Venting11
Chimney Connectors and Chimneys
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 tightness 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 main- taining 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 the exhaust gases. Introducing outside air direct- ly to the stove may help remedy a low draft problem. 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 overfir- ing 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.
When installed and operated according to this manual, the appliance 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(s) regarding any additional local requirements or regulations which may influence the design and placement of your venting system.
The VF3000 may be installed with (.6 mm) 24 gauge chimney connector pipe. The size of the connector should correspond to the size of the flue collar opening. Do not use makeshift components.
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
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
Wall Pass-thrus
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" (460 mm) air space between the connector and the wall. It allows use of one or two covers as described in the diagram. The other two 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.
The NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) permits four methods for passing through a combustible wall. A commonly used method to pass through a wall directly to a masonry chimney is to clear a minimum
12"(305 mm) around the entire chimney connector, and fill it with brick masonry which is at least 3.5"(90 mm) thick. A fireclay liner, minimum 3/8" (9 mm) wall thickness must run through the brick wall to the chimney liner (but not beyond the inner surface of the liner). It must be cemented in place with refractory cement. This method is illustrated. For details on the other three options, refer to the most recent edition of the NFPA 211 code.
