Fireplace User Instructions

Our fireplaces are designed and tested in accordance with European standard EN 13240:2001. Your fireplace must be sited well away from combustible materials, installed in rooms with sufficient air flow for combustion and stand on floors or a plinths made of non-combustible material (tiles, marble, steel plate, glass plate, etc.)

Lighting your first fireplace

When the fireplace is used for the first time the fire should be moderate to allow the fireplace to settle and for the heat resistant paint to cure.
The door must be left slightly open on the first burn to prevent sticking of the rope seal to the paint.
The smell which is produced is caused by the baking of the paint and disappears after a few hours. For this reason, the room should be well ventilated.
The handles and knobs on the air vents become very hot. Use the supplied heat-resistant glove to make any adjustments.

During initial lighting the chimney may be too cold to provide sufficient draw. It is therefore important to first use a small amount of very dry kindling and have the regulators fully open so that the kindling can burn fast (with flame). This will get heat into the chimney, create a draw and prevent excessive smoking. Once the kindling is burning fiercely, add larger pieces of dry wood and close the door. Adjust the air vent regulators/drawer to get the required burn.

Air Vents

The bottom air vent controls primary air passing through the grate and into the firebox. Slide the bottom regulator to control the quantity of primary air. Certain models do not have a primary regulator. Air intake on these is controlled by slightly opening and closing the ash pan drawer.
The top air vent controls secondary air giving better fuel combustion and minimising soot on the glass. Slide the top regulator to control the quantity of secondary air entering the fire chamber.
Completely closing both regulators when the fireplace is working, limits the flow of oxygen and may result in the soot build up on the glass. Monitor the fire regularly and adjust the air intake to achieve optimum burning.
If the chimney has a strong flue draught, kept the burn rate down by closing the bottom air vent and having a good bed of ash.
When cleaning the firebox, the ash from the previous fire can be left covering the grate.

Ventilation

Correct combustion also depends on supply of air in the room, which must be a minimum of 4m³ / hour per KW. Lack of air provides bad burning conditions for the fireplace. In this case it may be necessary to let additional air into the room.

Firebricks | Vermiculite Linings

Protective fire bricks lining the inside of the combustion chamber may crack or chip. This is considered normal and will not negatively affect their function as long as they stay in place.
Some models have vermiculite slabs instead of firebricks. Vermiculite is lightweight and has the appearance of packing boards but MUST NOT BE REMOVED.

Fireplace Glass

The ceramic glass in the fire door withstands up to 850°C and will not be damaged by the temperature achieved when the fireplace is operating normally.
Glass can be damaged by mechanical knocks or by logs leaning against the glass. The glass is classified as a spare part and is not covered under the warranty.
The fireplace is designed so as not to excessively pollute the glass. Excess soot accumulation can be caused by insufficient air flow or the incorrect fuel being used.
In order to keep the glass as clean as possible, the wood logs should be placed so that the cut surface is not facing the glass.
Use a damp cloth dipped in wood ash to clean soot from the glass – ONLY WHEN THE GLASS IS COLD.

Burning Wood

Use only very dry wood logs. Preferably hardwood.
Heat output and lifespan of the fireplace depend on dry wood.
Wood logs stored in the open under cover, reach a humidity level of 10-15% after 2 years, when they are most suitable for combustion.
Only use dry, seasoned wood from a reputable supplier.
Newly cut wood has little calorific value, high humidity and burns poorly, emitting a lot of flue gases.
High moisture condensate and tar content in the flue gases promote corrosion and shorten the life of the fireplace and chimney.
When using unseasoned wood, the heat output of the appliance falls as much as 50%.
It is not recommended to use Pine because of its high resin content.
Do not use liquid fuels or anthracite.
View our moisture meter that allows you to quickly and easily determine the percentage of moisture in your wood.

Installation and Maintenance

The ashtray should be emptied every 2-3 days. In addition to this, once a week the inside of the combustion chamber should be brushed clean and any ash that has spilled from the ash tray should be removed from below the firebox. This ensures correct air flow and minimizes potential overburn as ash blocks the airflow and therefore causes heat to not be dispersed correctly.
It is normal on closed combustion fireplaces for rust to form and flake on the inside. Excessive rust is a consequence of not using dry wood and is not covered under the 12 month’ warranty. Seasonal inside brushing and touching up will significantly prolong the fireplace lifespan. Do not use detergents, water or polish on the fireplace. Simply use a soft brush or dry cloth to wipe dust off.
Closed combustion fireplaces are designed to work best with a moderate fire. Over firing will cause damage not covered under the warranty. “Over firing” is a fierce fire roaring for any length of time with all the vents fully open. This results in baffle plate or main body warping or the bottom grate burning away.
It is recommended to use at least a 0.5mm Grade 304 stainless steel flue pipe. It is normal for stainless steel to turn a brown / copper / bronze colour due to the high heat. Any contamination present on the pipe during heating (condensation, salt, oil, etc.) can cause patchy / mottled discolouration. This can be reduced by wiping the flue clean prior to use. Fine steel wool can be used to lighten the mottled patches and promote even colouring. As a safety precaution, insulated flues should be used in all ceilings / roof spaces.
Installation should be done by a competent technician in accordance with local building regulations and serviced every one to two years. Chimneys / flues need to be cleaned and serviced every year.

General Safety Guidelines

It is important to maintain general safety guidelines when using a fireplace to ensure the well-being of yourself, others, and your property.
Always prioritise safety and take necessary precautions to prevent accidents and ensure the proper use of your fireplace.

Here are some general safety guidelines to follow:

Read and follow the supplier/manufacturer’s instructions: Familiarise yourself with the specific guidelines provided by the fireplace supplier/manufacturer. Follow their instructions for installation, operation, maintenance, and any safety precautions.
Use appropriate fuel: Only use the recommended fuel for your fireplace, whether it is wood, gas, or another designated fuel type. Avoid using flammable materials or accelerants that could pose a safety risk.
Proper ventilation: Ensure that the area where the fireplace is installed has proper ventilation. Keep air vents and flue systems unobstructed to allow for the safe release of combustion byproducts.
Regular maintenance: Maintain your fireplace by regularly inspecting and cleaning it. Remove ashes and debris, and schedule professional maintenance as recommended by the supplier/manufacturer.
Use safety screens or gates: Install safety screens or gates around the fireplace to prevent accidental contact with hot surfaces. This is especially important when children or pets are present.
Supervision: Always supervise the fireplace when it is in use. Do not leave it unattended while it is lit.
Fire extinguisher and smoke alarms: Have a fire extinguisher nearby and ensure that smoke alarms are properly installed and functioning in your home. Regularly test the smoke alarms to ensure they are operational.
Educate household members: Teach everyone in your household about fireplace safety, including children. Make sure they understand the potential risks and how to behave safely around the fireplace.