2006 / Amendment No 2 2006

www.buildingcontrol-ni.com

Isle of Man
Building Regulations (2007) – Isle of Man

www.gov.im

Republic of Ireland

Approved Document J – Heat Producing Appliances

www.environ.ie

Other Information Points

For additional useful information and links to the
government websites above, including informative
downloads, visit www.soliftec.com.

The Solid Fuel Association website is also a very good
source of practical information and downloads
www.solidfuel.co.uk.

The British Flue and Chimney Manufacturers
Association website, accessed through
www.feta.co.uk/bfcma, produces an authoritative and
informative download Yellow Guide to solid fuel flues
and chimneys.

BUILDINGS INSURANCE

It is a requirement by some building insurance
companies to inform them of the installation of a new
fixed heating appliance and a relevant certificate of
compliance produced.

HEALTH & SAFETY

During the installation of this stove and any related
building works you must comply with any current
Health & Safety at Work regulations. Always use
protective gloves and use the tool when adjusting the
air controls. When using fire cement always follow the
manufacturers instructions.

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PACKING LIST

As soon as you receive your new stove please check
that you have a full set of components as set out in
the list below. In the unlikely event of a shortage,
please report this immediately to the dealer you
bought the stove from. Never attempt to operate the
stove with missing or damaged components.

Product Information
A This Instruction Booklet and Warranty Card
B Stove Serial Number

Stove Components
C Handle Cover and Handle Cover Securing Bolt
D Locking Bolt and Retaining Clamp for top fixing
E Outer Flue Spigot / Plate
F Ash Lip
G Screw and Anchor for base fixing
H Fire Grate and integral Log Bar (in place)
I Cast Iron Firebricks – Left, Right and Back (in place)
J Baffle Plate (Located inside roof of fire chamber)

Equipment
K Shaped Ash Pan
L Operating Tool

Tool Bag
M Safety Mitten
G Spare Glass Retaining Clips
G Spare Glass Retaining Clip Screws
G Allen key (for door hinges)
M Spare Door Rope Seal

ASSEMBLING THE STOVE

Your new inset stove is extremely heavy. Always
handle with care and make sure that you have
additional strong help when you move it.

The door and door handle, should never be used to
grip the stove as they could be damaged from
supporting the stove’s weight. Items, such as the cast
iron fire bricks, fire grate and baffle plate can all be
easily removed to help reduce the weight. Under no
circumstances should the door be removed as this will
invalidate your Alpha Warranty.

Always lift the stove to finally position it.
Alternatively it may be possible to place the stove on
heavy duty plastic sheeting or thick floor covering to
slide the stove into position, being careful not to
damage any finished floor or decorative hearth
surfaces with trapped grit or building debris.

• Unpack Remove your new stove from its recyclable
packaging. Retain this until the stove is installed and is
fully operational. Unfasten retaining wires and remove
any components, including those inside the ash pan,
from inside the stove.

• Inspect Please inspect the stove to check that it
has not been damaged in transit – never attempt to
install a stove which has been damaged. If damage is
suspected then report this immediately to your stove
dealer.

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C

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• Check List Study the Packing List on page 5 and
make sure that you have received all of the
components listed before proceeding. Some
components are contained within the ash pan or will
already be fitted to the stove.

• Baffle Plate Check the position of the baffle plate
(sometimes known as the throat plate) inside the
‘roof’ of the stove to ensure that it has not moved
during transit. This is a heavy metal plate which directs
flames and helps retain heat inside the stove.

C

A

A

• Handle Assembly Thread the split washer along

the handle bolt. Feed the bolt and washer through the
handle grip. Use a Phillips crosshead screwdriver to
attach the assembled grip to the door handle clamp
mechanism on the door, being careful not to
over-tighten.

Your inset stove is now ready for installation.

REMOVING THE BAFFLE PLATE

Regular checking of the baffle plate will ensure that
the stove’s flueway stays clear of soot as well as its
continued safe and efficient operation. If you have
never owned a stove before it is important to
understand how critical this aspect of operating a
stove is. As stated previously it is best to familiarise
yourself with this before the stove is installed. With
the Alpha Inset there are no fixing brackets, bolts or
fire bricks to remove – simply put your hand inside the
‘roof’ of the fire chamber and push upwards. This will
release the plate which should then be pulled
forward and dropped down inside the stove ready for
inspection and cleaning.

It is best to fully familiarise yourself with the baffle
plate’s correct location by practising removing it and
re-fitting it prior to the stove’s installation as you will
need to regularly check the top of this plate and the
access to the flue way to avoid potential soot build up
and blockages. Once you know how to do this it is a
very easy operation. See right

• Flue spigot plate To maximise efficiency the
AL357i inset stove has been designed to work best in
conjunction with a 150mm (6”) flexible flue liner
connected to the purpose-designed spigot / plate
housed on top of the stove. To avoid soot build-up
on the stove bodywork, which could potentially ignite
and cause a chimney fire, we therefore we strongly
recommend that a liner is always used. Should it not
be possible to fit a liner then the householder should
ensure that the chimney is regularly swept and if
possible the stove removed at the same time so that
the top can be thoroughly cleaned.

• Ash Lip The ash lip is simply fitted to the installed
stove by positioning it at the front and pushing it
underneath to make a snug fit. It can then be easily
removed for cleaning the hearth.

B

To replace the baffle simply reverse the operation
– ensuring that the two positioning lugs (A) slide into
the retaining brackets (B) on the left and right sides
of the flueway aperture. The plate should be pushed
all the way to the back of the stove so that the final
central positioning lug (C) fits in the bracket (D).

The view of the
fitted baffle
from the top
(outside)

A

B

A

C

D

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UK SMOKE CONTROL AREAS

The Clean Air Act 1993 and Smoke Control Areas

Under the Clean Air Act local authorities may declare
the whole or part of the district of the Authority to
be a Smoke Control Area. It is an offence to burn an
‘unauthorised fuel’ (ie non-smokeless fuel) in a Smoke
Control Area. It is a legal requirement that fuels burnt
or obtained for use in Smoke Control Areas have been
‘authorised’ and officially designated “Smokeless
Fuels’. Wood log are not classified as a Smokeless
Fuel and therefore should not be burned in the Alpha
Inset stove if it is located in a building within a Smoke
Control Area. In such a case you must only use an
Approved Smokeless Fuel.

Further information on the requirements of the Clean
Air Act can be found here:
www.smokecontrol.defra.gov.uk.

Your local authority is responsible for implementing
the Clean Air Act 1993 including designation and
supervision of Smoke Control Areas and you can
contact them for details of Clean Air Act requirements.

Even if you don’t live in a Smoke Control Area it is
still the householder’s legal responsibility not to cause
nuisance smoke. Your inset stove therefore should,
at all times, be operated in accordance with these

instructions which have been written to help you
minimise the amount of smoke produced from your
stove.

RECOMMENDED FUELS

Please note If you live in a UK Smoke Control Area
you must only burn approved smokeless fuels. The
following fuels are approved by Alpha for use in the
AL357i inset stove:

• Wood Logs Only ever use dried, fully seasoned

chopped wood logs with a moisture content of less
than 20%.

Wood which is well seasoned makes a distinctive
‘clack’ rather than a dull ‘thud’ when knocked
together. It will also feel much lighter than an
unseasoned log. Other indicators include bark peeling
away and cracking and splitting around the outside.

Ideally wood should be seasoned outdoors for
between 18 to 24 months – the harder the wood
then the longer the seasoning. It should be stacked
off the ground with plenty of space between the logs
to allow air movement and with the top covered to
keep rain and snow out. Seasoned wood will give
you approximately 50% more heat output than the
equivalent unseasoned log.

Most types of hardwood, for instance
regarded as the best), Birch, Beech, Oak and Elm can
be used. However, avoid woods with a high resin
content. As a rule of thumb, the heavier the wood,
then the greater the heat output and the longer burn

Ash (generally

time – the time between refills. All of this is providing
it is fully seasoned wood.

Never use wet or unseasoned (green) wood as this will
cause nuisance smoke and a very disappointing fire.

Its use could quickly result in the build up of soot and
creosote which, because of the higher temperatures
of stove flue gases, could easily cause a flue or
chimney fire. In addition, burning wet wood creates
other environmental problems, a less efficient fuel
economy and can eventually clog your flue system
and cowl. It will also reduce the effectiveness of the
stove’s Airwash system thus causing staining and
blackening of the glass.

Wet or unseasoned would produces the following
poor performance:

• Hard to light fires

• Fires that are difficult to keep going or to keep
burning well

• Smoky fires with fewer flames which are also of a
dull orange colour

• Increased dense grey / blue smoke from the chimney

• Shorter burn times

• Low heat output

• Dirty glass and firebricks

• Excessive and rapid creosote build-up in the flue
system and chimney

• Unpleasant smoky smells both inside and sometimes
outside the house

Manufactured or finished wood products, such as
plywood and chipboard, must also be strictly avoided
because of the high chemical adhesive content used
in their production which will also leave harmful
residue inside the stove and flue system.

For more information about wood fuel visit the DEFRA
funded National Energy Foundation website
Logpile at www.nef.org.uk/logpile.

• Peat or ‘Tu

alternative and provides a similar calorific heat output
to wood. It’s also clean and easy to handle with low
atmospheric emissions. However, you must ensure
that the peat is kept thoroughly dry as it absorbs and
retains unwanted moisture very easily.

Peat has traditionally been used as a heating fuel in
both Scotland and Ireland and you can find out more
by visiting these suppliers’ useful websites – �www.
peatheat.co.uk (Scotland) and www.bnm.ie/fuels
(Ireland).

• Multi Fuels (Other than Wood or Peat)

cannot burn wood then we recommend burning a
smokeless alternative, such as smokeless nuggets, as
this is better for the stove and flue system as well as
the environment. Your stove is also approved to burn
coal – however, we do not recommend prolonged use
of bitumous house coal because of the excessive soot
it produces. There are many different brands of high
quality smokeless coal nuggets available in the UK and

rf’ Peat is an excellent cost-effective fuel

If you

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Ireland. The most popular include Phurnacite, Taybrite,
Ancit and Homefire.

Your local fuel merchant will be able to advise you on
the best types of coals suitable for multi fuel stoves,
as well as natural mineral fuel alternatives such as
anthracites which burn cleanly. The following fuel
merchant’s website also has good descriptions of the
comparative benefits that the brands listed above
have to offer – www.coalproducts.co.uk.

You can also find out more by visiting the Hetas
website www.hetas.co.uk.

PROHIBITED FUELS

Never use your stove like an incinerator. Burning
prohibited ‘fuels’ in a Smoke Control Area is illegal.

Burning the following materials could also damage
your stove and flue system, rendering the product
warranties on the stove and flue system components
void.

• Petroleum Coke Never burn petroleum coke as this
burns at a very high temperature and its continued
use will almost certainly cause irreparable damage to
components such as the grate, baffle plate and fire
bars.

• Bituminous House Coal is not recommended
because it produces excessive soot deposits, which is
not good for the environment, and thus considerably
increases the need for frequent cleaning of the stove
and flue system.

• Household Rubbish Printed matter (excluding very
small amounts of newspaper for starting the fire),
plastic, rubber, lacquered or impregnated wood,
plywood, chipboard and household rubbish, such as
milk cartons, should also be avoided. During
combustion some of these materials may develop
substances which could be hazardous to your health
and be harmful to the environment.

• Flammable Liquids Never use methylated spirits,
petrol or other highly inflammable liquids for
lighting the fire as these could cause an explosion
in the confined spaces of the fire chamber.

burns best on a bed of its own embers and the ashes
shouldn’t need to be riddled. Again mineral fuels
differ because they need combustion air from below
the grate therefore needs to be riddled to keep the air
passage clear.

See the section below to help you understand how
to control the different types of combustion air that
wood and mineral fuels need.

Your new stove can burn very well, or very poorly,
depending on how you light the fire, how you refuel
the fire, and, of course, the type and quality of the
fuel that you are burning. A log moisture meter is a
cost-effective investment if you want to maximise the
efficiency of your stove and wood fuel.

Wear protective gloves when loading a burning stove
and place the fuel precisely where you want it in the
fire chamber by using heat-resistant tongs. Always
open the stove door gently to avoid unnecessary air
turbulence which could cause fly ash or small lighted
embers to be drawn from the fire chamber and
beyond the protective hearth.

The stove is not designed to be operated with the
door left open continuously – this will reduce its
operating efficiency and it will consume more fuel
very quickly and produce less heat.

CONTROLLING THE COMBUSTION AIR

Your Alpha Inset stove has two simple air controls:

1 Primary Air Control

in the centre at the base of the stove. Primary Air is
required when burning mineral fuels (and to quickly
aid the supply of air during the initial combustion of
wood). Turn it anti-clockwise to open and add air.

2 Secondary Air Control This is the silver control
knob on the right hand side of the stove – pull it out
to open the air supply. Secondary air is needed when
burning wood and is not needed when burning
mineral fuels (unless it is to maximise the air supply to
aid the initial combustion).

This is the large control knob

UNDERSTANDING HOW
DIFFERENT FUELS BURN

Wood and solid or mineral fuels (multi fuels) burn in
different ways and you will need to understand these
differences if you are a newcomer to wood burners
and multi fuel stoves.

Putting it simply, mineral fuels, such as coal or
smokeless nuggets, need a flow of combustion air
through the bottom grate which is known as Primary
Air, whereas wood fuel works much better when its
combustion air is taken from above the grate. This
source of air is known as Secondary Air. Wood always

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