RCF ONYX2 Owner's Manual

Owner's Manual

Residential Factory Built Fireplace

Operation • Maintenance • Installation

ONYX2

Keep these instructions for future use.

RSF-IIN2_2010-04

Dear Customer,

The ONYX2 incorporates technology with elegance to give you a beautiful view of the fire
without compromising on heating efficiency or environmental quality.

We have designed your new ONYX2 to be easy to install, operate and maintain. It is in your
best interest to become familiar with it. Study your manual to be sure that the installation is
correct, then follow the guidelines for operation and maintenance.

We at RSF Woodburning Fireplaces congratulate you on your choice of the ONYX2, and are
confident that you have purchased a fireplace that is simply, the best.

Sincerely,

RSF Woodburning Fireplaces TEAM
June 2007

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY FIRST 3

DO'S AND DONT'S 3
CREOSOTE: FORMATION AND REMOVAL 3

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 4

THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM 4
OPTIONS 4
UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES 5

OPERATION 7

AIR CONTROLS 7
BURN TIME VS. HEAT OUTPUT 7
FUEL 7
FIRST FIRES 8
LIGHTING 8
REFUELING 8
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS 8

MAINTENANCE 9

GENERAL CLEANING 9
PAINT 9
GLASS CLEANING 9
CHIMNEY CLEANING 9
DISPOSAL OF ASHES 9
DOOR ADJUSTMENT 10
GOLD PLATING 10

MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION 11
LOCATION 11
CEILING CLEARANCE 14
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT 14
CHIMNEY 14
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION 15
OFFSET CHIMNEY 16
CHASE ENCLOSURE 17
MASONRY CHIMNEY 17
FRAMING 18
HEARTH EXTENSION 19
BENEATH HEARTH EXTENSION 19
MANTEL 19
MANDATORY OPTIONS WITH THE CLEAN FACE 19
REFRACTORY BRICK INSTALLATION 20

GAS LOG INSTALLATION 20
LISTING LABEL 22
COMPLETE OPTIONS LIST 23
CONFIGURED OPTIONS LIST 24
REPLACEMENT PARTS 25
LIMITED WARRANTY 27

INSTALLATION 10

STANDOFFS INSTALLATION 11

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 2 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

SAFETY FIRST

DO'S AND DONT'S

If this fireplace is not properly installed, a house fire could result. For your safety, follow the installation
directions. Contact your local authority having jurisdiction (such as municipal building department, fire
department, fire prevention bureau, etc.) regarding restrictions and installation requirements, and the
need to obtain a permit.

To ANYONE using this fireplace: these DO's and DO NOTs are for your safety.

1. DO read this instruction manual before lighting your first fire.

2. DO burn seasoned wood fuel or densified fuel logs.

3. To avoid glass breakage, DO NOT slam the fireplace door.

4. DO NOT ever use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid or similar liquids to
start or freshen up a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace while it is in use.

5. DO NOT overfire the fireplace. If you are unable to slow down the burning rate of the fire or if the
chimney connector behind the top louver glows red, you are overfiring the fireplace.

6. DO operate the fireplace with the door fully closed. If the door is left partly open, gas and flame can be
drawn out of the fireplace opening, creating both fire and smoke hazards.

7. DO keep all combustible materials (furniture, firewood, etc.) at least 4' away from the front of the fireplace.

8. DO NOT use a fireplace grate or other products not specified for use with this fireplace.

 NOTE: We strongly recommend that our products be installed and
serviced by professionals who are certified by the National Fireplace
Institute in the U.S. or by Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. in
Canada.

CREOSOTE: FORMATION AND REMOVAL

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with the expelled moisture
from the wood to form creosote. The creosote vapors can condense in the relatively cool chimney of a slow
burning fire. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney should be inspected
periodically during the heating season to see if a creosote build-up has occurred. If a significant layer of creosote
has accumulated (1/4" or more), it should be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.

 WARNING: BURN DRY WOOD ONLY. DO NOT BURN: DRIFTWOOD,

TREATED WOOD,
COAL,
GARBAGE, OR
PLASTIC.

Do not use construction scraps (e.g. 2x4 or plywood scraps) as your only supply of fuel as you can overheat and
seriously damage the fireplace. Do not use more than one wax fuel log (e.g. Duraflame) at a time and only with a
firescreen on the fireplace. Use only firelogs that have been evaluated for fireplace use. In Canada, they should
meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C127-M1990. Refer to the firelog warnings and caution markings prior to
use.

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 3 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

The ONYX2 fireplace is environmentally friendly as well as efficient. It is approved by the United States
Environmental Agency (EPA) at an emission rate of 4.5 grams per hour.

THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM

Since the door is sealed, all combustion air must come through the ONYX2's draft control. This control has a
bimetal coil to allow more air when the unit is cold, and less air when the unit is hot, guarding against overheating.
It can be controlled either manually with the lever that is located on the right below the door, or automatically with
an optional electric wall thermostat.

For the first few days, it is best to operate the fireplace with the manual control fully open (moved to the right as
far as possible). Just control the fir e as you would any normal fireplace, using one or two logs at a time for a
smaller fire, or more logs for more heat. Once you become familiar with operating the fireplace with the control
open, you can start experimenting with lower settings. Remember: when the fireplace is hot, the control will not
need as much movement to reduce the fire as when it is cold. The bimetal coil will already have shut the damper
part way.

OPTIONS

There are many different ways you can finish your ONYX21 fireplace. You can choose to install louvers, they are
available in various colors (regular black: FO-ONLB, regular gold: FO-ONLG, regular pewter: FO-ONLP or classic
black: FO-ONLC) or no louvers at all (FO-F2).

If you choose to install your ONYX2 fireplace without any louvers, you MUST install the Clean Face Option (FO­F2) along with two Gravity Vent Kits (FO-V2). Gravity vent dampers CANNOT be installed on a Clean Face
ONYX2. Furthermore, we recommend that you do not install any option requiring electricity or a thermal switch
inside your fireplace since it will be difficult to access those components after the fireplace facing is covered with
non-combustible materials. If you decide nevertheless to install electricity or a thermal switch in your Clean Face
ONYX2, remember that you may eventually have to break through the non-combustible finishing to access the
electrical box or the thermal switch for servicing.

To simplify the installation of thin non-combustible materials such as ceramic tile or sliced brick, we have
designed a rock retainer kit. It is not designed or required for full brick or stone. With a Louvered ONYX2, you can
choose to leave all the black metal completely exposed or completely covered with non-combustible material.
Whether you have chosen a Louvered or Clean Face ONYX2, the FO-KN kit will help you finish the facing of the
fireplace as you wish. Thin materials can also be installed directly on the face of the ONYX2 using high
temperature silicone as glue, without a rock retainer kit.

For increased air circulation and marginally more heat output, you can add the Circulating Internal Blower (FO­FDHB5-N) to your Louvered ONYX2 or the Inline Fan (FO-CIF) to your Clean Face ONYX2.

 NOTE: The Onyx2 is equipped with a floor shield to protect the floor under the fireplace. This floor shield is
made of two parts: the front part is insulated; the back part is a simple part. Both parts are screwed together and
factory installed to cover the entire floor below the firebox. It must never be removed. Only when installing the
Internal Blower Option, the floor shield must be modified. Follow the internal blower installation instructions but
before reinstalling the floor shield, remove the screw, slide the back part over the front part and screw them back
together. If you ever remove the internal blower make sure to extend the shield again.

If you have any rooms directly above or adjacent to the room with the fireplace that you would like to heat, you
may want to consider the Gravity Vent Kit

2

(FO-V2). The gravity vent distributes hot air to these rooms and
requires no blower to assist its operation. With a Louvered ONYX2, you could also consider installing Dampers
(FO-D) on your gravity vents. The dampers will enable you to choose between sending the heated air to the
gravity vent outlet or keeping it in the fireplace room.

For constant heat, day and night on a Louvered ONYX2, you will be surprised by what the Thermostat Option
(FO-FDHC4) can do for you. This option provides you with the necessary parts to automatically control the draft
control via a wall thermostat. It will keep your room temperature as even as though you were heating with oil, gas
or electricity, except you will find wood heat more comfortable. Do not install this Thermostat Option (FO-FDHC4)

1

You can also refer to the configured option list on page 24.

2

Not allowed in a mobile home installation.

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 4 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

on a Clean Face ONYX2 because of the reduce air circulation below the firebox; the motor used in the option is
not meant to work under such high temperature and this will greatly reduce the motor life span.

To maximize the distribution of the heat generated by your ONYX2 fireplace throughout many rooms and different
floors, consider the Central Heat Option

2

. With our Central Heat Blower (FO-FDHB6-1), you can use the house
central heating ducts or dedicated ducts to circulate the fireplace heat to one or many rooms. The Central Heat
Control (FO-FDHC6) will enable automatic control of the Central Heat Blower via a wall thermostat and thermal
switch. The Zone Heat Control (FO-FDHCZ1) along with Zone Damper Kits (FO-FDHCZ2) will provide the same
features as the Central Heat Control but for more than one heating zone. If you wish to install the Central Heat
Blower on a Clean Face ONYX2, you will need the Central Heat T (FO-T) that will enable you to connect the
central heat duct along with the left gravity vent on the fireplace.

For a simpler way to circulate a moderate amount of warm air from the fireplace to another room, we offer the
Heat Dump Kit (FO-HD) which uses a smaller fan than the Central Heat Blower. It is most often used to provide
supplemental heating to a basement room when the fireplace is on the main floor but it can also be used to send
warm air upstairs.

To remove accumulated ashes from the firebox, simply shovel them into a metal container. If you have chosen to
install a Louvered ONYX2, you may find the optional Ash Pan Kit (FO-CAP) very convenient. You remove the
plug from the firebox and sweep the ashes into a hole to the ash pan. When the ash pan is full, simply remove the
ash pan by the bottom louver and dispose of the ashes properly.

 NOTE: Many options require wiring and/or electricity for their installation. If there is any chance that any of these
options will be installed in the future then suitable wiring should be run during framing. Otherwise, it will be difficult
to install these options later. You can refer to page 23 for a list of options that require electricity.

Detailed installation instructions are included in the box with each option. These can also be obtained from our
Internet Web Site: www.icc-rsf.com.

UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES

43"

39"

17

1

13

2

4"

3

"

4

"

29

42"

47"

1

13

"

2

8"

24"

1

4

"

4

6"

1

5

"

4

1

18

"

2

1

5

"

4

4"

3

"

4

Refer to
Table 1 (J)
for maximum
mantel depth

Refer to Table 1
(B) for minimum
distance of side
wall to the
fireplace

Refer to Table 1 (H)
for minimum width
of hearth extension

Non-combustible hearth extension
and spark guard () (refer to Table1
(I) and text for particulars)

Refer to Table 1 (K)
for minimum mantel
height above the
door opening

Refer to Table 1 (G)
for minimum depth
of hearth extension

Figure 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 5 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

Table 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances

A Distance of combustible material from side, back and top standoffs 0" (0,0 mm)

Minimum distance of side wall to the side of the firebox opening, this does not

B

allow to fully open the door. To be able to fully open the door without any

12" (305 mm)

interference from the side wall, it has to be push back at least an additional 7"

C Ceiling clearance: from the base of the fireplace to the ceiling

Minimum chimney height: minimum total chimney height from fireplace top to

D

below the chimney rain cap
Maximum chimney height: maximum total chimney height from fireplace top to

E

below the chimney rain cap

sealed enclosure
vented enclosure

7'

(2,13 m)

6'

(1,83 m)

12' (3,66 m)

40' (12,19 m)

F Maximum chimney height supported by the fireplace 18' (5,49 m)
G Minimum depth of non-combustible hearth extension: from the front of the fireplace 20" (508 mm)

Minimum width of non-combustible hearth extension: from sides of the firebox

H

opening

9 ¼" (235 mm)

I Minimum width of the spark guard 36" (914 mm)

J Maximum mantel depth (see Table 2 for other mantel sizes) 12" (305 mm)

Minimum height of a combustible mantel above the top of the firebox opening: from
the highest point of the top of the firebox opening to below the combustible mantel

K

(see Table 2 for other installation heights) (refer to the "Installation: Mantel" section

26" (660 mm)

for particulars)

Table 2 Various Mantel Depths and Corresponding Installation Heights

Maximum Mantel Depth Minimum Installation Height

0" to 6" 17"

8" 20"
10" 23"
12" 26"

No combustible mantel can be installed lower than 17" above the top of the firebox. A combustible mantel
cannot be wider than 12".

For combustible mantel depths not mentioned in the list above, you can interpolate the minimum installation
height between the two closest mantel depths. For example:

• Mantel depth to be installed: 9 ¼"

• It is between 8" and 10" with corresponding installation heights of 20" and 23"

• So: ((9.25 – 8) / (10-8) x (23-20))+20 = 21.875 = 21 7/8"

• Minimum installation height of a 9 ¼" mantel: 21 7/8" above the firebox opening

If the combustible mantel has a cross-section with variable depth, it has to be installed so that its widest part is
not installed lower than the corresponding minimum installation height while making sure that the lowest point
of the mantel is not installed lower the minimum installation height corresponding to it depth.

Refer to the "Installation: Mantel" section for particulars.

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 6 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

OPERATION

AIR CONTROLS

Unlike most open fireplaces, RSF fireplaces don’t have flue dampers. Instead,
the system is sealed by closing the door, and the amount of air entering the
firebox is controlled by the combustion air control lever on the front of the
fireplace on the right below the door (see Figure 2) which can be moved left or
right. Setting the air control lever all the way open (towards the right) will allow
the maximum amount of air into the firebox. Closing the air control (towards
the left) will reduce the amount of air entering the firebox.

Bi-metallic Damper

The bi-metallic damper is a unique feature built into your OPEL2 fireplace. As

Towards the
left to
CLOSE

Towards the

right to

OPEN

the fireplace heats up it will activate the bi-metallic damper. This will
automatically begin to shut down the air entering the firebox, slowing the
combustion process. This will save you wood in the long run, and prevent the
fireplace from overheating and causing potential damage to the firebox. We

suggest that the combustion air control lever is used as the primary
control to limit the oxygen entering the firebox, and that the bi-metallic
damper is left as an additional safety system.

Outside Air Control

The ONYX2 has been designed to offer you the choice to use outside air or
inside air for combustion. You will find a sliding door behind the bottom louver
and below the firebox. Push the sliding door towards the back to select outside air or pull it toward the front to
select inside air as the combustion air. Because outside air is generally colder and denser it will help to start the
fire. In some cases this fresh air will also help compensate for negative pressure problems within the house;
however it will not prevent the fireplace from smoking in a severely depressurized house. If the fireplace is
installed in a mobile home, the outside air has to be used as combustion air.

Figure 2 Air Control

BURN TIME VS. HEAT OUTPUT

The faster your fireplace burns the more heat it will create; however, faster fires result in much more hot air flow
up the chimney which means you are sacrificing efficiency. Fast burning fires (lots of air) go through much more
wood than slow burning fires. To get the most out of your ONYX2 fireplace, adequately adjust the combustion air
control lever at the appropriate time. If the fire seems to be burning too quickly, turn the air down. If the fire is
smoldering and there are no visible flames, turn the air up. This way you’ll always be getting the most out of your
fuel.

FUEL

All modern high efficiency fireplaces and woodstoves are designed to burn best with seasoned cordwood.
Seasoned wood can be defined as wood that has been cut, split and let dry under cover for a minimum of 6
months, preferably a year or more. Dry seasoned wood generally contains less than 20% moisture content.
Attempting to burn fuel with a high moisture content will be difficult and result in lower efficiency, increased
creosote buildup and dark deposits on the glass. It’s possible to burn a very large amount of wood, and get very
little heat if the wood is wet.

The type of wood you select is also important. All types of wood give off more or less the same number of BTU’s
per pound. Since softer woods are less dense than hardwoods it is possible to put more weight of hardwood in
the firebox; in other words all woodburning appliances will burn longer and more evenly with hardwoods. Never
burn scrap, garbage, treated wood or driftwood as they produce much more pollution and can corrode the firebox
and chimney as well. Burning large amounts of paper, cardboard, mill ends or construction waste can easily over
fire and damage the fireplace or even ignite a chimney fire if the flue is dirty.

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 7 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

FIRST FIRES

You will experience a slow start-up during the first few fires. The refractory bricks lining the firebox contain
moisture from manufacturing and require a few hot fires to evaporate the moisture. While there is still moisture in
the bricks, they will be black with smoke deposits. When the moisture has dissipated, the bricks will turn white.
Unlike cast iron stoves, there is no need to cure the fireplace itself by starting with small fires and progressively
larger ones. Feel free to light a large fire from the very start.

You will experience a slight odor during the first few fires. This odor comes from curing paint and oil burning off
the metal. The odor may be strong enough to set off your smoke detector. Open the doors and windows to allow
the room to properly ventilate.

Before the first fire, be absolutely sure to use regular dish soap and water to wipe off all fingerprints and
debris from the gold plating if you have chosen this option. The plating cures during this first fire, the
acid from your finger prints will permanently etch the gold plating.

LIGHTING

Ensure that the combustion air control lever is all the way in the open position. You will want as much air as
possible for the lighting process.

Start by laying your fire starter and kindling. Traditional fire starter is crumpled newspaper; make sure to use
enough to light the kindling (5-6 pieces should do). Next lay the kindling crisscrossed over the newspaper. Using
plenty of kindling ensures that the chimney will heat up quickly and establish a strong draft, never use any
flammable liquids. Light the paper and close the door most of the way, but don’t shut it completely. If the door is
positioned correctly you will see air rushing into the fireplace, this will help the lighting process.

Once the kindling is lit and sustaining fire, you can add some small pieces of seasoned cordwood. Use the
andirons in front to help position the cordwood so as not to flatten and smother the fire you’ve just created.
Always add at least 3 pieces of cordwood. Position your cordwood in a manner that the fire will hit several pieces
as it rises and has air gaps to flow through. Continue to leave the door slightly open until the cordwood is lit. Close
the door completely when the fire is established, if the fire goes out you’ve shut the door too early.

To get maximum efficiency out of your fireplace you will want to adjust the amount of air entering the firebox at the
appropriate times. Gauge how much to close the combustion air by how the fire reacts once the combustion air
control lever has been moved. If the fire goes out and begins to smolder, there’s too little combustion air entering
the firebox. If there’s no change to the burn pattern, you can continue to close the combustion air further.
Eventually you should be able to close the combustion air all or most of the way. There should always be visible
fire inside the firebox at every step of the process.

 WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.

REFUELING

The door should be opened slowly to keep smoke from spilling into your room. If you have a problem with smoke
spillage, check to see that all kitchen and bathroom fans have been shut off. They can cause negative pressure in
the house which pulls smoke out of the fireplace.

 NOTE: The central heat and internal blowers, if installed, should be shut off during refuelling to prevent smoke
from spilling out of the fireplace.

TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS

If smoke comes into the house when the door is opened:

• You may have opened the door too quickly and created a suction of air into the room, this can be avoided by
opening the door more slowly.

• Ensure your chimney is clean and your chimney cap is not plugged. Chimney caps with screens are more
likely to become clogged with creosote buildup.

• Make sure you have adequate chimney height for your system. Refer to the Chimney section of this booklet
and make sure to take altitude, and number of elbows into consideration.

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 8 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces

• If you have purchased the central heat kit option or the circulating internal blower, make sure the blower is off
before opening the door.

• Check to see if other fans in the home are running, particularly a kitchen range hood, or bathroom exhaust
fan. This can affect the pressure in the home.

• Try opening a window near the fireplace a little, this will equalize the pressure in the home and should correct
a draft problem. Once proper draft is established the window can be closed.

• Make sure you’ve used enough kindling to establish a hot fire quickly. The most likely time that smoke will
enter the home is during the lighting process.

MAINTENANCE

GENERAL CLEANING

The high heat paint and plating can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Use a mild detergent and water. Do not
use abrasive cleaners.

PAINT

You can touch up the face of the ONYX2 with Stove Bright Metallic Black high temperature paint which is
available at most fireplaces dealers. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can. DO NOT attempt to paint the
fireplace while it is still warm. Keep the spray can away from any source of heat or open flame. Ensure that there
is adequate ventilation in the room from the time you start painting until the paint is dry. Stove Bright is available
in a wide range of colors if you want to change the color of your ONYX2.

We recommend that you take the time to protect or remove any item that you do not want to paint such as: the
door glass, the plated door, the fireplace surroundings, etc. The glass can be removed from the door but you will
have to replace the window gasket.

GLASS CLEANING

In a controlled combustion firebox, temperatures are not always high enough to keep the glass perfectly clean. A
good hot fire once a day usually cleans off most of the deposits that have accumulated. Remember: the drier the
wood and the hotter the fire, the cleaner the glass. A word of caution: although heat will not break the glass,
impact can. Be careful not to hit the glass.

 WARNING: NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WITH AN ABRASIVE CLEANER. USE ONLY A CLEANER
RECOMMENDED BY YOUR DEALER. NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WHILE IT IS HOT, A SERIOUS BURN
CAN RESULT. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT WOOD STOVE GLASS CLEANERS AVAILABLE
WHICH ARE FAR SUPERIOR TO REGULAR GLASS AND OVEN CLEANERS FOR WOOD STOVE
APPLICATIONS.

CHIMNEY CLEANING

Check the chimney for creosote buildup every week or so until experience shows how often you need to clean it.
A buildup of ¼" or more should be cleaned before more creosote accumulates. Use an 7" round brush. The baffle
in the firebox can be removed to gain access to the flue from below.

Follow the directions in the Refractory Brick Installation section to remove and replace the baffle. If you prefer,
you can simply lift the baffle and move it forward and let the debris fall in the firebox. Do not forget to push the
baffle back in its place after cleaning the chimney. This second option is easier than removing the baffle.

DISPOSAL OF ASHES

Remove the ashes before they become too deep, i.e., before you have a spillage problem when you open the
door.

The 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

ONYX2 Owner's Manual 9 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces