Operating Precautions - Majestic BC36 Owner's Manual

7. Operating Fan
If your fireplace is heat-circulating with a fan option, build
the fire in the normal manner with the fan(s) 'OFF'. Preheat
your firebox and heat exchanger system for 20 - 30 min-
utes. After a good fire has developed, turn the fan switch
to the 'On' position and heated air will immediately flow
from the grille.
8. Tending the Fire
The heat output of a fireplace depends on how well you
build and tend the fire. A well-tended fire assures a constant
heat output. Keep the fire burning at a constant level by
adding additional logs as necessary. Use a poker to push
the burning logs together into a tight group at the back of
the fireplace each time you add new logs. Keep the bed
of hot ashes located directly under the logs. This aids in
maintaining the fire, but do not let the ashes get so deep
that they interfere with adequate air flow up through the
logs.
Except when adding logs to the fire, the firescreen should
always be kept closed whenever there is a fire burning in
the firebox.
9. At the End of the Day
If your fire has not burned itself out by bedtime, you may
wish to use your tongs to stand any burning logs on end in
the corners of the firebox. In this position, they usually will
quickly burn out and will provide good base for your next
fire. Be sure the firescreen or glass doors are kept closed
and the damper kept open until the fire is completely out.
10. Disposal of Ashes
Clean the ashes from the firebox before starting each fire.
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight
fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be placed
on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away
from all combustible material, pending final disposal. If the
ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally
dispersed, they should be retained in the closed container
until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
Leave only enough ashes to insulate the cold hearth so the
fire will start faster. Excessive ash levels will slow the burn-
ing of your fire and cause your grate to burn out quickly.
11. Operation of BFC/M400BFC, Clean-Burning
Fireplace
The BFC fireplaces have been designed specifically to
reduce smoke and hydrocarbon emissions; however, the
performance of these fireplaces depends on proper opera-
tion. In order to reduce emissions use only well seasoned
firewood. Avoid slow burning smoldering fires and maintain
a hot coal bed on which to place new wood.
High firebox temeratures help to ensure effective operation
of these clean-burning models.
The BFC clean-burning fireplaces must be burned with the
cabinet doors fully closed in order to reduce emissions. Any
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modifications to the internal components of these fireplaces
will likely cause an increase in emissions. Always use the
correct model grate and do not remove any brick compo-
nents, baffles or hardware from the firebox.
12. Operation of EWF36A fireplace
The EWF36A meets the US Environmental Protection
Agency's emission limts for wood heaters sold after July
1, 1990.
The catalytic combustion system in your EWF produces
the best conditions for secondary combustion.
When the flue damper is closed, smoke goes through the
catalytic element, burning at temperatures of 500-600°F
(260-315°C), half the temperature normally needed for
unaided secondary combustion.
The catalytic element is a ceramic "honeycomb" coated
with a noble metal, usually platinum. The element is in
the secondary combustion chamber, made of a special
high-temperature insulating refractory material. The
chamber provides the correct environment necessary for
secondary combustion of the fuel (smoke).
Closing the damper may also reduce draft. Closing the
damper too soon may put out the fire or deactivate the
combustor. Close the damper only when the fire is well
established. When starting a fire, wait until there is an
ember bed of at least 3- inches (76 - 102 mm) before
closing the damper.

Operating Precautions

Although the following operation precautions may have
been discussed earlier in this manual, they are stated here
for emphasis and to provide a quick reference.
Fireplace Precautions
1. Make sure all passageways of the chimney system are
clear and unobstructed.
2. Always open the damper before lighting a fire and
keep it open while the fire is burning. Do not close the
damper until the fire is completely out.
3. Be sure fire is provided with sufficient air to prevent
smoking, sooting and the formation of harmful gas-
es.
. Always use a grate to support the fire. If the basket
grate burns out, it must be replaced by an approved
grate from Vermont Castings Group. Refer to replace-
ment models on Page 12.
5. never burn scrap lumber, pine branches, trash, plas-
tics, flame colorants, soot cleaners or other chemicals
or compounds.
6. never use liquid fuels or liquid fire starters.
7. Build your fire within approximately 1/2 inch (13 mm)
of the back of the firebox for good burning.
8. Always use care when adding wood to the fire and
when using fireplace tools (shovels, tongs, pokers,
etc.).
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