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VSW20 Wood Stove

20300059

9

INSTAllATION

that of a vacuum cleaner with a hole in the hose. In some 
extreme instances, the other appliances can even impose 
a negative draft and result in a dangerous draft reversal.

ChIMNEY

Refer to chimney and chimney connector manufacturer’s 
instructions.

Contact your local building authority for approved methods 
of installation
1.  This appliance requires a masonry or pre-manufactured 

chimney listed to ULCS629 (Canada) and UL 103 HT 
(USA) sized correctly.

2.  If a masonry chimney is used it is advisable to have your 

chimney  inspected  for  cracks  and  check  the  general 
condition  before  you  install  your  unit.    Re-lining  may 
be required to reduce flue diameter to the appropriate 
functional size.

3.  The chimney should extend at least 3' (914 mm) above 

the highest point where it passes through the roof, and 
at least 2' (610 mm) higher than any portion of a building 
within 10' (3 m). 

Figure 2

4.  The chimney connector shall not pass through an attic, 

roof space, closet, concealed space, floor, ceiling, wall 
or any partition of combustible construction.

5.  The minimum overall height of your chimney should be 

15' (5 m) from the floor.

6.  Do  not  use  makeshift  compromises  during 

installation.

0 to 10’

2’ Min.

3’ Min.

0 to 10’

2’ Min.

3’ Min.

ST1012

2 3 10 rule

Reference Point

ST1012

Figure 2 - 
The 2'-3'-10' Chimney Rule

At  the  very  least,  inspect  the  chimney  connector  and 
chimney at least once every two months during the heating 
season to determine if a buildup of creosote or soot has 
occurred. If a significant layer of creosote has accumulated 
(1/8" (3 mm) or more], or if soot has accumulated, either 
should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire. 
Failure to keep the chimney and connector system clean 
can result in a serious chimney fire.

The conditions for a chimney fire develop as follows: When 
wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic 
vapors  which  combine  with  expelled  moisture  to  form 
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively 
cool  chimney  flue  of  a    slow  burning  fire. As  a  result 
creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. Creosote 
is a flammable and, when ignited, make an extremely hot 
fire within the flue system which can damage the chimney 
and overheat adjacent combustible material.
To reduce the amount of creosote that may form, remember 
to provide adequate air for combustion and to strive for 
small, intense fires rather than large smoldering ones.
You can never be too safe. Contact your local fire authority 
for information on what to do in the event of a chimney 
fire, and have a clearly understood plan on how to handle 
one.

ChIMNEY CONNECTOR guIdElINES

Chimney connector is the double-wall or single-wall pipe 
that connects the stove to the chimney. The chimney is a 
masonry or prefabricated structure that encloses the flue. 
Chimney connectors are used only to make the connection 
from the stove to the chimney.
Double-wall  chimney  connectors  must  be  tested  and 
listed for use with solid-fuel burning appliances.  Single-
wall chimney connectors should be made of 24 gauge or 
heavier steel, and should be 6” (150 mm) in diameter.  Do 
not use galvanized connector; it cannot withstand the high 
temperatures that can be reached by smoke and gases, 
and may release toxic fumes under high heat.
If possible, do not pass the chimney connector through a 
combustible wall or ceiling. If passage through a combus-
tible wall is unavoidable, refer to the section following on 
Wall Pass-Throughs. Do not pass the chimney connector 
through an attic, a closet, or any similar concealed space. 
The whole connector should be exposed and accessible 
for inspection and cleaning. 
In horizontal runs of single-wall chimney connector without 
protective shields, maintain a clearance of at least 26” (660 
mm) from the ceiling. For information on reduced clear-
ances using shields on single-wall chimney connector or 
using double-wall connectors, see the clearance chart on 

Page 15

.

Keep  the  horizontal  run  of  chimney  connector  as  short 
and direct as possible, with no more than two 90° turns.  
Slope horizontal runs of connector upward 1/4” per foot 
(20 mm per m) going from the stove toward the chimney. 
The recommended maximum length of a horizontal run is 
3’ (914 mm). The recommended total length of chimney 
connector is 8’ (2.4 m).  
In cathedral ceiling installations, extend the prefabricated 
chimney down to within 8’ (2.4 m) of the stove.  

Summary of Contents for VSW20

Page 1: ...perly installed a house fire may result To reduce the risk of fire follow the installation instructions Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage bodily injury or even death Contact...

Page 2: ...e and proper care it will provide you with many years of service This manual contains valuable instructions on the installation and operation of your Vermont Castings stove You will also find useful i...

Page 3: ...such fuels contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer birth defects and other reproductive harm California Health and Safety Code Sec 25249 6 WARNING HOT GLASS WILL CAUSE BURN...

Page 4: ...wood fuel The stove is intended for operation only with the door fully closed Do not install any products not specified for use with this stove SAFETY INFORMATION BEFORE INSTALLATION OF YOUR APPLI AN...

Page 5: ...aft is obtained operate only with doors closed and open slowly when re fueling This will reduce or eliminate smoke from entering the room Attempts to achieve higher output rates that exceed heater des...

Page 6: ...pending on how the stove is operated type and moisture content of fuel and other factors Maximum burn times are achieved under different operating conditions than are maximum heat outputs 2 These valu...

Page 7: ...r combustion because of insufficient air infiltration into the building Such air enters a home through unsealed cracks and openings Kitchen or bath exhaust fans can compete with the stove for availabl...

Page 8: ...h a chimney can take quite a while to warm up and the stove performance will likely be disappointing The best solution to an oversize flue problem is the installation of an insulated steel chimney lin...

Page 9: ...te is a flammable and when ignited make an extremely hot fire within the flue system which can damage the chimney and overheat adjacent combustible material To reduce the amount of creosote that may f...

Page 10: ...connector sections Consult your local dealer about these special pieces ST242 Chimney connector 12 13 99 djt Secure the Single wall Connector to a Prefabricated Chimney For prefabricated chimneys fol...

Page 11: ...ctor Flue Collar Flue Flue Liner Thimble ST1094 Figure 5 Freestanding Installation Chimney Connection ST1095 chimney connector above fireplace Chimney Connector Shields Check These Clearances Mantel S...

Page 12: ...is separated from combustibles by 6 150 mm of fiberglass insulating material Placing a section of chimney connector inside a section of 9 230 mm diameter solid insulated factory built chimney with 2...

Page 13: ...east 16 from the front of the stove and at least 8 from the sides and rear Figure 10 In Canada a noncombustible floor protector is required under the heater also The floor protector must extend 18 457...

Page 14: ...offer the required protection of 8 203 mm on either side Optional 3 76 mm short legs may be used only on such hearths that meet the width and depth requirements out lined previously under floor prote...

Page 15: ...8 SSW40 clearances 10 08 Top Vent out the Back Wall with Minimum 2 Vertical Figure 12 Clearances to Combustibles ST1008 Clearance to Combustibles UL 1482 and ULC s627 Minimum clearance to combustible...

Page 16: ...a chimney fire All of the installation characteristics that adversely affect chimney draft also promote creosote condensation Consequently you can minimize creosote accumulation with an effective chim...

Page 17: ...ideal coal bed of 1 25 mm to 2 51 mm should be established to achieve optimum performance 6 This unit is designed to function most effectively when air is allowed to circulate to all areas of the fir...

Page 18: ...ith the use of a readily available oven cleaner 5 Never put substances which can ignite explosively in the unit since even small explosions in confined areas can blow out the glass 6 This unit has an...

Page 19: ...ems 3 BURN ONLY SEASONED WOOD Avoid burning wet or green wood Seasoned wood has been dried for at least one year 4 A small hot fire is preferable to a large smoldering one that can deposit creosote wi...

Page 20: ...013 8 Secondary Air Tube Middle 1 63D1012 9 Secondary Air Tube Back 1 63D1011 10 C Cast Combo VSW20 1 63D1007 11 C Cast top VSW20 1 63D1009 12 Shield Rear Adjustable Air 1 63D1039 13 Shield Rear Outsi...

Page 21: ...fficient space in the firebox Adjust the air control setting to desired setting Page 17 i Note The lower the air control setting the longer the burn time of your firewood 2 What type of wood is best t...

Page 22: ...r or not there is sufficient air in your home for your stove curtail from using those appliances known to consume the air where possible or open a window or door to allow air to enter the home b Envir...

Page 23: ...e Warranty will also be void if the appliance is not operated and maintained according to the operating instructions supplied with the appliance and does not extend to 1 firebox burner assembly damage...

Page 24: ...VSW20 Wood Stove 24 20300059 MHSC 149 Cleveland Drive Paris Kentucky 40361 www mhsc com...

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