GB
16
Lighting Instructions
Poor draft in the insert after new installation
• Check the dimensions of the chimney so that they correspond to
the ones stated in the installation instructions.
• Check that there is nothing in the chimney to restrict the smoke
and that no nearby buildings or trees affect the winds around
the chimney.
It is difficult to light the fire and the fire dies after
a short time
• The wood may not be dry enough, check the wood.
• Another reason is that there may be negative pressure in the
house, for example when using a kitchen extractor fan or other
mechanical ventilation.
Open a window near the hearth before lighting the fire.
Also try lighting some newspaper and holding it up inside the fire
box to get the draft going.
• The combustion air damper may not be open.
• The smoke outlet of the hearth may be blocked with soot, which
can occur after sweeping.
Lift the smoke baffle out and check.
• Finally, go through the lighting instructions again.
Perhaps the amount of kindling was too small and therefore the
base embers were too weak and cold to light the next load of
wood.
Abnormal amounts of soot form on the glass
There is always a certain amount of soot on the glass and this is
added to with each lighting. Soot on the glass is caused by three
things:
• The wood is damp, which causes poor combustion and generates
a lot of smoke as a result.
• Too low temperature in the firebox, which causes incomplete
combustion and poor draft in the chimney.
• When the Thermotte panels are new, they contain moisture,
which has a damping effect on combustion, this problem resolves
itself through lighting.
Check the moisture content of the wood, ensure that you have
good base embers and go through the lighting instructions one
more time.
Smoke odour around the hearth for periods
This can occur when wind blows down the chimney and most often
occurs when the wind is from a particular direction. Another cause
can be that if the hatch is opened before the chimney has become
hot and the necessary draft achieved.
Painted parts have become discoloured
If painted parts have discoloured it is due to excessive temperature
in the firebox. The reason for the excessive temperature can be
that the maximum amount of wood has been used, inappropriate
fuel has been used (for example building waste, large quantities
of finely chopped off cuts). The warranty does not cover damage
of this type. If a problem occurs that you cannot rectify yourself,
contact the dealer or a chimney sweep.
We hope that these lighting tips give you enjoyable, economical and
problem free use of your Contura insert.
WARNING
• During operation, the surfaces of the insert become very hot and can cause burn injury if
touched.
• Be aware of the strong heat radiated through the hatch glass.
• Placing flammable material closer than the safe distance indicated may cause a fire.
• Pyre lighting can cause quick gas ignition with the risk of damage to property and
personal injury.
Contura reserves the right
to change dimensions and
procedures described in these
instructions at any time without
special notice. The current
edition can be downloaded from
www.contura.eu
SWEEPING
Sweeping the chimney ducts and chimney connections should be carried out by a chimney sweep. Sweep
the Insert by scraping and/or brushing. A soot vacuum cleaner is most appropriate however. To access the
convection stop’s inner parts, the smoke baffle and diffuser must be removed. Refer to the installation
instructions. If a chimney fire occurs or is suspected, the combustion damper and the door must be
closed. If necessary, contact the fire brigade to extinguish it. The chimney must always be inspected by a
chimney sweep after a chimney fire.
811053 BAV SE-EX Ci10/Ci20-7
2018-03-05
Possible causes of malfunctions and how to
rectify them
