Chimney System - Harman TLC 2000 Installation And Operating Manual

The Chimney System
Soot and Creosote - Formation and Need for
removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture
to form soot or creosote. The soot and creosote vapors
condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow
burning fire. As a result, soot or creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this soot
or creosote can result in an extremely hot fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be
inspected at least once every two months during the
heating season to determine if a soot or creosote build-
up has occurred. If soot or creosote has accumulated
(3 mm or more) it should be removed to reduce the risk
of a chimney fire.
Checking your chimney and chimney connector more
frequently, especially while you are getting used to your
stove, is recommended. To inspect this system, let
the stove cool. Using a flashlight and mirror, check the
interior of the chimney connector, and the chimney itself.
To clean deposits from the surface of the connector,
use a stiff wire brush after dismantling the connector
assembly. To clean the chimney, use a specially
designed brush sized to fit your particular flue opening,
or call an established chimney cleaning service.
At the end of the heating season, perform a thorough
examination of your chimney system, and have it
repaired if necessary.
draft
Draft is widely misunderstood. It is important that you,
the stove operator, realize that draft is a variable effect,
not a given quantity. Stoves and chimneys do not have
draft, yet draft is the key to your stove's performance.
Draft is a force, produced by an operating stove
and the chimney to which it is attached. It is created by
hot gases rising up the chimney, creating a pressure
difference between the inside of your home and the
outside air. It continually moves fresh combustion air
into the stove, and hot exhaust gases out of the stove;
without this constant flow, the fire will go out.
Other factors, such as barometric pressure, winds,
the airtightness of the home, the total inside chimney
volume, chimney height and the presence of venting
devices such as exhaust fans also play a role in
maintaining an adequate draft. In some cases, a
window may need to be left open, or some other source
of fresh air provided, to keep the appliance operating
properly. Low barometric pressures, super insulated
homes and exhaust fans can reduce draft; winds can
play havoc with draft; and too large or too small a
chimney volume can cause reduced draft due to the
excessive cooling or not enough room to vent exhaust
gases quickly.
Some signs of inadequate draft are smoking, odor,
difficulty in maintaining the fire, and low heat output.
Overdraft can be caused by a very tall chimney even if
it is the recommended size, and can cause overfiring
of your stove. Signs of an overdraft include rapid fuel
consumption, inability to slow the fire, and parts of the
stove or chimney connector glowing red. It is important
that you follow the chimney guidelines in this manual,
including size, type, and height to avoid draft problems.

Chimney System

When installed and operated according to this
manual, the TLC 2000 will produce enough hot gases
to keep the chimney warm so that adequate draft is
maintained throughout the burn cycle.
Chimney Connectors
In general, following these guidelines will ensure
compliance with all national and provincial codes;
prior to beginning your installation, check with your
local building code official to check on additional
local regulations which may influence the design and
placement of your venting system.
The Harman TLC 2000 may be installed with (150
mm) 24 gauge chimney connector pipe. Size of the
connector should correspond to the size of the flue collar
opening. Do not use makeshift compromises. No part
of the chimney connector may pass through an attic
or roof space, closet or other concealed space, or
through a floor or ceiling. Whenever possible, avoid
passing the connector through a combustible wall; if you
must, use an approved wall pass-through, described
later in this section.
Assemble the connector beginning at the flue collar,
with the crimped ends pointing towards the stove (to
keep debris and creosote flakes inside the system).
Each joint, including the one to the stove's flue collar
and the one to the chimney itself should be secured
with at least three sheet metal screws. Screws may
be a maximum of 3 inches apart. A 1-1/4" (30 mm)
overlap is required at each joint, including the flue collar
attachment. No more than two 90 degree elbows should
be used, and the total length of connector should not
exceed 10 feet (3 m). All horizontal runs of connector
must have a minimum upward slope of 1/4"(6 mm) per
foot (20 mm per meter).
wall Pass-throughs
Occasionally it is necessary to pass the chimney
connector through a combustible wall to reach the
chimney. Depending on your local building codes, and
the pertinent provincial or national codes, there are
several choices for accomplishing this safely. Before
beginning your installation, contact local officials, and
also the chimney connector and chimney manufacturer
for specific requirements.
Canada. Three methods are approved by the
Canadian Standards Association. The diagram shows
one method requiring an 18"(450 mm) air space
between the connector and the wall. It allows use of
one or two covers as described in the diagram. The
two other methods are described in detail in the current
issue of CAN/CSA B365, the national standard.
United States In the U.S., the national code is NFPA
211. While many localities adopt this standard, be sure
to check with local authorities before beginning your
installation.
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