3.6
FRESH AIR KIT (Optional)
During operation, the fireplace requires fresh air for combustion and draws air out of the
house. It may starve other fuel burning appliances such as gas or oil furnaces. As well,
exhaust fans may compete for air, causing negative pressure in the house, resulting in smoke
entering the house from the fireplace. This situation is aggravated in modern airtight houses.
To overcome this problem, we strongly recommend that you
install fresh air kit. Check with
local authorities having jurisdiction in your area, it may be mandatory.
3.6.1 Outside Air Installation
The fresh air kit may be installed according to the following requirements:
A) Duct length should be kept to a minimum. The maximum length of a 3" I.D. (76 mm)
insulated flexible duct is 30 ft. (9 m).
B) The air intake register must not be installed more than 10 ft. (3 m) above the base of
the fireplace.
C) The fresh air must come from outside the house. The air intake must not draw air from
the attic, from the basement, or from a garage.
D) The air intake should be installed where it is not likely to be blocked by snow or
exposed to extreme wind and away from automobile exhaust fumes, gas meter and
other vents.
E) The duct and register may be installed above or below floor level.
The fresh air kit for your OSBURN
STRATFORD
contains the following components:
1- A 3" flex adapter;
2- 2 pipe clamps;
3- An outside air register.
To complete the fresh air kit installation, you will need a 3" insulated flexible pipe. Use the
length required for your installation while respecting the maximum length of 30 ft (9 m).
Make a 3 ¼" (83 mm) hole in the outside wall of the house at the chosen location. From
outside, place the outside air register in the hole (open side down) and fasten the register to
the wall, with screws as shown (see figure 19). Place the insulated pipe over the register tube
and over the fireplace’s outside air connector (see figure 20). At each end, carefully pull back
the insulation and plastic cover, exposing the flexible pipe. Attach the flexible pipe using pipe
clamps. For a better seal, you may also use aluminum tape. Wrap the tape around the joint
between the flexible pipe and the air inlets. Carefully push the insulation and plastic cover
back over the pipe. Fix the plastic in place using aluminum tape.
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