Chimney System - Harman TLC 2000 Installation & Operating Manual

The Chimney System
Creosote
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapors, as well as soot, which combine with expelled
moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense
in the relatively cool chimney flue (associated with a slow
burning fire). As a result, creosote accumulates on the flue
lining. When ignited, this creosote can result in an extremely
hot fire.
The chimney should be inspected at least once every two
months during the heating season to see if any creosote build-
up has occurred. Checking your chimney and chimney con-
nector 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. If a significant
layer of creosote or soot has accumulated (1/8"" or 3 mm) it
should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
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 ris-
ing 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.
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, diffi-
culty in maintaining the fire, and low heat output. Overdraft
can be caused by a very tall chimney even if it is the recom-
mended 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.
TLC 2000 Coal Stove
When installed and operated according to this manual, the
TLC 000 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 compli-
ance 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 000 may be installed with (150 mm) 4
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 con-
cealed 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 col-
lar 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 (0 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 lo-
cal 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 re-
quiring 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 11.
While many localities adopt this standard, be sure to check
with local authorities before beginning your installation.
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