Polar Furnace RG-3, MD-9, LG-15, COM-32 Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual

for Polar Furnace® Updraft Heater

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IMPORTANT: Read and fully understand this manual prior to installing and/or
operating a Polar Furnace Heater.

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POLAR FURNACE UPDRAFT HEATER

25 YEAR LIMITED REPLACEMENT WARRANTY

Polar Furnace Mfg. Inc. (The Company) warrants the heater identified herein to be free from defects in
material and workmanship during normal use for a period of two years from the date of original purchase to
the original purchaser of this heater. In year one and two The Company will cover the full cost of replacing
or repairing the heater onsite or at our factories including materials, parts, travel and labour. Electric and
electronic components are limited to a 12-month 100% replacement warranty. In years 3, 4 and 5 this
warranty is limited to 80% of cost of repair at The Company’s then current rates and is limited to the cost
of labor, material and parts required for repair only. Only the manufacturer at address on this certificate will
determine in its sole and absolute discretion all warranty issues, and work claimed under warranty must be
approved in writing by The Company prior to any repairs being started.

If repair is not feasible for any reason as judged by The Company our obligations under this warranty are
limited to providing a replacement heater per the following schedule. For the 25-year warranty period the
following pro-rated replacement charge will apply.

Schedule of charges for replacement of the complete heater.

From 1 through 2 years Company’s then current list price less 100%
From 3 through 4 years Company’s then current list price less 90%
From 5 through 6 years Company’s then current list price less 65%
From 7 through 10 years Company’s then current list price less 35%
From 11 through to 25 years Company’s then current list price less 5%

All replacement heaters are FOB our factory unless otherwise specified in this warranty.
The warranty period on any replacement heater is from the date of the sale of the original heater.

General Conditions.

The warranty contained herein shall be voided if the heater is not installed and operated as instructed in the
owner manual. The hand over checklist must be signed by the customer and dealer and submitted along with
the warranty registration for this warranty to be valid. Heater must never be pressurized and pressurizing the
heater voids this warranty. A properly qualified tradesperson/s should perform all installations. If chimney
needs be extended an appropriately certified and approved insulated chimney must be used. Your dealer
may charge you for a service call to do warranty work. Parts will be replaced on an even exchange basis.
Polar Furnace updraft heaters are not intended to be the only source of heat. A backup system should be
in place to prevent resultant damage due to a lack of heat. Door seals, light bulbs, fire tending tools, heat
shields and any other wear items are not covered under this warranty. The insulated chimney is not covered
under this warranty. High temperature refractory materials are warranted for 1 year under this warranty.
In use, small cracks can occur in high temperature refractory and will not affect the performance of the
heater. Damaged caused by abuse, accidents, improper use, improper installation, excess creosote buildup,
overheating, freezing, corrosion, negligence, accidents in transit, and pressurization are not covered under
this warranty. Damage resulting from modifications or alterations will not be covered under this warranty. If
the serial number on the equipment is defaced, altered or removed this warranty is void. Damage caused by

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burning flammable materials (such as petroleum products) or any other material besides properly prepared
wood will void this warranty. This warranty is limited to defective parts repair and/or replacement only,
and excludes any incidental and consequential damages. Only nontoxic antifreeze that meets and/or is
approved per all applicable regulations and standards may be used. The Company will not be responsible
for any environmental damages or charges resulting from use of toxic and or unapproved types of antifreeze.
Antifreeze will breakdown over a period of time and therefore should be tested annually. Always dispose
of antifreeze per federal, state, provincial, local or any applicable laws and regulations. Loss of antifreeze
under any situation and condition is not covered under this warranty. The Company is not responsible for
replacement of water, water treatment, antifreeze, removal, disposal, costs of transportation, or shipping
charges. Warranty does not include any plumbing, boiler piping, valves, controls or any other component
or system external to the boiler package. WARNING, The Company will not warranty the inside of the
fire drum due to ash corrosion. Rotation of ashes and/or stirring of firebox corners must be performed as
per the operator manual instructions and as displayed on the maintenance list located on the side of the
heater. WARNING, The Company will not warranty the water jacket due to corrosion from corrosive or
improperly treated water. An appropriate water treatment must be added and receipt retained for proof of
use to establish any warranty claims. We will not be liable to any contingency beyond our control including
war, strikes, floods, government restrictions or short supply of material. We will not be liable for any labor
cost, except above schedule. This warranty replaces and supersedes any and all other warranties, expressed
or implied, directly and or indirectly whether at law, common law, equity and/or statute and constitutes
the only warranty of The Company and the only liability of The Company. This warranty constitutes the
entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter and supersedes all prior agreements,
negotiations, discussions, undertakings, representations, warranties and understandings, whether written
or verbal. This Warranty is governed by, and is to be construed and interpreted in accordance with the laws
of Manitoba and the federal laws of Canada applicable in Manitoba. The purchaser and The Company
each irrevocably agree to submit to the jurisdiction of the courts of Manitoba. The Company’s limitation of
liability pursuant to any warranty shall be equivalent in all respects to the sum of $1.00.

WARRANTY VOID IF NOT REGISTERED

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POLAR FURNACE MFG. INC.

UPDRAFT HEATER

WARRANTY REGISTRATION FORM

Customer’s Name:____________________________ Dealership Name: ___________________________
_
Address:____________________________________ Address: __________________________________

City, State/Prov. Code:_________________________ City, State/Prov. Code::_______________________

Phone: (____)_________________

Serial No.________________________ Date of Purchase: ____________/_______/_______

DELIVERY CHECKLIST

_____ Review owner’s manual.

_____ Describe installation methods and

recommendations.

_____ Review warranty and service requirements.

_____ Identify safety hazards and demonstrate proper

operation.

_____ Explain required maintenance schedule.

_____ Describe possible problems from using different

types of wood.

_____ No warranties are validated unless this form and

registration are completed and returned.

CUSTOMER ACCEPTANCE

I have inspected the Polar Furnace heater with the customer and reviewed all items on the delivery checklist. I have
thoroughly instructed the customer on the equipment identied herein and thoroughly reviewed the operator’s manual.
The customer has accepted responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the product identifed herein.

Date: _________________________________ Dealer’s Rep. Signature: ___________________________

The dealer rep. and I have inspected my new Polar Furnace heater and reviewed all items on the delivery checklist.
The dealer rep. has reviewed the operator’s manual with me and has thoroughly instructed me on the equipment
herein. I assume full responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the product identified herein.

Date: _________________________________ Owner’s Signature: ___________________________

A nominal fee may be charged for service calls. All sales are final. Heater approved for use with well-seasoned wood
only. Suitability of use is the customer’s decision. The customer is responsible for insuring conformance to local bylaws
and regulations. A backup heating system is strongly recommended.

White—Polar Furnace copy Yellow—Dealer copy Pink—Customer copy

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TABLE OF

CONTENTS

1. Warranty Details 3

2. Heater Delivery Checklist 5

3. Introduction 9

4. Warnings & Cautions 11

5. Responsible Wood Burning 13

6. Heater Components 15

7. Heater Installation & Setup 19

8. Heater Controls (RG-5) 23

9. Heater Controls (MD-9 & LG-15) 27

10. Heater Controls (COM-32) 29

11. Fire Safety 35

13. Operating Your Heater 37

14. Maintaining Your Heater 41

15. Heater Model Specifications 45

16. Electrical Diagrams 47

17 Installation Examples 51

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INTRODUCTION

This Polar Furnace Updraft Heater is an upwards-firing, forced draft, wood-fired, hydronic heater.
Polar Furnace heaters combine simplicity with exceptionally rugged construction into a product
which will provide heat for many years.

!! NOTICE !!

The warranty registration and delivery acceptance form is located on page 5. This form must be
thoroughly completed and the white copy returned to Polar Furnace Mfg. Inc. to ensure product
support and warranty activation.

This Model has been tested and approved by CSA INTERNATIONAL to

CSA/CSA-366.1-M91 and UL2523

SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

Keep this manual for as long as you own your Polar Furnace heater. Read and understand these
instructions before installing or operating this heater.

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WARNINGS &

CAUTIONS

!!WARNING!! Read the manual carefully and follow instructions. Retain this manual for as long as

you own your Polar Furnace heater.

!!WARNING!! All installations and operations must follow the applicable federal, provincial, state,

and local codes for wiring, plumbing, chimney installation, chimney extension(if required) and firing
of this unit. When the relevant local codes differ from this manual, the local codes take precedence.

!!WARNING!! Strictly maintain the following clearances around the heater to any combustibles

including fuel storage. Front - 48”, Rear - 6”, Sides - 6”, Top - 12”, Flue - 6”.

!!WARNING!! DO NOT burn garbage, gasoline, engine oil, coal, tires, railroad tiles or anything

other than wood in your heater. Do not use chemicals or fluids to start the fire.

!!WARNING!! Burn wood only! Dry seasoned wood is preferable. The manufacturer does not

recommend burning any treated or contaminated wood. (i.e. railroad ties or pressure treated lumber)

!!WARNING!! All Polar Furnaces operate at atmospheric pressure. DO NOT, in any way, obstruct,

block or plug the overflow vent located on top of the heater. DO NOT install a pressure relief valve.
Remove rear access cover before filling with water. This boiler should not be connected to an existing
heating system unless a water to water or water to air heat exchanger is used.

!!WARNING!! Use of approved spark arrestor is strongly recommended.

!!WARNING!! Most Polar Furnace heaters are installed outdoors. All clearances on door panel

should be observed. Always keep area around and in front of fire door cleared from combustible
materials. DO NOT store fuel within clearances listed on label.

!!WARNING!! Polar Furnace heaters are CSA certified for outdoors and indoors. When used indoors

special care must be take to insure the installation conforms to local installation requirements.
Plan for make up air, ventilation of smoke when opening door, chimney clearances and heights,
and clearances from combustibles. Consult local professionals. Field installations must satisfy CSA
CAN/CSA-B365 installation code for solid fuel burning appliances as well as any other applicable
standards or regulations. If extended chimney height is needed, use an insulated chimney system.

!!WARNING!! Installation should be completed by appropriately qualified individuals.

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!!WARNING!! Never let small children play near or tamper with the heater. Only responsible adults

should operate the heater. Fuel door surfaces may be hot during operation. Ensure children do not
touch heater.

!!WARNING!! Keep fuel door tightly closed during operation.

!!WARNING!! Always turn fan switch off before opening door. Wait several minutes before opening

door slowly while standing well back and to the right of the door. Do not look into the fire chamber
until 60 seconds have passed. Failure to do so may result in serious injury from flashbacks.

!!WARNING!! In case of a runaway fire, disconnect the heater from the electrical supply and be sure

all doors are closed. Check to ensure that the solenoid damper is not stuck open. Check aquastat
settings. Add water to ensure that the heater is not low on water.

!!WARNING!! DO NOT operate heater unless it is full of water. Water should be added until it

runs out the top of the fill pipe located on top of the heater.

!!WARNING!! Insulate the distribution pipes to avoid excessive wood consumption. Use appropriate

piping to avoid heat loss to ground water.

!!WARNING!! The air inlet, chimney, and chimney extension should be cleaned regularly to remove

accumulated creosote and ash.

!!WARNING!! Cleaning the firebox, flue pipes, chimney and fan is especially important at the end

of the heating season to minimize corrosion. All accumulated ash MUST be removed.

!!WARNING!! Care should be taken to avoid potential smoke problems in the neighbourhood. Use

a chimney extension if required.

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RESPONSIBLE

WOOD BURNING

Minimize Smoke Emissions. Burn Wisely.

• Consider prevailing wind direction when choosing a site location for your heater.

• Water can be piped a long distance with minimal heat loss. This is a good option to avoid smoke

related problems.

• Don’t use updraft heater in urban built up area. For urban areas consider a smoke free downdraft
unit.

• Don’t overload heater. Small amounts of wood are better to control smoke. Load twice daily
instead of filling only once completely with wood.

• Don’t burn garbage. Burn only well-seasoned firewood.

Safety First!

• Keep ground around heater clear.

• Use non-combustible cement blocks, patio blocks or cement base under heater.

• Install the rain cap on the chimney. Use an approved spark arrestor.

• Use a good quality pipe for hot water distribution.

• Only use environmentally friendly glycol solution. Ethylene glycol is not environmentally

friendly and is not recommended. Do not use antifreeze or recycled glycol. If using glycol, do
NOT use boiler treatment. Use a glycol mixture with a rust inhibitor included. Mix the propylene
glycol with water according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Check with manufacturer to
insure glycol is intended for heating purposes and is compatible with all your system components
including all distribution piping.

• ALWAYS HIRE APPROPRIATELY QUALIFIED INSTALLERS.

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RG-5 – Main Components

HEATER

COMPONENTS

Item # Description

1

2

3

4

5

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Controls enclosure. Includes light and fan on/off switch, temperature gauge and
sight glass.

Lifting/handling hook.

Fire chamber loading door.

Rear access panel for water and electrical hookup as well as access to combustion
control aquastat and high limit shutdown aquastat.

Chimney connector.

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MD-9 & LG-15 – Main Components

Item # Description

1

2

3

4

5

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Controls enclosure. Includes light and fan on/off switch, temperature gauge, sight
glass, control aquastat, high temperature shutdown aquastat.

Lifting/handling hook.

Fire chamber loading door.

Rear access panel for water and electrical hookup.

Chimney connector.

COM-32 – Main Components

Item # Description

1 Fire chamber loading door.

2

3

4

5

6 Rear access panels to rear fan assemblies and plumbing and electrical hookup.

7 Bypass damper pullrod.

Lifting/handling hook.

Water level indicator

Controls enclosure.

Chimney connector.

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