metrofires LTD Insert Operation Manual

M1120 10/14 © PIONEER MANUFACTURING LTD

• LTD Trend Insert Fascia VE

Installation Important information ..........2

Assembling your Metro.........................2-3

Floor Protector Installation .......................6

Wetback and ue installation ..............6-7

Operation Important information ...........8

Where to install a Metro in your home ....9

Optional wetbacks ..................................9

Getting to know your Metro ..................10

Operating your Metro .......................10-11

Cleaning and maintenance ...........11-12

Troubleshooting .....................................13

Metro warranty.......................................14

Pioneer wood re accessories ..............15

LTD Insert Models

Wood Fire Installation & Owner’s Operation Manual

PO Box 11, Inglewood 4347, New Zealand

Ph [phone] • Fax [phone]

info@metrores.co.nz • www.metrores.co.nz

2

This Metro wood re has been tested to and complies with
AS/NZS2918:2001 incorporating Appendix “E” when installed
in accordance with this manual. Please ensure you are fully
conversant with this relevant standard and the contents of this
manual. Correct installation is critical to the safe operation and
performance of this wood re.

Please take particular note of the following :

•

It is recommended that Metro’s be installed with a Metro
ECO ue system which has been developed to enhance the
performance of Metro wood res. Any alternative ue system
must have a minimum ue pipe length of 4.1 metres of 150mm
diameter ue pipe & have been tested to AS/NZS2918:2001.

• The 150mm active ue pipe must be fully encased from the
top of the chimney to the underside of the ashing cone at
the top of the ue system (i.e. there must not be any 150mm
ue pipe exposed).

• All ue pipe joints must be sealed and riveted. The bottom of
the ue pipe in particular MUST be fully sealed into the ue
outlet of the Metro wood re.

• Ensure a breglass seal is placed between the outer cabinet
and the masonry to prevent air from within the room being
drawn into the chimney cavity.

• In New Zealand, the Metro Insert must be bolted securely to
the base of the chimney cavity to comply with the seismic
restraint provisions of AS/NZS2918.2001.

• The Metro fascia is coated in vitreous enamel. Please take
care during assembly and when lif ting or tting the fascia
that you do not damage this coating. Do not lift the Metro
fascia with your ngers under the louvre’s.

• WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ THIS ENTIRE
MANUAL AS INCORRECT OPERATION, MISUSE AND/OR
LACK OF MAINTENANCE WILL VOID THE WARRANTY

• The appliance and ue-system shall be installed in
accordance with AS/NZS2918 and the appropriate
requirements of the relevant building code or codes

• Any modication of the appliance that has not
been approved in writing by the testing authority is
considered to be in breach of the approval granted for
compliance with AS/NZS4013 and will void the warranty

•

The appliance must be installed correctly. We recommend
a competent and suitably qualied NZHHA installer

WARNING! Important Information

• Mixing of appliance or ue-system components
from different sources or modifying the dimensional
specication or components may result in hazardous
conditions. Where such action is considered, the
manufacturer should be consulted in the rst instance

• Do not install a Metro re if there is any sign of visible
damage to the product

• This appliance must be regularly maintained.

• Use authorised Metro replacement parts only. The use of
unauthorised parts may void the warranty

• This manual must be left with the home owner

CAUTION! Important Information

Familiarise yourself with the Metro Insert

All Metro replace insert wood res are packed into two
separate cartons: -

• The replace insert rebox is supplied in a heavy duty
palletised carton.

• The fascia and door are packaged inside a smaller
separate carton. This car ton is clearly labelled to show
the colour and coating nish of the fascia and door.

Metro LTD fascia’s are coated in matt black vitreous
enamel.

Having removed the packaging and located this manual,
familiarise yourself with Diagram 1.

Fascia

Diagram 1

Fireplace

Insert

Firebox

Fibretex Blanket

Cabinet Top

Speed

Clip (X4)

Insert

Cabinet

Air

Control

Knob

Handle

Door

Fixing Points

For Seismic

Restraint

Spacer Washer

Hinge Pin

Spindle

A

B

3

Diagram 2

Bottom

Louvre

Ashlip

Door

Carton

Diagram 2A

Bottom

Louvre

Ashlip

Trend fascia’s are supplied partly assembled, and require the
ashlip and bottom louvre to be tted as illustrated in Diagrams
2 and 2A below. To assemble, proceed as follows: -

• On a large at surface (a soft oor) slide the fascia out of
the carton, front face down and remove the door which is
packed into a separate carton located in the centre of the
fascia.

• Re- close the aps of the fascia carton and lay the fascia
front down on top of this now empty carton.

• Remove the two sections of tape securing the ashlip panel
to the rear face of the fascia as detailed in Diagram 2.
Carefully lift the ashlip panel away from the fascia and
place it gently to one side.

• Remove the four screw’s and bottom louvre as illustrated in
Diagram 2.

• Reposition the ashlip into its nal position as illustrated in
Diagram 2A taking particular attention to ensure:

- The ashlip is the right way around.

- Do not mark the coating on the ends of the ashlip panel
as you slide it into the fascia, you may need to slightly prise
apart the fascia side panels as you t the ashlip.

• Position the bottom louvre as illustrated in Diagram 2A and
ret the four screws previously removed.

The fascia is now completely assembled and ready for
installation. When moving the fascia, hold it at both sides to
avoid “twisting” the fascia which may cause the enamel to
chip.

Assembling the fascia

4

Assembling the replace insert’s rebox

The replace insert rebox is supplied in a heavy duty
carton and is secured to a timber pallet. Having removed
the cardboard, timber and polystyrene packaging and
familiarised yourself with Diagram 1 on page 2, proceed
as follows: -

• Remove from within the rebox the plastic bag
containing the bolt kit, two rebricks wrapped in a
cardboard wrapper and the top bafe assembly.

• A “spacer” washer has been pre- tted and taped to
the top door hinge pin on the left hand side of the
rebox (Refer Inset A, Diagram 1) remove this tape.

• Take the boxed door you previously removed from the
centre of the fascia and unpack it. Taking the door in
both hands with the spindle end in your right hand and
outer face of the door facing you, attach the door to
the rebox as follows: -

- With the door in a 45 degrees open position, allow the
lower hinge pin on the bottom left hand side of the
rebox to pass into the hole provided in the bottom of
the door frame.

- Lift the door until the top of the door frame passes over
the top hinge pin, then align the hole provided on the
top face of the door frame and lower it down over the
top hinge pin.

- Take the door handle from the plastic bag and screw it
onto the door spindle by turning it clockwise.

• Unwrap the two rebricks from the cardboard wrapper
and t the side bricks to each side of the rebox.
Location lugs are tted to the base and rear of the
rebox to retain the side bricks in position, refer
Diagram 3 on the opposing page.

• Remove the “cabinet top” which is packed inverted
on top of the rebox and t it into position “over” the
cabinet sides as detailed in Diagram 1. Ensure the rear
edge is t ted correctly as shown in Diagram 1, Inset
“B”. The rear edge of the cabinet top must t “into” the
slot provided. Using two of the self tapping screws from
the plastic bag, secure the cabinet top in place. Note,
this panel can be tted at two height’s, if the height of
the replace opening will allow, t the cabinet top in
the higher position, t screws from “inside” the cabinet
facing out.

• Ensure the insulating blanket is in position on the top of
the cabinet.

• Remove the four speed clip nuts from the plastic bag
and t them to the holes provided in the front edge of
the cabinet as shown in Diagram 1.

• Next you need to t the top bafe, refer to Diagram
3 on the opposing page 5 and proceed with the
instructions below that apply to the model you are
assembling: -

LTD Insert Firebox

This model has a two piece top bafe which locates onto
six lugs provided on the side walls of the rebox’s upper
chamber, as detailed in Diagram 3 on page 5. The rear
bafe section is 6mm folded steel and has a location pin
tted to its front top surface. Fit this rear bafe through the
door opening and into position in the upper chamber of
the rebox. It is supported on the rear four support lugs
and must be hard back against the rear of the rebox with
the locating pin facing upward and towards the front.

Next, locate the front bafe which is a combination bafe
comprising of a 6mm steel plate with a promet (white
board) front extension. Fit this bafe through the door
opening and into position, ensuring the hole provided on
its rear edge is positioned over the locating pin tted to the
rear baf e.

5

Diagram 3

Wetback

connections

Side brick

(X2)

Rear top

baffle

Front top

baffle

Prior to installing your Metro replace insert into a replace
cavity, it is important that certain clearances and other
requirements are complied with as detailed below :-

Fireplace Cavity

The chimney must be swept. Also: -

- Check for cracks and general overall condition. If repairs
are necessary, they must be carried out by a suitably
qualied person.

- Check the cavity dimensions to ensure the replace insert
will t. It is usually necessary to remove the re bricks from
the lower replace cavity.

- The base of the replace cavity on which the Metro
replace insert will rest must be level. If it is not, it should be
levelled using mortar.

- If an ash removal door exists in the base of the replace
cavity it should be sealed shut to prevent air entering the
cavity.

- If a timber or combustible mantelshelf exists above the
replace opening, it should be a minimum distance of
460mm above the top of the Metro’s fascia.

If less than the above minimum specied, a deector or heat
shield will be required to be tted under the mantelshelf or to
the top of the fascia.

Pre-Installation

6

A

185mm

B

360mm

170mm

550mm

595mm

650mm

Refer

Chart

Firebox Model A B Width

LTD Insert 500mm 405mm 560mm

Fascia Model Base Width Body Width

Trend 810mm 810mm

Insert Raised LTD Insert

0mm 455mm insulated

10mm 455mm insulated

15mm 445mm insulated

20mm 436mm insulated

25mm 424mm insulated

30mm 408mm insulated

35mm 396mm insulated

40mm 366mm insulated

41mm & above 350mm insulated

45mm

50mm & above

Minimum Floor Protector projection and type

Diagram 4

Floor protector requirements

Metro replace inserts are designed to be installed direct
onto a concrete base. An insulated oor protector is required
to project in front of the Metro and must extend a minimum
of 200mm to each side of the door opening, making the
minimum oor protector width 825mm. The minimum oor
protector projection forward of the Metro is dependant on the
height of the replace insert above the combustible oor. The
following schedule of oor protector projections is measured

from behind the Metro fascia being the total oor protector
depth as shown in Diagram 4 below. Note, the heights
specied above the combustible oor can be achieved by: -

• The thickness of the oor protector

• Or by raising the replace insert

• Or a combination of the two

Wetbacks

The Metro LTD Insert can be tted with either of Pioneer’s 3kW
or 4kW wetback option. Only Pioneer’s cast jacket wetback
system as illustrated on page 9 of this manual should be tted
to a Metro. Alternative wetbacks will void the Metro’s emission
approvals and may seriously effect the performance of the
appliance and will void the owners warranty.

Both 3kW and 4kW wetback options can be tted to either side
of the rebox, with the connection pipe heights illustrated in
Diagram 4 above, please note: -

• It is recommended the return pipe has a minimum rise of
1 in 12. Performance will reduce as the distance to the
storage cylinder increases.

• The wetback must be connected to a vented system. To t
the wetback proceed as follows: -

1. Remove the brick from the inside of the rebox from the
side the wetback is to be tted too.

2. Expose the holes in the rebox through which the
connection pipes will pass.

The LTD Insert has a 3mm pressed washer covering these

two openings and two 6mm bolts which are tted inside
the rebox near the connection holes, remove these also.

3. Using a hole saw or snips, prepare the cabinet for the
connection pipes. Note, these holes should be a neat
t or have any excess gap covered or lled with high
temperature insulation.

4. Using the tube of sealant supplied with the wetback, apply
a liberal bead of sealant around both connection holes on
the inside of the rebox. On the rear of the wetback casting
apply the remaining contents of the tube equally around
both connection pipes and also the outer circumference
of the wetback which will face the inside rear wall of the
rebox. This will completely seal the wetback to the inside
rear wall of the re on installation.

5. Fit the wetback into the rebox and position the connection
pipes through the connection holes in the rebox.

6.

Fit two bolts through the slots provided in the wetback, align
the wetback so its front edge is parallel to the door opening
& secure the bolts. The wetback is ready for connection to
the storage cylinder by a registered plumber.

7

Position the Metro LTD Insert which is still attached to its
wooden pallet directly in front of the replace cavity with the
rear of the insert facing the replace opening. The replace
insert assembly is bolted to the wooden pallet through its base
panel at two points being each front corner. Remove both
screws and slide the insert into the replace cavity taking care
not to mark the oor protector. Discard the pallet.

1. Attach the fascia with the four longer screws that were
supplied in the plastic bag, taking care that the air control
lever passes through the slot provided in the fascia.
Centralise and level the fascia on the replace insert door
and secure the four screws.

2. Applying pressure to the door or inside the replace rebox
(not the fascia) carefully manoeuvre the Metro until the
rear of the fascia is just touching the front face of the
replace surround. Taking care not to move the replace
insert, remove the fascia and mark the position of the
replace insert onto the replace base.

3. Using a masonry drill, drill into the chimney base through
the two slots which the replace insert was secured to
the pallet through. Check to ensure the replace insert
hasn’t moved and secure using suitable masonry anchors
to comply with the seismic restraint provisions of the
standard.

4. Remove the top bafe from inside the replace insert and
the removable cabinet top. Check that the ue stub of the
replace insert is in line by looking down the chimney, if not
a stainless steel offset or exi ue will be required.

5. Following the instruction sheet supplied with the ue pack,
proceed and t the ue with all joints sealed and riveted
with a minimum of three stainless steel or monel rivets on
each joint.

6. With the ue pipe in position and sealed with a high
temperature re cement into the ue stub, drill through the
hole provided in the front of the ue stub into the stainless
steel ue pipe and secure with the 6mm bolt and nut
supplied in the plastic bag.

7. Ret the top bafe into the rebox’s upper chamber.
Reposition the removable cabinet top ensuring it is
correctly tting as detailed on page 2 and secure in its
upper position if possible. Note, if the adjustable height
top can be raised slightly but not fully to its upper position,
additional holes should be drilled to enable the top to be
raised to this level.

8. Using a suitable rated insulation (bretex 450 or similar)
pack any gap that exists between the sides and top of the
replace insert cabinet and replace surround.

9. Reattach the fascia, centralise and level with the door and
ensure the air control is moving freely and secure all four
screws.

10. Locate the air control knob which is included in the plastic
bag and carefully work it onto the air control lever.

The Metro is now fully installed and ready for operation but
it is preferable to defer lighting the re for a day or two if
possible to allow sealant used in the ue pipe joints to air dry.
Alternatively it is recommended you burn 2-3 sheets of loosely
crumpled newspaper at a time, approx once every hour over
a 6- 8 hour period.

Installation

8

This slow combustion appliance is designed to give you
many years of warmth and service, subject to the following
key factors. These key factors, if not adhered to are the major
causes of unsafe installation, poor performance and ue
blockages and potential product failure.

1. Your Metro wood re must be installed correctly. Metro
recommend a competent and suitably qualied NZHHA
installer.

2. The only fuel to be used in this appliance shall be wood that
meets the following criteria.

– Less than 25% moisture content
– Has not been treated with preservatives or impregnated

with chemicals or glue,
– Is not chipboard, particle board, or laminated board,
– Is not painted, stained or oiled
– Is not driftwood or other salt impregnated wood

3. The appliance shall be operated at all times in accordance
with the “Installation and Operating Instructions” supplied
with each appliance.

4. It is preferable that

Metro wood res should be installed with

a Metro ECO Flue System.

5. Coal must not be used as a fuel.

Please also note the following important points:

• In New Zealand a building consent is required from your
local building authority. The homeowner is responsible for
obtaining this consent.

•

As correct installation is critical to the performance and safe
operation of your Metro, it is recommended your Metro be
installed by a NZHHA registered installer or a person suitably
qualied in the installation of wood res. Your Metro retailer
will be able to arrange professional installation for you.

•

During the very rst re your Metro will give off an odour and
fumes as the rebox paint cures. Do not be alarmed; open all
windows and externally opening doors in that room and close
any internally opening doors. This curing process will last for
approximately one hour and is likely to happen this one time.

• Properly seasoned (dry) timber is necessary for the Metro to
operate efciently; rewood that contains a high moisture
content will result in ue pipe blockages, reduce heat
output and create other issues.

Note: Once split, Softwood usually takes 12 months to season - Hardwood
can take up to 24 months to season - Wood must be stored in a location
that enables air circulation. Unseasoned wood stored in a closed
woodshed without air circulation will still be unseasoned 12 months later.

• It is critical that the re not be operated with over worn,
faulty or missing door seals. Door seals will harden over time
and become over-worn (3- 4 year’s) this will cause air to
leak into the re, causing the appliance to ‘over re’.

• It is critical that the re not be operated with over worn,
faulty or missing bricks, bafe plate, bafe extension
(white board on the baf e plate)

• It is critical that the re not be operated with cracked, or
broken door glass.

Please note, the above 3 points require regular inspection/
maintenance (every time the ash bed is cleaned out, generally
3-5 times a season) and if not maintained will void the rebox
warranty. A glowing rebox or lower uepipe is just one sign
you are over ring your appliance. Please ensure you keep your
proof of purchase/receipt on any parts you purchase.

•

For optimum performance fuel must be loaded so the logs
lay “front to rear” in preference to laying across the width of
the rebox. Spaces should be left between the logs to enable
oxygen to get to as much of the surface of the fuel as possible.

• A small hot re loaded frequently is more efcient than a
large re burning on a low setting.

• A key feature of all LTD Metro’s is their ability to burn at a
very low rate. To familiarise yourself with correct operation
of this feature, please ensure you read the “extended
burning” section on page 10 of this manual so as not to
void the Metro warranty by incorrect operation.

•

Your Metro is covered by a full unconditional 12 month
warranty on replacement parts, and a 10 year rebox warranty.

• WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND YOU READ THIS ENTIRE
MANUAL AS INCORRECT OPERATION, MISUSE AND/OR
LACK OF MAINTENANCE WILL VOID THE WARRANTY

•

Any modication of the appliance that has not been
approved in writing by the testing authority is considered
as breaching AS/NZS 4013 and will void the warranty

• Do not use ammable liquids or aerosols in the vicinity

of this appliance when it is operating

• Do not dry clothes on or near this appliance

• Do not use ammable liquids or aerosols to start or
rekindle the re OR store fuel within the Metro’s specied

installation clearances

• Never operate your Metro with the door ajar, except on

initial start up

• Open the air control fully before opening the Metro’s door

WARNING! Important Information

• This appliance should be maintained & operated at all
times in accordance with this instruction manual

• This appliance should not be operated with cracked door
glass, over worn, faulty or missing door seals

• Do not use driftwood, treated or unseasoned (wet) fuel,
the use of most types of preservative treated wood as
fuel can be hazardous and will damage your appliance

• Burning unseasoned (wet) fuel or incorrect operation on
extended low burn cycles will cause excessive creosote
to form. Creosote is very corrosive and excessive
buildups will result in the ue pipe, ue spigot and upper
burn chamber failing. Failure of the applicance and/
or ue system due to creosote damage is not covered
under warranty. The formation of such is not an appliance
issue it is a fuel and operational issue

•

This appliance must be regularly maintained and
replacement parts must be authorised Metro parts only

• Do not empty ash into a combustible container

Congratulations on the purchase of your Metro wood re

CAUTION! Important Information

9

Wood res are usually installed in the main living area, which is
the section of the home that is usually kept the warmest, being
the area in the home most frequently occupied. However,
before deciding on the best location for your Metro wood re
you may wish to consider:

• Water heating. If you are intending to have a wetback it
is important that the wood re is as close as practically
possible to the water storage cylinder.

• Split level homes are best heated when the wood re is
installed on the lower level, as the heated air will rise to the
higher levels.

• Building construction is another consideration. Specied
clearances from walls, curtains etc must be maintained
and you need to ensure no structural beams or internal

gutters etc are directly above your preferred site. If you
have a two storey dwelling you need to consider the
second storey to ensure you don’t have the ue directly
outside a second storey window.

Generally, you can install your Metro in your home anywhere
that suits you; Pioneer offer various fan systems to transfer heat
to other sections of the home that are not heated sufciently.
It is necessary if using a fan system that the Metro you have
purchased has sufcient output to heat the total area you wish
to heat. Your Metro retailer or installer will be able to advise if
you are uncertain.

Where to install a Metro wood re in your home

Water heating is another key feature of your Metro wood re;
all models can be tted with the optional 3kW or 4kW wetback,
which are designed to give maximum output with minimal effect
on the operation of the re. Only the Pioneer cast jacket wetback
system as illustrated on the right should be tted to your Metro;
alternative wetbacks will void the Metro’s emission approvals
and may seriously affect the performance of the appliance and
void its warranty.

Note: Wetback and Boiler systems are not suitable for use in locations

where the water supply has lime content. Lime build up inside the coil

will eventually block the coil causing the wetback to fail.

3kW or 4kW

The 3kW wetback is usually adequate for most homes; however,
if your hot water use is considerable the 4kW would be
preferable. Other considerations are:

Distance from the Metro to the storage cylinder will affect the
amount of hot water produced. If it is more than 2 metres away
the 4kW is usually preferable.

Your climate and the manner in which you will “re” your Metro
are the most relevant factors in choosing the correct output
wetback. If you are in a moderate climate or have a modern
well-insulated home you are likely to be running your Metro on
lower output settings, in which case the 4kW should be used.
If however you live in a cold climate, or have an older, cold or
large home you are more likely to be “ring” your Metro on a
higher burn rate, in which case the 3kW would be better suited.

Cost Savings

Wetbacks can enable substantial power savings, dependent
on the climate in the area in which you live. If you live in a cold
climate you are likely to use your Metro for many months of
the year, in which case a Pioneer wetback will reduce or even
eliminate your water heating costs over those months. If however
you live in a warmer climate and use your Metro for only a few
hours a day over the colder months, electricit y savings will be
considerably less.

Water Pressure

A common misconception is that you must have a low-pressure
system to have a wetback; this is not true. You must have a
“vented” system and high- pressure cylinders are usually not
vented. However you can install an “indirect” cylinder which
contains a secondary coil inside the storage cylinder, enabling
you to have a wetback while retaining a high-pressure system.

Optional wetbacks and boilers

The Pioneer wetback designed

for Metro wood fires

10

Operating your Metro wood re is simple and you will quickly
learn how to get the best from it. First take a minute to
familiarise yourself with your new Metro:-

• Raise the door handle anticlockwise until the latch
releases, then slowly pull the door open. You will note that
if you let the door go before it is at 90° to the appliance, it
will fall closed. This is a safety feature that ensures the door
cannot fall open if it is not latched securely. For the door to
remain open, you must open it fully.

•

There is a single air control making your Metro easy to adjust.
This control moves from left to right, which is “low to high”.

Please note, unlike most wood fires your Metro enables you to have total
control of burn rate from “high” to “off”.

All LTD Metro inserts have an air control knob located directly
above and to the right of the door. Slide this control knob

gently from right to left until
you reach a stop, this is a
preset “low” position.

Your Metro must not be
operated at a lower burn rate
than this pre-set low allows.

Safety off provision

All LTD Metro’s have an “off” provision which enables the air
control to be fully closed during ue pipe cleaning, and more
importantly to enable all primary oxygen to the re to be cut
off in the likely event of a ue pipe re. To engage the “off”
provision, lift the air control knob up and move it fully to the left.

Getting to know your Metro wood re

CAUTION! Important Information

• If not operated correctly on extended burn cycles,
your Metro is likely to incur ue blockages, corrosion
of the upper bafe, lower ue pipe and rebox ue
spigot. As these are not covered under warranty if
they fail through improper use, it is important you
operate your Metro correctly.

If your Metro has only been installed within the past few
days, the re cement seal at the base of the ue will not be
fully cured. To ensure the cement sets without blistering it
is recommended you burn 2-3 sheets of loosely crumpled
newspaper at a time, approximately once every hour over a
6- 8 hour period.

During the very rst re your Metro will give off an odour and
fumes as the rebox paint cures. Do not be alarmed. Open all
windows and externally opening doors in that room and close
any internally opening doors. This curing process will last for
approximately one hour and is likely to happen this one time.

Start up

Place a quantity of loosely crumpled newspaper on the base
of the rebox until it is approximately 50 % full of paper, or
place relighters on the base of the rebox. Add dry kindling
and move the air control knob fully to the right, being the “full
open” position.

Light the paper at two or three locations across the front of
the door opening and leave the door slightly ajar resting
on the latch pin if necessar y for a few minutes while the
re establishes. Once the kindling is burning well, open the
door and add 2-3 small logs at a time until you have a well­established re. Usually this will take approximately 30 minutes,
during which time the air control should be set on “high” and
the door should be closed, except for the initial few minutes
and when fuel is being added.

Normal operation

Once the re is well established, regulate the air control to
achieve the desired burn rate and heat output. As you move
the air control to the right, burn rate, rebox temperature and
heat output will increase, if you move the control to the left
they will decrease.
Please note:

• Always open the air control fully prior to opening the door,
then open the door slowly.

• When loading logs, place them end -on, “front to back”; air
spaces should be left between the logs to enable oxygen
to get to as much of the surface of the fuel as possible.

• Every time you refuel, leave the air control on “high” for a
minimum of 20-25 minutes.

• Never use the door to force wood into the rebox, as this is
likely to break the glass.

Extended burning

It is most important if your Metro is to be refuelled and turned
down for a slow extended burn period, such as an overnight
burn that you operate it correctly:

• The wood used as fuel for extended burning MUST BE FULLY
SEASONED (DRY).

• Once the fuel is loaded, the appliance must be operated
on high for a period of at least 20 minutes to drive out
residual moisture from the fuel (dry wood is usually 20%
water content) and ensure surface area combustion.

• Do not turn the air control down lower than you need to,
if you want the Metro to burn overnight, endeavour to
obtain an 8 hour burn time, not 12 hours. It will take a few
burns to nd the correct location of your Metro’s air control
setting to achieve the length of burn cycle you desire as
this setting is affected by several variables including fuel
density, ue length and outside wind velocity.

• A smouldering re over a long time frame is likely to deposit
corrosive elements into your system which could be
detrimental to your Metro.

Operating your Metro wood re

LTD Insert air control

11

The Metro Trend Insert fascia is coated in vitreous enamel. This is
a permanent coating designed to last the life of the appliance.
As vitreous enamel is glass, if a solid or heavy object is dropped
or banged against a panel it could chip the enamel.

All model Metro’s can be cleaned with a cloth when the
appliance is not operating.

• This appliance must be regularly maintained and
replacement par ts must be authorised Metro par ts only.

Door glass

Providing your fuel is properly seasoned, under normal
operating conditions the air-wash design of the Metro’s rebox
will keep the door glass clear. If the glass requires cleaning you
may use either a razor blade scraper or an oven cleaner.

If your door glass breaks it must be replaced with 5mm thick
ceramic glass which is available from your local Metro retailer.

Door seals

Over time, usually 3 -4 years, the door and glass seals will
become hard and cause air to leak into the rebox, causing
the appliance to ‘over re’. Your Metro retailer stocks
replacement woven breglass door and glass seals, which
need replacing when they become hard and over worn.

The door of your Metro is easily removed. Hold it in both hands
and lift the hinge end of the door up and over the top hinge
pin, then lower the door from the bottom hinge pin.

Side bricks

Hair-line cracks are not uncommon and are a result of
the intense heat within the Metro’s rebox, coupled with
mechanical damage caused by accidental impact when fuel
is being loaded. However if the side bricks become cracked to
the extent that they start to break up, they must be replaced.

Door adjustment

Provision is available on both sides of the door for adjustment.

To adjust the hinge end of the door, open the door fully, loosen
the top hinge nut and slightly lift the latch end of the door;
you will see the hinge assembly move back 1-2mm which will
usually be sufcient. Retighten, then repeat by loosening the
lower hinge nut, this time applying a slight downwards pressure
onto the door to move the lower hinge assembly back a similar
distance, then retighten.

The door latch is also adjustable, as the latch pin on the right
side of the rebox is tted through a slot which enables the
latch pin to be loosened, moved back and re -tightened.

Ash removal

Over a period of time ash will build up in the base of the Metro’s
rebox and require removal. The time this build-up takes
depends on the density and cleanliness of your fuel.

To remove the excess ash your Metro should not be operating.

• Open the door, and using a hearth shovel or similar, empty
the excess ash directly into a steel or non-combustible
container.

• If the ash is not disposed of immediately, be careful where
you store it, as the ash can retain heat for many days and
become a re hazard.

• You must leave a bed of ash in the base of the rebox
approximately 10mm deep; this insulates the base of the
rebox and improves combustion.

Top bafe

This is a ‘sacricial’ wear part of the rebox and should be
checked monthly. Usually only the “Promet” (white board)
front/underneath section needs to be replaced when it starts
to disintegrate.

Note: Cracks in the promet are not uncommon and have no adverse
effect on the operation of your Metro. These cracks are the result of
intense heat coupled with expansion and contraction. Burning wood
which is not properly seasoned, i.e. 25% moisture content or more, will
over time cause the promet to disintegrate and require replacement.

To remove and replace your top bafe, proceed as follows:

• Open the Metro’s door fully, reach inside with the palm
of your hand face up and extended, lift the top bafe
approximately 20mm, then lift it forward out through the
door opening placing it on a sheet of newspaper you have
placed on the front of the oor protector. Please Note: -

1. If your Metro Insert is the LTD Hi Output model, it has a
deeper two part bafe as illustrated on page 5. This rear
bafe section also lifts “up and out” the same as the front
bafe.

2. If your Metro Insert is tted with a wetback, to remove the
bafe you will need to remove the side brick from the other
side of the rebox. Then lift the baf e slightly and slide it
forward 30mm, allowing the rear edge of the bafe to drop
down in front of the rear support lugs on the side of the
rebox you have just removed the brick from. The bafe can
then be easily removed through the door opening.

• To ret the top bafe, proceed in the reverse order and
note, the bafe must be tted so its rear is touching the
back of the rebox.

Flue systems

Should be checked annually, particularly the bottom end of the
lower ue section at its rear lock formed joint. If deterioration is
noticed contact your Metro retailer or installer.

The ue pipe should also be swept a minimum of once a year,
or as required during the winter season. If smoke enters the
room when you open the Metro’s door this usually indicates
the ue pipe is becoming restricted and needs cleaning. The
frequency of ue pipe cleans depends on many factors, with
the main variables being:

• The seasoning of the wood. If not properly seasoned you will
require frequent ue pipe cleans.

• The density of the wood. Sof twoods generally result in more
deposits building up in the ue pipe.

Cleaning and maintenance for your Metro wood re

12

To clean the ue pipe of your Metro, proceed as follows:-

• Open the Metro’s door fully, reach inside with the palm
of your hand face-up and extended, lift the top bafe
approximately 20mm, then lift it forward out through the
door opening, placing it on a sheet of newspaper you
have placed on the front of the oor protector.

Note: Some appliances have a two piece top baffle.

• Close the door and slide the air control to the left.

• Once on the roof, remove the cowl from the top of ue
system and sweep the ue pipe using a 150mm-diameter
ue pipe brush as detailed in the instructions provided with
the uebrush.

• Once the ue pipe is clear, clean and ret the cowl.
Remove the excess soot which has fallen into the rebox,
leaving a layer of ash 10mm deep on the base of the
rebox, then ret the top bafe.

Note: The baffle must be fitted so its rear is touching the back of the
firebox; if uncertain refer to page 5 in the installation section at the front
of this manual, which shows illustrations of the baffle location.

Cleaning and maintenance for your Metro wood re

Parts guide for your Metro – Bafe, promet and wetback

Listed below are the parts and product codes for your Metro
wood re. The promet/bafe should be regularly checked and
must always be in place during the operation of your re.

Note: Cracks in the promet are not uncommon and have no adverse
effect on the operation of your Metro. These cracks are the result of
intense heat coupled with expansion and contraction and is normal
wear & tear.

Your Metro wood re must be regularly maintained and we
recommended it is also ser viced annually. If a wood re is
not regularly maintained and serviced, the life span will be
reduced. If your Metro wood re has been neglected, by not
being regularly maintained and serviced, with authorised Metro
parts replaced as required, your warranty may be declined.

Clean air model

Type of promet required / Type of steel bafe(s) required Water heating options

• LTD Insert

LTD Small 500-1700 LTD Insert Front 500-2850 ECO/LTD Insert Rear (steel only)

500-2300

LTD 3kW Wetback 450-0100 or

LTD 4kW Wetback 450-0150

420mm

110mm

420mm

250mm

420mm

125mm

13

If your Metro is installed correctly, your fuel is dry and you
operate your re correctly, you will nd it to be a pleasure to
use. Metro’s many years of experience within the wood heating
industry has shown that dissatisfaction is mainly due to:

• unseasoned fuel

• faulty installation

• operational error

• or a combination of the above 3 points.

The following may be of assistance if you are experiencing any
of these problems.

SMOKE ENTERS THE ROOM WHEN THE METRO’S
DOOR IS AJAR (Possible reasons and solutions)

Check ue pipe joins:

If the ue pipe joins are not sealed correctly, the ue pipe will not
draw as well as it should. The ue pipe join connecting into the
ue spigot on top of the Metro is most critical, if this is not sealed
correctly, smoke will enter the room when the door is ajar. To
check this join is sealed correctly, run a match or lighter ame
around the join. If the ame is sucked into the spigot then it is not
sealed correctly. This check needs to be done when the re is not
going. Ensure you check the rear of the ue pipe/spigot join, as
due to the seam in the ue pipe, this is the most common area
for not being sealed correctly.

Ensure the fuel you are using is correctly seasoned:

If you are burning unseasoned fuel (wet), the re will cause
nothing but problems. The Metro won’t deliver much heat, it
will be lazy, smoke will enter the room when the door is ajar,
and the door glass will run black. Unseasoned fuel is the main
contributor to excessive creosote deposits which can be
corrosive to your appliance and ue system.

Flue pipe length is too short:

Add more ue pipe as the longer the ue system, the better the
draw of the ue pipe. Please note, if you did not purchase the
Metro ECO Flue System, you will not have the ECO Cowl which
increases draw. We highly recommend the Metro ECO Cowl is
tted as this will increase the draw. If you already have an ECO
Cowl and smoke is still entering the room, please add another
600mm length of ue pipe.

Downdraft:

If you have checked all of the above and the re is still smoking
into the room, it’s possible there may be a down draft issue.
Down draft is environmental and can be caused by many
variables, and it is purely trial and error to ascertain the cause.
Solutions may be:

• ‘H’ Cowl, designed purely for downdraft issues, but if you
have an ECO Cowl tted as standard, you will also need to
add another 600mm of ue pipe to compensate as the H
Cowl is shorter in length.

• Directional Cowl, designed for high wind areas.

Air control setting:

Ensure the air control setting is on high before opening the door
to reload, as this increases the draw up the ue pipe. Open the
door slowly.

If your Metro did not smoke, but its starting too and

is getting worse:

The ue pipe is in need of a clean. It is recommended that the
ue pipe be cleaned every season, however if you are burning
the re on low a lot, or are using unseasoned fuel, ue pipe
cleans will be required more frequently.

Correct operation:

Modern day wood res need to be operated hard and fast,
more so than low and lazy to ensure the rebox and ue
pipe runs hot and efciently. If the re and ue pipe is up to
temperature it will perform extremely well, the smoke will draw
up the ue pipe with ease, and the re will produce good
amounts of heat.

If the re is operated on low a lot of the time, the door glass will
run black, the ue pipe will tend to block up more frequently
and the re will end up smoking into the room when reloading.
It’s better to have a small re running hard and fast, rather than
a big re running low and lazy.

OTHER ISSUES YOU MAY EXPERIENCE

I can smell smoke in the room after a low burn cycle:

The smell is creosote that will be seeping through the ue
pipe join or out of the ue spigot onto an external surface,
thus creating the smell in your room. The cause will be either
unseasoned fuel, fuel mass too large, incorrect operation on
low burn cycles or a combination. Creosote is very corrosive
and excessive buildups will result in the ue pipe and potentially
the ue spigot and upper burn chamber failing. The formation
of excessive creosote is not an appliance issue, it is a fuel and
operational issue. Failure of ue pipe or rebox due to creosote
build up is not covered under warranty as excessive creosote
build up is only possible from either unseasoned fuel or incorrect
operation.

The Metro won’t turn down as much as it did

The door itself may need readjusting, the hinge and latch is
slotted and allows for movement. Loosening the hinge and
moving it back a few mm will make the door seal tighter and
stop air leaking into the re. The door and glass seals may be in
need of replacing, which is generally required every 3- 4 years.

Familiarise yourself with the instructions on page 11 before
proceeding with this maintenance.

Troubleshooting your Metro wood re

14

Metro wood res are manufactured in New Zealand, using
the highest quality of materials, workmanship and the latest
manufacturing techniques, which is why we of fer a full 10 year
rebox warranty and 1 year parts warranty for peace of mind.

METRO WARRANTY
(NZ Consumer laws apply to this warranty)

Pioneer Manufacturing Limited (Pioneer) warrants the steel
rebox against defective materials and workmanship which
would render it unt for normal domestic use, from the date of
purchase by the original consumer, for a period of 10 years.

Components including panel coating, door retainers, door
seals, glass, trim, baf e & bricks are warranted for a period of
1 year from the date of original purchase for normal domestic
use against defective materials and workmanship.

All associated accessories including, but not limited to, fans,
ue systems, ue shields, wetbacks, tool sets, ash pots etc, are
covered by a 1 year warranty against defective materials and
workmanship.

It is recommended, but not a condition of this warranty, that a
full service/inspection of the Metro wood re be carried out at
the end of each winter season.

Warranty Conditions:

• The Metro wood re must be installed, operated and
maintained strictly in accordance with the building code
and this installation and operation manual.

• The Metro wood re must be installed and used in a
domestic application.

• This warranty covers appliance like for like replacement or
repair at the manufacturer’s discretion but excludes freight,
travel, installation, labour and/or any other associated costs.

• Pioneer or their agents are not liable for any loss or expense
direct or indirect arising from the failure of any part or
operation of the appliance.

• Operation of this appliance in violation of the warnings in this
operation and installation manual will void this warranty.

• Your Metro wood re must be regularly maintained and we
recommended it is also ser viced annually. Proof of servicing
may be required. If a wood re is not regularly maintained
and serviced, the life span will be reduced. If your Metro
wood re has been neglected, by not being regularly
maintained and serviced, warranty may be declined.

• It is critical that the re not be operated with over worn, faulty
or missing door seals. Door seals will harden over time and
become over-worn (3 -4 year’s) this will cause air to leak into
the re, causing the appliance to ‘over re’.

• It is critical that the re not be operated with over worn,
faulty or missing bricks, bafe plate or bafe extension (white
board on or under the bafe plate)

• It is critical that the re not be operated with cracked, or
broken door glass.

•

A claim under this warranty should be directed to the retailer
who supplied the Metro wood re. If this is not possible write
directly to the manufacturer stating details of fault, model
and serial number of your Metro, date and proof of purchase
and name of retailer where the Metro was purchased.

Warranty Exclusions:
This manufacturer’s warranty does not cover:

• Service calls which are not related to any defect in the
product (i.e. operational, installation or fuel issues). The
cost of a service call will be charged if the problem is not
found to be a product fault.

• Defects caused by factors other than normal domestic use
or use in accordance with the product’s operation manual.

• Defects caused through the product being operated in
an “over-red” manner resulting in sections of the rebox
operating excessively hot to the point that sections glow
red. (Note – This will result in distortion of the rebox)

• Defects to the product caused by accident, neglect, misuse
or act of God.

• The cost of repairs carried out by non-authorised repairers
or the cost of correcting such unauthorised repairs.

• Required maintenance as set out in this manual.

Service under this manufacturer’s warranty must be provided
by a repairer authorised by Pioneer Manufacturing Ltd. Such
service shall be provided during normal business hours.

Purchase Date

Serial Number

Model

Colour

Retailer

WARNING! Complete and retain these details at time of purchase:

Warranty details for your Metro wood re

Note: The above 3 points require regular inspection/
maintenance (every time the ash bed is cleaned out,
generally 3-5 times a season) and if not maintained will
void the rebox warranty. Please ensure you keep your
proof of purchase/receipt on any parts you buy.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

15

Metro Accessories

Metro offer a range of heating accessories designed to
compliment your Metro wood re. See below for some of the
products within our heating accessory range.

This range of accessories includes oor protectors, heat transfer
systems, child guards, bafes, bricks and more. For further
details ask your Metro retailer for a copy of the Metro heating
accessories brochure, or visit www.metrores.co.nz

ECO Flue Systems

Child Guards

Corner and Wall Floor Protectors

Flashrites and Versatiles

Heat Transfer Systems

Glass Tape

Wetbacks

Universal Door Seal Kits

Door Seal Rope

High Temperature Paint

Fire Cement And Silicone

Chubb Smoke Detectors

Metro - Visit us online today www.metrores.co.nz

Metro Wood Fire Specications

Metro have a Specications Brochure available which details
relevant compliance data for every model. This brochure is
updated annually and details the minimum clearances and
specications for all models, which is generally required when
applying for a building consent. See your Metro retailer to
obtain a copy, or visit www.metrores.co.nz

metrores.co.nz

Visit the Metro website: www.metrores.co.nz to view Metro’s
‘video demos’ showing the latest in wood re technology energy
saving options. You can view the entire Metro product range,
nd out where your nearest Metro retailer is located or simply
check out the latest specications, installation requirements
and emission and efciency data for the Metro of your choice.

Pioneer heating accessories

16