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Evolution 8000TEC Catalytic Wood
Heater Insert Manual
Installation & Operating Instructions
Please read this entire manual before installation. Save these instructions.
This manual describes the installation, operation and
maintenance of the SIERRA Evolution Model Number
8000TEC catalytic wood heater.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use your
new room heater. Failure to follow instructions may result in
property damage, bodily injury, or even death.
Save these instructions for future reference.
SAFETY NOTICE
If this appliance is not properly installed, a house fire may
result. For your safety, follow the installation instructions.
Check with local building or fire officials about restrictions and
installation inspection requirements in your area.
It is best to have a professional install your Sierra Stove. If you
prefer to install it yourself (see Installation Instructions), be
sure to obtain the proper permits. Have the local building
officials inspect the stove and chimney pipe for safety and
code compliance after the installation is
complete.
Your SIERRA generates a lot of heat, so treat it with care.
GENERAL INFORMATION
W e wish to welcome you as a new owner of a SIERRA
Woodstove. You join many thousands of happy owners who
have been heating with SIERRA stoves since 1972. SIERRA
stoves have changed a great deal during that time, and all of
our knowledge and experience have culminated in this stove,
the SIERRA EVOLUTION. Please read all of this manual
before using your stove, especially if you have owned another
woodstove in the past.
Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage,
bodily injury, or even death. We at SIERRA wish you many
happy years of warm th and com fort.
SAFETY NOTICE
<CAUTION: HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP
CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.
CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS.
<IF THIS HEATER IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED,
A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.
<CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS ABOUT
RESTRICTIO NS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION
REQUIREM ENTS IN YOUR AREA.
<FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH OWNERS' MANUAL
INSTRUCTIONS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY!
Read this manual thoroughly before installing and operating
your stove.
THIS STOVE MUST BE CONNECTED TO A LISTED
HIGH TEMPERATURE RESIDENTIAL TYPE AND
BUILDING AND HEATING APPLIANCE CHIMNEY OR
AN APPROVED MASONRY CHIMNEY WITH FLUE
LINER.
DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
OR SYSTEM
YOUR SIERRA EVOLUTION HAS BEEN TESTED BY
WARNOCK-HERSEY LABORATORIES TO ANSI/UL
STANDARD 1482, UL 737.
DO NOT CONNECT THIS APPLIANCE TO A CHIMNEY
FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS M AY
RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY,
OR EVEN DEATH.
NOT APPROVED FOR MOBILE HOMES
DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMABLE FLUIDS.
PLEASE LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE OWNER !!
Listed by Warnock Hersey
DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO START
OR “FRESHEN UP” THE FIRE!
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Catalytic Notice
This heater is meets the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, certified to comply with July 1990 Particulate
Em issions Standards. Under specific test conditions, this
heater has been shown to deliver the heat at the following
rates:
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER. Attempts to achieve
heat output that exceeds the heater design can result in
permanent dam age to the heater and to the catalytic
combustor. Do not exceed surface temperatures of 800
degrees F. Do not burn with the ash pan open. Overfiring
can also void the manufacturer’s warranty.
The combustor supplied with this heater is a long life
combustor. Consult the catalytic combustor warranty also
supplied with this wood heater. Warranty claims should be
addressed to the combustor manufacturer. See combustor
warranty for address.
This wood heater contains a catalytic combustor, which
needs periodic inspection and replacement for proper
operation. It is against the law to operate this wood heater
in a m anner inconsistent with operating instructions in this
manual, of if the catalytic element is deactivated or
removed.
This heater is designed to burn natural wood only. Higher
efficiencies and lower emissions generally result when
burning air dried seasoned hardwoods, as com pared to
softwoods or to green or freshly cut hardwoods.
DO NOT BURN:
Burning treated wood, garbage, solvents, colored paper, or
trash may result in the release of toxic fumes and may
poison or render ineffective the catalytic combustor.
Burning coal, cardboard, or loose paper can produce soot,
large flakes of char or fly ash that can coat the com bustor,
causing smoke spillage into the room, and rendering the
combustor ineffective.
8000TEC from 9,700 to 35,900 BTU/hr.
Catalytic Tampering
Fuel Selection
C treated wood C cardboard
C coal C solvents
C garbage C colored paper
C trash
Do not use more than one stove to a chimney. Do not
use a flue intended for a gas appliance.
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE
SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.
A factory-build, prefabricated chimney may be used for
your SIERRA when installed in com pliance with
manufacturers specification and uniform building code.
Your chim ney m ust be correctly sized. A chim ney that is
too small or too large in diameter, or too short, can cause
your stove to spill smoke when the door is opened.
Never place your stove closer to unprotected
combustible walls or furnishings than the recommended
clearance.(including plasterboard or drywall)
Never use gasoline, kerosene, lighter fluid, lantern fuel,
charcoal starter, or ANY such product to start or
“freshen up” a fire in the woodstove. Keep all such
materials well away from the stove while it is in use.
Before opening the door, open the airt intake control and
the bypass lever. After a minute, open the door only 3
½” inches for 15-20 seconds prevent a flashback.
In the event of a chimney fire: (1) stop loading fuel, (2)
close the stove doors, (3) shut off all air to the stove, (4)
alert everyone in the house, and (5) call the fire
department. Rehearse what your family should do in
case of a fire. Plan escape routes now.
For further information on using your heater safely,
obtain the latest edition of the National Fire Protection
Association publication, “Using Coal and W ood Safely.”
Order No. HS-8-1974 from N.F.P.A., 470 Atlantic Ave.,
Boston, MA 02210
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. BASIC FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY
REQUIREMENTS
II. INSTALLATION AS A FREESTANDING
STOVE
Read This First
Your SIERRA generates a lot of heat, so treat it with
care. Read this manual thoroughly before installing and
operating your stove.
Your SIERRA stove has been tested by Warnock-Hersey
Laboratories to ANSI/UL Standards 1482, UL 737.
Install and operate this SIERRA unit according to
instructions provided in this manual. Local building codes
may apply; therefore, contact your local building inspector
or fire marshal for necessary installation requirements and
permits which may go beyond these instructions.
Have any existing chimney inspected before attaching
the Evolution to it. Some chimneys must be relined or
replaced before they are safe to use.
The Evolution series is approved for use in front of
specific models of factory-built zero clearance
fireplaces. Your dealer has the precise list of units that
this stove has been tested on.
III INSTALLATION IN A MASONRY FIREPLACE
Method I
Method II
IV. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Starting a Fire and Operating Your Stove.
V. USING A CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR
Definition and Purpose of a Combustor
Operation
Maintaining Catalytic Conditions
Combustor Life and Replacement
VI. CATALYTIC INSPECTION AND
REPLACEMENT
VII. STOVE AND CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE
Care and Cleaning of Woodstove Glass
Keep a Hotter Fire Blower Maintenance
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General Information
The following items are shipped inside the Ambassador:
• This manual
• Sierra W arranty
• Ash Pan
• Flue collar and hardware
• Flue cap, retaining bar and hardware
• Flue cap and collar gaskets
1. If not already in place, install the Ash Pan in the cavity
beneath the front door.
2. Determine if the flue gases will exit the top or rear of the
stove.
a. The flue collar must be installed where the flue
gases will exit and the pipe is connected.
b. The flue cap m ust be installed to cover the other
exit hole. Example: flue collar on top, flue cap on back.
2. No part of the chimney should have any leaks, missing
masonry, cracks, loose mortar or soft mortar.
3. There should be no mortar or parts of the chimney
blocking the chimney flue.
4. There should be a minimum 2-inch clearance between
any part of the fireplace or chim ney and any com bustible
materials.
55. T he fireplace and chim ney should be built on a solid
concrete footing supported by the ground and not
attached to the house.
Older chimneys are sometimes supported by the
framework of the building itself. These can be
structurally unsound due to settling and shifting of the
building and possible cracking of the chimney itself.
6. The chimney m ust have a good natural draft and should
be self-sta rting. A chim ney that has poor draft and is
subject to draft reversal should be repaired or replaced
before using.
7. The chimney should be the proper size. Some fireplace
chimneys are quite large and will cause poor stove
performance and excessive creosote. The rule of
thumb is that the chimney flue should be roughly no
more than three times the flue opening on the stove. A
6 inch stove flue will work in an 8 inch by 12 inch
fireplace flue. It may be necessary to install another
liner in an oversized chimney. Use a 24 gauge flue, and
chimney connector. Use at least 3 screws.
— Your heater is now ready for installation.
Read instructions carefully.
I. BASIC FIREPLACE AND CHIMNEY
REQUIREMENTS
A Sierra woodstove may be installed using an all masonry
fireplace build in accordance with the Uniform Building
Code. The first step in this type of installation is to
determine the acceptability of the fireplace and chimney for
use with a woodstove. Both the construction and condition
of the fireplace are important considerations when
installing a wood stove. Do not install this stove in a poorly
constructed fireplace or chimney.
The following are general guidelines for a safe installation
and are based on recom mendations of the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA). Contact your local building
code agency or fire safety inspector for specific details.
Local codes may vary by area.
1. The chimney should have a fire clay liner in good
condition. Loose or cracked liner sections can be
hazardous. If the chimney does not have a liner, one
can be installed by a qualified professional. Some metal
liners area acceptable to use. Check with your stove
dealer or local building code agency for acceptability of
these liners.
8. The chimney should extend at least 3 feet above the
roof and at least 2 feet above any point on the roof
within 10 feet.
9. This stove must be used alone in the chimney. Any
unused opening must be permanently sealed with
masonry by a skilled brick mason. A clip-in type flue
liner is not acceptable for this use because of the
possibility of it coming loose during a chimney fire and
possibly causing the fire to spread.
Remember to have your chimney inspected for leaks and
blockage before you install your stove.
Draft Requirements
Draft id the force which moves air from the appliance up
through the chimney. The amount of draft in your chimney
depends on the size, height and general condition of your
chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions, and other
factors. Inadequate draft will cause the appliance to leak
smoke into the room when starting a fire or adding fuel to
the existing fire. Excessive draft, on the other hand, may
cause excessive temperatures in the appliance, burning
the wood too quickly and dam aging the unit.
Minim um Chim ney Requirem ents
Size Height Draft
6 x 6 15 ft .06 W.C.
Note: 9 out of 10 times, dirty glass, lack of “heating”, or
failure to continue burning after the door are shut is
evidence of inadequate draft.
In all cases, if you experience anything unusual with your
Evolution, your Sierra dealer is the local expert on local
conditions, and you need to contact him or her.
Your Sierra dealer is ALWAYS your best source of
information on local codes and requirements
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Your Sierra dealer is ALWAYS your best source of
information on local codes and requirements
CHIMNEY CONNECTOR SYSTEMS AND CLEARANCES
FROM COMBUSTIBLE WALLS FOR RESIDENTIAL
HEATING APPLIANCES
A. Minimum 3.5 inch thick brick masonry all fram ed into
combustible wall with a minimum of 12 inch brick
separation from clay liner to combustibles. The fireclay
liner shall run from the outer surface of brick wall to, but
not beyond, the inner surface of chimney flue liner and
shall be firmly cemented in place.
Your local building code agency or fire safety inspector
can refer you to a qualified professional who can inspect
the chimney for you.
B. Solid-insulated, listed factory-build chimney length of the
same inside diameter as the chimney connector and
having 1 inch or more of insulation with a minimum 9
inch air space between the outer wall of the chimney
length and combustibles.
C. Sheet steel chimney connector, minimum 24 gauge
thickness, with a ventilated thimble, minimum 24 gauge
in thickness, having two 1 inch air channels, separated
from combustibles by a minimum of 6 inch of glass fiber
insulation. Opening shall be covered, and thim ble
supported with a sheet steel support, minimum 24
gauge in thickness.
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D. Solid insulated, listed factory-build chim ney length with
an inside diameter 2 inch larger than the chimney
connector and having 1 inch or more of insulation,
serving as a pass-thru for a single wall sheet steel
chimney connector of minimum 24 gauge thickness,
with a m inimum 2 inch air space between the outer wall
of chimney section and combustibles. Minimum length
of chimney section shall be 12 inch chimney section
spaced 1 inch away from connector using sheet steel
support plates on both ends of chimney section.
Opening shall be covered, and chimney section
supported on both sides with sheet steel supports
securely fastened to wall surfaces of minimum 24 gauge
thickness. Fasteners used to secure chimney section
shall not penetrate chimney flue liner
Typical Factory Built or Masonry Chimney
Installations
.
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II. INSTALLATION AS A FREESTANDING STOVE
IF THIS STO VE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, A
HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT. FOR YOUR SAFETY,
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.
CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS
ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION
INSPECTION REQUIREM ENTS IN YOUR AREA.
THIS STOVE MUST BE CONNECTED TO A LISTED
HIGH TEMPERATURE RESIDENTIAL TYPE AND
BUILDING AND HEATING APPLIANCE CHIMNEY OR
AN APPROVED MASONRY CHIMNEY WITH FLUE
LINER.
The SIERRA Hearthstove may be safely installed as a
freestanding unit provided a 6" minimum listed All Fuel
chimney or tile lined masonry chimney is used. The same
chimney requirem ents as reviewed in page 5 apply.
Various listed all fuel prefabricated chim neys are widely
available and can be used to install your Hearthstove in the
best possible location in your house. Follow the
manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully or have a
qualified installer do this job for you.
Chimney connectors must be at lest 6" in diameter and
constructed of 24 gauge black steel, or stainless steel.
Chimney connectors should be installed by crimped end
down so that creosote will drip back into the stove to be
burned. Horizontal pipe should have the seam up. Each
connector joint must be secured by three sheet metal
screws., Single wall connectors pipes are only to be used
between the stove and an approved chimney - but never
as the chimney itself. To m inimize creosote formation in
the chimney connector pipe, place stove as close to the
chimney as safety clearances will allow. Never use m ore
than two elbows. Any horizontal pipe section should rise
1/4" per foot towards chimney. This will allow creosote to
run back into the stove.
All SIERRA Hearthstoves require floor protection when
installed on a combustible surface. For hearthstoves
without the ash pan or catalytic option, you must place your
stove on a anon-com bustible floor protector equivalent to
two 3/8' layers of asbestos covered with one sheet of 24
gauge minimum sheet steel. The floor protector must
extend 16" in front of the door side, 12" from the rear side
on rear vents stoves, 8" from rear side on top vent stoves,
8" from the other side of the stove, under the chimney
connection and 2" beyond each side.
MINIMUM CLEARANCE TO COMBUSTIBLES
Rear Vented Top Vent
Units To
18" A Side Wall 18"
26" B Back W all 18"
16" C Corner 12'
Flue To
31" D Side Wall 30"
18" E Back W all 19"
18" F Corner 24"
Special methods are required when passing a chimney
through a wall or ceiling. A section of listed All Fuel
chimney installed per manufacturers instructions may be
used for this. Check your local building code for other
approved methods.
Do not install a stove in a closet or other small enclosure.
The SIERRA Hearthstove is a radiant heater - so most
owners place in a frequently used area such as a family
room. It is best to select a central location on the first level
of the house where heated air can flow naturally by
convection to the est of the house. Heated air rises by
natural convection to the rest of the house, so you may
want to install ceiling vents or use existing ones to heat
upper rooms in a m ulti-level house. For large room s with
high ceilings, a ceiling fan switched to blow upwards can
help distribute the heat evenly.
When you have selected the location for your stove, you
must make sure that any combustible materials (i.e. walls,
furniture, drapes, etc.) are not any closer than the
laboratory approved clearances shown.
Clearances may be reduced from those shown provided
you use a listed wall clearance reduction kit. Follow
manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using kits. The
rear m anifold option available from your Sierra dealer will
reduce clearance to 18"
ASBESTOS MATERIAL SHALL NOT BE USED
There are listed non-asbestos floor protectors available at
your local woodstove supplier.
Recomm ended floor protection is based on a standard of
3/8" Inch of asbestos millboard or equivalent. This is used
as a standard only.
The k, C or R factor that correlates with the floor protector
material used during the test if the room heater is not
provided with a floor protector. The units of measure for k,
C and R factors shall use the sam e applicable units.
Directions and examples on how to use alternate materials
and how to calculate equivalent thickness shall be shown.
An easy means of determining if a proposed alternate floor
protector meets requirements listed in the appliance
manual is to follow this procedure:
1. Convent specifications to R-value
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a. R-value is given - no conversion is needed.
b. K-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in
inches: R=1/k+T
c. C-factor is given: R=1/C
2. Determine the R-value of the proposed alternate floor
protector.
a. Use the formula in step 1 to convert values not
expressed as “R”.
b. For m ultiple layers, add R-values of each layer to
determine the overall R-value.
3. If the overall R-value of the system is greater than the Rvalue of the specified floor protector, the alternate is
acceptable.
III. INSTALLATION USING A MASONRY FIREPLACE
Several types of installations can be used to connect the
Sierra Hearthstove to an all masonry fireplace. Two
methods are described here. Method I and Method II meet
NFPA 211* guidelines.
Both methods use a section or sections of stove connector
pipe that connect the stove flue outlet to the fireplace
chimney. Method I is normally used and is generally the
easiest to install. Method II may be used in chimneys that
need a new flue liner.
EXAMPLE:
The specified floor protector should be 3/4 inch thick
material with a k-factor of .84.
The proposed alternate is 4" brick with a C-factor of 1.25
over 1/8" mineral board with a k-factor of .29.
Step 1: Use formula above to convert specification to
R-value. R=1/kT = 1/0.84 x .75 = .893
Step 2: Calculate R of proposed system.
4" brick of C - 1.25, therefore
R brick = 1/C = 1/1.25 = 0.80
1/8" mineral board of k+ 0.29, therefore
R min.bd. = 1/0.29 x 0.125 = 0.431
Total R = R brick + R brick + R m ineral Board
= 0.8 + 0.431 = 1.231
Step 3: Compare the proposed system R of 1.231 to
specified R of 0.893. Since proposed system
R is greater than required, this is acceptable.
Definitions:
3/8 inch asbestos millboard has a “K” factor of 0.84. The
newer substitute CERAFORM board has a “K” factor of
0.21. Your floor protector must have an equivalent or better
“K” factor than the above recommendations.
W ARNING: The installation of this stove must comply with
state and local requirements and be inspected by the state
or local building inspector, if required.
This stove is not approved or recommended for use in
mobile homes.
There are qualified installers in most areas that can install
your stove for you. Sierra recommends that you contact the
National Chimney Sweep Guild for a member in your area
or aks your Sierra Dealer.
Method I – This installation uses a direct connection
adapter kit that provides a section of flexible or rigid stove
connector pipe. Various kits are available from your local
dealer. This pipe connects stove flue outlet to the first
section of tile liner at the bottom of the chim ney. The width
of the dam per opening and throat of the chim ney will
determine which type of pipe, rigid, round flexible or oval
flexible, should be used. Some openings are large enough
(6 inches or more) to allow the use of the standard
connector pipe or round flexible pipe. If the damper or
throat area is narrow, the oval flexible pipe or a rectangular
sheet metal adapter must be used.
REFER TO INSTALLATION AND CLEARANCE
DIAGRAMS, READ THOROUGHLY BEFORE
INSTALLING.
1. Have your chimney cleaned and inspected by certified
chimney sweep. Your chimney MUST be lined with a
ceramic tile liner. If your chimney is not lined, you must
use method II.
2. Install direct connector into fireplace using instructions
supplied with kit.
3. Install connector pipe (24 ga, Steel min.) to direct
connector kit. Measure sections carefully to allow pipe to
extend 2" in front of fireplace opening. The vertical
height from the hearth extension to the top of the
horizontal pipe section should be either 24" fro 6" height
standard pedestal hearthstoves or 22" for 4" low
pedestal hearthstoves. Secure all joints with three 1/8"
self threading sheet metal screws.
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4. Place hearthstove on the hearth extension and slide it
up to the pipe, easing pipe into flue collar 1". Make sure
the pipe extends into the collar only and not into the
stove - the end of the pipe may need to be trimmed.
Once the pipe is in the vent, secure it with three 1/8" self
threading screws supplied with the stove.
5. If your fireplace mantel is combustible and if its closer
than 36" to the top of the stove, it must be protected with
a mantel shield. The Sierra Fireplace Cover Kit (FPCK)
provides a mantel shield that allows a 30" minimum
clearance between mantel and stove top. If less
clearance is needed, there are approved mantel shield
kits available, so check with your Sierra dealer.
6. The Sierra Fireplace Cover Kit (FPCK**) may be used
to enhance the looks of the hearthstove installation, but
it is not required with the direct connection method of
installation. Instructions for installation are supplied with
this kit. THE FPCK must be installed before connecting
the stove to pipe.
*FPA 211 is published by the National Fire Protection
Association to be a comprehensive standard for chimneys,
fireplaces, vents, and solid fuel-burning appliances. 211 is
widely used as a basis for building codes throughout the
U.S. it may be adapted partially or entirely as a local
building code. Contact your local building code or fire
authority for specific regulation for your area.
**Use this guide to select correct fireplace opening panel.
METHOD II - The Method II installation is similar to Method
I except that the connector pipe extends the full length of
the chimney and term inates at the top of the chimney.
Either rigid round sections or a continuous length of flexible
pipe may be used. This pipe must be constructed of
stainless steel 6" diameter minimum. All joints must be
secured by at least 1/8" self-threading sheet m etal screws.
Because this method is usually more difficult and involved,
we recommend that you have a qualified professional
installer do the job for you.
Method II is the preferred method for Evolution stoves.
This is due to the sensitivity of the over-sized masonry
flues.
NOTE: This is the best m ethod for any stove. It is
especially important for catalytic equipped woodstoves.
These stoves often do such a good job of capturing all the
heat in the wood and delivering it into the house, that they
fail to keep the chimney flue warm enough to maintain
proper draft. Sierra does not warranty the performance of
the Evolution series stoves unless Method II is used.
NOTE: installation in front of a prefabricated or zero
clearance fireplace requires the use of a zero clearance
adapte r kit and the instruction included with this kit should
be followed.
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IV. OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
NOTE: For the first few days, the stove will give off an odor
and a small amount of smoke. This happens when the high
tem perature paint is bonding to the metal. It is normal, will
stop when the paint is cured, and will reoccur every time you
repaint or touch up the paint on your stove. Do Not use any
additional grates or support to elevate your fire.
1. Crumble three or four full sheets of newspaper and place
them on the firebrick floor of your Sierra stove.
2. Crisscross two layers of dry kindling on the paper. Add a
few larger splits of dry wood on top of the kindling.
3. Make sure the prim ary air control is fully open. Be certain
that the bypass level is open or up.
4. Light the paper under the kindling with a match or lighter.
Do not use gasoline, lighter fluid, charcoal starter,
kerosene or any other such fuel to start a fire in a
woodstove. You m ay use any type of woodstove firestarter.
See your Sierra dealer.
5. At higher altitudes, or when starting a fire on a very cold
chimney, it may be necassary to leave the door cracked
open to encourage a hot fire. Never leave your stove
unattended with the door unlatched! Never leave the
door crakced more than 5-10 minutes.
6. When the kindling has been consumed and larger splits
are burning well, load the stove to the level you deire, using
dry, well-seasoned wood. (W et wood does not heat well)
DO NOT BURN COAL IN THIS UNIT. Close the doors and
continue to burn the stove on high and with the
bypass open until the wood becomes fully involved.
7. Once your chimney and stove are warmed up and drawing
well, close the air inlets to the desired heat output. Reload
when convenient, but always while you still have a good
bed of coals to reload. Never close the bypass im m ediately
after adding fresh wood to the fire.
8. W hen opeing the door to reload or poke the fire, open the
bypass first. Then open the air inlet all the way for 10 to 20
seconds. Crack the door and hesitate just a few seconds
before swinging it open. All this is to prevent flashbacks
which occur when a very smoky fire suddenly is given a lot
of oxygen. If your Evolution has a tendency to spill smoke
out the side door, close the air inlet while the side door is
open.
NOTE: Every stove-chim ney com bination functions a little
differently. Be patient, and expect the stove to be different
in January when its cold outside, than it was in September
when it was relatively warm. Once a chimney is warmed
up, its draft is a function of how much warmer it is than the
air around it. On still mild fall evenings, stoves can appear
finicky and difficult, but the very next night, in the midst of a
fall storm, act like a completely different stove.
9. W hen removing ashes from the ash pan, place them in a
metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Assume that there are
still hot coals mixed in them for at lest three days. DO NOT
place them with the garbage or in the garbage or near
anything combustible. The best idea is to leave them
outside, three feet away from the house, in a metal
container, for three days.
10.If your stove has a blower, do not run the electrical cord
infront or near the fire box.
V. USING A CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR
Definition and Purpose of a Catalytic Combustor
Catalytic com bustors for woodstoves (cats) are sim ular in
principle to catalytic converters on autom obiles. The big
difference is that the heat generated by your woodstove is put
to use heating your home instead of being dumped out the
tailpipe of your car. Catalytic combusters cause wood smoke
to burn at very low tem peratures, releasing enrgy that would
otherwise be lost in the form of somke. As smoke passes
through the combustor, a rare metal (Usually platinum or
palladium) coating on the cermaic base of the combustor
changes fuel molecures in the smoke so that they burn at 500
to 600 degres Fahrenheit instead of more norm al 1000 to
1200 degress Fahrenheit.
In addition to making stoves burn cleaner, combustors
improve thier heating efficiency. O n the average you will
receive from 30 to 50% more heat from each piece of wood,
up to 90% less cresosote, and because the cat burns most of
the smoke, 90% less air pollution than you would from
burning a comparable stove. Of course, rsults may be higher
or lower depending on operation, chimney draft, and
combustor age.
Operation - Achieving catalytic Light-Off: During each
burning cycle, the temperature within the stove should be
raised high enough to cause the catalyst to become active up
to “Light-off.” The most conveneint time to do this is during
fuel loading while warming up the wood and the chim ney.
Witha new combustor, smoke temperatures between 500 and
600 degrees Fahrenheit will begin catalytic buring. (Since the
combustors sti right above a roaring fire, this is not hard toa
chieve if you follow the instructions in Starting a Fire) As a
combustor ages, its catalytic activity decreases, so an older
cat, (beyond three years old) needs more heat during the
start-up. 700 degrees will generally be sufficient for light-off
even on an old com bustor.
Your Sierra Evolution has an option from the dealer, a
catalytic indicator which will take the guesswork out of
knowing when you have light-off.
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READ THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR TH IS UNIT
CAREFULLY.
Maintaining Catalytic Conditions -During the start-up of
a cold stove, a medium stove, a medium to high airseting
must be maintained for about 20 minutes. This ensures
that the stove, catalyst, fuel, and chimney area all at proper
operating temperature. Even though it is possible to have
smoke temperature reach 600 degrees within two or three
minutes after af ire is started, the combustor and the
chimney are not yet warm enough. At the end of the burn
cycle; it’s possible that the amount of buring charcoal
mightnot provide sufficient tem peratures for the catalyst.
During the refueling, we recommend that the stove be fired
hard for at least 10 minutes to ensure that the satalyst and
chimney are properly warmed up. If you have a long or
large diameter chimney, or if it is very cold outside, run the
stove on high for a longer period.
W henever loading the stove, KEEP THE BYPASS OPEN!
NEVER remove the combustors to clean them. If there
seems to be excessive fly ash on the combustors, use the
blower side of your vacuum claener to blow ash out. Be
cerain you never vacuum ash into your vacuum cleaner.
Always replace the mixers after brushing the combustors.
Combustor Life and Replacement - Sierra uses only
“12,000 Hour Long Life Com bustors.” The combustor will
still be functioning at 7-% of its effectiveness after 12,000
hours of use. Depending on the frequency of stove use, it
will last for four to twelve years before needing
replacement.
VI. CATALYTIC INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT
It is important to periodically monitor the operation of the
catalytic combustors to ensure they are functioning
properly and to determine when they need to be replaced.
A non-functioning combustor will result in a loss of heating
efficiency, and an increase in creosote and emissions.
• The combustors should be visually inspected at least
three tim es during the heting seson to determ ine if
physical degradation has occurred. Rem ove the catalytic
cassette by loosing the two 3/8" nuts. Look for cracks,
cell blockage, excessive fly ash and general
deterioration.
You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is working
by com paring the amount of smok e leaving the chimney.
1. Leaving the bypass open, go outside and observe the
am ount of sm oke leaving the chimney.
2. Close the bypass, go outside and observe the amount of
sm oke leaving the chim ney.
Significantly more smoke should be seen when the
bypass is open and the exhaust is not being routed
through the combustors. Be careful not to confuse
smoke with steam from wet wood.
After inspecting the combustors and it it determined that
they are defective, they must be replaced. Read the
catalytic warranty information carefully.
3. Inspect the bypass gasket regularly. A bright light or
flashlight is useful for locating any areas that are not
sealed.
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VII. STOVE AND CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE.
At the end of each season, thoroughly clean the inside of
the firebox area including the area under the grate and ash
drawer. Vacuum all air passageways and the fan cover
screens. Check the door and window gaskets and replace
if necessary. (Make sure stove is cool.)
Replace the door gaskets on your Sierra stove every two or
three seasons. Repace the window gaskets only if you
need to replace the glasss. See your Sierra dealer for
replacement parts.
Care and cleaning of woodstove Glass - The window
glass on your Sierra woodstove is designed for high
temperature performance and will withstand normal
woodstove tem peratures. However, like m ost glass, it w ill
break if struck with sufficient force, so be careful when
loading wood. You can break your glass by jamming alog
against it or by attem pting to push a log intot eh fire with
the stove door. Never load your Sierra stove with
combustible materials. Even the smallest explosions in a
small airtight stove may blow out the glass.
Inspect the glass regularly for cracks or breaks. If you find
one, obtain a new glass from your dealer or SIERRA.
Always use the fiberglass window gasket supplied with the
replacement glass.
Keep a Hotter Fire for Cleaner Glass - Heare are nine
hints for keeping your window glass as clean as possible.
1. A hotter fire near the window keeps it clean (don’t
expect any stove window to stay perfectly clean)
2. Add a log or two frequently, avoid a smoldering fire.
3. Move burning logs to window area, add new logs
behind.
4. Encourage a hot burn when adding logs.
5. Use dryer wood - green wood stains glass.
6. To celan window when dirty, burn a hot fire.
7. O r use a dam p rag to wipe window, but be sure to avoid
a steam burn.
8. Keep air intakes clean for a good wash of air.
9. Stir ashes as little as possible.
BLOWER MAINTENANCE
Regularly check the fan covers for dust buildup and
remove any present. Also be sure to check the power cord
for any signs of wear or damage. Have the cord replaced
by a qualified electrician if necessary.
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VII. CHIMNEYS AND CREOSOTE
Formation and Need for Removal - Creosote is one of the
facts of life for wood burners. W hen wood is burned slowly,
it produces tar and other organic vapor which combines with
expelled m oisture (even “dry” wood contains approximately
20% m oisture) to form creosote. The creosote vapors
condense in the relatively cool chimney connectors and flue
of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. Large amounts of this tough,
gummy, tar-like substance can pile up quickly and virtually
choke a stove pipe. When ignited, this creosote makes an
extremely hot and dangerous fire.
Be sure to examine the chimney connector pipe and the
chimney above it every few weeks so you can determine
the rate of creosote build up.
Any excessive build up of creosote (more than 1/4")
will then be apparent and must be removed for
continued safe operation.
The chimney must be inspected from the top of the
chimney. For a thorough cleaning and inspection, your
SIERRA woodstove should be removed from the hearth.
If creosote has accumulated, it should be rem oved to
reduce the risk of a chimney fire. Creosote formations can
be chipped away from flue openings with a sturdy metal
blade such as a heavy duty scraper.
CAUTION: The acid content can cause burns to skin
and eyes, so wear protective glasses and gloves.
The chimney itself is normally cleaned from the roof. Most
stove dealers carry stiff metal brushes in sized and shapes
to fit standard flue liners. These are usually attached to
rods which can be extended for the length of the chimney.
It is recommended that you call a professional
chimney cleaner to do the job for you.
If any deterioration or damaged areas are found during
routine cleaning and inspection, consult a skilled chimney
sweep or brick mason for advice. Any repairs needed
should be completed before operating unit.
Minimizing Creosote
1. Proper sizing of the stove to the house will help reduce
creosote problems - too large a stove will force the
owner to burn a slow fire resulting in rapid creosote
build-up. It is recommended that you do not burn slow
fires for an extended period of time.
2. Avoid slow smoldering fires. A better way to reduce heat
outpur is to have a sm all but hot fire by adding sm all
amounts of wood at more frequent intervals.
3. Regularly, when loading the stove, encourage a hot, brisk
fire for 10-15 minutes. This will tend to “burn-off” any
small accumulations of creosote since the last hot fire.
4. If you do have a chimney fire, call the fire department
immediately. Only then attempt to control the fire. Throw
soda on the logs, close the draft regulators com pletely to
shut off air to the fire. Wet down your roof and adjacent
areas to keep the fire from spreading.
5. If you must use green wood (and we urge you to avoid
doinf so), be sure to mix with dry logs.
By foFollowing the manufacturer’s recommendations your
Sierra Stove will give you years of service
Sierra Products, Inc.
5061 Brooks St., Ste B
Montclair, CA 91763
(909) 399-3355
CONSUMER PROTECTION WARRANTY
Your Sierra Stove has a Lim ited Five-Year W arranty.
Please read it carefully, fill out the short registration form
and return it, within 30 days of purchase, to
Sierra Products, Inc., 5061 Brooks St. Ste. B
Montclair, CA 91763.
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P/N 140821 8000TEC MANUAL r1
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