Lighting For The First Time - Contura C600 Style Series Lighting Instructions

Choosing fuel
All types of wood, such as birch, beech, oak, elm, ash, conifers and fruit
trees can be used as fuel in the fireplace. Different types of trees have
different densities; the greater the density of the wood, the greater the
energy value. Oak, beech and birch have the highest density.
!
Do NOT burn the following
Under no circumstances may fossil fuels, pressure impregnated wood,
painted or glued wood, chipboard, plastic or colour brochures be used as
fuel. All these materials can create substances that are damaging both to
the environment and the fireplace. Extremely finely chopped wood should
also be avoided, except for kindling, as it burns out of control. Fuel of this
type can easily cause a flashover resulting in temperatures that are too
high.
lighting for the fi rst time
When new, the fireplace may emit a particular odour because the fireplace
is new. This will disappear completely after the fireplace has been used a
few times.
The wood's moisture content
Fresh wood is about 50 per cent water. The wood must always be dried so
that the moisture content is below 20%. If wood with a higher moisture
content is lit, a large part of the energy content of the wood is used for
boiling off the water. If the wood is damp, the combustion is also poor,
layers of soot and tar build up in the chimney and could, at worst, lead to a
chimney fire. In addition, it causes the glass of the stove to soot and may
cause discomfort to those living nearby.
To ensure thoroughly dry wood, the wood should be cut in the winter and
stored, well aired, under a roof. Never cover the woodpile with a tarpaulin
to the ground. The tarpaulin will then act as a sealed cover and the wood
will be prevented from drying. Always keep some logs indoors for a few
days to allow any moisture on them to evaporate before use.
Candles
Do not use old candle stubs as fuel. Melted wax runs down into the stove's
damper system and makes the stove unusable. This is very expensive to
repair.
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Lighting Instructions
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