Chimney System - Harman TLC 2000 Installation & 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.
17

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 24 (150mm)
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" (450mm) 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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