Vermont Casting Stove 0968 User Manual

Defiant  
Woodburning Stove  
Model 1910  
Homeowner’s  
Installation and  
Operating  
Manual  
For use in the  
United States and Canada  
0968  
SAFETY NOTICE: IF THIS APPLIANCE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED,  
OPERATED AND MAINTAINED, 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 LOCAL BUILDING OFFICIALS  
ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN  
YOUR AREA.  
Do Not Discard This Manual: Retain for Future Use  
2000968 1/02 Rev. 4  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
The Story of the Defiant  
No wood-burning appliance, save for Ben Franklin’s Pennsylvania Fireplace, has a stronger heritage than the Ver-  
mont Castings Defiant. Named for a 19th-century steamship, the original Vermont Castings Defiant Wood Stove came  
to epitomize America’s resolve and independence during the Energy Crisis of the 1970s.  
The year was 1975. With energy prices going through the roof, and not an attractive or efficient wood stove to be  
found anywhere, two entrepreneurs set out to create a stove that was a thing of beauty as well as utility. Finely crafted  
from cast iron, the Defiant was the first wood stove to combine an artistically designed exterior with a methodically  
engineered interior, using new technologies for efficient combustion.  
Americans purchased over a quarter-million Defiants, as they rediscovered the common sense of heating with wood,  
a home-grown fuel with none of the political and economic entanglements of foreign oil.  
Thirteen years later, in 1988, Vermont Castings ‘retired’ the Defiant, replacing it with modern wood-burners such as  
the Encore.  
With its 1998 return, the new Defiant incorporates all the finest aesthetic, convenience, and performance features to  
be found on any wood stove. In a sense, the new Defiant has been 23 years in the making.  
Due to its significant role in American history, the original model Defiant is in the permanent collection of the  
Smithsonian Institution. Each new purchase of the Defiant stove continues that history.  
Table of Contents  
Installation Accessories  
Specifications .................................... 4  
Installation ......................................... 5  
Clearance Charts ............................ 12  
Assembly......................................... 16  
Operation ........................................ 17  
Maintenance.................................... 26  
Appendix: Catalytic Combustor....... 32  
#1560 Warming Shelf  
#1902 Mobile Home Kit  
#1904 Outside Air Adaptor  
#1905 Bottom Heat Shield Kit  
#1906 Rear Heat Shield Kit  
#1907 Firescreen  
#1860 6" x 12" Oval Starter Pipe  
A line of porcelain enamel stove pipe is avail-  
able in Sand, Blue, and Forest Green colors.  
Appendix:  
Chimney & Fireplace Hazards ... 33  
Parts Diagram ................................. 34  
3
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Specifications  
Defiant, Model 1910  
* This value can vary depending on how the stove is  
operated, the type and moisture content of the fuel  
used, as well as the design, construction and climatic  
location of your home. Figures shown are based on  
maximum fuel consumption obtained under laboratory  
conditions and on average efficiencies.  
Range of heat output.......... 10,600 to 44,400 Btu’s/hr.*  
Maximum heat output........................ 55,000 Btu’s/hr.**  
Area heated............................ Up to 2,400 Square feet  
Fuel Size/type ................................. 22 - 24” hardwood  
Fuel capacity ................................................ 50 pounds  
Loading ...................................................... Front or top  
Chimney Connector:  
for 8” flue collar ..................... 8” (200mm) diameter  
for 6” flue collar ..................... 6” (150mm) diameter  
Chimney Flue Size:  
with 8” Chimney Connector . 8” (200mm) minimum  
with 6” Chimney Connector . 6” (150mm) minimum  
Flue exit position ............................................. Top only  
Primary Air... Manually set, thermostatically maintained  
Secondary Air........................................ Self-regulating  
Ash handling system .....................Removable ash pan  
Glass panels ....................... High-temperature ceramic  
Weight ................................................ 480 lbs. (220kg.)  
Width (leg to leg) ...................................... 33” (826mm)  
Depth (leg to leg)................................... 19¹⁄₂” (362mm)  
Height to top of flue collar ..................... 30¹⁄₂” (775mm)  
** These values are based on operation in building  
code-conforming homes under typical winter climate  
conditions in New England If your home is of nonstand-  
ard construction (e.g. unusually well insulated, not  
insulated, built underground, etc.) or if you live in a  
more severe or more temperate climate, these figures  
may not apply. Since so many variables affect perfor-  
mance consult your Vermont Castings’ Authorized  
Dealer to determine realistic expectations for your  
home.  
U.S. and foreign design and mechanical patents  
pending.  
21¹⁄₂"  
(546mm)  
18¹⁄₄"  
(464mm)  
21¹⁄₂"  
(546mm)  
31"  
(788mm)  
3³⁄₄"  
(96mm)  
D E F I A N T  
28¹⁄₂"  
(724 mm)  
Drawing Not to Scale  
32¹⁄₂"  
(826 mm)  
19¹⁄₄"  
(489mm)  
0968  
Fig. 1 Defiant dimensions.  
4
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Installation  
SAFETY NOTICE: IF YOUR DEFIANT IS NOT  
Outside Air  
PROPERLY INSTALLED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY  
RESULT. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE,  
FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS.  
CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS  
ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION  
INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS IN YOUR AREA.  
In some modern, super-insulated homes, there is  
inadequate air supply for combustion because of  
insufficient air infiltration into the building. Such air  
enters a home through unsealed cracks and openings.  
Exhaust fans for kitchen or bath can compete with the  
stove for available air and compound the problem.  
When poor draft is caused by a low infiltration rate,  
opening a ground floor window on the windward side of  
the house and near the stove will usually alleviate the  
problem.  
Before you begin an installation, be sure that:  
Your stove and chimney connector will be far  
enough from combustible material to meet all  
clearance requirements.  
The floor protector is large enough and is con-  
structed properly to meet all requirements.  
You have all necessary permits from local authori-  
ties.  
A better solution is to install a permanent outside air  
supply to the stove and/or room. In fact, bringing air for  
combustion from outside the home directly to the air inlet  
of the stove is required for new construction in some  
areas.  
Pressure variations within the house do not affect a  
stove equipped with an outside air supply, and im-  
proved stove performance often results. An Outside Air  
Adaptor Kit for the Defiant is available from your local  
Your local building official is the final authority for  
approving your installation as safe and determining that  
it meets local and state codes.  
The metal label permanently attached to the back  
of every Vermont Castings' stove indicates that the  
stove has been tested to current UL and ULC stan-  
dards, and gives the name of the testing laboratory.  
Clearance and installation information also is printed on  
the label. When the stove is installed according to the  
information both on the label and in this manual, local  
authorities usually will accept the label as evidence that  
the installation meets codes and can be approved.  
However, codes vary in different areas. Before  
starting the installation, review your plans with the local  
building authority. Your local dealer can provide any  
additional information needed.  
Vermont Castings dealer.  
Chimney Height  
Altitude affects chimney performance. When using an  
8" oval to 6" flue collar adapter on the Defiant, refer to  
Figure 1 for suggested chimney heights at various  
altitudes. Chimney height should be measured from the  
flue collar to the top of the chimney. The recommended  
minimum chimney height is 16 feet (5 meters).  
For any unresolved installation issues, refer to the  
National Fire Protection Association’s publication ANSI/  
NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents  
and Solid Fuel Burning Appliances. For Canada, the  
equivalent publication is CSA CAN-B365 Installation  
Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment.  
These standards are the basis for many national codes.  
They are nationally recognized and are accepted by  
most local authorities. Your local dealer or your local  
30  
25  
20  
15  
building official may have a copy of these regulations.  
0
2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000  
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE  
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN A  
DANGEROUS SITUATION, INCLUDING A CHIMNEY  
OR HOUSE FIRE. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS  
EXACTLY, AND DO NOT ALLOW MAKESHIFT  
COMPROMISES TO ENDANGER PROPERTY AND  
PERSONAL SAFETY.  
Altitude  
ST491  
Fig. 2 Chimney height requirements with 6” chimney and/or  
chimney connector.  
5
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Masonry Chimneys  
What Kind of Chimney to Use  
An inspection of the chimney must confirm that it has a  
lining. Do not use an unlined chimney. The chimney  
must have no cracks, loose mortar, other signs of  
deterioration, or blockage. Repair any defects before  
using the chimney with your stove.  
Seal any unused openings in an existing masonry  
chimney with masonry to the thickness of the chimney  
wall, and repair the chimney liner. Openings sealed  
with pie plates or wallpaper are a hazard and must be  
sealed with mortar or refractory cement. In a chimney  
fire, flames and smoke may be forced out of these  
unused thimbles.  
You must connect the Defiant to a code-approved  
masonry chimney with a flue liner, to a relined masonry  
chimney that meets local codes, or to a prefabricated  
metal chimney that complies with the requirements for  
Type HT chimneys in the Standard for Chimneys,  
Factory-Built, Residential Type and Building Heating  
Appliance, UL 103. Fig. 2 illustrates the two types. The  
chimney and chimney connector must be in good  
condition and kept clean.  
If you use an existing masonry chimney, it must be  
inspected to ensure it is in a safe condition before the  
stove is installed. Your local professional chimney  
sweep, building inspector, or fire department official will  
be able to inspect the chimney or provide a referral to  
someone who can. See 'Chimney and Fireplace  
Hazards, in the appendix, for particulars.  
The chimney should be thoroughly cleaned before  
use.  
A newly-built masonry chimney must conform to  
the standards of your local building code or, in the  
absence of a local code, to a recognized national code.  
Masonry chimneys must be lined, either with code-  
approved masonry or pre-cast refractory tiles, stainless  
steel pipe, or a code-approved, “poured-in-place” liner.  
The chimney’s clean-out door must seal tightly. A loose  
or leaky clean-out door can weaken chimney draft to  
the stove, causing performance problems.  
A prefabricated double-  
wall insulated chimney  
Prefabricated Chimneys  
A tile-lined  
masonry  
chimney  
A prefabricated metal chimney must be one tested and  
listed for use with solid-fuel burning appliances to the  
High-Temperature (H.T.) Chimney Standard UL-103-  
1985 (2100° F.) for the United States, and High  
Temperature (650˚C) Standard ULC S-629 for Canada.  
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY  
FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.  
ST241  
Fig. 2 Approved chimney types.  
The chimney must extend at least 3' (900 mm)  
above the highest point where it passes through or  
past a roof, and at least 2' (600 mm) higher than any  
part of a building within 10' (3 m) horizontally. (Fig. 3)  
For proper draft and good performance, any  
Chimney Size  
The Defiant is approved for venting into a masonry  
chimney with a nominal flue size of 8" x 8" (200 x 200  
mm) or 8" x 12" (200 x 300 mm), and into a round flue  
with nominal flue size of 8" (200 mm). A Defiant with a  
6" (150 mm) flue collar adapter is approved for venting  
into a masonry chimney with a nominal flue size of 8" X  
8" (200 X 200 mm), and into a round flue with nominal  
flue size of 6" (150 mm).  
chimney used with a Defiant should extend at least 16  
feet (5 m) above the flue collar of the stove.  
0 TO 10'  
2' Min.  
NOTE: When installed with a 6" flue collar  
adapter, the Defiant may not be operated with the  
front doors open.  
3'  
0 TO 10'  
Min.  
2' Min.  
3'  
Whatever the flue collar size, a Defiant may be  
vented into larger chimneys as well. However, chim-  
neys with liners larger than 8" x 12" (200 x 300 mm)  
may experience rapid cooling of smoke and reduction  
in draft, especially if the chimneys are located outside  
the home. These large chimneys may need to be  
insulated or have their flues relined for proper stove  
performance.  
Min.  
Reference  
Point  
AC617  
Fig. 3 The 2’-3’10’ Chimney Rule.  
6
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Accessories to help make the connection between  
stainless steel chimney liners and your Defiant are  
available through your local dealer.  
Fasten each joint between sections of chimney  
connector, including telescoping joints, with at least  
three sheet metal screws. Holes in the top of each  
section of chimney connector serve as guides when  
you drill 1/8" (3 mm) holes in the bottom of the next  
section.  
Chimney Connector Guidelines  
A chimney connector is the single-wall pipe that  
connects the stove to the chimney. The chimney itself  
is the masonry or prefabricated structure that encloses  
the flue. Chimney connectors are used only to connect  
the stove to the chimney.  
Single-wall connectors should be made of 24 gauge  
or heavier steel. Do not use galvanized connector; it  
cannot withstand the high temperatures that smoke and  
exhaust gases can reach, and may release toxic fumes  
under high heat. The connector may be 6" (150 mm) or 8  
" (200 mm) in diameter.  
Fasten the chim-  
ney connector to  
the chimney.  
Toward  
Stove  
Instructions for  
various installa-  
tions follow. Fig. 5  
illustrates the  
general layout of  
chimney connector  
parts.  
Flue Gas  
Direction  
Be sure the  
If possible, do not pass the chimney connector  
through a combustible wall or ceiling. If passage  
through a combustible wall is unavoidable, refer to the  
section on Wall Pass-Throughs. Do not pass the  
connector through an attic, a closet or similar con-  
cealed space. The whole connector should be ex-  
posed and accessible for inspection and cleaning.  
In horizontal runs of chimney connector, maintain a  
distance of 24" (610 mm) from the ceiling. Keep it as  
short and direct as possible, with no more than two 90  
degree turns. Slope horizontal runs of connector  
upward 1/4" per foot (20 mm per meter) going from the  
stove toward the chimney. The recommended maxi-  
mum length of a horizontal run is 3 feet (1 meter), and  
the total length of the chimney connector should be no  
longer than 8 feet (2.5 meters). In cathedral ceiling  
installations, extend the prefabricated chimney down-  
ward to within 8 feet (2.5 meters) of the stove. This will  
help maintain a good draft by keeping the smoke warm,  
so that it rises readily.  
ST242  
installed stove and  
chimney connector  
are correct dis-  
Fig. 4 Chimney connector.  
tances from nearby combustible materials.  
NOTE: Special slip pipes and thimble sleeves that form  
telescoping joints between sections of chimney connec-  
tor are available to simplify installations. They often  
eliminate the need to cut individual connector sections.  
Consult your local dealer about these special pieces.  
Securing the Single-wall Connector to a  
Prefabricated Chimney  
Follow the installation instructions of the chimney  
manufacturer exactly as you install the chimney. The  
manufacturer of the chimney will supply the accesso-  
ries to support the chimney, either from the roof of the  
house, at the ceiling of the room where the stove is  
installed, or from an exterior wall.  
Special adaptors are available from the chimney  
manufacturer to make the connection between the  
prefabricated chimney and the chimney connector.  
The top of such adaptors attaches directly to the  
chimney or to the chimney’s ceiling support package,  
while the bottom of the adaptor is screwed to the  
chimney connector.  
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when drilling,  
cutting or joining sections of chimney connector.  
Single-wall Chimney Connectors  
Begin assembly at the flue collar of the stove. Insert  
the first crimped end into the stove’s flue collar, and  
keep each crimped end pointing toward the stove.  
Fig. 4. Use the holes in the flue collar as guides to  
drill 1/8" (3 mm) holes in the bottom of the first  
section of chimney connector and secure it to the  
flue collar with three #10 x 1/2" sheet metal screws.  
Lift off the griddle, and shield the stove's surface  
between the griddle opening and the front of the  
flue collar to protect the finish when you drill the  
front hole.  
These adaptors are designed so the top end will fit  
outside the inner wall of the chimney, and the bottom  
end will fit inside the first section of chimney connector.  
When assembled in this way, any soot or  
7
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Chimney  
Elbow  
Thimble  
Sleeve  
Flue  
Flue  
Flue  
Inner  
Chimney  
Connector  
Slip Pipe  
Keep  
sleeve  
end flush  
with flue  
tile  
Thimble  
Standard  
Connector  
Oval to  
Round Adaptor  
Flue Collar  
ST243  
Fig. 6 The thimble, made of either ceramic or metal, must be  
cemented securely in place.  
Without a thimble, a suitable length of chimney  
connector can be extended through the breach to the  
inner face of the flue liner, and cemented securely in  
place. Additional pieces of connector are then attached  
with sheet metal screws.  
ST492  
Fig. 5 An exploded view of the chimney connection in a  
freestanding masonry installation.  
Fireplace Installations  
The chimney connector may be connected to the  
chimney above the fireplace opening.  
Securing the Single-wall Connector to a  
Masonry Chimney  
Above the Fireplace  
Both freestanding masonry chimneys and fireplace  
masonry chimneys may be used for your installation.  
The Defiant may be connected to a chimney above a  
fireplace opening. In such installations, the stove  
stands on the hearth in front of the fireplace and the  
chimney connector rises from the stove top and then  
angles ninety degrees back into the chimney. The  
chimney liner should extend to the point at which the  
chimney connector enters the chimney. (Fig. 7)  
Freestanding Installations  
If the chimney connector must pass through a combus-  
tible wall to reach the chimney, follow the recommen-  
dations in the Wall Pass-Through section that follows.  
The opening through the chimney wall to the flue  
(the “breach”) must be lined with either a ceramic or  
metal cylinder, called the “thimble”, which is cemented  
securely in place. Most chimney breaches incorporate  
thimbles, but the fit must be snug and the joint between  
the thimble and the chimney wall must be cemented  
firmly.  
Check These  
Clearances  
*
A special piece called the “thimble sleeve,” slightly  
smaller in diameter than standard connectors and most  
thimbles, will ease the removal of the chimney connec-  
tor system for inspection and cleaning. (Fig. 6) Thimble  
sleeves should be available from your local dealer.  
To install a thimble sleeve, slide it into the breach  
until it is flush with the inner flue wall. Don’t extend it  
into the actual flue passage, as this could interfere with  
the draft.  
The thimble sleeve should protrude 1-2" (25-50  
mm) into the room. Use furnace cement and thin  
gasketing to seal the sleeve in place in the thimble.  
Secure the chimney connector to the outer end of the  
sleeve with sheet metal screws.  
*
Mantel  
D
E
F
I
A
N
T
Seal  
This Off  
ST244a  
Fig. 7 In this installation, the chimney connector attaches to  
the chimney above the fireplace opening.  
8
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
If the chimney connector in your installation enters  
the chimney above a fireplace, follow all the guidelines  
mentioned above for freestanding installations. In  
addition, give special consideration to the following  
points:  
Wall Stud  
Chimney  
Connector  
• Check the clearance between the stove and  
the chimney connector, and any combustible trim or  
the mantel.  
• Check the clearance between the chimney  
connector and the ceiling. The clearance should be  
at least 18" (457 mm).  
T
D
E
F
I
A
N
• The fireplace damper must be sealed to keep  
room air from escaping up the flue. However, it  
must be possible to reopen the damper to inspect  
or clean the chimney.  
12” of  
Noncombustible  
Material  
Through the Fireplace  
Installations through the fireplace opening have not  
been tested or approved.  
Floor  
Protection  
ST493  
Wall pass-Throughs  
Fig. 8 an approved wall pass-through for the United States.  
Whenever possible, design your installation so that  
the connector does not pass through a combustible  
wall. If you are considering a wall pass-through in your  
installation, check with your building inspector before  
you begin. Also, check with the chimney connector  
manufacturer for any specific requirements.  
Accessories are available for use as wall pass-  
throughs. If using one of these, make sure it has been  
tested and listed for use as a wall pass-through.  
In the United States, the National Fire Protection  
Association (NFPA) has established guidelines for  
passing chimney connectors through combustible walls.  
Many building code inspectors follow these guidelines  
when approving installations.  
In Canada, The Canadian Standards Association  
has established different guidelines for wall pass-  
throughs. Figure 9 shows one method, in which all  
combustible material in the wall is cut away to provide  
the required 18" (460 mm) clearance for the connector.  
The resulting space must remain empty. A flush-  
mounted sheet metal cover may be used on one side  
only. If covers must be used on both sides, each cover  
must be mounted on noncombustible spacers at least  
1" (25 mm) clear of the wall.  
Your local dealer or your local building inspector  
can provide details for other approved methods of  
passing a chimney connector through a combustible  
wall in your area. In Canada, this type of installation  
must conform to CAN/CSA-B365, Installation Code for  
Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment.  
Figure 8 shows one NFPA-recommended method.  
All combustible material in the wall is cut away from the  
single-wall connector to provide the required 12" (300  
mm) clearance. Any material used to close up the  
opening must be noncombustible.  
18” (460mm) clearance  
between pipe and  
sides/top/bottom of  
opening  
Three other methods are also approved by the  
NFPA:  
Placing a section of chimney connector inside a  
ventilated thimble, which in turn is separated from  
combustibles by 6" (150 mm) of fiberglass insulat-  
ing material.  
Placing a section of chimney connector inside a  
section of 9" (230 mm) diameter, solid-insulated,  
factory-built chimney, with two inches of air space  
between the chimney section and combustibles.  
Using a section of solid-insulated double-wall High  
Temperature chimney, with an inside diameter the  
same as the chimney connector, at least one inch  
of solid insulation, and a minimum of 9 inches  
(229mm) air space between the outer wall of the  
chimney section and combustibles.  
T
D
E
F
I
A
N
ST494  
Fig. 9 An approved wall pass-through for Canada.  
9
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
NOTE: Do not vent your Defiant into a factory-built  
(zero-clearance) fireplace. These appliances and their  
chimneys are specifically designed as a unit for use as  
fireplaces. It may void the listing or be hazardous to  
adapt them for any other use.  
A
D
B
E
E
DO NOT CONNECT A DEFIANT TO ANY AIR  
DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM.  
Floor Protection  
F
A tremendous amount of heat radiates from the  
bottom plate of your Defiant. The floor area directly  
under and around the stove will require protection from  
radiant heat as well as from stray sparks or embers  
that may escape the firebox.  
Heat protection is provided through the use of a  
Vermont Castings Bottom Heat Shield #1905. Spark  
and ember protection must be provided by a floor  
protector constructed with noncombustible materials as  
specified.  
C
Most installations will require that the bottom heat  
shield be attached. Only when the stove is placed on a  
completely noncombustible surface such as unpainted  
concrete over earth may it be used without the heat  
shield.  
Even when the bottom heat shield is installed, you  
must provide special protection to the floor beneath.  
For installation with the heat shield attached, use a  
noncombustible floor protector such as 1/4” non-  
asbestos mineral board or equivalent, or 24 gauge  
sheet metal. The floor protector may be covered with a  
noncombustible decorative material if desired. Do not  
obstruct the space under the heater.  
Protection requirements vary somewhat between  
the United States and Canada as follows:  
In U.S. installations, the floor protector is required  
under the stove and must extend at least 16 inches  
(not including the ash lip) from the front of the stove  
('F', Fig. 10), and at least 6 inches from the sides and  
rear ('D' and 'E', Fig. 10).  
It must also extend under the chimney connector  
and 2 inches to either side ('C', Fig. 10). For the 8"  
(200 mm) connector, the protector must be a minimum  
of 12" (300 mm) wide. For the 6" (150 mm) connector,  
the protector must be 10" (250 mm) wide. The protec-  
tor must be centered under the connector.  
To meet these requirements, a floor protector must  
be at least 42" wide and 43" deep.  
ST495/496  
U.S.  
Canada  
46” (1168mm)  
47” (1194mm)  
12” (300mm) 8” Connector  
10” (250mm) 6” Connector  
8” (203mm)  
A. 42”  
B. 43”  
C. 12”  
10”  
D. 6”  
E. 6”  
8” (203mm)  
18” (460mm)  
F. 16”  
Fig. 10 Required floor protector dimensions.  
Floor Protection for Fireplace Installation  
Do not assume that your fireplace hearth is completely  
noncombustible. Many fireplace hearths do not satisfy  
the “completely noncombustible’ requirement because  
the brick or concrete in front of the fireplace opening is  
supported by heavy wood framing. Be cause heat  
passes readily through brick or concrete, it can easily  
pass through to the wood. As a result, such fireplace  
hearths can be a fire hazard and are considered a  
combustible floor.  
For all fireplace installations, follow the floor protection  
guidelines described above. Keep in mind that many  
raised hearths will extend less than the required  
clearance form the front of the heater. In such cases,  
sufficient floor protection as described above must be  
added in front of the hearth to satisfy the minimum  
floor protector requirement from the front of the stove:  
16” (410mm) in the United States and 18” (460mm) in  
Canada. Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirement for  
floor protection as they are not fire proof.  
In Canada, a noncombustible floor protector is required  
under the heater also. The floor protector must extend  
18 inches (460 mm) to the front ('F', Fig. 10), and 8  
inches (203 mm) from the sides and rear ('D' and 'E',  
Fig. 10).  
To meet these requirements, a floor protector must  
be at least 46" (1168 mm) wide and 47" (1194 mm)  
deep.  
Fireplace installation also have special clearance  
requirements to the side walls, side decorative trim and  
fireplace mantel. Refer to the information on fireplace  
and mantel trim shields in this section.  
10  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Keep the Stove a Safe Distance from  
Surrounding Materials  
Wall Shields  
One way to reduce clearances is with a wall shield  
constructed of 24 gauge or heavier sheet metal, or of  
another noncombustible material such as 1/2" (13 mm)  
insulation board such as Durock® or Wonderboard®, or  
common brick “laid on flat,” with the 3¹⁄₂" (90 mm) side  
down.  
Shields must be spaced out from the combustible  
surface 1" (25 mm) on noncombustible spacers, as in  
Figure 11. The spacers should not be directly behind  
the stove or chimney connector.  
Air must be able to flow between the wall and the  
shield. At least 50% of the bottom 1" (25 mm) of the  
shield must be open, and the shield must be open at  
the top. Metal screening across the top will keep small  
stray objects from being trapped behind the shield.  
(Fig. 12)  
The shield must be a minimum of 48" (1220 mm)  
tall, and must extend at least 20¹⁄₂" (520mm) higher  
than the top of the stove, whichever is higher. The  
shield behind the chimney connector must be 30" (760  
mm) wide, centered behind the pipe; for installations  
that use an approved prefabricated chimney to pass  
through the ceiling, the shield behind the chimney  
connector must stop 1" (25 mm) below the ceiling.  
Both a stove and its chimney connector radiate  
heat in all directions when operating, and nearby  
combustible materials can overheat dangerously if they  
are too close to the heat source. A safe installation  
requires that adequate clearance be maintained  
between the hot stove and its connector and nearby  
combustibles.  
Clearance is the distance between either your  
stove or chimney connector, and nearby walls, floors,  
the ceiling, and any other fixed combustible surface.  
The Defiant has specific clearance requirements that  
have been established after careful research and  
testing. These clearance requirements must be strictly  
observed.  
In addition, keep furnishings and other combustible  
materials away from the stove. In general, a distance of  
48" (1220 mm) must be maintained between the stove  
and moveable combustible items such as drying  
clothes, furniture, newspapers, firewood, etc. Keeping  
those clearance areas empty assures that nearby  
surfaces and objects will not overheat.  
Safe Ways to Reduce Clearances  
Clearance requirements are established to meet  
every installation possibility, and they involve the  
combination of these variables:  
Air Flow  
Screen  
When the stove has no listed heat shield  
mounted on it.  
When the wall has no heat shield mounted on it.  
Stud Wall  
Framing  
Wall Shield  
When the wall has a heat shield mounted on it.  
When the wall and stove have heat shields.  
In general, the greatest clearance is required when  
you place a stove and its connector near a wall with no  
heat shield.  
Noncombus-  
tible Spacers  
Shield  
and Fasteners  
For example, when the Defiant is installed parallel  
to the rear wall and no shield is used, it must be at least  
33" (815 mm) from the wall behind it and at least 24"  
(610 mm) from walls on either side.  
Metal Spacer  
Drywall  
If the Defiant is installed in a corner and no shield is  
used, the corners of the stove must be at least 23" (585  
mm) from nearby walls.  
Air Flow  
ST248  
Clearances may be reduced only by means ap-  
proved by the regulatory authority, and in accordance  
with the clearances listed in this manual. See pages 10  
- 13 for approved clearance reduction specifications.  
Use only Vermont Castings Defiant Rear Heat  
Shield #000-1906.  
Fig. 11 Approved wall shield construction.  
NOTE: ALCOVE INSTALLATION OF THE DEFIANT  
IS NOT PERMITTED.  
11  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Defiant Clearance Chart  
for use with either a 6” or 8” flue collar/chimney connection  
Stove Clearance  
Unprotected Surfaces Protected Surfaces  
Stove  
in  
Corner  
Stove  
in  
Corner  
Stove Installed  
Parallel to Wall  
Stove Installed  
Parallel to Wall  
Side  
Rear  
Corners  
Side  
Rear  
Corners  
(A) 24”  
(610 mm)  
(B) 33”  
(840 mm)  
(C) 23”  
(585 mm)  
(D) 14”  
(355 mm)  
(E) 28”  
(710 mm)  
(F) 18”  
(460 mm)  
No stove  
heat shields  
Stove with rear heat  
shield, no connector  
heat shields  
(G) 24”  
( 610 mm)  
(H) 21”  
(533 mm)  
(I) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(J) 14”  
(355 mm)  
(K) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(L) 12”  
(305 mm)  
Stove with rear heat  
shield, and heat shields  
on connector  
(M) 24”  
(610 mm)  
(N) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(O) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(P) 14”  
(355 mm)  
(Q) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(R) 12”  
(305 mm)  
Stove with rear heat  
shield, and double-wall  
chimney connector*  
(S) 24”  
(610 mm)  
(T) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(U) 17”  
(430 mm)  
(V) 14”  
(355 mm)  
(W) 15”  
(380 mm)  
(X) 12”  
(305 mm)  
Chimney Connector Clearance  
Unprotected Vertical Surfaces  
Protected Vertical Surfaces  
30” (760 mm)  
25” (635 mm)  
Single-wall connector  
Single-wall connector;  
rear heat shield on  
stove only  
18” (460 mm)  
14” (355 mm)  
Single-wall connector with  
shields, and rear heat  
shield on stove  
14” (355 mm)  
14” (355 mm)  
14” (355 mm)  
12” (305 mm)  
Double-wall chimney  
connector  
Unprotected or Protected Ceiling Surfaces  
Single-wall connector  
18” (460 mm)  
Clearance to Combustibles in Front of Stove  
All Installations  
48” (1220 mm)  
* Using a listed double wall oval to round connector.  
12  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Defiant Clearance Diagrams  
for use with either a 6” or 8” flue collar/chimney connection  
Unprotected Surfaces  
Protected Surfaces  
Stove Installed  
Parallel to Wall  
Stove Installed Parallel  
to Wall  
Stove in Corner  
Stove in Corner  
Top Exit Installations, no heat shields  
B
C
F
E
A
D
F
C
Top Exit Installations, heat shield on stove, no shields on single-wall connector  
H
I
L
K
G
J
I
L
Top Exit Installations, heat shield on stove, heat shields on single-wall connector  
O
N
R
Q
M
P
R
O
Top Exit Installations, heat shield on stoe, double-wall chimney connector  
U
T
X
W
S
V
U
X
ST486A  
13  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
IN  
T
R
E
PI  
D
II  
ST499  
ST497  
Fig. 12 Parallel installation, vertical chimney connector, two  
wall shields. Reduced clearances for both rear and side walls.  
Wall shields may meet at corner if desired. Shielding for  
connector is centered behind connector.  
Fig. 14 Corner installation, vertical chimney connector, two  
wall shields. Reduced side clearances. Wall shield MUST  
meet at corner.  
Stove Heat Shields  
The Vermont Castings Defiant Rear Heat Shield,  
shown below, is one way to reduce the clearance to  
the rear wall. The rear heat shield can be installed in  
any setting. However, since the chimney connector  
also radiates heat toward the wall, you should use a  
chimney connector shield whenever you use the rear  
heat shield.  
48"  
(1220mm)  
Clearance reductions with the rear heat shield  
apply only to the wall to the rear in parallel installations.  
Neither the side clearance requirement nor the clear-  
ance requirement in corner installations may be re-  
duced.  
48"  
(1220mm)  
48"  
(1220mm)  
DE  
F
IA  
NT  
ST498  
Fig. 13 Parallel installation with rear wall pass-through, two  
wall shields. Reduced clearances to both rear and side walls.  
Wall shields may meet at corner if desired. Wall pass-through  
must comply with codes.  
T
N
A
I
F
E
D
Refer to “Special Installations.”  
ST500  
Fig. 15 The rear heat shield installed on the Defiant Stove.  
14  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Distance from the Center of the Flue Collar to the Wall  
The information on this page is helpful in planning stove placement, particularly in those installations with  
chimneys that pass through the ceiling. However, this is not a clearance chart. Final stove clearances must  
adhere to the guidelines in the clearance chart on page 12.  
Note that rear dimensions differ for installations with 6” or 8” chimney connectors.  
Defiant With Rear Heat Shield only  
Unprotected Surfaces  
Protected Surfaces  
Corner  
Installations  
Corner  
Installations  
Parallel Installations  
Parallel Installations  
Side (A)  
Rear (B)  
Corner (C)  
Side (D)  
29¹⁄₂” (710mm)  
Rear (E)  
Corner (F)  
39¹⁄₂” (1003mm)  
6” chimney:  
27” (685mm)  
8” chimney:  
28” (710mm)  
28” (710mm)  
6” chimney:  
21” (535mm)  
8” chimney:  
22” (560mm)  
25” (635mm)  
Defiant With Rear Heat Shield and Shielded Connector:  
Side (A)  
Rear (B)  
Corner (C)  
Side (D)  
Rear (E)  
Corner (F)  
39¹⁄₂” (1003mm)  
6” chimney:  
17” (685mm)  
8” chimney:  
18” (710mm)  
28” (710mm)  
29¹⁄₂” (710mm)  
6” chimney:  
17” (535mm)  
8” chimney:  
18” (560mm)  
25” (635mm)  
Defiant With Rear Heat Shield and Double-wall Connector:  
Side (A)  
Rear (B)  
Corner (C)  
Side (D)  
Rear (E)  
Corner (F)  
39¹⁄₂” (1003mm)  
6” chimney:  
17” (685mm)  
8” chimney:  
18” (710mm)  
28” (710mm)  
29¹⁄₂” (710mm)  
6” chimney:  
15” (535mm)  
8” chimney:  
16” (560mm)  
25” (635mm)  
A
B
D
F
C
E
*
*
* This distance, from the center of the flue collar to the front edge of the hearth, is the same for all installations on this  
page: 34” (865mm) in the United States and 36” (914mm) in Canada.  
15  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Assembly  
Set Up Your Stove  
Install the Optional Ash Door Heat Shield  
Cast iron stoves are heavy, and it will take two to  
four people to move your Defiant into position.  
Wipe the protective coating of oil from the griddle  
with a clean dry rag or a paper towel.  
Install the handle on the griddle. Slip the bolt  
through a nylon bushing, then through the handle and  
the other bushing, then through the steel spacer and  
1. Remove the two Phillips pan head screws from the  
ash door.  
2. Insert the screws through the ash door heat shield  
(from the painted side), place the 5/16" spacers  
over the screws, and carefully thread them back into  
the original holes. (Fig. 18) The curved lip should be  
upward, under the ashlip of the stove.  
3. Tighten securely.  
into the griddle tab. (Fig. 16) Tighten securely.  
Spacer  
Washer  
Bushings  
Knob  
Bolt  
ST536  
Spacers  
ST538  
Fig. 16 Attach the griddle handle.  
Fig. 18 Install the ashdoor heat shield.  
Install the Optional Bottom Heat Shield  
NOTE: The Bottom Heat Shield is required in most  
installations. Refer to Floor Protection, Page 10, for  
further details.  
1. Remove the four 10-24 x 1/2" hex head bolts from  
the corners of the ash drop on the stove bottom.  
2. Screw the four 1¹⁄₄" spacers into the holes from  
which you removed the bolts, finger-tight.  
3. Align the bottom heat shield against the spacers  
with the stepped side toward the rear of the stove.  
4. Secure the shield with the four hex head bolts  
removed from the stove bottom previously. Tighten  
Adjust the Leg Levellers  
Lift the stove slightly so there is no weight on the leg  
while making the adjustment.  
Attach the Damper Handle  
Use the 1/4" -20 x 3" screw to attach the damper  
handle to the damper stub on the left side. Refer to the  
chart on page 35 for hardware sizes.  
Attach the Primary Air Thermostat Handle  
The primary air thermostat handle is the smaller of the  
two black handles. Secure the handle to the stub on  
the right side of the stove with an 8-32 x 2" slot head  
machine screw. (Fig. 19)  
securely. (Fig. 17)  
T
N
EFIA  
D
Spacers  
ST540  
ST537  
Fig. 17 Attach the optional bottom heat shield.  
Fig. 19 Attach the thermostat handle.  
16  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Assemble the Removable Insert Handle  
Operation  
The white removable insert handle opens and closes  
the front doors. Remove after each use, and store it in  
the handle holder behind the left front leg. Assemble  
the handle by passing the 3³⁄₈" screw through the  
ceramic shaft and into the bright metal nub. (Fig. 20)  
Tighten carefully until snug.  
The Defiant Controls  
Two controls regulate the performance of the  
Defiant: a primary air control supplies oxygen for the  
fire, and a damper directs air flow within the stove to  
activate and deactivate the catalytic combustor. (Fig.  
21)  
Symbols cast into the stove are reminders of the  
correct directions for using the controls. 'Left' and  
'right' in these directions mean as you face the stove.  
Griddle Handle  
Damper  
Handle  
Door Handle  
ST540  
Air  
Control  
Lever  
Fig. 20 Assemble the front door handle.  
And-  
iron  
Door Handle  
Holder  
(Behind  
Leg)  
Ash Door Handle  
ST541  
Fig. 21 The Defiant’s controls are conveniently located and  
easy to operate.  
A Single Air Control Regulates  
Heat Output and Burn Time  
The primary air control lever, on the right side of  
the stove, controls the amount of incoming air for  
starting, maintaining, and reviving a fire.  
More air entering the stove makes the fire burn  
hotter and faster, while less air prolongs the burn at a  
lower heat output level. (Fig. 22)  
For the greatest air supply and maximum heat  
output (but the shortest burn time), move the lever  
toward the front of the stove. For a fire that will last  
longer with less heat, move the lever toward the rear of  
the stove.  
The Defiant’s air control system includes an  
automatic thermostat to ensure an even heat output at  
whatever manual setting you select. The thermostat  
senses the heating and cooling of the stove surface  
and adjusts the air valve accordingly.  
17  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Two Ways to Add Fuel  
Air Control Positions  
The Defiant’s griddle lifts for convenient top-loading of  
logs, and is the easiest way to add fuel. (Fig. 24)  
D E F I A N T  
Low Heat  
Range  
D
e
fia  
n
t
D E F I A N T  
Medium Heat  
Range  
ST521  
Fig. 24 Top loading is the best way to add fuel during regular  
use. Front loading is useful for kindling a fire.  
However, the front doors open as well for adding  
an occasional log to a fire. If the stove is equipped  
with 8" (200 mm) stove pipe, the front doors may be  
opened (or even removed) and the optional Defiant  
spark screen placed in the opening for open-fire  
viewing. The Defiant is not approved for operation  
with the front doors open if equipped with a 6" (150  
mm) flue collar adapter.  
D E F I A N T  
High Heat  
Range  
ST542  
Fig. 22 The handle also may be positioned anywhere  
between the two extremes for different heat levels.  
To open the front doors, insert the handle into the  
door latch stub and turn it to the left and up. (Fig. 25)  
A Damper Directs Air Flow  
Within the Stove  
The damper handle on the left side of the stove  
operates the damper to direct air flow within the stove.  
The damper is open when the handle points to the  
rear, enabling smoke to pass directly into the chimney.  
The damper must be open when starting or reviving a  
fire, and whenever the griddle or doors are opened.  
The damper is closed when the handle points  
forward. Smoke travels through the catalytic combus-  
tion system where it can be further burned, before  
passing up the chimney. (Fig. 23)  
Clockwise to  
Open  
Counter-  
clockwise  
to Close  
ST544  
The damper is either fully open or fully closed.  
There are no intermediate positions. When closing  
the damper, be sure to pull firmly enough to snap  
Fig. 25 To open the front doors, turn the handle clockwise.  
To close them, always close the left door first.  
Turn the handle in the right door to the left and up (to  
the open position) and close it. Finally, push on the  
door as you turn the handle to the right and down. The  
doors will draw in slightly, and the handle should offer  
some resistance as you turn it to the closed position.  
To reduce the risk of breaking the glass, avoid  
striking the glass or slamming the doors.  
the handle into the locked position.  
Damper Positions  
D E F I A N T  
D E F I A N T  
When you’re not using the door handle, store it in  
the holder behind the left front leg of the stove. Be  
careful to not drop the handle, since it is breakable.  
Open  
(Updraft Mode)  
Closed  
(Catalytic Mode)  
ST543  
Fig. 23 The Defiant’s damper operating positions.  
18  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
WARNING: FIREPLACE STOVES EQUIPPED WITH  
DOORS SHOULD BE OPERATED ONLY WITH  
DOORS FULLY OPEN OR DOORS FULLY CLOSED.  
IF DOORS ARE LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND  
FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE FIREPLACE  
STOVE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH  
FIRE AND SMOKE.  
If hardwood is not available, you can burn soft-  
woods like include tamarack, yellow pine, white pine,  
Eastern red cedar, fir, and redwood. These should  
also be properly dried.  
Store wood under cover to keep it dry. The longer  
it is stored, the better heating and fire-viewing perfor-  
mance you will enjoy. Even for short-term storage,  
however, keep wood a safe distance from the heater  
and keep it out of the areas around the heater used for  
The Defiant may be used as a fireplace with the  
front doors open or removed, BUT only when it is  
equipped with 8" (200mm) stove pipe and only  
when the optional spark screen is placed correctly  
in the opening to protect against the possibility of  
sparks and embers leaving your stove.  
refueling and ash removal.  
A Surface Thermometer is a Valuable  
Guide to Operation  
Use only the Defiant spark screen, Item #1907, with  
your Defiant.  
An optional surface thermometer tells you when to  
adjust the air control, and when to refuel. (Fig. 26)  
Defiant spark screens are available from your  
Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company  
Dealer.  
Infra-Red Reflective Glass Panels  
for Clear Fire Viewing  
ST523  
Fig. 26 Take temperature readings with a thermometer  
The outer surfaces of the ceramic glass panels have  
an infrared-reflective coating which keeps the inner  
surfaces warm. This design, along with a pre-heated  
'airwash,' makes clear fire viewing possible at most  
firing levels.  
located in the middle of the griddle.  
For example, when the thermometer registers at  
least 450° F. (230 C) after start-up you know that the  
stove is hot enough to begin catalytic combustion and  
that it may be time to close the damper. Note that the  
stove will warm up much sooner than the chimney,  
though; a warm chimney is the key to easy, effective  
stove operation. Please review the draft management  
information on pages 24 to see how the size, type, and  
location of your chimney will affect your stove opera-  
tion. When thermometer readings drop below 350°F.  
(175˚C) it’s time to adjust the air control for a higher  
burn rate or to reload the stove. A temperature reading  
over 750° F. (385˚C) is a sign to cut back on the air  
supply to slow the burn rate.  
Andirons Help Protect the Glass  
Your stove has andirons to keep logs away from the  
glass panels. The andirons are essential to maintain  
clear fireviewing, and should be left permanently in  
place. Since the andirons may slightly hinder refueling  
through the front doors, most stove owners will prefer  
the convenience of top loading through the griddle. Do  
not place fuel between the andirons and the doors.  
Burn Only High-Quality Wood  
Use the following temperature ranges as a guide:  
• Readings in the 350-500°F. (175-260˚C) range  
indicate low to medium heat output.  
• 500-600°F. (260-315˚C) readings indicate medium  
heat output.  
• Readings of 600-750°F. (315-385˚C) indicate high  
heat output. Operating your Defiant continuously at  
griddle temperatures of 750° F. (385˚C) or higher may  
The Defiant is designed to burn natural wood only;  
do not burn fuels other than that for which it was  
designed.  
You’ll enjoy the best results when burning wood  
that has been adequately air-dried. The wood should  
be 20-22" (500-550 mm) in length. Avoid burning  
“green” wood that has not been properly seasoned.  
Do not burn construction materials; they often  
contain chemicals and metals that can damage the  
catalytic combustor or pollute the air. Do not burn  
ocean driftwood; when it burns, the salt it absorbs will  
damage the cast iron or enamel finish.  
attack the cast iron.  
The best hardwood fuels include oak, maple,  
beech, ash, and hickory that has been split, stacked,  
and air-dried outside under cover for at least one year.  
19  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Use the Air Control Settings  
Defiant Control Settings  
that Work Best for You  
(see Fig. 21, page 15)  
No single air control setting will fit every situation.  
Each installation will differ depending on the quality of  
the fuel, the amount of heat desired, and how long you  
wish the fire to burn; outdoor air temperature and  
pressure also affect draft.  
The control setting also depends on your particular  
installation’s “draft,” or the force that moves air from  
the stove up through the chimney. Draft is affected by  
such things as the length, type, and location of the  
chimney, local geography, nearby obstructions, and  
other factors. See pages 24 for details on how the  
installation affects performance.  
Burn Rate  
Primary Air Control  
From far right to 1/3 the distance  
to left  
From 1/3 to 2/3 the distance  
to left  
Low  
Medium  
High  
From 2/3 the distance  
to left, to far left  
High-Efficiency Wood Burning  
with Catalytic Combustion  
Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures  
in the Defiant, and could even damage the combustor.  
On the other hand, too little draft can cause  
backpuffing into the room and/or the “plugging” of the  
chimney or combustor.  
How do you know if your draft is excessively high  
or low? Symptoms of too much draft include an  
uncontrollable burn or a glowing-red stove part. Signs  
of weak draft are smoke leaking into the room through  
the stove or chimney connector joints, low heat, and  
dirty glass.  
In some newer homes that are well-insulated and  
weather-tight, poor draft may result from insufficient air  
in the house. In such instances, an open window near  
the stove on the windward side of the house will  
provide the fresh air needed.  
Another option for getting more combustion air to  
the stove is to duct air directly from the outside to the  
stove. In some areas provisions for outside combus-  
tion air are required in all new construction.  
With an optional outside air adapter, No. 1904,  
your Defiant will accept a duct to deliver outside air for  
combustion.  
When first using the stove, keep track of the air  
control settings. You will quickly find that a specific  
setting will give you a fixed amount of heat. It may take  
a week or two to determine the amount of heat and the  
length of burn you should expect from various settings.  
Most installations do not require a large amount of  
combustion air, especially if adequate draft is available.  
Do not for any reason attempt to increase the firing  
of your heater by altering the air control adjust-  
ment range outlined in these directions.  
A Defiant leaves the factory with the combustor  
installed.  
In the United States, it is against the law to operate  
this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operat-  
ing instructions in this manual, or if the catalytic  
combustor is deactivated or removed. The components  
of the catalytic combustion system in your Defiant work  
together to produce optimum conditions for secondary  
combustion.  
When the damper is closed, smoke travels through  
the catalytic element, which causes ignition of smoke  
at temperatures of 500-600° F (260-315˚C), half the  
temperature normally required for unaided secondary  
combustion.  
The catalytic element is a ceramic “honeycomb”  
coated with the catalytic material. The element is  
located in the secondary combustion chamber, molded  
from a special high-temperature insulating refractory  
material. The chamber provides the correct environ-  
ment necessary for secondary combustion of the fuel  
(smoke).  
Closing the damper exposes the smoke to the  
combustor. If the combustor is at least 600˚F (315˚C),  
it will begin to burn the smoke.  
Closing the stove damper may also reduce the  
draft, so to avoid putting out the fire or deactivating the  
combustor, close the damper only when a fire is well-  
established and the chimney is thoroughly warmed.  
When starting a fire, wait until the fire is well estab-  
lished and there is an ember bed of at least 3-4 inches  
before closing the damper.  
Never kindle a fire with colored paper or paper that  
has colored ink or a glossy surface, and never burn  
treated wood, garbage, solvents, or trash. All of these  
may poison the catalyst and prevent it from operating  
properly. Never burn cardboard or loose paper except  
for kindling purposes. Never burn coal; doing so can  
produce soot or large flakes of char or fly ash that can  
coat the combustor and cause smoke to spill into the  
room. Coal smoke also can poison the catalyst so that  
Use the following air control settings as a starting  
point to help determine the best settings for your  
installation. Each is described as a fraction of the total  
distance the lever may be moved from right to left.  
it won’t operate properly.  
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In general, the fire must be sufficiently well-  
established to ensure that catalytic activity is initiated.  
When first starting a fire, a medium- to high- firing rate  
must be maintained until the stove, catalyst, and fuel  
are all stabilized at the proper operating temperatures,  
and the chimney is warmed.  
Even though it is possible for the fire to get quite  
hot within a few minutes after a fire is started, the  
combustor may stop working or the fire may go out if  
the fire dies down immediately as a result of the  
damper being closed. Once the combustor starts  
working, heat generated by burning the smoke will  
keep it working.  
finger-width size, and on the kindling lay two or three  
larger sticks of split dry wood approximately 1-2" (25-50  
mm) in diameter. (Fig. 27)  
Also, never use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kero-  
sene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or  
“freshen up” a fire. Keep all such liquids well away  
from the Defiant while it is in use.  
To determine whether the combustor is operating,  
observe the amount of smoke leaving the chimney  
when the damper is activated and when it is not. This  
procedure is described on page 28.  
Avoid using a full load of very dry wood in the  
firebox. This may result in continuous very high  
temperatures in the secondary combustion area and  
damage the combustor. Wood which has been split,  
and stored under cover for more than 18 months may  
be considered very dry. If you must burn extra-dry  
wood, mix it with greener wood for a longer fire and  
less stress on the combustor. Also, do not use a full  
load of dry slab wood or scrap wood. For long burns,  
ST263  
Fig. 27 Start the fire with newspaper and dry kindling.  
3. Light the newspaper and close the door. Gradu-  
ally build up the fire by adding a few 3-5" (80-120 mm)  
diameter splits. If this is one of the first few “break-  
in” fires, let the fire burn brightly, and then let it die  
out.  
During the break-in fires, do not let the stove get  
hotter than 500°F. (260°C) as measured on an optional  
stove-top thermometer. Adjust the air control lever as  
necessary to control the fire.  
Some odor from the stove’s hot metal, the paint,  
and the cement is normal for the first few fires.  
NOTE: Some chimneys must be “primed,” or  
warmed up, before they will draw sufficiently to start a  
fire. To correct this situation, roll up a couple pieces of  
newspaper, place them on top of the kindling and  
toward the back of the stove, light them, and close the  
doors. This will encourage the smoke to rise rapidly,  
making it easier to establish a good draft.  
Once the draft is established, open the front door  
and light the rest of the fuel from the bottom. Do not  
light the main bed of fuel until the chimney begins  
drawing, and repeat the procedure as often as neces-  
sary if the initial attempt is unsuccessful.  
use a mix of dry and moderately dry wood.  
Conditioning Your Stove  
Cast iron is extremely strong, but it can be broken  
with a sharp blow from a hammer or from the thermal  
shock of rapid and extreme temperature change.  
The cast plates expand and contract with changes  
in temperature. When you first begin using your  
Defiant, minimize thermal stress by letting the plates  
adjust gradually during three or four initial break-in fires  
following Steps 1-3 below.  
Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire  
Burn only solid wood in the Defiant, and burn it  
directly on the grate. Do not elevate the fuel. Do not  
burn coal or other fuels.  
The damper must be open when starting a fire or  
when refueling.  
DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO  
START THE FIRE. DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR  
FLAMMABLE FLUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPH-  
THA, OR ENGINE OIL.  
1. Open the stove damper, and open the primary air  
control fully.  
4. If your Defiant has been broken-in previously  
using Steps 1-3, continue to build the fire gradually.  
Add larger wood with a diameter of 3-4" (75-100 mm).  
Continue adding split logs of this size to the briskly-  
burning fire until there is a glowing ember bed at least  
3" (75 mm) deep. (Fig. 28) A good ember bed is neces-  
sary for proper functioning of the catalytic system and  
may take an hour or more to establish.  
2. Place several sheets of crumpled newspaper in  
the stove. Do NOT use glossy advertisements or  
colored paper, as they can poison the catalyst. Place  
on the paper six or eight pieces of dry kindling split to a  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
5. Close the damper when the griddle temperature  
reaches 450°F (230˚C).  
6. Adjust the air control for your desired heat  
output.  
For best results when refueling, wear long-cuffed  
stove gloves to protect your hands and forearms, add  
fuel while the stove still has plenty of glowing embers  
to re-kindle the fire, and include some smaller pieces  
of wood in the new fuel load to help the stove regain its  
operating temperature quickly. Use this sequence as a  
guide to successful refueling:  
1. Open the damper.  
2. De-ash the stove as described above. Open the  
ashdoor and check the level of ash in the ash  
pan. Empty the pan if necessary and replace it  
in the stove. Close the ash door.  
3. Open the griddle, load the wood (smaller pieces  
first), and close the griddle.  
4. Close the damper.  
ST264  
5. When the surface temperature reaches 450° F.  
(230˚C), adjust the air control for the amount of  
Fig. 28 Add larger pieces of wood as the fire begins to burn  
well.  
heat you desire.  
NOTE: If the remaining charcoal bed is relatively  
thick and if your fuel is well seasoned, it is possible to  
add fresh fuel (smaller pieces first), close the door and  
damper, and reset the primary air thermostat for the  
desired heat output.  
NOTE: Stove installations vary widely, and the  
operating guidance given here is only a starting point .  
The draft management information on pages 24 will  
explain in detail how the features of your installation  
may help or hinder good draft, and how you may need  
to vary your firing technique if your installation doesn't  
WARNING: OPERATE YOUR DEFIANT ONLY WITH  
THE DOORS EITHER FULLY OPEN OR FULLY  
CLOSED.  
encourage a good draft.  
Refuel While the Embers Are Still Hot  
CAUTION: The Defiant will be hot while in  
When reloading, best results will be achieved if  
you first de-ash the stove by stirring the fuel bed to  
allow ash to fall through the grate into the ash pan.  
Do not break the charcoal into very small pieces or  
pound or compress the charcoal bed.  
It is important that air can circulate through the  
charcoal bed during the burn. Larger pieces of char-  
coal allow more air to circulate under the wood,  
resulting in the fire reviving more quickly. (Fig. 29)  
operation. Keep children, clothing and furniture  
away. Contact may cause skin burns.  
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER. Overfiring  
may cause a house fire, or can result in permanent  
damage to the stove and to the catalytic combustor. If  
any part of the Defiant other than the baffle and/or  
catalytic combustor glows, you are overfiring.  
The baffle is made of a special cast iron which can  
withstand higher temperatures than most other parts of  
your stove. It protects the catalytic element from direct  
flame impingement, which can shorten the catalyst’s  
life. Since the baffle is in the direct path of flame  
between the firebox and the catalyst, it reaches higher  
temperatures than other firebox parts, and it may glow  
at times. If it does glow, you will see this directly  
through the front doors. The glow is normal and does  
not indicate a problem.  
At times you may see a glow from the catalyst  
shining through the ports of the baffle. This is also  
normal and does not indicate a problem. The catalytic  
element, located below and behind the baffle, can glow  
at high temperatures. This is also normal. However, the  
element can be active and operate properly without  
glowing. The lack of a glow does not indicate that the  
catalyst isn’t working. Note that the catalyst is most  
ST264a  
Fig. 29 Add full size logs aafter the ember bed is 3” (75mm)  
deep.  
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likely to glow at its higher temperatures, which it  
reaches when the firebox is in its lower range - the  
catalyst is an afterburner, and the more waste fuel there  
is in the smoke, the hotter the catalyst gets.  
We strongly advise the use of a stove-top thermom-  
eter as a guide to stove performance. Normal operating  
temperatures are between 450 degrees F (220˚C) and  
700 degrees F (370˚C). Lower temperatures can  
indicate incomplete combustion and weak draft; higher  
temperatures can shorten the life of the castings.  
Ash Disposal  
Routine ash removal is important for ease of mainte-  
nance, and is important for the stove's durability.  
Remove ash before it reaches the top of the ash pan.  
Check the level at least once a day. Every few days,  
clear any ash from the outer edges of the firebox. Most  
of the ash will fall through the grate. Slice or stir the  
ash with a shovel or poker so that it falls through the  
grate slots.  
ST566  
Fig. 31 Be sure the cover is securely attached before  
removing the ash pan.  
• If the stove is in operation, close the ash door while  
disposing of the ash. You may need to lift the latch  
end of the door slightly to align the latch with the  
mating part on the stove bottom.  
• Properly dispose of the ash in a metal container with  
a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outdoors away  
from all combustible material.  
IMPORTANT: Check the level of ash in the ash pan  
before reloading the stove. If the ash level is close  
to the top edge of the pan, empty the pan according  
to this procedure:  
• Return the ash pan to its original position in the  
stove, and close and latch the ash door. Fig. 31.  
• Do not operate the stove with the ash door open.  
This will result in over-firing, and could cause  
damage to the stove, void the warranty, or even lead  
to a house fire.  
Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one to  
three days. The frequency will vary depending on how  
you operate your Defiant: ash will accumulate faster at  
• Open the damper.  
• Open the griddle or front doors, and use a shovel or  
poker to stir excess ash through the ash slots in the  
grate down into the ash pan.  
• Close the griddle or doors, and unlatch the ash door.  
(Fig. 30) It will pivot, swinging the ash pan out of the  
stove.  
• Slide the cover onto the pan, making sure it is  
securely closed. (Fig. 31)  
• Remove the ash pan, making sure to keep it level.  
To keep the cover from sliding off and to keep ash  
from falling on the floor, do not tilt the ash pan  
forward.  
higher heat outputs.  
Remove ash frequently and place it outdoors in a  
metal container with a tight-fitting lid. Place the closed  
container of ash on a noncombustible floor or on the  
ground, well away from all combustible materials,  
pending final disposal. If the ash is disposed of by  
burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, it should be  
kept in the closed container until all cinders have  
thoroughly cooled.  
You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer.  
CAUTION: Never use your household or shop  
vacuum cleaner to remove ash from the stove; always  
remove and dispose of the ash properly.  
Open  
Close  
ST546  
Fig. 30 Turn the ashdoor handle clockwise to open and  
counterclockwise to close.  
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Chimney Height  
DRAFT MANAGEMENT  
The common wisdom tells us that a taller flue draws  
better than a short one. This isn't necessarily so. If a  
chimney is tall enough to meet the safety requirements  
of the 2/3/10 foot rule, then adding more height isn't  
the right answer to a draft problem. In fact it could  
make the problem worse, by adding more mass to the  
chimney system, which the smoke must warm up, at  
the far end from the heat source (the stove). Don't  
make a chimney taller unless you must to meet the  
safety rules, or unless there's some nearby feature  
causing a downdraft. Even then, there are downdraft-  
preventing chimney caps available, which are probably  
the smarter choice.  
A stove is part of a system, which includes the  
chimney, the operator, the fuel, and the home. The  
other parts of the system will affect how well the stove  
works. When there is a good match between all the  
parts, the system works well.  
Wood stove or insert operation depends on natural  
(unforced) draft. Natural draft occurs when the smoke  
is hotter (and therefore lighter) than the outdoor air at  
the top of the chimney. The bigger the temperature  
difference, the stronger the draft. As the smoke rises  
from the chimney it provides suction or ‘draw’ that pulls  
air into the stove for combustion. A slow, lazy fire with  
the stove’s air inlets fully open indicates a weak draft.  
A brisk fire, supported only by air entering the stove  
through the normal inlets, indicates a good draft. The  
stove’s air inlets are passive; they regulate how much  
air can enter the stove, but they don’t move air into it.  
Depending on the features of your installation -  
steel or masonry chimney, inside or outside the house,  
matched to the stove’s outlet or oversized - your  
system may warm up quickly, or it may take a while to  
warm up and operate well. With an ‘airtight’ stove, one  
which restricts the amount of air getting into the  
firebox, the chimney must keep the smoke warm all  
the way to the outdoors in order for the stove to work  
well. Some chimneys do this better than others. Here’s  
Flue Sizing  
The inside size of a chimney for an ‘airtight’ stove  
should match the size of the stove’s flue outlet. When  
a chimney serves an airtight, more is not better; in fact,  
it can be a disadvantage. Hot gases lose heat through  
expansion; if we vent a stove with a six-inch flue collar  
(28 square inch area) into a 10 x 10" flue, the gases  
expand to over three times their original size. This  
cools the gases, which weakens draft strength. If an  
oversized flue is also outside the house, the heat it  
absorbs gets transferred to the outdoor air and the flue  
usually stays cool.  
It’s common for a masonry flue, especially one  
serving a fireplace, to be oversized for the stove. It can  
take quite a while to warm up such a flue, and the  
results can be disappointing. The best solution to an  
oversized flue is an insulated steel chimney liner, the  
same diameter as the stove or insert’s flue outlet; the  
liner keeps the smoke warm, and the result is a  
stronger draft. An uninsulated liner is a second choice -  
the liner keeps the smoke restricted to its original size,  
but the smoke still must warm up the air around the  
a list of features and their effects.  
Masonry Chimney  
Masonry is a traditional material for chimneys, but it  
can perform poorly when it serves an ‘airtight’ stove.  
Masonry is a very effective ‘heat sink’ - it absorbs a lot  
of heat. It can cool the smoke enough to diminish draft.  
The bigger the chimney, the longer it takes to warm  
up. It’s often very difficult to warm up an outdoor  
masonry chimney, especially an oversized one, and  
keep it warm enough to maintain an adequate draft.  
liner. This makes the warm-up process take longer.  
Pipe & Chimney Layout  
Steel Chimney  
Every turn the smoke must take as it travels to the  
chimney top will slow it down. The ideal pipe and  
chimney layout is straight up from the stove, to a  
completely straight chimney. If you’re starting from  
scratch, use this layout if possible. If the stovepipe  
must elbow to enter a chimney, locate the thimble  
about midway between the stove top and the ceiling.  
This achieves several goals: it lets the smoke speed up  
before it must turn, it leaves some pipe in the room for  
heat transfer, and it gives you long-term flexibility for  
installing a different stove without relocating the  
thimble.  
Most factory-made steel chimneys have a layer of  
insulation around the inner flue. This insulation keeps  
the smoke warm. The insulation is less dense than  
masonry, so a steel chimney warms up more quickly  
than a masonry chimney. Steel doesn’t have the good  
looks of masonry, but it performs much better.  
Indoor/Outdoor Location  
Because the chimney must keep the smoke warm, it’s  
best to locate it inside the house. This uses the house  
as insulation for the flue and allows some heat release  
into the home. An indoor chimney won’t lose its heat to  
the outdoors, so it takes less heat from the stove to  
heat it up and keep it warm.  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
weight; it can lose a third or more of its weight as it  
dries. Also look at the ends of a log; as it dries it  
shrinks and often cracks. The more weathered and  
cracked a piece is, the drier it is.  
There should be no more than eight feet of single-  
wall stove pipe between the stove and a chimney;  
longer runs can cool the smoke enough to cause draft  
and creosote problems. With prefabricated chimney,  
bring it down to six to eight feet from the stove. With a  
masonry chimney, arrange the pipe layout to elbow into  
the chimney within eight feet of the stove.  
Dry wood burns readily with a good chimney draft.  
But with modern stoves, especially catalytic ones, the  
wood can be too dry. While extra-dry wood has little  
creosote in it, the remainder can ‘gas out’ from the  
wood quickly and densely enough to overload the  
catalytic burner. If you hear a rumbling or roaring  
noise, like a propane torch, from the stove, that is a  
sign that the catalyst is seriously overfiring. The  
catalyst is a platinum film on a ceramic base; the metal  
can get to higher temperatures than the ceramic can  
take, and overfiring the catalyst can break it. Dry wood  
can also burn out faster than you want. If your dry  
wood burns out too quickly or overloads the catalyst  
Single Venting  
Each ‘airtight’ stove requires its own flue. If an airtight  
stove is vented to a flue that also serves an open  
fireplace, or a leakier stove, it’s easier for the chimney  
draft to pull air in through those channels than it is to  
pull air through the airtight, and performance suffers.  
Imagine a vacuum cleaner with a hole in the hose to  
see the effect here. In some cases the other appliance  
can even cause a negative draft through the airtight,  
and result in a dangerous draft reversal.  
you can mix in greener wood to slow the fire down.  
Back-puffing  
Creosote  
Back-puffing results when the fire produces volatile  
gases faster than the chimney draft pulls them out of  
the firebox. The gases back up in the firebox till they’re  
dense enough and hot enough to ignite. If your stove  
back-puffs, you should open up the damper to let the  
smoke rise to the flue more quickly, let more air into  
the firebox, and avoid big loads of firewood. You  
should always see lively, dancing flames in the firebox;  
a lazy, smoky fire is inefficient and can contribute to  
creosote buildup in the chimney.  
Creosote is a by-product of slow wood-burning. It’s  
an organic tar that can condense in the flue if it’s  
dense in the smoke, and slow-moving, and cools off to  
less than 290 degrees F (130˚C). Condensed creosote  
is volatile, and can generate chimney fires if it gets hot  
enough. All the features that affect chimney draft also  
affect creosote condensation - so use whatever  
combination of installation features and operational  
steps will encourage good draft and minimize creosote  
production.  
Because letting the smoke cool off and slow down  
is one of the keys to creosote production, it makes  
sense to line a chimney to match the stove’s outlet size,  
for safety reasons as well as performance. Canadian  
law requires a matching liner to serve any stove or  
insert vented through a fireplace chimney; in the US,  
the National Fire Protection Association recommends  
one if the flue is more than three times bigger (in  
square area) than the outlet on the stove or insert.  
Some localities enforce the NFPA guidelines as part of  
Draft Testing  
An easy way to test your chimney draft is to close the  
stove’s damper, wait a few minutes to let the airflow  
stabilize, then see whether you can vary the strength  
of the fire by swinging the air control open and closed.  
Results are not always instant; you may need to wait a  
few minutes for a change in the air control setting to  
have an effect on the fire. If there’s no change, then  
the draft isn’t strong enough yet to let you close the  
damper, and you’ll need to open it for a while longer  
and manage the fire with the air inlet until the draft  
strengthens. If you keep track of your burning habits  
and relate them to their effects on the stove’s opera-  
tion, you’ll be rewarded with good performance and a  
safe system.  
their building codes.  
Fuel  
Even the best stove installation will not perform  
well with poor fuel. The best fuel is hardwood that has  
air-dried 12-18 months. Softwood burns, but not as  
long as hardwood. Fairly ‘green’ wood has a lot of  
moisture in it; it will burn, but some of the heat potential  
is used to drive the remaining moisture off the wood.  
This reduces the amount of heat that reaches your  
home and can contribute to a creosote problem. There  
are moisture meters available for firewood; you can  
also judge your wood by its appearance and weight. If  
you get it green, lift a piece and get a sense of its  
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Negative Pressure  
Good draft also depends on a supply of air to the  
stove; a chimney can’t pull in more air than is available  
to it. Sluggish draft results when a house is tight  
enough to prevent the ready flow of air to the stove, or  
by competition between the stove and other equipment  
that sends indoor air outside - especially power-driven  
equipment like range hoods, clothes dryers, etc. If the  
chimney draws well with all other equipment turned off  
(or sealed, in the case of fireplaces and/or other  
stoves), then you simply need to be careful with timing  
the use of the other gear. If you need to crack a nearby  
window or door to enable the chimney to pull well,  
that’s a sign that you should install an outside-air  
intake to bring combustion air directly to the stove. An  
outside air adapter will attach to the stove to connect  
an air duct for outdoor combustion air.  
Conclusion  
Wood-burning is an art rather than a science. Once the  
stove and chimney system are in place, you can only  
vary your technique, mostly your timing, to achieve  
good results. If you keep track of your burning habits  
and relate them to their effects on the stove’s opera-  
tion, you’ll be rewarded with good performance and a  
safe system.  
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Maintenance  
Keep Your Stove Looking New and  
Removing the Glass  
Working Its Best  
1. Remove the right and left door assemblies by  
raising the door until the lower hinge pin clears its  
hole; then, angle the door bottom slightly outward  
and pull down to release the upper hinge pin. Place  
the doors face down on a padded work surface. Be  
especially careful with enamelled doors.  
2. Remove the screws that hold the glass retainer clips  
in place, and remove the clips.  
3. Carefully lift the broken glass panel from the door.  
Let the fire in the stove go out and allow the stove to  
cool completely before beginning any maintenance  
procedure.  
Care of the Cast Iron Surface  
An occasional dusting with a dry rag will keep the  
painted cast iron of your Defiant looking new.  
The stove’s paint can be touched up as needed.  
First, mask the areas, such as enamelled parts, glass,  
or handles, around the spot to be painted. Clean the  
spot with a wire brush. Remove the griddle and set it  
aside. It is normal for the griddle to darken after use.  
You can clean it with a fine-bristle wire brush, or steel  
wool.  
Installing the Glass  
Check the gasket around the window; it should be soft  
and resilient so that the glass will seal properly against  
the door. Replace the gasket if it has hardened or if it  
is compressed.  
1. Center the glass on the gasket. Be sure to place the  
glass so that the infrared reflective coating is on the  
exterior side, facing toward the room.  
2. Secure the glass on both doors with the retainer  
clips. Tighten all screws. (Fig. 32)  
3. Replace the doors on the stove.  
Then, touch up the stove with Vermont Castings’ high  
temperature stove paint. Apply the paint sparingly; two  
light coats of paint are better than a single heavy one.  
Care of the Porcelain Enamel Surface  
Use a dry or slightly damp rag or soft brush to remove  
spills or stains. For difficult jobs that require a cleaning  
agent, use only a kitchen appliance cleaner or polish  
recommended for use on enamel surfaces.  
4. Open and close the doors to check that they fit and  
work properly. Adjust as necessary.  
Cleaning the Glass  
Most of the carbon deposits on the glass will burn  
off during hot fires.  
Retainer  
Clips (4)  
However, the ash residue that accumulates on the  
glass surface should be removed regularly to prevent  
etching. To clean the glass, follow this procedure:  
• Be sure the glass is completely cool.  
• Clean the glass with water or a cleaner made  
especially for this purpose. Do not use abrasive  
cleaners. Use cleaning agents sparingly and be  
sure to keep them off the outer surfaces of the  
stove.  
Glass Panel  
Gasket  
ST547  
• Rinse the glass thoroughly.  
• Dry the glass completely.  
Fig. 32 An exploded view of the glass assembly on the left  
door.  
Replace Broken Glass Immediately  
Do not operate your stove if the glass in the doors  
is damaged.  
If you need to replace the glass, use only the high  
temperature ceramic glass supplied by Vermont  
Castings. Do not use substitutes. Be sure to specify  
left or right glass; the panels are not interchangeable,  
due to a heat-reflective coating on the side toward the  
room.  
27  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Check the Operation of the  
Pressure  
Adjusting  
Screw  
Primary Air Shutter  
Lock Nut  
Damper  
Allen  
Wrench  
The primary air shutter is at the back of the ash  
drop and is visible from the back of the stove. (Fig. 33)  
The shutter must open and close freely when you  
move the thermostat lever. If it doesn’t, remove any  
obstruction. If you need assistance, consult your local  
Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer.  
ST554  
Do not change the adjustment of the cable in an  
attempt to gain increased firing. The air shutter controls  
how much air can enter the stove, but chimney draft is  
the force that pulls air into the stove. If changing the  
thermostat handle position does not lead to changes in  
the fire's intensity within four or five minutes, it's  
probably due to weak chimney draft (in the case of a  
weak fire you can't increase) or an air leak in the stove  
(in the case of a fire you can't decrease).  
Fig. 34 Adjust the damper with the Allen wrench.  
Tighten the Damper Handle as Needed  
A handle on the left side of the stove controls the  
damper. The handle attaches to the damper rod with a  
set screw. Periodically check the set screw and tighten  
as necessary.  
How to Adjust the Door Latches  
The Defiant’s doors should close securely to  
prevent accidental opening and to keep air from  
leaking into the stove. On adequately adjusted doors,  
the handles should resist slightly as they are turned to  
the closed position and the doors themselves should  
be drawn slightly toward the stove.  
T
AN  
I
F
E
D
Over time, the gasket around the doors will com-  
press and the latches may need adjustment.  
To adjust the latches, loosen the small lock nut, rotate  
the striker screw a half-turn, and re-tighten the small  
lock nut. (Fig. 35) Your stove kit includes an Allen  
wrench for latch adjustments. Hold the striker screw to  
keep it from turning as you tighten the lock nut. Make  
ST548  
Primary Air Shutter  
repeated small adjustments until the setting is right.  
Fig. 33 The primary air shutter must move freely.  
Pawl  
Adjust the Damper as Needed  
Small  
The tension on the Defiant's damper is adjustable to  
compensate for compression of the gasket that seals  
the damper to the upper fireback. To adjust the  
damper:  
Locking Nut  
Striker Screw  
Large  
Locking  
Nut  
1. Remove the griddle. Loosen the lock nut at the  
center of the damper. (Fig. 34)  
2. Turn the pressure screw approximately one half turn  
clockwise with an Allen wrench provided with your  
stove.  
3. Tighten the lock nut. Prevent the pressure screw  
from turning as you tighten the nut. Re-test the  
Set Screw  
damper.  
Handle Stub  
ST531  
Fig. 35 Turn the door latch striker screw in or out to tighten of  
loosen the screw.  
28  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Burning “green” (insufficiently seasoned) wood will  
result in poorer performance than burning properly  
seasoned fuel. You may have to run your stove hotter  
(more air) to achieve acceptable performance using  
green or wet wood.  
Also, consider any changes in your operating  
routine.  
Once you have ruled out any other possible causes  
for a decline in performance, inspect and clean the  
combustor if necessary. Be sure to protect any surface  
The Catalytic Element  
This wood heater contains a catalytic combustor,  
which needs periodic inspection and replacement for  
proper operation. In the United States it is against the  
law to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsis-  
tent with the operating instructions in this manual, or if  
the catalytic element is deactivated or removed.  
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic  
combustor should remain active for two to six years  
(depending on the amount of wood burned). However,  
it is important to monitor the combustor periodically to  
ensure that it is functioning properly, as well as to  
determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-  
functioning combustor will result in a loss of heating  
you use for setting the stove parts aside.  
Inspecting the Combustor  
1. Lift the baffle off its support brackets, and then  
remove it from the stove and place it on a protected  
surface. (Fig. 36)  
efficiency, and an increase in creosote and emissions.  
2. Use a flashlight, and a mirror if necessary, to exam-  
ine the combustor. If no fly ash or damage is visible,  
the inspection is complete and you may replace the  
baffle. If closer examination or cleaning is needed,  
Inspection and Cleaning  
Inspect the combustor “in place” for fly ash accu-  
mulation and physical damage three times per year.  
Clean the combustor as needed. Do not remove the  
combustor unless a more detailed inspection is war-  
ranted because of diminished performance as outlined  
in the next section.  
The refractory package that houses the catalytic  
combustor should be inspected annually for a buildup  
of fly ash and cleaned if necessary. This may be done  
go to the next section.  
Baffle Support  
Brackets  
when you examine the combustor.  
When To Suspect a Combustor Problem  
The best way to evaluate the performance of your  
Defiant’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke  
leaving the chimney — both when the combustor has  
“lighted-off” and when it has not. Follow these steps:  
With a fire going and the combustor properly  
activated, with the damper closed to route smoke  
through it as described in the Operation Section, go  
outside and observe the smoke leaving the chim-  
ney.  
Catalytic  
Element  
ST555  
Fig. 36 Lift the baffle off its supports to inspect the catlyst.  
Then, open the stove damper and once again check  
the smoke leaving the chimney.  
Removing and Cleaning the Combustor  
You should see significantly more smoke when the  
stove damper is open and exhaust does not pass  
through the combustor. However, be careful not to  
confuse smoke with steam from wet wood. Steam  
dissipates in the air quickly; smoke does not.  
If this test indicates a problem, consider other  
possible factors as well, such as the weather or a  
change in the quality of your fuel. In warm weather,  
draft is weaker than it is in colder winter weather, and  
fires can burn sluggishly. Small, hot fires are a good  
1. Remove the firebricks. Lift off the steel clip and  
remove the bricks individually. (Fig. 37)  
2. Tap the left and right wedges upward, and remove  
the lower fireback by pulling it forward. You can  
either let it lie face down on the firebox floor, or  
remove it from the stove, through the front door  
opening. (Fig. 38)  
solution under these conditions.  
29  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Alignment Notches  
Right Wedge  
Left Wedge  
Catalytic  
Element  
Brick Guide  
Brick Clip  
Catalytic Access  
Panel  
ST558  
Bricks  
ST556  
Fig. 39 Remove and inspect the catalytic element.  
Fig. 37 Remove the bricks and the brick retainer.  
5. Inspect the element for damage or degradation.  
Although small hairline cracks will not affect perfor-  
mance, the element should be essentially intact. If  
the element is broken in pieces or has sections  
missing, it should be replaced. Call your local  
Vermont CastingsMajestic Products Company  
Authorized Dealer for a replacement element.  
While the catalytic element is removed, check the  
condition of the secondary air probe. Use an inspection  
mirror to locate the probe within the combustion  
chamber. (Fig. 40) The probe should extend 1” to 1¹⁄₂”  
into the chamber and show no signs of excessive  
deterioration, such as warping, corrosion, or short  
length. A damaged secondary air probe can affect  
catalytic performance. If the probe needs replacement,  
contact your local dealer.  
Lower Fireback  
ST557  
Fig. 38 Remove the lower fireback.  
3. Carefully remove the catalytic combustor’s refractory  
access cover, then remove the combustor. The  
refractory material is brittle; handle it carefully. (Fig.  
39)  
4. Check the combustor's honeycomb-like element for  
a buildup of fly ash. If any is evident, take the  
combustor outside and clean it by blowing air gently  
through it. Do not push anything through the honey-  
comb; do not use compressed air to clear the  
passages. Such abrasion can scrape the thin  
coating of platinum (the catalyst) off the ceramic  
base, shortening the catalyst's life and reducing its  
effectiveness.  
1"  
ST559  
Fig. 40 Use an inspection mirror to check the reflected view  
of the secondary probe.  
30  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Wait until the fire is out and the stove has cooled.  
Be sure to follow the standard safety procedure for  
working with dusty materials: wear safety goggles and  
a dust mask.  
The procedure for replacing gaskets is the same,  
regardless of the gasket location. Follow these eight  
steps:  
6. If the element is in good condition and clean, re-  
install it in the stove and replace the refractory  
access cover.  
7. Replace the fireback, the five bricks and their clip,  
the left and right wedges, and the baffle. When you  
install the lower fireback, be sure to align the two  
slight recesses in its bottom forward edge behind  
the mating tabs on the firebox floor. (Fig. 37) When  
you install the wedges, be sure to place their rear  
vertical edges against the outermost left and right  
edges of the lower fireback, to ensure a good seal  
between the lower fireback and the stove's outer  
back. Tap them downward to seat them snugly, but  
do not overly tight.  
1. Remove the existing gasket by grasping an end and  
pulling firmly. (Fig. 41)  
2. Use a wire brush or the tip of a screwdriver to clean  
the channel of any remaining cement or bits of gasket.  
Remove stubborn deposits of cement with a cold chisel  
if necessary. (Fig. 41)  
8. Clean the chimney and chimney connector.  
Operate the stove in your usual manner for two  
weeks, inspecting the chimney and the chimney  
connector frequently during this period.  
If creosote does not build up as fast, it is likely that  
the performance change was caused by fly ash depos-  
its on the catalytic element. However, continue the  
inspections of the chimney system for a few weeks to  
ensure that proper performance continues.  
If you continue to find a significant creosote  
buildup or if you continue to see excessive smoke from  
the chimney, the catalytic element will need to be  
replaced. Contact your nearest Vermont Castings’  
Authorized Dealer for information about a replacement  
element.  
ST561  
Fig. 41 Remove gasket then clean channel with wire brush.  
3. Determine the correct length of the appropriate-  
sized gasket by laying it out in the channel. Allow an  
extra 1-2" (25-50 mm), and mark the spot to be cut.  
4. Remove the gasket from the channel, place it on a  
wood cutting surface, and cut it at the marked spot with  
a utility knife.  
NOTE: Use only the replacement catalyst supplied  
by a Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company  
dealer.  
Twist the ends slightly to keep the gasket from unravel-  
ing.  
Replace the Stove Gaskets as Needed  
5. Lay an unbroken 1/8" (3 mm) bead of gasket cement  
in the newly-cleaned channel. (Fig. 42)  
Your Defiant uses fiberglass rope gaskets to make  
a tight seal between some parts. With use, particularly  
on moving parts, gaskets can become brittle and  
compressed and can begin to lose their effectiveness.  
These will need periodic replacement.  
The sizes of replaceable gasket are listed below,  
along with their applications.  
6. Starting at one end, press the gasket into the  
channel. (Fig. 42) Ensure a good joint where the  
gasket meets before trimming any excess. Do not  
overlap the gasket ends or leave ends with ragged  
edges.  
Gasket Diameter... ...And the Parts it Seals  
5/16"  
The griddle to the stove top  
(wire reinforced gasket)  
5/16"  
The damper to the upper fireback; the  
front doors to the stove front; and the  
doors to each other.  
3/8"  
The ash door to the front of the bottom  
panel  
ve Gasket  
Sto  
Cement  
If you need to change a gasket, first obtain an  
appropriate replacement from your Vermont Castings  
Majestic Products Company Authorized Dealer.  
ST561  
Fig. 42 Lay a bead of gasket cement then press gasket in  
place.  
31  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
7. Press the gasketed part firmly against its normal  
mating surface to seat the gasket evenly in its channel.  
Close and latch the door to do this, or tap other parts  
with the rubber mallet (or hammer/block of wood).  
Inspect the system every two weeks during the  
heating season as part of a regular maintenance  
schedule. To inspect the chimney, let the stove cool  
completely. Then, using a mirror and a strong light,  
sight up through the flue collar into the chimney flue. If  
you cannot inspect the flue system in this fashion, the  
stove must be disconnected to provide better viewing  
access.  
Clean the chimney using a brush the same size  
and shape as the flue liner. Flexible fiberglass rods are  
used to run the brush up and down the liner, causing  
any deposits to fall to the bottom of the chimney where  
they can be removed through the clean-out door.  
Clean the chimney connector by disconnecting the  
sections, taking them outside, and removing any  
deposits with a stiff wire brush. Reinstall the connector  
sections after cleaning, being sure to secure the joints  
between individual sections with sheet metal screws.  
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney your-  
self, contact your local Vermont CastingsMajestic  
Products Company Dealer or a professional chimney  
8. Clean any excess cement from around the channel,  
then let the cement that holds the new gasket dry  
thoroughly.  
Adjust the Door Latch If Necessary  
The stove’s doors may need adjustment after you have  
regasketed them. Initially, it may require loosening the  
latch to accommodate the new gasket; after a few  
weeks, it may need tightening to compensate for  
compression of the new gasket. The directions for  
adjusting the latches are on page 28.  
Permanent Defiant Gaskets  
Other gaskets form seals between non-moving parts,  
but these are not subject to the same wear and dete-  
rioration as gaskets on moving parts. It is unlikely that  
you will ever need to replace these gaskets unless the  
involved parts are disassembled and then put back  
together. If this is the case, the job should be done  
only by a qualified service technician.  
sweep.  
Annual Maintenance  
5/16" diameter gasket seals the following parts:  
• The lower fireback to the back panel  
• The left and right air plates (inner sides)  
The Chimney System  
Creosote  
Every Spring, at the end of the heating season, per-  
form a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair:  
Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connector.  
Inspect the chimney for damage and  
deterioration.Replace weak sections of prefabricated  
chimney. Have a mason make repairs to a masonry  
chimney.  
Inspect the chimney connector and replace any  
damaged sections.  
Check gasketing for wear or compression, and  
replace if necessary.  
Inspect and clean the catalytic element. Lightly clean  
the refractory assembly that houses the element but be  
careful not to damage the refractory material, which is  
very fragile.  
Clean the glass. Ash left on the glass can etch it,  
resulting in a chalky appearance. Also check for  
cracking; replace if needed.  
Check door and damper handles for tightness. Adjust  
if needed.  
Check heat shield screws. Tighten as necessary.  
Clean dust from the inner sides of bottom, rear and  
connector heat shields.  
Use a clean, dry, fine-bristle wire brush to remove any  
built-up accumulation on the top of the griddle. It is  
normal for the griddle to darken with use, and this is not  
treatable.  
Your Defiant is designed to reduce creosote build-  
up significantly. However, regular chimney inspection  
and maintenance must still be performed. For safety,  
good stove performance, and to protect your chimney  
and chimney connector, inspect your chimney and  
chimney connector on a regular schedule. Clean the  
system if necessary. Failure to keep the chimney and  
connector system clean can result in a serious chim-  
ney fire.  
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar,  
organic vapors and moisture that combine to form  
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the rela-  
tively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a  
result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining.  
When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot  
fire within the flue system that can damage the chim-  
ney and overheat adjacent combustible material. If a  
significant layer of creosote has accumulated —1/8" (3  
mm) or more — it should be removed to reduce the  
risk of a chimney fire.  
Remove ashes from the ash pan and replace with  
moisture absorbing material (such as cat litter) to keep  
the stove interior dry.  
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly to:  
• Close the damper and thermostat lever.  
• Get everyone out of the house.  
Touch up the paint on black stoves.  
• Call the Fire Department.  
32  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Appendix: Catalytic Combustor  
In any chemical reaction, including the combustion  
process, there are certain conditions which must be  
met before the reaction can take place. For example,  
a reaction may require a certain temperature, or a  
certain concentration of the reactants (the combustion  
gases and oxygen), or a certain amount of time.  
Catalysts act at a molecular level to change these  
requirements, though they are not changed themselves  
during the reaction. In the Defiant's secondary com-  
bustion chamber the catalyst reduces the temperature  
at which secondary combustion can start from the  
1000 - 1200° F. (540 - 650° C) range to the 500 - 600°  
F. (260 - 315° C) range, increasing efficiency, and  
reducing creosote and emissions.  
wood, coal, household trash, colored papers, metal  
foils, or plastics. Chemical chimney cleaners may also  
contain harmful elements. The safest approach is to  
burn only untreated, natural wood.  
Flame Impingement  
The catalytic element is not designed for exposure  
to direct flame. If you continually overfire your Defiant,  
the chemistry of the catalyst coating may be altered,  
inhibiting the combustion process. Do not use your  
Defiant with the baffle removed or damaged, as it  
shields the catalytic element from direct flame.  
Thermal degradation of the ceramic base may also  
occur, causing the element to disintegrate. Stay within  
The catalytic reaction does have some limitations  
of its own. Primary among these is that the reactants  
(the gases) come into close physical contact with the  
catalyst itself.  
To ensure the necessary contact, the catalytic  
element in your Defiant is a ceramic base in the shape  
of a honeycomb. Each of the honeycomb’s many  
surfaces carries a coating of the catalyst (usually a  
noble metal such as platinum or palladium). The large  
surface area exposed in this way ensures that the  
combustion gases have the greatest opportunity to  
come in contact with the catalyst.  
Loss of catalytic activity will be apparent in several  
ways. First you may notice an increase in fuel con-  
sumption. Second, there will be a visible increase in  
the rate at which creosote builds up in your chimney  
connector system. You may also notice a heavy  
discharge of smoke from the chimney. There are a  
number of catalytic problems which can cause loss of  
the recommended guidelines of the Operation section.  
Overfiring  
At low firing rates, especially with a large load of fuel,  
the catalytic element can become overloaded with  
gases which do not burn in the firebox. This puts  
increased strain on the catalytic element, causing it to  
operate near or even beyond the high end of its normal  
temperature range. An immediate sign of this is a low  
rumbling sound, or a sound like a small gas torch,  
coming from the stove's rear chamber. If you frequently  
hear such a sound, or continually see a bright glow  
through the baffle, open up the stove's primary air  
valve to make the fire burn more cleanly in the firebox,  
and cut back on the size of your firewood load. Essen-  
tially the catalyst is an afterburner, and will last longer  
under lighter loads.  
Mechanical Damage  
activity:  
If the element is mishandled, damage may occur.  
Always treat the element carefully. Remember the  
catalyst is made of a ceramic material; treat it as you  
would fine china. Hairline cracks will not affect the  
performance of the catalyst, as long as the steel sleeve  
holds the element in the proper position.  
Blockage  
While the honeycomb pattern ensures good contact, it  
also increases the resistance to flow of the combustion  
gases, and, because of the many surfaces, provides  
more places for creosote and fly ash to deposit. It is  
important to follow the operating instructions in order to  
minimize these deposits, and to periodically inspect  
your catalyst for signs of blockage.  
Peeling  
The surface coat may peel if the catalytic element is  
frequently subjected to excessive temperatures.  
Follow the operating instructions carefully to avoid this  
type of damage.  
Masking and Poisoning  
While the catalyst itself does not enter into the  
combustion process, certain elements, such as lead  
and sulfur, can attach to the active sites on the surface  
of the honeycomb. Though the catalyst is still there, it  
is covered, or masked, by the contaminant, and cannot  
function. To avoid this situation, it is important not to  
burn anything in your Defiant that is a source of these  
contaminants. Particularly avoid painted or treated  
General  
Every Vermont Castings’ Defiant is equipped with  
either a Corning “Long-Life”® or an Applied Ceramics  
combustor. The products are equivalent.  
If you must ship your catalytic element for any  
reason, remember its fragile nature. Place the element  
in a plastic bag, and package it with a generous  
amount of shock absorbing material.  
33  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Appendix: Chimney and Fireplace Hazards  
General -  
A. Improper chimney height. The top of the chimney  
must be at least 3 feet higher than the spot where it  
passes through or past the roof, or two feet higher  
than everything else within ten feet horizontally,  
whichever is higher.  
B
A
C
B. Deteriorated chimney cap  
C. Structural defects indicated by creosote stains on  
outside of chimney  
D. Blockage within chimney  
E. Improper clearance between chimney and nearby  
combustibles (less than 2" - check local codes)  
K. Loose or leaky cleanout door  
E
F
For a fireplace -  
D
F. Improper clearance between smoke chamber and  
framing materials - (less than 2" - check local codes)  
G. Creosote buildup on smoke shelf  
G
H. Structural deterioration  
I. Loose or broken bricks or mortar  
J. Insufficient hearth depth. The hearth must extend  
16" (18"/460mm in Canada) beyond the fireplace  
opening. With a fireplace insert, or a free-standing  
stove vented through a fireplace, the hearth must  
extend 16" (18"/460mm in Canada) beyond the front  
H
door opening of the stove or insert.  
I
J
K
H
ST562  
34  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
14  
26  
22  
16  
18  
13  
75  
5
91  
17  
29  
19  
23  
2
24  
1
24  
25  
21  
20  
3
6
39  
8
12  
4
38  
68  
47  
9
27  
36  
7
37  
10  
89  
49  
11  
28  
46  
84  
34  
77  
48  
72  
54  
33  
86  
31  
30  
40  
85  
87  
64  
66  
74  
83  
50  
78  
41  
52  
88  
54  
35  
53  
76  
44  
80  
79  
56  
70  
82  
67  
66  
90  
45  
42  
55  
81  
80  
43  
65  
57  
59  
58  
71  
85  
61  
74  
73  
51  
83  
0968  
The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company reserves the right to make changes in design, materials, specifications, prices and discontinue  
colors and products at any time, without notice.  
Defiant Woodburning Stove  
Item/Model Number  
1. Secondary Air Cover Plate  
2. Secondary Air Probe Assy  
3. Secondary Air Link  
4. Secondary Air Flap  
5. Griddle Gasket  
Part Number  
1601492  
1601489  
1601486  
1601490  
1203668  
1300631  
Item/Model Number  
7. Left Heat Deflector  
8. Right Heat Deflector  
9. Refractory Assy (Body only)  
10. Catalytic Combustor  
11. Refractory Access Panel  
12. Thermostat Friction Spring  
Part Number  
1608629  
1608630  
1602512  
30001152  
1602511  
6. Back  
1201846  
35  
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Vermont Castings Defiant  
Defiant (continued)  
Item/Model Number  
Part Number  
Item/Model Number  
51. Andiron Shelf  
52. Leg Leveller  
53. Ashdoor Handle Shaft  
54. Door Latch Assy  
55. Ashdoor  
56. Ashdoor Handle (Wood)  
57. Ashdoor Hinge Pin  
58. C-Clip  
59. Ashdoor Bottom Hinge Support  
60. Ashpan  
61. Ashpan Bracket  
62. Ashpan Cover  
63. Ashpan Cover Handle  
64. Primary Air Valve Assy  
65. Primary Air Frame3  
66. Primary Air Rod3  
67. Primary Air Valve3  
68. Thermostat Handle  
70. Airwash Manifold  
71. Front  
Part Number  
1300640  
1201745  
1600622  
50040258  
1300619  
1600663  
1206061  
1600553  
1300642  
1600068  
1600060  
1600069  
1301254  
5000024  
1307411  
1600058  
1307412  
1600660  
1300627  
1300624  
5005471  
1300626  
1300645  
1300632  
1601396  
5004237  
1300625  
1203588  
1203512  
1600064  
1600062  
1600547  
1201779  
1600547  
1600650  
1600620  
1201294  
1201243  
1600064  
1202475  
0005928  
13. Left Griddle Quadrant  
14. Right Griddle Quadrant  
16. Griddle  
1301807  
1301832  
1301641  
1600657  
1600070  
1201308  
5000030  
1300643  
1300633  
1300634  
1601488  
1600065  
1201895  
1300635  
1300638  
1301374  
1201310  
1600644  
5004265  
1300630  
1300637  
1300636  
1300629  
5004264  
5005470  
1300639  
1300622  
1300620  
1600059  
1300618  
1300621  
1300628  
1300644  
1601103  
1600066  
1300646  
17. Griddle Handle  
18. Griddle Handle Spacer  
19. Griddle Handle Bolt  
20. Upper Firebrick Assy  
21. Damper Ramp1  
22. Upper Firebrick1  
23. Damper1  
24. Damepr Tab1  
25. Damper Rod1  
26. Griddle Handle Bushing  
27. Throat Baffle  
28. Lower Fireback  
29. Upper Fireback Bolt  
30. Damper Handle Screw  
31. Damper Handle  
33. Damper Handle Base Assy  
34. Left Side  
35. Left Air Plate (Inner Side)  
36. Right Air Plate (Inner Side)  
37. Right Side  
38. Thermostat Handle Base Assy  
39. Thermostat Assy  
40. Grate  
41. Primary Air Cover Plate  
42. Top Ashdoor Hinge Support  
43. Door Handle Holder  
44. Bottom  
72. Thermostat Cable  
73. Left Door  
74. Door Hinge Strip  
75. Top  
76. Glass Clip  
77. Front Door Handle & Shaft  
78. Right Door  
79. Door Gasket  
80. Glass Gasket  
81. Left Door Glass2  
82. Right Door Glass2  
83. Lower Door Hinge Pin  
84. Spacer (for Damper Rod)  
85. Upper Door Hinge Pin  
86. Handle Base Stub4  
87. Ceramic Handle4  
88. Handle Bolt4  
45. Ashlip  
46. Left Side Wedge  
47. Right Side Wedge  
48. Firebrick (1¹⁄₄” x 4¹⁄₂” x 9”)  
49. Firebrick Retainer  
50. Andiron  
89. Thermostat Handle Bolt  
90. Ash Pan Cover Assy  
91. Flate Washer  
NOTES:  
In this diagram and throughout this manual, ‘left’ and  
‘right’ mean as you face the stove.  
Finish Bag  
When ordering parts, be sure to mention the stove’s  
model number. When ordering external pars, be sure to  
specify color.  
1.Included in Item #20, #5000030 Upper Fireback Assy.  
2.Not interchangeable, due to a heat-reflective coating  
on the room side of the glass.  
3.Included in Item #64, 5000024 Primary Air Assy.  
4.Included in #5004282 Ceramic Handle Assy.  
The hardware in the Defiant is in standard sizes; most  
bolts are 1/4” diameter by 20 threads per inch. Any  
hardware store can supply replacement hardware if you  
specify bolt diameter, number of threads per inch and  
length.  
36  
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Warranty  
Exclusions & Limitations  
Limited 3 Year Warranty  
1. This warranty is transferable; however, proof of original retail  
purchase is required.  
The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company warrants that  
this woodburning stove will be free of defects in material and  
workmanship for a period of three years from the date you receive  
it, except that the catalyst, thermostat assembly, handles, glass  
door panels, cement, and gasketing shall be warranted as  
described below.  
The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company will repair or  
replace, at its option, any part found to be defective upon inspection by  
a Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company Authorized Dealer.  
The customer must return the defective part or the stove, with shipping  
prepaid, to the Authorized Dealer or pay for any Authorized Dealer in-  
home travel fees or service charges for in-home repair work. It is the  
dealer's option whether the repair work will be done in the customer's  
home or in the dealer's shop. If, upon inspection, the damage is found  
to be the fault of the manufacturer, repairs will be authorized at no  
charge to the customer for parts and/or labor.  
2. This warranty does not cover misuse of the Intrepid II. Misuse  
includes overfiring which will result if the Intrepid II is used in such a  
manner as to cause one or more of the plates to glow red. Overfiring  
can be identified later by warped plates and areas where the paint  
pigment has burned off. Overfiring in enamel fireplaces is identified by  
bubbling, cracking, chipping and discoloration of the porcelain enamel  
finish. The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company offers no  
warranty on chipping of enamel surfaces. Inspect your woodburning  
stove prior to accepting it for any damage to the enamel.  
3. This warranty does not cover misuse of the stove as described in  
the Owner’s Guide, nor does it cover an stove which has been modified  
unless authorized by a Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company  
representative in writing. This warranty does not cover damage to the  
Intrepid II caused by burning salt saturated wood, chemically treated  
wood, or any fuel not recommended in the Owner’s Guide.  
4. This warranty does not cover a stove repaired by someone other  
than a Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company Authorized  
Dealer.  
5. Damage to the unit while in transit is not covered by this warranty  
but is subject to a claim against the common carrier. Contact The  
Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company Authorized Dealer from  
whom you purchased your stove or The Vermont Castings Majestic  
Products Company if the purchase was direct. (Do not operate the  
stove as this may negate the ability to process the claim with the  
carrier.)  
6. Claims are not valid where the installation does not conform to  
local building and fire codes or, in their absence, to the recommenda-  
tions in our Owner’s Guide.  
Any woodburning stove or part thereof that is repaired or  
replaced during the limited warranty period will be warranted under the  
terms of the limited warranty for a period not to exceed the remaining  
term of the original limited warranty or six (6) months, whichever is  
longer.  
Limited 1 Year Warranty  
The following parts of the woodburning stove are warranted to be free  
of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one year from  
the date you receive it: The thermostat assembly, handles, glass door  
panels, cement, and gasketing. Any of these items found to be  
defective will be repaired or replaced at no charge, upon the return of  
the part with postage prepaid to a Vermont Castings Majestic  
Products Company Authorized Dealer.  
Any part repaired or replaced during the limited warranty period  
will be warranted under the terms of the limited warranty for a period  
not to exceed the remaining term of the original limited warranty or six  
(6) months, whichever is longer.  
7. The salt air environment of coastal areas, or a high-humidity  
environment, can be corrosive to the porcelain enamel finish. These  
conditions can cause rusting of the cast iron beneath the porcelain  
enamel finish, which will cause the porcelain enamel finish to flake off.  
This warranty does not cover damage caused by a salt air or high-  
humidity environment.  
8. The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company shall have no  
obligation to enhance or update any unit once manufactured.  
IN NO EVENT SHALL THE VERMONT CASTINGS MAJESTIC  
PRODUCTS COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL AND CONSE-  
QUENTIAL DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING  
THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS,  
ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY.  
THIS WARRANTY SUPERCEDES ALL OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN  
WARRANTIES.  
Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitations of  
incidential and consequential damages or limitations on how long an  
implied warranty lasts, so the above limitations may not apply to you.  
This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other rights  
which vary from state to state.  
Limited Catalyst Warranty  
The catalyst will be warranted for a six year period as follows: If the  
original catalyst or a replacement catalyst proves defective or ceases  
to maintain 70% of its particulate emission reduction activity (as  
measured by an approved testing procedure) within 24 months from  
the date the Intrepid II is received, the catalyst itself will be replaced  
free.  
From 25 - 72 months a pro-rated credit will be allowed against a  
replacement catalyst and the cost of labor necessary for its installation  
at the time of replacement.  
For stove purchases made after June 30, 1990, a third year  
(25 - 36 months) of no charge replacement will be made when  
combustor failure is due to thermal degradation of the substrate  
(crumbling of ceramic material). The customer must pay for any in-  
home travel fees, service charges, or transportation costs for returning  
the Intrepid II to the Authorized Dealer.  
How to Obtain Service  
If a defect is noted within the warranty period, the customer should  
contact a Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company Authorized  
Dealer or The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company if the  
purchase was direct with the following information:  
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the purchaser.  
2. Date of purchase.  
Amount of Time  
Since Purchase  
0 - 24 months  
25 - 36 months  
37 - 48 months  
49 - 60 months  
61 - 72 months  
Credit Towards  
Replacement Cost  
100%  
50 %  
30%  
20%  
10%  
3. Serial number from the label on the back.  
4. Nature of the defect or damage.  
Any replacement catalyst will be warranted under the terms of the  
catalyst warranty for the remaining term of the original warranty. The  
purchaser must provide the following information in order to receive a  
replacement catalyst under the terms of this limited warranty:  
1. Name, address and telephone number.  
5. Any relevant information or circumstances, e.g., installation,  
mode of operation when defect was noted.  
A warranty claim will then start in process. The Vermont Castings  
Majestic Products Company reserves the right to withhold final  
approval of a warranty claim pending a visual inspection of the defect  
by authorized representatives.  
2. Proof of original purchase date.  
3. Date of failure of catalyst.  
4. Any relevant information or circumstances regarding determi-  
nation of failure.  
5. In addition, the owner must return the failed catalyst.  
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The Vermont Castings  
Majestic Products Company  
410 Admiral Blvd. • Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T 2N6 • 905-670-7885  
© The Vermont Castings Majestic Products Company  
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