Vermont Casting 1990 User Manual

The Intrepid II

Woodburning Stove

Model 1990

Homeowner’s
Installation and
Operating Manual

For use in the
United States and Canada

SAFETY NOTICE: IF THIS APPLIANCE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, OPERATED AND MAIN­TAINED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. FAILURE TO
FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN
DEATH. CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR AREA.

Do Not Discard This Manual: Retain for Future Use

2000966 2/07 Rev. 19

Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

Welcome

Congratulations on your choice of a Vermont Castings Intrepid II. With this purchase, you made a commitment to
make the hearth a place of warmth, beauty and comfort in your home. At CFM Corporation, we share that joy and ap­preciation of the hearth, and we show it in all our cast iron stoves and fireplaces.

As you become acquainted with your new stove, you will find the aesthetic appeal of cast iron is matched only by its
superb capacity to absorb and radiate heat.

Also, CFM Corporation products are among the cleanest burning wood stoves and fireplaces available today. As an
owner of a CFM Corporation stove, you are making a strong statement for pollution-free energy. But clean burning
depends on both the manufacturer and the operator. Please read this manual carefully to understand how to properly
operate your stove.

At CFM Corporation, we are equally committed to your satisfaction as a customer and that is why we maintain an
exclusive network of the finest dealers in the industry. Chosen for their expertise and dedication to customer service,
our dealers are factory-trained and know each CFM Corporation product in detail. Feel free to contact your Authorized
Vermont Castings Dealer anytime you have a question about your stove or its performance.

We have built your Vermont Castings Intrepid II with the utmost care. With normal use and proper care, it will provide
you with many years of service.

This manual contains valuable instructions on the installation and operation of your Vermont Castings stove. You will
also find useful information on assembly and maintenance procedures. We urge you to read the manual thoroughly
and to keep it as a reference.

Sincerely,

All of us at CFM Corporation

Save These Instructions For Future Reference

Table of Contents

Specifications .................................... 3

Installation .........................................

Clearances ......................................

Assembly .........................................

Operation .........................................

Draft Management ...........................

Maintenance ....................................

Catalytic Combustor ........................

Parts List ..........................................

Proposition 65 Warning: Fuels used in gas, wood­burning or oil fired appliances, and the products of
combustion of such fuels, contain chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de­fects and other reproductive harm.
California Health & Safety Code Sec. 25249.6

4

14

18

19

25

27

33

34

Ask your Vermont Castings dealer how these instal­lation accessories can enhance the versatility, ap­pearance, and safety of your Intrepid Stove.

0307 Bottom Heat Shield
0172 Rear Heat Shield

Chimney connector heat shields
Heavy-gauge enamel pipe to match the stove’s

color

Warming shelves
0098 Classic Black 1375 Suede Brown
1362 Sand 1376 Biscuit
1365 Green 1377 Chestnut Brown
1371 Bordeaux 1378 Ebony
1372 Midnight Blue 1379 Vt. Classic Green

0136 Spark screen for open-fireplace use
Short Legs

0868 Classic Black 1525 Suede Brown
1512 Sand 1527 Biscuit
1510 Green 1530 Chestnut Brown
1515 Bordeaux 1535 Ebony
1520 Midnight Blue 1537 Vt. Classic Green

3258 Outside air kit
3248 Mobile-home kit.

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2000966

Specifications

21"

(545 mm)

20"

(510 mm)

25"

(640 mm)

Top exit

flue collar

height

21

"

(540 mm)

24"

(610 mm)

7"

(180 mm)

21

"

(545 mm)

C

L

21

"

(540 mm)

18"

(460 mm)

1"

(31 mm)

20

"

(520 mm)

13

"

(350mm)

Intrepid II, Model 1990

Range of heat output .................8,260-26,740 Btu’s/Hr

Maximum heat output .......................... 27,000 Btu’s/Hr

Area heated .................. Up to 1200 sq. ft. (112 sq. m.)

Fuel size/type ...................................16” (410 mm) logs

EPA emissions rating (g/h, catalytic) .......................2.1

Loading ....................................................... Front or top

Chimney connector .................... 6” (152 mm) diameter

Chimney flue size ....................... 6” (152 mm) minimum

Flue exit position ....................... Reversible, top or rear

Primary air ...... Manual set, thermostatically maintained

Secondary air .........................................Self-regulating

Ash handling system .....................Removable ash pan

Glass panels .........................High temperature ceramic

Weight .................................................223 lbs. (101kg)

Width (leg-to-leg) .................................. 21¹⁄₂” (545 mm)

Depth (leg-to-leg) ................................. 13³⁄₄” (350 mm)

Height to top of flue collar:

with regular legs .......................25” (635 mm) top exit

............................................... 24” (610 mm) rear exit

with optional short legs ............. 21” (535 mm) top exit

............................................ 19³⁄₄” (500 mm) rear exit

Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

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2

3

1. This value can vary depending on how the stove
is operated, the type and moisture content of the fuel
used, as well as the design, construction and climatic
location of your home. Figures shown are based on
maximum fuel consumption obtained under laboratory
conditions and on average efficiencies.

2. These values are based on operation in building
code-conforming homes under typical winter climate
conditions in New England. If your home is of nonstan­dard construction (e.g., unusually well insulated, not in­sulated, built underground, etc.) or if you live in a more
severe or more temperate climate, these figures may
not apply. Since so many variables affect performance,
consult your Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer to
determine realistic expectations for your home.

3. Under specific conditions used during EPA emissions
testing.

Fig. 1 Intrepid II 1990 dimensions.

DRAWINGS NOT TO SCALE

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

Installation

SAFETY NOTICE: IF YOUR STOVE IS NOT PROP­ERLY INSTALLED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT. TO
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, FOLLOW THE INSTAL­LATION INSTRUCTIONS. CONTACT LOCAL BUILD­ING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS
AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
IN YOUR AREA.

Before you begin an installation, review your plans to
see that:

• Your stove and chimney connector will be far

enough from combustible material to meet all
clearance requirements.

• The floor protector is large enough and is con-

structed properly to meet all requirements.

• You have all necessary permits from local author-

ities.
Your local building official is the final authority for ap­proving your installation as safe and determining that it
meets local and state codes.

The metal label permanently attached to the back of
every Vermont Castings stove indicates the stove has
been tested to current ULC standards, by Canadian
Standards Association (CSA). The test standards are
ANSI/UL-1482 and ANSI/UL-737 for the United States
and ULCS627 and CAN/CSA-B366.2 for Canada.
Clearance and installation information also is printed
on the label. When the stove is installed according to
the information both on the label and in this manual,
local authorities in most cases will accept the label as
evidence that the installation meets codes and can be
approved.

However, codes vary in different areas. Before starting
the installation, review your plans with the local building
authority. You local dealer can provide any additional
information needed.

For any unresolved installation issues, refer to CSA
CAN-B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Ap­pliances and Equipment. These standards are the basis
for many national codes. They are nationally recog­nized and are accepted by most local authorities. Your
local dealer or your local building official may have a
copy of these regulations.

IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE IN­STALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN A
DANGEROUS SITUATION, INCLUDING A CHIMNEY
OR HOUSE FIRE. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS
EXACTLY, AND DO NOT ALLOW MAKESHIFT COM­PROMISES TO ENDANGER PROPERTY AND PER­SONAL SAFETY.

Outside Air

In some modern, super-insulated homes, there is not
enough air for combustion because of insufficient air
infiltration into the building. Such air enters a home
through unsealed cracks and openings. Kitchen or bath
exhaust fans can compete with the stove for available
air and compound the problem.

When poor draft is caused by a low infiltration rate,
opening a ground floor window on the windward side
of the house and in the vicinity of the stove will usually
alleviate the problem.

Another solution is to install a permanent outside air
supply to the stove and/or room. In some areas, in
fact, bringing air for combustion from outside the home
directly to the air inlet of the stove is required for new
construction.

An outside air supply is not affected by pressure varia
tions within the house, and improved stove perfor­mance often results. An Outside Air Adaptor Kit for the
Intrepid II is available from your local Vermont Castings
dealer.

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What Kind of Chimney to Use

Your Intrepid II must be connected to a code-approved
masonry chimney with a flue liner, to a relined masonry
chimney that meets local codes, or to a prefabricated
metal chimney that complies with the requirements
for Type HT chimneys in the Standard for Chimneys,
Factory-Built, Residential Type and Building Heating
Appliance, UL 103, or the High Temperature (650°C)
Standard ULC S-629 for Canada. Whatever kind you
use, the chimney and chimney connector must be in
good condition and kept clean. Figure 2 shows the two
chimney types.

A prefabricated
double-wall insu­lated chimney

A tile-lined ma
sonry chimney

Fig. 2 Standard chimney types.

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ST241

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

2' Min.

2' Min.

3'

Min.

0 To 10'

3'

Min.

0 To 10'

If you use an existing masonry chimney, it must be
inspected to ensure safe condition before the stove is
installed. Your local professional chimney sweep, build­ing inspector, or fire department official will be able to
inspect the chimney or provide a referral to someone
who can.

The chimney must extend at least 3’ (914mm) above
the highest point where it passes through a roof, and at
least 2’ (610mm) higher than any portion of a building
within 10’ (3m). (Fig. 3)

For proper draft and good performance, any chimney
used with an Intrepid II should extend at least 16’ (5m)
above the flue collar of the stove.

Reference Point

Fig. 3 The 2’-3’-10’ Chimney Rule.

AC617

Masonry Chimneys

An inspection of the chimney must confirm that it has
a lining. Do not use an unlined chimney. The chimney
should have no cracks, loose mortar, other signs of
deterioration, or blockage. Repair any defects before
using the chimney with your stove.

Seal any unused openings in an existing masonry chim
ney with masonry to the thickness of the chimney wall,
and repair the chimney liner. Openings sealed with pie
plates or wallpaper are a hazard; seal them with mortar
or refractory cement. In the event of a chimney fire,
flames and smoke may be forced out of these unused
thimbles.

The chimney should be thoroughly cleaned before use.

A newly-built masonry chimney must conform to the
standards of your local building code or, in the absence
of a local code, to a recognized national code. Masonry
chimneys must be lined, either with code-approved ma­sonry or pre-cast refractory tiles, stainless steel pipe, or
a code-approved, “poured-in-place” liner. The chimney’s
clean-out door must seal tightly.

Prefabricated Chimneys

A prefabricated metal chimney must be one tested and
listed for use with solid-fuel burning appliances to the
High Temperature (650°C) Standard ULC S-629 for
Canada.

DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE
SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.

Chimney Size

An Intrepid II is approved for venting into a masonry
chimney with a maximum flue size of 8” x 8” (200 x
200mm), and into a round flue size of 6” (150mm).

It may not be vented into larger chimneys without a liner
to reduce the effective flue size to 6”(150mm) diam
eter. Larger chimneys must have their flues relined for
proper stove performance.

Accessories to make the connection between stainless
steel chimney liners and your Intrepid II are available
through your local dealer.

Chimney Connector Guidelines

Chimney connector is the double-wall or single-wall
pipe that connects the stove to the chimney. The chim­ney is a masonry or prefabricated structure that enclos­es the flue. Chimney connectors are used only to make
the connection from the stove to the chimney.

Double-wall chimney connectors must be tested and
listed for use with solid-fuel burning appliances. Sin­gle-wall chimney connectors should be made of 24
gauge or heavier steel, and should be 6” (150 mm) in
diameter. Do not use galvanized connector; it cannot
withstand the high temperatures that can be reached by

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smoke and gases, and may release toxic fumes under
high heat.

If possible, do not pass the chimney connector through
a combustible wall or ceiling. If passage through a com­bustible wall is unavoidable, refer to the section follow­ing on Wall Pass-Throughs. Do not pass the chimney
connector through an attic, a closet, or any similar con­cealed space. The whole connector should be exposed
and accessible for inspection and cleaning.

In horizontal runs of single-wall chimney connector
without protective shields, maintain a clearance of at
least 26” (660mm) from the ceiling. For information on
reduced clearances using shields on single-wall chim­ney connector or using double-wall connectors, see the
clearance chart on Page 10.

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

Keep the horizontal run of chimney connector as short
and direct as possible, with no more than two 90° turns.
Slope horizontal runs of connector upward 1/4” per foot
(20mm per m) going from the stove toward the chim­ney. The recommended maximum length of a horizontal
run is 3’ (914mm). The recommended total length of
chimney connector is 8’ (2.4m).

In cathedral ceiling installations, extend the prefabri­cated chimney down to within 8’ (2.4m) of the stove.

SAFETY NOTE: ALWAYS WEAR GLOVES AND PRO
TECTIVE EYEWEAR WHEN DRILLING, CUTTING OR
JOINING SECTIONS OF CHIMNEY CONNECTOR.

Double-wall Chimney Connector

The listing for the Intrepid II for the U.S. and Canada
includes use of double-wall chimney connectors that
have been tested and listed for use with solid-fuel burn­ing appliances by a recognized testing laboratory.

Information on assembling and installing double-wall
connector is provided by the manufacturer of the
double-wall pipe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions
exactly as you assemble the connector and attach it to
the stove and chimney. Using connectors and chim­neys from the same manufacturer makes the assembly
and installation straightforward.

NOTE: For installations using double-wall con­nectors, minimum clearances must conform to the
listed clearances in the clearance chart on Page 14.

• Be sure the installed stove and chimney connector

are correct distances from nearby combustible material.

NOTE: Special slip pipes and thimble sleeves that form
telescoping joints between sections of chimney con­nector are available to simplify installations. They often
eliminate the need to cut individual connector sections.
Consult your local dealer about these special pieces.

Securing the Single-wall Connector to a

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For prefabricated chimneys, follow the installation
instructions of the chimney maker exactly as you install
the chimney. The maker of the chimney will supply the
accessories to support the chimney, either from the roof
of the house, at the ceiling of the room where the stove
is installed, or from an exterior wall.

Special adapters are available from your local dealer to
make the connection between the prefabricated chim­ney and the chimney connector. The top of such adapt­ers attaches directly to the chimney or to the chimney’s
ceiling support package, while the bottom of the adap­tor is screwed to the chimney connector.

These adapters are designed so the top end will fit
outside the inner wall of the chimney, and the bottom
end will fit inside the first section of chimney connector.
When assembled in this way, any soot or creosote fall­ing from the inner walls of the chimney will stay inside
the chimney connector.

Prefabricated Chimney

Single-wall Chimney Connector

• Beginning at the flue collar of the stove, assemble the

chimney connector. Insert the first crimped end into the
stove’s flue collar, and keep each crimped end pointing
toward the stove. Using the holes in the flue collar as
guides, drill 1/8” (3mm) holes in the bottom of the first
section of chimney connector and secure it to the flue
collar with three #10 x 1/2”
sheet metal screws.

• Secure each joint be-

tween sections of chimney
connector, including tele­scoping joints, with at least
three sheet metal screws.
The pre-drilled holes in
the top of each section of
chimney connector serve as
guides when you drill 1/8”
(3mm) holes in the bottom
of the next section.

• Secure the chimney

connector to the chimney.
Instructions for various
installations follow.

Fig. 4 The crimped end of
the connector points toward
stove.

Securing the Single-wall Connector to a

Masonry Chimney

For masonry chimneys, both freestanding and fireplace
chimneys may be used for installation of your Intrepid II.

Thimble Sleeve

Flue

Chimney
Connector

Keep
sleeve
end
flush
with flue
tile

ST243

Fig. 5 The thimble, made of either ceramic or metal, must be
cemented securely in place.

Freestanding Chimney Installations

If the chimney connector must pass through a combus­tible wall to reach the chimney, follow the recommenda­tions in the Wall Pass-through section that follows.

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

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The opening through the chimney wall to the flue (the
“breach”) must be lined with either a ceramic or metal
cylinder, called the “thimble”, which is cemented firmly
in place. The fit must be snug and the joint between the
thimble and the chimney wall must be cemented. (Fig.

6)

A special piece called the “thimble sleeve,” slightly
smaller in diameter than standard connector and most
thimbles, will facilitate the removal of the chimney con­nector system for inspection and cleaning. Thimble
sleeves should be available from your local dealer. (Fig.

5)

Elbow

Slip Pipe

Standard
Chimney
Connector

Chimney

Thimble

Flue

Flue
Liner

Fireplace Chimney Installations -

Above a Fireplace

The Intrepid II may be connected to a chimney above a
fireplace opening also. In such installations, the stove is
positioned on the hearth in front of the fireplace and the
chimney connector rises from the stove top and then
angles ninety degrees back into the chimney. (Fig. 7)

The chimney liner should extend to the point at which
the chimney connector enters the chimney.

Chimney Connector
Shields

* Check
These Clear­ances

*

*

Mantel

Flue Collar

ST492a

Fig. 6 Chimney connection in a freestanding installation.

To install a thimble sleeve, slide it into the breach until
it is flush with the inner flue wall. Do not extend it into
the actual flue passage, as this could interfere with the
draft.

The thimble sleeve should protrude 1-2” (25-50mm) into
the room. Use furnace cement and thin gasketing to
seal the sleeve in place in the thimble. Secure the chim­ney connector to the outer end of the sleeve with sheet
metal screws.

Without a thimble, a suitable length of chimney con­nector can be extended through the breach to the inner
face of the flue liner, and cemented securely in place.
Additional pieces of connector are then attached with
sheet metal screws.

Seal the
Damper

ST244

Fig. 7 Chimney connector enters chimney above the firep.
lace.

If the chimney connector from your installation enters
the chimney above a fireplace, follow all the guidelines
mentioned above for freestanding installations. In addi­tion, give special consideration to the following points:

• Check the clearance between the stove and the

chimney connector, and any combustible trim or the
mantel. Use the necessary combination of mantel, trim,
and connector heat shields to achieve the required
clearances.

• Check the clearance between the chimney con-

nector and the ceiling. If no heat shields are used, the
clearance should be at least 26” (660mm). To find out
how much this clearance may be reduced with heat
shields, see the clearance chart on Page 14.

• The fireplace damper must be sealed to prevent

room air from escaping up the flue. However, it must be
possible to re-open the damper to inspect or clean the
chimney.

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Fireplace Chimney Installations -

Through a Fireplace

If your fireplace height is at least 25” (635mm), you
may install an Intrepid II with standard legs through
the fireplace opening using a “positive connection” kit
available from your local dealer. These positive connec­tion kits ensure a tight fit between the stove flue collar
and the chimney flue. (Fig. 8) Fireplace installations,
whether connected to the flue above or through the
fireplace opening, have special clearance requirements
to adjacent trim and the mantel. You’ll find the required
clearances for the Intrepid II fireplace installations on
Page 14.

Floor protection requirements also apply to fireplace
installations. Floor protection information is on Page 9.

In the United States, the National Fire Protection As­sociation (NFPA) has established guidelines for passing
chimney connectors through combustible walls. Many
building code inspectors follow these guidelines when
approving installations.

Figure 9 shows one NFPA-recommended method.
All combustible material in the wall is cut away from
the single-wall connector to provide the required 12”
(305mm) clearance. Any material used to close up the
opening must be noncombustible.

Three other methods are also recommended by NFPA:

• Using a section of double-wall chimney with a 9”

(230mm) clearance to combustibles.

• Placing a section of chimney connector inside a ven-

tilated thimble, which in turn is separated from combus­tibles by 6” (150mm) of fiberglass insulating material.

• Placing a section of chimney connector inside a

section of 9” (230mm) diameter, solid-insulated, factory­built chimney, with 2” (50mm) of air space between the
chimney section and combustibles.

Wall Stud

Flexible Connector

Mantel Shield

Fireplace Adaptor Kit

ST245

Fig. 8 Chimney connector enters chimney through the fire­place opening.

Wall Pass-Throughs

Whenever possible, design your installation so the con­nector does not pass through a combustible wall. If you
are considering a wall pass-through in your installation,
check with your building inspector before you begin.
Also, check with the chimney connector manufacturer
for any specific requirements.

Accessories are available for use as wall pass­throughs. If using one of these, make sure it has been
tested and listed for use as a wall pass-through.

Chimney
Connector

12” of
Noncombustible
Material

Floor
Protection

ST493a

Fig. 9 An approved wall pass-through for the United States.

In Canada, The Canadian Standards Association has

established installation guidelines. The following il­lustration shows one method, in which all combustible
material in the wall is cut away to provide the required
18” (460 mm) clearance for the connector. The resulting
space must remain empty. A flush-mounted sheet metal
cover may be used on one side only. If covers must be
used on both sides, each cover must be mounted on
noncombustible spacers at least 1” (25 mm) clear of the
wall.

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D

D

A

B

D

D

A

E

D

C

Your local dealer or your local building inspector can
provide details for other approved methods of passing
a chimney connector through a combustible wall in your
area. In Canada, this type of installation must conform
to CAN/CSA-B365, Installation Code for Solid Fuel
Burning Appliances and Equipment.

18” (460mm) clearance all
around the pipe

Flush Mounted
Sheet Metal
Cover

ST494a

Fig. 10 An approved wall pass-through for Canada.

Most installations will require that the bottom heat
shield be attached. Only when the stove is placed
on a completely noncombustible surface, such as
unpainted concrete over earth, may it be used with­out the bottom heat shield.

Even with the bottom heat shield installed, you must
also use a floor protector.

In the United States, the floor protector required under
the stove must extend at least 16” from the front of the
stove - not from the ashlip - (Labeled ‘E’ in Fig. 11), and
at least 6” from the sides and rear (‘D’, Fig. 11).

To meet the requirement in the United States, a floor
protector must be at least 34” wide and 40” deep.

In Canada, the floor protector required under the stove
must extend 18” (460mm) to the front (labeled ‘E’, Fig.

11), and 8” (200mm) from the sides and rear. (‘D’ ,Fig. 11)

To meet Canadian requirements, a floor protector must
be at least 38” (965 mm) wide and 44” (1118 mm) deep.

Floor protection also must extend under the chimney
connector and 2” (51 mm) to either side. (‘C’, Fig. 11)
For 6” (152 mm) connector used with the Intrepid II, the
protector must be a minimum of 10” (254 mm) wide,
centered under the connector.

NOTE: Do not vent your Intrepid II into a factory-built
(zero-clearance) fireplace. These appliances and their
chimneys are specifically designed as a unit for use as
fireplaces. It may void the listing or be hazardous to
adapt them for any other use.

DO NOT CONNECT AN INTREPID II TO ANY AIR
DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM.

Floor Protection

A tremendous amount of heat radiates from the bottom
plate of an Intrepid II, and the floor beneath requires
two kinds of special protection.

Heat protection is provided by a Bottom Heat Shield,
part #0307.

Spark and ember protection is provided by a floor pro
tector, which may be any noncombustible material.

For a new hearth, we recommend a noncombustible
floor protector such as 1/4” non-asbestos mineral board
or its equivalent, or 24 gauge sheet metal. If carpeting
is present, it must be removed before installation of the
floor protector. The floor protector may be covered with
a noncombustible decorative material if desired. When
using brick, tile, or stone, individual pieces must be
mortared so sparks cannot fall through.

-

Top Exit Rear Exit

U.S. Canada

A. 34” 38” (965 mm)

B. 40” 44” (1118 mm)
C. 10” 10” (254 mm)
D. 6” 8” (203 mm)
E. 16” 18” (457 mm)

Fig. 11 Required floor protector dimensions.

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

Floor Protection for Fireplace Installations

Do not assume your fireplace hearth is completely
noncombustible.

Many fireplace hearths do not satisfy the “completely
noncombustible” requirement because the brick or
concrete in front of the fireplace opening is supported
by heavy wood framing as in Figure 12. Because heat
passes through brick or concrete readily, it can easily
pass through to the wood. As a result, such fireplace
hearths can be a fire hazard and are considered a com­bustible floor.

Wood framing requires
protection from radiant heat

Fig. 12 Supporting timbers under fireplace hearth are consid­ered to be combustible.

Keep in mind that many raised hearths will extend
less than the required clearance from the front of the
heater when it is installed. In such cases, sufficient floor
protection as described above must be added in front
of the hearth to satisfy the minimum floor protector re­quirement from the front of the stove: 18” (460mm) from
the front in Canada. Fireplace hearths must also offer
the required protection of 8” (203 mm) on either side.

Optional 3” (76 mm) short legs may be used only on
such hearths that meet the width and depth require­ments outlined previously under “floor protection.”

Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirements for floor
protection.

Fireplace installations also have special clearance
requirements to the side walls, side decorative trim, and
fireplace mantle. Refer to the information on fireplace
and mantel trim shields in this section.

ST247a

Keep the Stove and Connector a

Safe Distance from

Surrounding Materials

Both a stove and its chimney connector radiate heat in
all directions when operating, and dangerous overheat­ing of nearby combustible materials can occur if they
are too close to the heat. A safe installation requires
that adequate clearance be maintained between the
hot stove and its connector and nearby combustibles.

Clearance is the distance between either your stove
(measured from the back edge of the stove’s top plate)
or chimney connector, and nearby walls, floors, the
ceiling, and any other fixed combustible surface. Your
stove has special clearance requirements that have
been established after careful research and testing to
UL and ULC standards. These clearance requirements
must be strictly observed.

In addition, furnishings and other combustible materials
must be kept away from the stove as well. In general, a
distance of 48” (1220 mm) must be maintained between
the stove and moveable combustible items such as dry­ing clothes, furniture, newspapers, firewood, etc. Keep­ing those clearance areas empty assures that nearby
surfaces and objects will not overheat.

Reducing Clearances

Stove clearances may be reduced by using heat shields
attached to the stove. Chimney connector clearances
may be reduced by using heat shields on single-wall
connector, or by using double-wall connector. Clear­ances may also be reduced by using wall shields. All
shielding used to reduce clearances must be listed by a
recognized testing laboratory and approved by the local
regulatory body.

Clearance requirements are established for many dif­ferent installations. In general, the greatest clearance is
required when you are placing a stove and its connec­tor with no heat shields near a wall with no heat shield.

For example, when the Intrepid II is installed parallel
to the rear wall and no shielding is used, it must be at
least 30” (760 mm) from the wall behind it and at least
24” (610 mm) from walls on either side.

If the Intrepid II is installed in a corner and no shields
are used, the corners of the stove must be at least 20”
(510 mm) from nearby walls.

The least clearance is required when both the stove
and its connector, as well as the wall, have heat
shields.

When shields are attached to the stove or chimney
connector, they are mounted 1” - 2” (25-51 mm) away
from the stove or connector surface on non-combustible
spacers. Air flowing between the stove (and/or chimney

10

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Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

connector) and nearby shields carries away heat. Do
not block the air flow by filling this empty space with any
insulating material.

The shiny shield surface facing the heat source must be
left unpainted, enabling it to reflect heat back towards
the stove or connector and away from the wall.

Shields are never used on double-wall connectors.

Clearances may be reduced only by means approved
by the regulatory authority, and in accordance with the
clearances listed in this manual.

NOTE: ALCOVE INSTALLATION OF THE INTREPID
II IS NOT PERMITTED IN CANADA.

Stove Heat Shields

The Intrepid II Rear Heat Shield is one way to reduce
the clearance to the rear wall. The rear heat shield may
be installed on either rear- or top-exiting stoves. How­ever, since the chimney connector also radiates heat
toward the wall in top-exiting installations, either single­wall connector with connector heat shields, or listed and
approved double-wall chimney connector should be
used whenever the rear heat shield is used on top-exit­ing stoves.

Clearance reductions with the rear heat shield apply
only to the wall to the rear in parallel installations. Nei­ther the side clearance requirement nor the clearance
requirement in corner installations may be reduced.

Wall Shields

Clearances may be reduced by using a wall shield
constructed of 24 gauge or heavier sheet metal, or of
another non-combustible material such as 1/2” (13 mm)
insulation board or common brick “laid on flat,” with the
3¹⁄₂" (90 mm) side down. Figure 13 shows such a wall
shield.

Shields must be spaced out from the combustible
surface 1" (25mm) on noncombustible spacers. The
spacers should not be directly behind the stove or chim­ney connector.

Air must be able to flow between the wall and the
shield. At least 50% of the bottom 1" (25 mm) of the
shield should be open and the shield must be open at
the top. (Fig. 13)

The wall shield for a stove must extend 10” (254 mm)
above the top of the stove, or a height of 35” (890 mm).
The wall shield for the chimney connector must be 36”
(914 mm) wide, centered behind the connector; for
installations that use an approved prefabricated chim­ney to pass through the ceiling, the chimney connector
shield used with single-wall connector must stop 1”
(25mm) below the ceiling.

Air Flow

Stud Wall
Framing

Wall Shield

Noncombustible
spacers and
fasteners

Drywall

Air Flow

Fig. 13 Approved wall shield construction.

Shield

Metal Spacer

ST248

Chimney Connector Clearance Reductions

Chimney connector clearances may be reduced by
using heat shields on single-wall connector or by using
double-wall connector. One of these methods should be
used whenever the rear heat shield is used in top-exit
installations, or in any other situation when it is neces­sary to protect nearby combustibles from the heat of the
chimney connector. The ceiling above horizontal runs
of chimney connector must be protected as well if the
clearance is inadequate. Refer to the Clearance Charts.

In top-exiting installations in which the single-wall
connector extends to the ceiling and connects to a
prefabricated insulated metal chimney, the connector
shield must extend to within an inch of the ceiling. A
ceiling heat shield must be installed that is 22” (560mm)
in diameter and, as explained above, that extends 1”
(25mm) below the ceiling. The ceiling shield must be
constructed of 24 gauge or heavier sheet metal, must
be centered on the chimney, and must meet any wall
protector that is also a part of the installation.

For double-wall connector the tested and listed
clearances given in this manual must be used.

Fireplace and Mantel Trim Shields

A fireplace installation requires special clearance be­tween the side of the stove and the right and left walls,
between the side of the stove and the decorative side
trim on the fireplace face, and between the top of the
stove and the mantel.

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11

Intrepid II Woodburning Stove

1" (25mm)

1/4" (6mm)

C

C

A

B

36"

Max.

48" Min.

Noncombustible shields installed 1” (25 mm) away from
the combustible surface on noncombustible spacers,
called ventilated shields, may be used to reduce clear­ances. (Fig. 14)

ST501

Fig. 14 A custom-formed mantel shield.

To protect a mantel from the heat of an Intrepid II in a
fireplace installation, the ventilated mantel shield must
be at least 48” (1220 mm) long, and it must be centered
over the stove. Ventilated shields for side trim must
extend the full length of the trim.

An unprotected mantel (‘A’, Fig. 15) cannot be more
than 9” (230 mm) deep and must have a minimum
clearance of 30” (760 mm), measured from the stove’s
top plate. With a ventilated shield, this clearance may
be reduced safely to 14” (360 mm).

Unprotected top trim (B) protruding 2” (50mm) or less
from the face of the fireplace must be a minimum of 24”
(610 mm) from the stove’s top surface. With a venti­lated trim shield, this clearance may be reduced safely
to 14” (360 mm).

Unprotected side trim (C) that protrudes 2” (50mm) or
less from the face of a fireplace must have a minimum
clearance of 15” (380mm), measured from the stove’s
top side edge. With a ventilated trim shield, the clear­ance may be reduced safely to 10” (254 mm). If the trim
extends more than 2” (51 mm), wall clearance require­ments apply.

The charts and sample installations that follow list the
clearances required for the various installation configu­rations of the Intrepid II.

Fireplace Mantel and Trim Clearances

ST253

Measured from the top and sides of the stove

Unprotected Protected
A. Mantel 30” (762 mm) 14” (356 mm)

B. Top Trim 24” (610 mm) 14” (356 mm)
C. Side Trim 15” (381 mm) 10” (254 mm)

Fig. 15 Maintain clearances to combustible components of
the mantelpiece.

Alcove Installations

Because of their restricted air flow and heat retention
characteristics, specific construction requirements and
special clearances apply to installations into alcoves.
No stove or chimney connector heat shields are used
in alcove installations.

ALCOVE INSTALLATION OF THE INTREPID II IS
NOT PERMITTED IN CANADA.

Construction Requirements

The following illustrations show noncombustible ceiling
framing and maximum and minimum permitted dimen­sions for alcove construction.

7/16” Durock®

Use recommended
floor protection

(or equivalent)
spaced 1” off
wood studs on
noncombustible
spacers

12

Fig. 16 Alcove floor plan. Sheetrock on front face butts to
Durock® (or equivalent) alcove lining.

ST502

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