Operation and maintenance guidlines

Fireplace Grates

To complete your fireplace installation, a fireplace grate will be required for safe operation. The fireplace grate can be obtained from FMI PRODUCTS, LLC (see Accessories on page 33) or if choosing an alter- nate, it must be sized to 50% of the hearth maximum. Additionally. A fireplace screen must be installed for safety.

Screens

Glass DoorS

IMPORTANT: Only Crown-Breckinridge or McKenzie-Pendelton Doors by Portland-Willamette (www.portwill.com) are approved for use with this fireplace.

For installation Instructions, see separate instructions included with doors.

Glass doors are optional with the fireplace. When fireplace is in operation, doors must be fully opened or fully closed position only or a fire hazard may be created (see Figure 49).

A fireplace equipped with glass doors operates much differently than a fireplace with an open front. A fireplace with glass doors has a limited amount of air for combustion.

Excessive heat within the fireplace can result if too large a fire is built or if combustion air gate is not completely open. The following tips should be followed to assure that both the fireplace and glass door retain their beauty and function properly. Both the flue damper and glass doors must be fully opened before starting fire. This will provide sufficient combustion air and maintain safe temperatures in firebox.

IMPORTANT: The glass must be allowed to warm slowly and evenly. The tempered glass will withstand a gradual temperature rise to 375 °F, without sustaining any damage. Termperatures as high as this or higher are not likely to occur with normal use. Such materials as pitch/wax laden logs, very dry mill end lumber and large amounts of paper or cardboard boxes can create an excessively hot fire and should not be burned in this fireplace. Always keep the fire well back from the doors and never allow flames to contact the glass.

Doors Fully Closed

Fireplace Front

Doors

Fully Opened

Fireplace Front

Figure 49 - Bi-Fold Glass Doors

WARNING: Fireplaces equipped with glass doors should be operated only with doors fully opened or doors fully closed. Doors, if left partly open, may draw gas and flame out of the fireplace opening creating risks of both fire and smoke.

Cleaning Glass

Clean glass with any commercial glass cleaner or soap and water. Do not use any abrasive material to clean glass. Do not clean glass with any cool water if glass is still hot from the fire and smoke.

Owner’s Operation & Precautions

WARNING: Do not attempt to operate your fireplace without a fire safety screen installed.

CAUTION: The manufacturer cautions against using chemical chimney cleaners. Never use charcoal or coal in the fireplace under any circumstances.

First Lighting of the Grand Meridian – After construction is completed, all elements of the fireplace and chimney system must be completely dry. This means that the unit must stand without any firing for a minimum of 28 days. Only after that period of time can a first lighting take place. The first fire must be small and well-controlled, started with a small amount of kindling. Add no more than eight pounds of wood, preferably small logs not more than 3” (three inches) in diameter. You will probably burn no more than three to four of these small logs. Do not let the fire burn for more than one hour. After this first lighting – when the fireplace has started to “cure” Do not set another fire for at least 24 hours.

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