Osburn Matrix Installation and Operation Manual
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8
THE FLUE SYSTEM
8.1
GENERAL
The flue system, made up of the flue system and the flue between the wood fire and the flue
system, acts as the engine that drives your wood heating system. Even the best wood fire will not
function safely and efficiently as intended if it is not connected to a suitable flue system.
The heat in the flue gases that pass from the wood fire and flue into the flue system is not waste
heat. This heat is what the flue system uses to make the draft that draws in combustion air, keeps
smoke inside the wood fire and safely vents exhaust to outside. You can think of heat in the flue
gas as the fuel the flue system uses to make draft.
8.2
SUITABLE FLUE SYSTEMS
Your wood fire will provide optimum efficiency and performance when connected to a 150 mm
diameter flue system. The cross-sectional area of the flue shall be within 20 percent of the flue
collar opening
To be suitable, a factory built Insulated Flue Kit
must comply with AS/NZS 2918 Appendix F or
AS/NZS 2918 Appendix B.
8.2.1
FACTORY BUILT INSULATED FLUE KITS
Factory built flue kits are normally sold as a
complete system, (not just the flue pipe), with
all the components needed to install a heater
into a normal 2.4 metre (8 foot) timber stud
wall, low pitched roof home. Each flue kit
should contain a set of installation instructions
covering all the components supplied in the kit.
Incorrect installation of these kits is a major
source of post installation problems and no
short cuts should be taken. All components
supplied in the kit are required and should be
used to ensure the installation is correct and
safe.
It is essential the flue pipe is
manufactured from stainless steel that meet
the specifications stated in AS/NZS 2918, as
stainless steel can be damaged by excessive
stress in the lock forming process or by faulty
machinery.
