Vermont Casting Stove 2550CE User Manual

Encore  
Woodburning Stove  
Model 2550CE  
Homeowner’s  
Installation and  
Operating Manual  
For use in Europe  
SAFETY NOTICE: IF THIS APPLIANCE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, OPERATED AND MAIN-  
TAINED, 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  
30003842 2/08 Rev. 1  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Specifications  
Encore Model 2550CE  
Nominal heat out put ............10.1 kW (34,500 BTU/hr)1  
Minimum flue draught......................12 Pa (0.048” WG)  
Mean flue gas temp..............................339° C (642° F)  
Efficiency (Space heating)......................................75%  
Area heated................... Up to 175 sq. m (1900 sq. ft.)1  
Fuel size/type .................... 457-510 mm (18-20”) wood  
Flue mass gas flow............................................. 8.3 g/s  
CO Emissions (@ 13% O2) ...........................1600 ppm  
Loading.....................................................Front and top  
Chimney connector:  
Weight ................................................ 159 kg (350 lbs.)  
Width (leg-to-leg)..................................... 685 mm (27”)  
Depth (leg-to-leg) .................................... 380 mm (15”)  
Height to top of flue collar, 152 or 203 mm (6” or 8”)  
Top exit.............................................. 640 mm (25¹⁄₄”)  
Rear exit............................................ 675 mm (26¹⁄₂”)  
1. 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  
nominal fuel consumption obtained under laboratory  
conditions and on average efficiencies.  
for 8” flue collar ....................... 203 mm (8”) diameter  
for 6” flue collar ....................... 152 mm (6”) diameter  
Chimney flue size:  
for 8” flue collar .......................203 mm (8”) minimum  
for 6” flue collar .......................152 mm (6”) minimum  
Flue exit position ....................... Reversible, top or rear  
Primary air ... Manually set, thermostatically maintained  
Secondary air .........................................Self-regulating  
Ash handling system .....................Removable ash pan  
Glass panel ......................... High-temperature ceramic  
Drawings Not to Scale  
460 mm (18")  
83 mm  
(3")  
545 mm  
(21")  
610 mm  
(24")  
690 mm (27")  
685 mm (27”)  
51 mm  
(2")  
570 mm (22")  
130 mm  
(5")  
390 mm  
(15")  
75 mm (2")  
470 mm  
(18")  
640 mm  
(25")  
Top exit  
flue collar  
height  
595 mm  
(23")  
660 mm  
(25")  
190 mm  
(7")  
135 mm  
(5")  
685 mm (27")  
380 mm  
(15")  
Fig. 1 Encore dimensions.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Installation  
Outside Air  
SAFETY NOTICE: IF YOUR ENCORE IS NOT PROP-  
ERLY INSTALLED, A HOUSE FIRE MAY RESULT.  
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE, FOLLOW THE  
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS. CONTACT LOCAL  
BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRIC-  
TIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIRE-  
MENTS IN YOUR AREA.  
In some modern, super-insulated homes, there is  
inadequate air 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 avail-  
able air and compound the problem.  
Before you begin an installation, be sure that:  
When poor draft is caused by a low infiltration rate,  
opening a ground floor window on the windward side  
of the house and in the vicinity of the stove will usually  
alleviate the problem.  
Your stove and chimney connector will be far  
enough from combustible materials to meet all  
clearance requirements.  
The floor protector is large enough and is con-  
structed properly to meet all requirements.  
For appliances with power outputs above 5 kW, a  
permanently open air vent is required by Section 2 of  
Document J. Air inlet grilles should be positioned so  
that they will not be blocked. Refer to local and national  
codes for recommended configurations.  
You have all necessary permits from local au-  
thorities.  
Your local building official is the final authority for ap-  
proving 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 the stove has  
been tested to current standards. The test standard  
is EN13240:2001 + A2:2004 for Europe. 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  
in most cases will accept the label as evidence that the  
installation meets codes and can be approved.  
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  
Adapter Kit for the Encore is available from your local  
Vermont Castings dealer.  
Chimney Height  
Altitude affects chimney performance. When using a  
6” flue collar on the Encore, refer to Figure 2 for sug-  
gested chimney heights at various altitudes. Chimney  
height should be measured from the flue collar to the  
top of the chimney. The recommended minimum chim-  
ney height is 4.9 m (16’).  
However, codes vary in different countries. Before  
starting the installation, review your plans with the local  
building authority. Your local dealer can provide any ad-  
ditional information needed.  
IMPORTANT: FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE IN-  
STALLATION INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN A  
DANGEROUS SITUATION, INCLUDING A CHIMNEY  
OR HOUSE FIRE. FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS  
EXACTLY, AND DO NOT ALLOW MAKESHIFT COM-  
PROMISES TO ENDANGER PROPERTY AND PER-  
SONAL SAFETY.  
30  
25  
20  
15  
All local regulations, including those referring to  
national and European standards, need to be com-  
plied with when installing this stove.  
0
2000 4000 6000 8000 10000 12000  
ST491  
Altitude  
Fig. 2 Chimney height requirements for Encore when  
equipped with a 152 mm (6”) chimney.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
What Kind of Chimney to Use  
Prefabricated Chimneys  
You must connect the Encore 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. (Fig. 3) The chimney and chimney con-  
nector 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.  
These should be an internal diameter of 150 mm (6”)  
and be of the twin wall insulated construction that has  
been approved for solid fuel use (e.g. Rite Vent ICS of  
ICID Lite Chimney Systems). Diameters over 200 mm  
(8”) are not recommended due to the large cross-sec-  
tion causing excessive cooling of the flue gases.  
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE  
SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.  
Chimney Size  
An Encore with an 203 mm (8”) flue collar is approved  
for venting into a masonry chimney with a nominal flue  
size of 203 x 203 mm (8” x 8”) or 203 x 305 mm ( 8”  
x 12”), and into a round flue with nominal flue size of  
203 mm (8”). An Encore with a 152 mm (6”) flue collar  
is approved for venting into a masonry chimney with a  
nominal flue size of 203 x 203 mm (8” x 8”), and into a  
round flue with nominal flue of 152 mm (6”).  
The flue and chimney design must meet requirement  
J2, Part J of the building regulations 2000 (Combustion  
Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems).  
A prefabricated double-  
wall insulated chimney  
NOTE: When installed with a 6” flue collar, the  
Encore may not be operated with the front doors  
open.  
Whatever the flue collar size, an Encore may be vented  
into larger chimneys as well. However, chimneys  
with liners larger than 203 x 305 mm (8” x 12”) 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.  
A tile-lined  
masonry  
chimney  
ST241  
Fig. 3 Approved chimney types.  
Accessories to help make the connection between  
stainless steel chimney liners and your Encore are  
available through your local dealer.  
Masonry Chimneys  
An inspection of the chimney must confirm that it has  
a lining. Do not use an unlined chimney. The chimney  
should have no cracks, loose mortar, other signs of  
deterioration, and blockage. Repair any defects before  
the chimney is used with your stove.  
Chimney Connector Guidelines  
A chimney connector is the double-wall or single-wall  
pipe that connects the stove to the chimney. The chim-  
ney itself is the masonry or prefabricated structure that  
encloses the flue. Chimney connectors are used only to  
connect the stove to the chimney, as in Figure 5.  
Unused openings in an existing masonry chimney must  
be sealed with masonry to the thickness of the chimney  
wall, and the chimney liner should be repaired. Open-  
ings sealed with pie plates or wallpaper are a hazard  
and should be sealed with mortar or refractory cement.  
In the event of a chimney fire, flames and smoke may  
be forced out of these unused thimbles.  
Connecting Flue Pipes  
Connector pipes should meet the requirements of the  
building regulations. This can be achieved by the use  
connecting fluepipes included in the following catego-  
ries:  
The chimney should be thoroughly cleaned before use.  
a) Vitreous enamelled steel pipe complying with BS  
6999: 1989 (1996);  
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.  
b) Pipes made from stainless steel as descirbed in BS  
EN 1008-1:1995 grades 1.4401, 1.4404, 1.4432 or  
1.4436 with flue wall thickness of at least 1 mm;  
c) Mild steel fluepipes complying with BS 1449: Part 1:  
1991, with a flue wall thickness of at least 3 mm;  
d) Cast iron fluepipes complying with BS 41: 1973  
(1998).  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Flue Pipes with a spigot and socket joint should be  
fitted with the socket facing upwards, to contain con-  
densates and moisture within the flue. Joints should be  
made gas tight using proprietary jointing accessories,  
or, where appropriate, by packing joint with noncombus-  
tible rope and fire cement.  
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) Using the holes in the flue collar as guides,  
drill 3 mm (1/8”) holes in the bottom of the first sec-  
tion of chimney connector and secure it to the flue  
collar with three #10 x 1/2” sheet metal screws.  
Double-wall connectors must be tested and listed for  
use with solid-fuel burning appliances. Single-wall con-  
nectors should be made of 24 gauge or heavier steel.  
Do not use galvanized connector; it cannot withstand  
the high temperatures that can be reached by smoke  
and exhaust gases, and may release toxic fumes under  
high heat. The connector may be 152 mm (6”) or 203  
mm (8”) in diameter.  
Secure each joint between sections of chimney  
connector, including  
telescoping joints, with at  
least three (3) sheet metal  
screws. The pre-drilled  
holes in the top of each  
section of chimney con-  
nector serve as guides  
when you drill 3 mm (1/8)  
holes in the bottom of the  
next section.  
If possible, do not pass the chimney connector through  
a combustible wall or ceiling. If passage through a com-  
bustible wall is unavoidable, refer to the section on Wall  
Pass-Throughs. Do not pass the connector through an  
attic, a closet or similar concealed space. The whole  
connector should be exposed and accessible for in-  
spection and cleaning.  
Secure the chimney con-  
Fig. 4 the crimped end  
of the connector points  
toward stove.  
nector to the chimney.  
Instructions for various  
installations follow.  
In horizontal runs of chimney connector, maintain a dis-  
tance of 610 mm (24”) from the ceiling. Keep it as short  
and direct as possible, with no more than two 90° turns.  
Slope horizontal runs of connector upward 6 mm per  
metere (1/4” per foot) going from the stove toward the  
chimney. The recommended maximum length of a hori-  
zontal run is 914 mm (36”), and the total length should  
be no longer than 2.4 m (8’). In cathedral ceiling instal-  
lations, extend the prefabricated chimney downward to  
within 2.4 m (8’) of the stove.  
Be sure the installed stove  
and chimney connector are correct distances from  
nearby combustible materials.  
NOTE: Special slip pipes and thimble sleeves that form  
telescoping joints between sections of chimney con-  
nector are available to simplify installations. They often  
eliminate the need to cut individual connector sections.  
Consult your local dealer about these special pieces.  
Wear gloves and protective eyewear when drilling,  
cutting or joining sections of chimney connector.  
Securing the Single-wall Connector to a  
Prefabricated Chimney  
Double-wall Chimney Connectors  
Follow the installation instructions of the chimney  
manufacturer exactly as you install the chimney. The  
manufacturer of the chimney will supply the acces-  
sories 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.  
Information on assembling and installing double-wall  
connectors is provided by the manufacturer of the  
double-wall pipe. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions  
exactly as you assemble the connector and attach it to  
the stove and chimney. Using chimneys and connectors  
from the same manufacturer makes the assembly and  
installation straightforward.  
Special adapters are available from your local dealer  
to make the connection between the prefabricated  
chimney and the chimney connector. The top of such  
adapters attaches directly to the chimney or to the  
chimney’s ceiling support package, while the bottom of  
the adapter is screwed to the chimney connector.  
NOTE: For installations using double-wall connectors,  
minimum clearances must conform to the listed clear-  
ances in the clearance chart on Page 14.  
If the Encore is equipped with the 203 mm (8”) flue  
collar, an oval-to-round adapter will be needed. Double-  
wall oval-to-round adapters are available from some  
manufacturers. Your local dealer can help you select  
the right connector.  
These adapters 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 creosote fall-  
ing from the inner walls of the chimney will stay inside  
the chimney connector.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Chimney  
Elbow  
Flue  
Thimble Sleeve  
Flue  
Flue Liner  
Chimney Connector  
Keep  
Slip Pipe  
sleeve  
end flush  
with flue  
tile  
Thimble  
Standard  
Connector  
Oval to  
Round Adapter  
ST243  
Flue Collar  
Fig. 6 The thimble, made of either ceramic or metal, must be  
cemented securely in place.  
The thimble sleeve should protrude 1-2” (25-50mm) into  
the room. (Fig. 6) Use furnace cement and thin gasket-  
ing to seal the sleeve in place in the thimble. Secure  
the chimney connector to the outer end of the sleeve  
with sheet metal screws.  
ST492  
Without a thimble, a suitable length of chimney con-  
nector can be extended through the breech to the inner  
face of the flue liner, and cemented securely in place.  
Additional pieces of connector are then attached with  
sheet metal screws.  
Fig. 5 Chimney connection in a freestanding masonry instal-  
lation.  
Securing the Single-wall Connector to a  
Masonry Chimney  
Fireplace Installations  
Both freestanding masonry chimneys and fireplace  
masonry chimneys may be used for your installation.  
The chimney connector may be connected to the  
chimney above the fireplace opening or through the  
fireplace.  
Freestanding Installations  
If the chimney connector must pass through a combus-  
tible wall to reach the chimney, follow the recommenda-  
tions in the Wall Pass-Through section that follows.  
Above the Fireplace  
The Encore may be connected to a chimney above  
a fireplace opening. (Fig. 7) In such installations, the  
stove is positioned 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.  
The opening through the chimney wall to the flue  
(the “breech”) must be lined with either a ceramic or  
metal cylinder, called the “thimble”, which is cemented  
securely in place. Most chimney breeches incorporate  
thimbles, but the fit must be snug and the joint between  
the thimble and the chimney wall must be cemented  
firmly.  
If the chimney connector from your installation enters  
the chimney above a fireplace, follow all the guidelines  
mentioned above for freestanding installations. In addi-  
tion, give special consideration to the following points:  
A special piece called the “thimble sleeve,” slightly  
smaller in diameter than standard connectors and  
most thimbles, will facilitate the removal of the chimney  
connector system for inspection and cleaning. Thimble  
sleeves should be available from your local dealer.  
Check the clearance between the stove and the  
chimney connector, and any combustible trim or the  
mantel. Use the necessary combination of mantel, trim,  
and connector heat shields to achieve the required  
clearances.  
To install a thimble sleeve, slide it into the breech until  
it is flush with the inner flue wall. Do not extend it into  
the actual flue passage, as this could interfere with the  
draft.  
Check the clearance between the chimney con-  
nector and the ceiling. If no heat shields are used, the  
clearance should be at least 610 mm (24”). To nd out  
how much this clearance may be reduced with heat  
shields, refer to the clearance chart on Page 12.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
The fireplace damper must be sealed to prevent  
room air from escaping up the flue. However, it must be  
possible to re-open the damper to inspect or clean the  
chimney.  
Flexible Connector  
Mantel Shield  
Chimney  
Connector Shields  
*
Fireplace Adapter  
Kit “Positive Con-  
nection”  
*
Mantel  
* Check  
These Clear-  
ances  
ST245  
Seal this off  
Fig. 8 In this installation, the chimney connector enters the  
firepalce opening and then connects to the chimney.  
Figure 9 shows one method of passing a connector  
through a wall. All combustible material in the wall is cut  
away to provide the required 457 mm (18”) 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 spac-  
ers at least 25 mm (1”) clear of the wall.  
ST244  
Fig. 7 In this installation, the chimney connector is attached  
to the chimney above the fireplace opening.  
Through the Fireplace  
If your fireplace opening height is at least 675 mm (26¹⁄₂"),  
you may install an Encore through the opening using a  
“positive connection” kit, available from your local dealer.  
These positive connection kits ensure a tight fit between  
the stove flue collar and the chimney flue. (Fig. 8)  
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.  
DO NOT CONNECT AN ENCORE TO ANY AIR DIS-  
TRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM.  
Fireplace installations, whether connected to the flue  
above or through the fireplace opening, have special  
clearance requirements to adjacent trim and the mantel.  
You’ll find the required safe clearances for Encore fire-  
place installations on Page 11.  
457 mm (18”) clear  
space all around  
the pipe  
Floor protection requirements also apply to fireplace  
installations. This information is on Page 9.  
Wall Pass-Throughs  
Whenever possible, design your installation so the con-  
nector 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.  
T
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.  
ST494  
Fig. 9 An approved wall pass-through.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Hearths  
This appliance must be installed on to hearth that  
meets the requirements of Part J of the Building Regu-  
lations 2000 (Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage  
Systems). This can be achieved by ensuring that the  
hearth is constructed and sized in accordance with the  
guidelines included in section 2 of approved document  
‘J’. The size and clearances of the hearth are as fol-  
lows:  
The constructed hearth should be constructed in ac-  
cordance with the recommendations in document J,  
and should be of minimum width 840 mm and minimum  
depth 840 mm (if a free standing hearth b) above) or  
a minimum projection of 150 mm from the jamb (if a  
recessed hearth a) above).  
Wood framing requires pro-  
tection from radiant heat  
ST247e  
Fig. 11 Combustible supporting timbers may lie beneath  
fireplace hearths, requiring additional floor protection.  
Unless the stove  
hearth is completely  
Costructional Hearth  
Dimensions as below  
noncombustible, the  
bottom heat shield  
should be installed to  
provide radiant protec-  
tion for framing which  
may be below the  
At least 150 mm  
or to a suitable  
heat resistant wall  
Appliance  
Doors  
Appliance  
Doors  
hearth. (Fig. 11)  
Hearth Surface  
Free of Com-  
bustible Material  
At least  
150 mm  
Perimeter should be  
Perimeter should be  
clearly marked e.g.  
edge of superimposed  
hearth  
clearly marked e.g.  
edge of superimposed  
hearth  
At least  
300 mm  
a) Fireplace recess  
b) Free standing  
ST912  
Fig. 10 Noncombustible hearth surface dimensions.  
Hearth rugs do not satisfy the requirements for floor  
protection.  
Floor Protection for Fireplace Installations  
Do not assume that your fireplace hearth is completely  
noncombustible.  
Keep the Stove a Safe Distance  
from Surrounding Materials  
Many fireplace hearths do not meet the “completely  
noncombustible” requirement because the brick or  
concrete in front of the fireplace opening is supported  
by heavy wood framing. (Fig. 11) Because heat passes  
through brick or concrete readily, 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.  
Both a stove and its chimney connector radiate heat in  
all directions when operating, and dangerous overheat-  
ing of nearby combustible materials can occur if they  
are too close to the heat. 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  
(measured from the bottom edge of the stove’s top  
plate) or chimney connector, and nearby walls, floors,  
the ceiling, and any other fixed combustible surface.  
Your stove has special clearance requirements that  
have been established after careful research and test-  
ing to both US and European standards. These clear-  
Keep in mind, also, that many raised hearths will extend  
less than the required clearance from the front of the  
heater when it is installed. 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: 406 mm (16”)  
from the front.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
ance requirements must be strictly observed.  
Minimum side clearance from combustible walls  
610 mm (24”) measured from the side edge of the  
stove top. (Fig. 12, A)  
In addition, furnishings and other combustible materials  
must be kept away from the stove as well. In general, a  
distance of 1219 mm (48”) must be maintained between  
the stove and moveable combustible items such as dry-  
ing clothes, furniture, newspapers, firewood, etc. Keep-  
ing those clearance areas empty assures that nearby  
surfaces and objects will not overheat.  
Minimum distance from stove to movable combus-  
tible materials (e.g. furniture, drying clothes, etc.)  
1220 mm (48”).  
Safe Ways to Reduce Clearances  
Clearances  
B
As with any solid fuel heating stove, extremely high  
surface temperatures can occur, particularly in the  
event of uncontrolled operation, e.g. if the doors  
are inadvertently left open. It is crucial that suf-  
ficient clearances are allowed to any combustible  
surfaces, e.g. wooden mantels or lintels, and to  
timber framed (studded) walls even if they are faced  
with noncombustible board. Detailed information  
on fireplace and hearth construction is provided  
in section 2 of Document J, all installations must  
comply with these requirements or with the relevant  
National or local building standards.  
A
ST486a  
Fig. 12 Minimum clearances.  
Connecting Flue Pipe - Clearances  
Single wall connecting fluepipes can reach extremely  
high temperatures; therefore, clearances from the con-  
necting fluepipe (chimney connector) must comply with  
the requirements of Part J of Building Regulations 2000  
(Combustion Appliances and Fuel Storage Systems).  
This can be achieved by following the recommenda-  
tions of Approved Document ‘J’. These are as shown in  
Figure 13.  
Clearances to timber framed (studded) walls are in-  
cluded below. There are no specific minimum clearanc-  
es to solid noncombustible surfaces (e.g. the sides and  
rear of Inglenook fire openings constructed from solid  
masonry) other than to allow safe access to the controls  
of the stove. For this reason minimum side clearances  
of 125 mm, and a minimum rear clearance of 50 mm  
are recommended.  
Summary of Clearances  
Minimum recommended side clearances to non-  
combustible surfaces 125 mm (5”).  
Minimum recommended rear clearance to noncom-  
bustible surfaces 50 mm (2”).  
NOTE: The minimum thickness of solid noncombustible  
materials is specified in section 2 of Document ‘J’, in  
relation to the clearance of the appliance from the sur-  
face. As a general rule, the thickness of solid noncom-  
bustible material forming the recess of a fireplace is a  
minimum of 200 mm.  
Minimum rear clearance from combustible walls  
(e.g. timber framed or studded walls) 1000 mm  
(39³⁄₈”) measured from the rear edge of the stove  
top. (Fig. 12, B)  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
at least  
3 x D  
at least  
1.5 x D  
at least 3 x D  
D
D
at least  
1.5 x D  
Fluepipe  
at least  
1.5 x D  
at least  
1.5 x D  
Air space of at least 12 mm  
between noncombustible shield  
and combustible material  
Plan Without  
Shield  
at least 1.5  
x D  
Elevation  
Without  
Shield  
Plan With  
Shield  
Elevation  
With Shield  
ST911  
Fig. 13 Connecting fluepipe clearances.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Assembly  
Adjust the Leg Levellers  
Set Up Your Stove  
Lift the stove slightly so there is no weight on the leg  
while making the adjustment.  
Cast iron stoves are heavy, and it will take two to four  
people to move your Encore into position.  
Wipe the protective  
coating of oil from  
the griddle with a  
clean dry rag or a  
paper towel.  
Reverse the Flue Collar (If Necessary)  
Reverse the flue collar by removing the two (2) screws  
that attach it to the back of the stove. Be sure the gas-  
ket around the flue collar opening is in position when  
you screw the collar back onto the stove.  
Install the handle  
on the griddle.  
First, place the  
griddle upside  
down at the edge  
Install the Optional Ash Door Heat Shield  
1. Remove the two (2) Phillips pan head screws from  
the ash door.  
ST516  
Fig. 14 Attach the griddle handle.  
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. The curved lip should be upward,  
under the ashlip of the stove.  
of a flat surface and  
assemble the handle as shown.  
With the handle pointing 45° from its final position,  
tighten the nut as far as possible with the pliers. Move  
the handle to its final position while still holding the nut  
with the pliers.  
3. Tighten securely.  
Install the Optional Bottom Heat Shield  
NOTE: The Bottom Heat Shield is required in most in-  
stallations. Refer to Floor Protection, Page 9, for further  
details. The bottom heat shield comes with the ash pan  
heat shield.  
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 (4) 1¹⁄₄" spacers into the holes from  
Spacers  
ST634  
which you removed the bolts, finger-tight.  
Fig. 16 Use spacers and screws to position the ashdoor heat  
shield.  
3. Align the bottom heat shield against the spacers with  
the stepped side toward the rear of the stove.  
Attach the Primary Air Thermostat Handle  
4. Secure the shield with the four (4) hex head bolts  
removed from the stove bottom previously.  
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.  
5. Tighten securely.  
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.  
Assemble the Removable Insert Handle  
The white removable insert handle opens and closes the  
front doors. Remove after each use so it won’t get hot.  
Store it in the handle holder installed behind the right  
front leg. Assemble the handle by passing the 86 mm  
(3³⁄₈") screw through the ceramic shaft and into the bright  
metal nub. Tighten carefully until snug.  
ST633  
Fig. 15 Use four (4) spacers to attach the bottom heat shield.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
ST635  
ST540  
Fig. 17 Attach thermostat handle.  
Fig. 18 Assemble the front door handle.  
Operation  
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 Encore Controls  
Two controls regulate the performance of the Encore: 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.  
The Encore’s air control system also features 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 shutter accordingly.  
Symbols cast into the stove are reminders of the correct  
directions for opening and closing the controls. The  
symbols assume that you are facing the front of the  
stove.  
Griddle Handle  
Damper Handle  
Door Handle  
Low Heat  
Air Control  
Lever  
Door Handle  
Holder (Be-  
hind leg)  
High Heat  
Ashdoor  
Handle  
ST637  
Andirons  
ST636  
Fig. 20 The handle may be positioned anywhere between the  
two extremes for different heat levels.  
Fig. 19 The Encore controls are conveniently located and  
easy to operate.  
A Damper Directs Air Flow  
Within the Stove  
A Single Air Control Regulates  
Heat Output and Burn Time  
The damper handle on the left side of the stove opens  
and closes the damper to direct air flow within the  
stove.  
The primary air control lever, located on the right side  
of the stove, controls the amount of incoming air for  
starting, maintaining, and reviving a fire.  
The damper is open when the handle points to the  
back of the stove, 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.  
More air entering the stove makes the fire burn hotter  
and faster, while less air prolongs the burn at a lower  
heat level. High and low settings appear in Figure 20.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
The damper is closed when the handle points forward.  
Smoke from the fire is directed through the catalytic  
combustion system where it can be further burned for  
greater efficiency, before passing up the chimney.  
To reduce the risk of breaking the glass, avoid striking  
the glass or slamming the doors.  
When not using the door handle, store it in the holder  
behind the right front leg of the stove.  
When closing the damper, be sure to pull firmly  
enough to snap it into the locked position.  
Clockwise to  
OPEN  
Damper Positions  
Open  
(Updraft Mode)  
Counterclockwise  
to CLOSE  
ST544  
Closed  
(Catalytic Mode)  
Fig. 23 To open the front doors, turn the handle clockwise.  
This stove is designed to operate efficiently with  
the fire doors (front doors and griddle) closed. The  
firebox and ash doors should be kept closed at all  
times except when refuelling or removing ashes.  
ST638  
Fig. 21 The damper is either open or closed. There are no  
intermediate positions.  
Infrared Reflective Glass Panels  
for Clear Fire Viewing  
Two Ways to Add Fuel  
The Encore’s griddle lifts for convenient top-loading of  
logs, and is the easiest way to regularly add fuel.  
The inner surfaces of the infrared reflective glass  
panels are kept at a higher temperature than the outer  
surface. This design, along with a preheated ‘airwash,’  
makes clear fire viewing possible at most levels of  
operation.  
In addition, however, the front doors open for adding an  
occasional log to a fire. The Encore is not approved  
in Europe for operation with the front doors open.  
To open the front doors, insert the handle into the door  
latch stub and turn it to the left and up. (Fig. 23)  
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.  
Handle  
Quadrants  
Burn Only High-Quality Wood  
The Encore 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. Avoid burning “green”  
wood that has not been properly seasoned, or cord-  
wood dried more than two years. Do not burn con-  
struction materials; they often contain chemicals and  
metals that can damage the catalytic combustor. The  
wood should be 400-500 mm (18-20”) in length.  
ST639  
Fig. 22 the Encore’s hinged griddle makes it easy to top-load  
wood.  
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 resis-  
tance as you turn it to the closed position.  
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.  
If hardwood is not available, you can burn softwoods  
which include tamarack, yellow pine, white pine, East-  
ern red cedar, fir, and redwood. These too should be  
properly dried.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Store wood under cover to keep it dry. The longer it is  
stored, the better heating and fireviewing performance  
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 refueling  
and ash removal.  
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.  
Refer to Page 23 for details on how the installation af-  
fects performance.  
A Surface Thermometer is a  
Valuable Guide to Operation  
Too much draft may cause excessive temperatures in  
the Encore, 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.  
An optional surface thermometer lets you know when  
to adjust the air control, when to refuel, and when your  
catalyst is operating properly. (Fig. 24)  
How do you know if your draft is excessively high or  
low? Symptoms of too much draft include an uncontrol-  
lable burn or a glowing-red stove part. A sign of inad-  
equate draft is smoke leaking into the room through the  
stove or chimney connector joints, low heat, and dirty  
glass.  
ST523  
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.  
Fig. 24 Take temperature readings with the thermometer  
located in the middle of the griddle.  
For example, when the thermometer registers at least  
230° C (450° F) after start-up you know the stove is  
hot enough to begin catalytic combustion and 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 opera-  
tion. Please review the draft management information  
on Page 23 to see how the size, type, and location of  
your chimney will affect your stove operation. When  
thermometer readings drop below 175° C (350° F) it’s  
time to adjust the air control for a higher burn rate or to  
reload the stove. A temperature reading over 385° C  
(750° F) is a sign to cut back on the air supply to slow  
the burn rate.  
In some areas provisions for outside combustion air  
are required. Refer to section 2 of Document J which  
requires an outside air vent for appliances with power  
outputs over 5 kW. Always refer to national and local  
codes to determine your specific requirements.  
Your Encore 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.  
Use the following temperature ranges as a guide to  
operation:  
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 adjustment  
range outlined in these directions.  
Readings in the 175-260° C (350-500° F) range  
indicate low to medium heat output.  
260-315° C (500-600° F) readings indicate me-  
dium heat output.  
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.  
Readings of 315-400° C (600-750° F) indicate  
high heat output. Operating your Encore continuously at  
griddle temperatures of 385° C (750° F) or higher may  
damage the cast iron or enamel finish.  
Encore Control Settings  
Use the Air Control Settings  
that Work Best for You  
Burn Rate  
Primary Air Control  
Low  
From far right to 1/3  
the distance to left  
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.  
Medium  
High  
From 1/3 to 2/3 the distance  
to left  
From 2/3 the distance  
to left to far left  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
To determine whether the combustor is operating, ob-  
serve the amount of smoke leaving the chimney when  
the damper is activated and when it is not. This proce-  
dure is described on Page 27.  
High-Efficiency Wood Burning with  
Catalytic Combustion  
An Encore leaves the factory with the combustor in-  
stalled.  
Avoid using a full charge of very dry wood in the fire-  
box. This may result in continuous very high tempera-  
tures 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 consid-  
ered very dry. Also, do not use a full load of dry slab  
wood or scrap wood. For long burns, use a mix of dry  
and moderately dry wood.  
In the United States, it is against the law to operate this  
wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating  
instructions in this manual, or if the catalytic combustor  
is deactivated or removed. The components of the cata-  
lytic combustion system in your Encore 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 260-315° C (500-600° F), half the  
temperature normally required for unaided secondary  
combustion.  
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 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 environment necessary  
for secondary combustion of the fuel (smoke).  
The cast plates expand and contract with changes in  
temperature. When you first begin using your Encore,  
minimize thermal stress by allowing the plates to adjust  
gradually during three or four initial break-in fires follow-  
ing Steps 1-3 below.  
Closing the damper exposes the smoke to the combus-  
tor. If the combustor is at least 316° C (600° F), it will  
begin to burn the smoke.  
Starting and Maintaining a Wood Fire  
Burn only solid wood in the Encore, and burn it directly  
on the grate. Do not elevate the fuel. Do not burn coal  
or other fuels.  
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. When starting a fire, wait until the fire is  
well established and there is an ember bed of at least  
76-102 mm (3-4”) before closing the damper.  
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 gaso-  
line, naptha, or engine oil.  
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 it  
won’t operate properly.  
1. Open the stove damper, and open the primary air  
control fully.  
2. Place several sheets of crumpled newspaper in the  
stove. DO NOT use glossy advertisements or col-  
ored paper, as they can poison the catalyst. Place  
on the paper six or eight pieces of dry kindling split  
to a finger-width size, and on the kindling lay two or  
three larger sticks of split dry wood approximately  
25-51 mm (1-2”) in diameter.  
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.  
Even though it is possible for the fire to get quite hot  
within a few minutes after a fire is started, the combus-  
tor may stop working or the fire may go out if the fire  
is allowed to die down immediately as a result of the  
damper being closed. Once the combustor starts work-  
ing, heat generated by burning the smoke will keep it  
working.  
ST263  
Fig. 25 Start fire with newspaper and dry kindling.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
NOTE: Stove installations vary, and the operating  
guidance given here is only a starting point. The draft  
management information on Page 25 will explain in  
detail how the features of your installation may help or  
hinder good draft.  
Never use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, char-  
coal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or “freshen  
up” a fire. Keep all such liquids well away from the  
Encore while it is in use.  
3. Light the newspaper and close the door. Gradually  
build up the fire by adding a few 76-127mm (3-5”) di-  
ameter 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 hot-  
ter than 260° C (500° F) as measured on an optional  
stove-top thermometer. Adjust the air control lever as  
necessary to control the fire.  
Refuel While the Embers Are Still Hot  
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 charcoal allow  
more air to circulate under the wood, resulting in the  
fire reviving more quickly.  
Some odor from the stove’s hot metal, the paint, and  
the cement is normal for the first few fires.  
NOTE: Some chimneys need to 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 smoke to rise rapidly,  
encouraging 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 necessary if the  
initial attempt is unsuccessful.  
ST264a  
4. If your Encore has been broken-in previously using  
Steps 1-3, continue to build the fire gradually. Add  
larger wood with a diameter of 76-102 mm (3-4”).  
Continue adding split logs of this size to the briskly-  
burning fire until there is a glowing ember bed at  
least 76 mm (3”) deep. A good ember bed is neces-  
sary for proper functioning of the catalytic system  
and may take an hour or more to establish.  
Fig. 27 Add full-size logs when the kindling has burned down  
to a bed of embers.  
For best results when refueling, wear stove gloves to  
protect your hands, 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.  
NOTE: Door handles can be hot. A glove has been in-  
cluded with your stove.We recommend using this glove  
whenver operating door or damper controls and espe-  
cially when operating the top griddle.  
1. Open the damper.  
2. De-ash the stove as described above. Open the  
front doors and check the level of ash in the ash  
pan. Empty the pan if necessary and replace it in the  
stove. Close the front doors.  
3. Open the griddle, load the wood (smaller pieces  
first), and close the griddle.  
ST265  
Fig. 26 Add larger pieces of wood as the fire begins to burn  
4. Close the damper.  
well.  
5. When the surface temperature reaches 230° C  
(450°F), adjust the air control for the amount of heat  
you desire.  
5. Close the damper when the griddle temperature  
reaches 230° C (450° F).  
6. Adjust the air control for your desired heat output.  
NOTE: If the remaining charcoal bed is relatively thick  
and if your fuel is well seasoned, it is possible to add  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
fresh fuel (smaller pieces first), close the door and  
damper, and reset the primary air thermostat for the  
desired heat output.  
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 for-  
ward.  
CAUTION: The Encore will be hot while in opera-  
tion. Keep children, clothing and furniture away.  
Contact may cause skin burns.  
If the stove is in operation, close the ash door while  
disposing of the ash.  
Properly dispose of the ash in a metal container with  
a tight-fitting lid. Store the container outdoors away  
from all combustible material.  
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER. Overfiring may  
cause a house fire, or can result in permanent dam-  
age to the stove and to the catalytic combustor. If  
any part of the Encore glows, you are overfiring.  
Return the ash pan to its original position in the  
stove, and close and latch the ash door.  
Do not operate the stove with the ash door open.  
This will result in over-firing, and could cause dam-  
age to the stove, void the warranty, or even lead to a  
house fire.  
Ash Disposal  
You should 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.  
Empty the ash pan regularly, typically every one to  
three days. The frequency will vary depending on how  
you operate your Encore: ash will accumulate faster at  
higher heat outputs.  
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:  
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, pend-  
ing 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.  
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.  
You can use wood ash as a garden fertilizer.  
Close the griddle or doors, and unlatch the ash door.  
It will pivot, swinging the ash pan out of the stove.  
CAUTION: Never use your household or shop vacuum  
cleaner to remove ash from the stove; always remove  
and dispose of the ash properly.  
Slide the cover onto the pan, making sure it is se-  
curely closed. (Fig. 28)  
Open  
Close  
ST545  
Fig. 29 Turn the handle to the ash pan compartment clock-  
wise to open and counterclockwise to close.  
ST566  
Fig. 28 Be sure the cover is securely attached before remov-  
ing the ash pan.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Draft Management  
Flue Sizing  
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.  
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 152 mm 96”) flue  
collar {181 sq cm (28 sq. in.) area} into a 254 x 254 mm  
(10” x 10”) flue, the gases expand to over three times  
their original size. This cools the gases, which weak-  
ens 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.  
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.  
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 diam-  
eter 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 liner. This makes  
the warm-up process take longer.  
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 or insert, one which  
restricts the amount of air getting into the firebox, the  
chimney must keep the smoke warm all the way to the  
outdoors. Some chimneys do this better than others.  
Here’s a list of features and their effects.  
Pipe & Chimney Layout  
Every turn the smoke must take as it travels to the  
chimney top will slow it down. The ideal pipe and chim-  
ney 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.  
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.  
There should be no more than 2.4 m (8’) of single-wall  
stove pipe between the stove and a chimney; longer  
runs can cool the smoke enough to cause draft and  
creosote problems. Use double-wall stove pipe for long  
runs.  
Steel Chimney  
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 ma-  
sonry, 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.  
Single venting  
Each ‘airtight’ stove requires its own flue. If an airtight  
stove is vented to a flue that also serves an open fire-  
place, 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 ef-  
fect here. In some cases the other appliance can even  
cause a negative draft through the airtight, and result in  
a dangerous draft reversal.  
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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Encore Woodburning Stove  
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, can lead to back-puffing, and  
can contribute to creosote buildup in the chimney.  
Creosote  
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  
143° C (290° F). 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 installa-  
tion features and operational steps will encourage good  
draft and minimize creosote production.  
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 operation, you’ll be rewarded with  
good performance and a safe system.  
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. Consult a quali-  
fied installer and check local and national codes for  
recommended chimney size.  
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 good amount 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 that reaches your home and  
can contribute to a creosote problem. There are mois-  
ture 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 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.  
In many cases, local or national codes require the  
installation of permanently open air vents, particularly  
with larger appliances (i.e. above 5 kW). Refer to these  
codes to determine specific requirements for your  
installation.  
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 competi-  
tion 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. For most of our  
stoves we carry adapters to attach to the stove to con-  
nect an air duct for outdoor combustion air.  
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 the catalyst is seri-  
ously 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 you can mix in greener wood to  
slow the fire down.  
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 operation,  
you’ll be rewarded with good performance and a safe  
system.  
Back-puffing  
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 the damper to let the  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Maintenance  
Below you will find important information on general  
Removing the Glass  
care, inspection and maintenance of your Vermont  
Castings stove. Should it become necessary, use only  
replacement parts recommended by your authorized  
The left door is slightly different from the right in that  
one of its retainer clips is located under the door mani-  
fold.  
dealer.  
1. Remove the right and left door assemblies by raising  
the door until the lower hinge pin clears its drilling;  
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.  
Keep Your Stove Looking New  
and Working Its Best  
Let the fire in the stove go out and allow the stove to  
cool completely before beginning any maintenance  
procedure.  
2. Remove the screws that hold the retainer clips in  
place, and remove the clips. On the right door, re-  
move the Phillips head machine screw that secures  
the door manifold to the upper right of the door (as it  
faces you). Swing the door manifold out of your way  
and remove the clip beneath it as well.  
Care of the Cast Iron Surface  
An occasional dusting with a dry rag will keep the painted  
cast iron of your Encore 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.  
3. Carefully lift the broken glass panel from the door.  
Glass Panel  
Gasket  
Manifold  
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.  
Cleaning the Glass  
Most of the carbon deposits on the glass will burn off  
during hot fires.  
Retainer Clips (4)  
ST640  
Fig. 30 An exploded view of the glass assembly for the left  
door.  
However, the ash residue that accumulates on the  
glass surface should be removed regularly to prevent  
etching. To clean the glass, follow this procedure:  
Installing the Glass  
Be sure the glass is completely cool.  
Clean the glass with water or a cleaner made espe-  
cially for this purpose. Do not use abrasive cleaners.  
Check the gasket around the window; it should be soft  
and resilient so the glass will seal properly against the  
door. Replace the gasket if it has hardened or if it is  
compressed.  
Rinse the glass thoroughly.  
Dry the glass completely.  
1. Center the first pane of glass on the gasket. Be sure  
to place the glass so the infrared reflective coating is  
on the exterior side.  
Replace Broken Glass Immediately  
Do not operate your stove if the glass in the doors is  
damaged.  
2. Secure the glass on both doors with the retainer  
clips except the one that belongs under the manifold  
of the right door, but leave the screws a little loose.  
If you need to replace the glass, use only the high tem-  
perature ceramic glass supplied by Vermont Castings.  
Do not use substitutes. Be sure to specify left or right  
glass; the panels are not interchangeable.  
Position the remaining clip under the right door  
manifold, and swing the manifold back into position  
on the door. Make sure the screw passing through  
the end of the manifold nearest the center of the  
door also passes through the retainer clip.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
2. Turn the pressure screw approximately one half turn  
clockwise.  
3. Tighten the lock nut. Keep the pressure screw from  
turning as you tighten the nut. Re-test the damper.  
3. Replace the doors on the stove. Remove the griddle  
so you can reach in through the opening to posi-  
tion the manifold. Move the door manifold as high  
as possible without actually touching the upper air  
manifold, and as far toward the center of the stove  
as possible without hitting the door manifold on the  
other door. Tighten all screws.  
Lock Nut  
Damper  
Pressure Adjust-  
ing Screw  
4. Open and close the doors to check that the door  
manifold does not interfere with either of the other  
manifolds. Adjust as necessary.  
Check the Operation  
of the Primary Air Shutter  
The primary air shutter is located at the back of the ash  
drop and is visible from the back of the stove. (Fig. 31)  
The shutter must open and close freely when you move  
the thermostat lever. If it does not, remove any obstruc-  
tion. If you need assistance, consult your local Vermont  
Castings Authorized Dealer.  
ST642  
Fig. 32 Adjusting the damper.  
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 Encore’s front doors, as well as its ash pan door,  
should close securely to prevent accidental open-  
ing 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.  
Over time, the gasket around the doors will compress  
and the latch may need adjustment.  
Primary Air  
Shutter  
To adjust the handle on the front doors, open the  
door on which the handle is mounted and rotate the  
handle one full turn counterclockwise. Since this handle  
is threaded into the front door, a complete revolution will  
adjust it enough so the doors close securely.  
ST641  
Fig. 31 The primary air shutter must move freely.  
Do not change the adjustment of the cable in an at-  
tempt 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, it is 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).  
To adjust the latch on the ash pan door, loosen the  
small lock nut, rotate the striker screw a half-turn, and  
re-tighten the small lock. Hold the striker screw to keep  
it from turning as you tighten the lock nut. Make repeat-  
ed small adjustments until the setting is right.  
Adjust the Damper as Needed  
The tension on the Encore’s damper is adjustable to  
compensate for compression of the gasket that seals  
the damper to the upper fireback. To adjust the damper:  
1. Remove the griddle. Loosen the lock nut at the cen-  
ter of the damper.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Then, open the stove damper and once again  
check the smoke leaving the chimney. Significantly  
more smoke should be seen when the stove damper is  
open and exhaust does not pass through the combus-  
tor. Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam from  
wet wood, however. Steam dissipates in the air quickly;  
smoke does not.  
If this test indicates a problem, consider other possible  
factors as well, such as the time of year or a change in  
the quality of your fuel. In spring and fall, draft is weaker  
than it is in colder winter weather, and fires can burn  
sluggishly. Small, hot fires are a good solution under  
these conditions.  
Pawl  
Small  
Locking Nut  
Striker Screw  
Large Lock-  
ing Nut  
Set Screw  
Handle Stub  
Burning “green” (insufficiently seasoned) wood will re-  
sult in poorer performance than when burning properly  
seasoned fuel. You may have to run your stove hotter  
(more air) to achieve good performance with green or  
wet wood.  
ST531  
Fig. 33 Turn the door latch striker screw in or out to tighten or  
loosen the door latch.  
The Catalytic Element  
Also, consider any changes in your operating routine.  
Inspection and Cleaning  
Once you have ruled out any other possible causes for  
a decline in performance, you may inspect the combus-  
tor.  
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 inconsistent with  
the operating instructions in this manual, or if the cata-  
lytic element is deactivated or removed.  
Inspecting the Combustor  
1. Release the hood from the fireback by swinging the  
hood upward and then sliding it to either side. (Fig.  
34)  
2. Using a flashlight, and a mirror if necessary, exam-  
ine the combustor. If no fly ash or damage is visible,  
the inspection is complete and you may replace the  
hood. If further examination or cleaning is necessary,  
go to Step 3.  
Under normal operating conditions, the catalytic com-  
bustor should remain active for two to six years (de-  
pending 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 deter-  
mine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning  
combustor will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and  
an increase in creosote and emissions.  
Hood  
Inspect the combustor “in place” for fly ash accumula-  
tion and physical damage three times per year. Do not  
remove the combustor unless a more detailed inspec-  
tion is warranted because of diminished performance  
as outlined below.  
The refractory package that houses the catalytic com-  
bustor should be inspected annually for a buildup of fly  
ash and cleaned if necessary. This may be done when  
you examine the combustor.  
Fireback  
ST643  
When to Suspect a Combustor Problem  
Fig. 34 Release the hood by lifting its bottom edge and slid-  
ing to one side.  
The best way to evaluate the performance of your  
Encore’s combustor is to observe the amount of smoke  
leaving the chimney — both when the combustor has  
achieved “light-off” and when it has not. Follow these  
steps:  
3. Release the fireback by prying the left and right  
wedges upward. (Fig. 35)  
4. Swing the fireback forward and up to remove it from  
the stove. (Fig. 36)  
5. Remove the catalytic combustor’s refractory access  
cover, then remove the combustor.  
With a fire going and the combustor properly ac-  
tivated, with the damper closed to route smoke through  
it as described in the Operation Section, go outside and  
observe the smoke leaving the chimney.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Refractory Access Cover  
Right Wedge  
Left Wedge  
1"  
ST559  
Fig. 37 Use an inspection mirror to check the reflected view  
of the secondary probe.  
ST644  
Fig. 35 Release the lower fireback by tapping out two  
wedges.  
10. Clean the chimney and chimney connector.  
Operate the stove in your typical manner for two weeks,  
inspecting the chimney and the chimney connector  
frequently during this period.  
Fireback  
If creosote is not building up as fast, it is likely the  
performance change was caused by fly ash deposits  
on the catalytic element. However, continue the inspec-  
tions of the chimney system for a few weeks to ensure  
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.  
ST645  
Fig. 36 Remove the lower fireback through the front door  
NOTE: Use only the replacement catalyst supplied by a  
opening.  
Vermont Castings dealer.  
6. 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.  
7. Inspect the element for damage or degradation.  
Although small hairline cracks will not affect per-  
formance, the element should be essentially intact.  
If the element is broken in pieces or has sections  
missing, it should be replaced. Call your local Ver-  
mont Castings’ Authorized Dealer for a replacement  
element.  
Replace the Stove Gaskets as Needed  
Your Encore uses rope-type fiberglass gaskets to make  
a tight seal between some parts. With use, particularly  
on those parts that move, gaskets can become brittle  
and compressed and can begin to lose their effective-  
ness. These will need periodic replacement.  
All of the gaskets are made of fiberglass. The sizes of  
replaceable gasket are listed below, along with their  
applications.  
While the catalytic element is removed, check the  
condition of the secondary air probe. Use an inspec-  
tion mirror to locate the probe within the combustion  
chamber. The probe should extend 25-38 mm (1” to  
1¹⁄₂”) into the chamber and show no signs of deteriora-  
tion, such as warping, corrosion, or short length. (Fig.  
37) A damaged secondary air probe can affect catalytic  
performance. If the probe needs replacement, contact  
your local dealer.  
Gasket Diameter ...And the Parts it Seals  
5/16”  
The griddle to the stove top  
(wire reinforced gasket)  
3/8”  
The ash door to the front of  
the ash drop  
3/16”  
5/16”  
The outer glass panes to the  
doors  
The damper to the  
8. If the element is in good condition and clean, re-in-  
stall it in the stove and replace the refractory access  
cover.  
upper fireback; the front doors  
to the stove front; and the  
doors to each other.  
9. Replace the fireback, install the two wedges, and  
replace the cast iron hood.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
If you need to change a gasket, first obtain an appropri-  
ate replacement from your Vermont Castings’ Autho-  
rized Dealer.  
meets before trimming any excess. Do not overlap the  
gasket ends or leave ends with ragged edges.  
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).  
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.  
8. Clean any excess cement from around the chan-  
nel, then let the cement that holds the new gasket dry  
thoroughly.  
The procedure for replacing gaskets is the same re-  
gardless of the gasket location. Follow these steps:  
1. Remove the existing gasket by grasping an end and  
pulling firmly.  
Adjust the Door If Necessary  
The stove’s door(s) may need adjustment after you  
have regasketed it. Initially, it may require loosening 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 doors  
are on Page 22.  
2. Use a wire brush or the tip of a screwdriver to clean  
the channel of any remaining cement or bits of gasket.  
(Fig. 38) Remove stubborn deposits of cement with a  
cold chisel if necessary.  
Permanent Encore 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.  
ST560  
Fig. 38 Remove gasket then clean channel with wire brush.  
5/16” diameter gasket seals the following parts:  
•The flue collar to the stove back  
3. Determine the correct length of the appropriate-  
sized gasket by laying it out in the channel. Allow an  
extra 25-51 mm (1-2”), and mark the spot to be cut.  
(Fig. 39)  
•The lower fireback to the sides  
The Chimney System  
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. Twist the ends slightly to keep the gasket  
from unraveling.  
Creosote  
Your Encore 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 chimney fire.  
ve Gasket  
Sto  
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar, organic  
vapors and moisture that combine to form creosote.  
The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool  
chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creo-  
sote residue accumulates on the flue lining. When ignit-  
ed, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire within the  
flue system that can damage the chimney and overheat  
adjacent combustible material. If a significant layer of  
creosote has accumulated —3 mm (1/8”) or more — it  
should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.  
Cement  
ST561  
Fig. 39 Lay a bead of gasket cement then press gasket in  
place.  
5. Lay an unbroken 3 mm (1/8”) bead of gasket cement  
in the newly-cleaned channel.  
6. Starting at one end, press the gasket into the chan-  
nel. (Fig. 39) Ensure a good joint where the gasket  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
If you do experience a chimney fire, act promptly  
to:  
Annual Maintenance  
Every Spring, at the end of the heating season, perform  
a thorough cleaning, inspection and repair. The stove  
and chimney system should be inspected and main-  
tained by a qualified engineer and include the following:  
Close the damper and thermostat lever.  
Get everyone out of the house.  
Call the Fire Department.  
You should 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 strong light, sight up through  
the flue collar into the chimney flue. If it is not possible  
to inspect the flue system in this fashion, the stove must  
be disconnected to provide better viewing access.  
Thoroughly clean the chimney and chimney connec-  
tor.  
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.  
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.  
Check gasketing for wear or compression, and re-  
place if necessary.  
Inspect and clean the catalytic element, and vacuum  
out the ash at the bottom of the back plate after re-  
moving the lower fireback. Lightly clean the refracto-  
ry assembly that houses the element but be careful  
not to damage the refractory material, which is very  
fragile.  
Clean the chimney connector by disconnecting the sec-  
tions, 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.  
Check door and damper handles for tightness. Ad-  
just if needed.  
If you cannot inspect or clean the chimney yourself,  
contact your local Vermont Castings’ Dealer or a profes-  
sional chimney sweep.  
Check heat shield screws. Tighten as necessary.  
Clean dust from the inner sides of bottom, rear and  
connector heat shields.  
Remove ashes from the ash pan and replace with  
moisture absorbing material (such as cat litter) to  
keep the stove interior dry.  
Touch up the paint on black stoves.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Appendix: Catalytic Combustor  
In any chemical reaction, including the combustion  
Masking and Poisoning  
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,  
though not changed themselves during the reaction,  
have the ability to act at a molecular level to change  
these requirements. In the Encore’s secondary com-  
bustion chamber the catalyst reduces the temperature  
at which secondary combustion can start from the 540-  
650° C (1000 - 1200° F) range to the 260-315° C (500  
- 600° F) range, increasing efficiency, and reducing  
creosote and emissions.  
While the catalyst itself does not enter into the combus-  
tion process, certain elements, such as lead and sulfur,  
can attach to the active sites on the surface of the hon-  
eycomb. 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 Encore that is a source of these contaminants.  
Particularly avoid painted or treated wood, coal, house-  
hold trash, colored papers, metal foils, or plastics.  
Chemical chimney cleaners may also contain harmful  
elements. The safest approach is to burn only untreat-  
ed, natural wood.  
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 cata-  
lyst itself.  
Flame Impingement  
The catalytic element is not designed for exposure to  
direct flame. If you continually overfire your Encore, the  
chemistry of the catalyst coating may be altered, inhibit-  
ing the combustion process.  
To ensure the necessary contact, the catalytic element  
in your Encore is composed of 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 form ensures that the com-  
bustion gases have the greatest opportunity to come in  
contact with the catalyst.  
Thermal degradation of the ceramic base may also oc-  
cur, causing the element to disintegrate. Stay within the  
recommended guidelines of the Operation section.  
Mechanical Damage  
If the element is mishandled, damage may occur.  
Always treat the element carefully. Remember the cata-  
lyst is made of a ceramic material; treat it as you would  
fine china. Hairline cracks will not affect the perfor-  
mance of the catalyst, as long as the steel sleeve holds  
the element in the proper position.  
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 con-  
nector 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 activity:  
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.  
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.  
General  
Every Vermont Castings’ Encore is equipped with either  
a Corning “Long-Life”® or a Technical Glass Products  
“Honeycomb”® 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.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
15  
16  
17  
22  
18  
5
14  
1
23  
24  
2
6
24  
85  
3
8
22  
25  
37  
38  
21  
27  
4
10  
28  
9
7
1
36  
11  
89  
77  
21  
91  
39  
92  
75  
40  
41  
84  
33  
93  
80  
42  
90  
43  
74  
86  
35  
31  
82  
87  
44  
30  
50  
34  
78  
79  
51  
52  
56  
88  
70  
45  
43  
53  
54  
71  
72  
56a  
60  
83  
55  
93  
58  
80  
57  
74  
73  
59  
81  
62  
61  
CFM Corporation reserves the right to make changes in design, materials, specifications, prices and discontinue colors and products at any time,  
without notice.  
Encore Woodburning Stove  
Model 2550CE  
Item Description  
Part Number  
Item Description  
Part Number  
7. Left Heat Deflector  
8. Right Heat Deflector  
9. Refractory Assy w/Access Panel  
10. Catalytic Combustor  
11. Refractory Access Panel  
14. Left Griddle Quad  
1608629  
1608630  
1602510  
1602505  
1602511  
1301807  
1. Secondary Air Cover Plate  
2. Secondary Air Probe Assy  
3. Secondary Air Link II, ENC  
4. Secondary Air Flap  
5. Flue Collar (8”)  
1601492  
1601489  
1601486  
1601490  
See Chart Pg. 35  
1308620  
6. Back  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Encore Woodburning Stove  
Model 2550CE (continued)  
Item Description  
Part Number  
Item Description  
Part Number  
15. Right Griddle Quad  
16. Griddle  
17. Griddle Handle Assy  
18. Top  
1301832  
1300797  
30002775  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1301810  
56. Ashdoor Handle (Wood)  
57. Ashdoor Hinge Pin  
58. Cotter Pin, Ashdoor  
59. Ashdoor Hinge Support  
60. Ashpan  
1600663  
1208608  
30001749  
1308605  
21. Wedge  
1601025  
22. Upper Fireback1  
23. Damper1  
1308644  
1308631  
61. Ashpan Bracket  
62. Ashpan Cover  
1601039  
1601027  
24. Damper Tabs (3)1  
25. Damper Rod1  
27. Combustion Throat Hood  
28. Lower Fireback  
1601488  
1600851  
1301145  
1308646  
70. Airwash Manifold  
71. Front II  
72. Left Door Air Manifold  
73. Left Door  
74. Door Hinge Strip (2)  
75. Right Door Air Manifold  
77. Door Handle Assy w/Set Screw  
78. Right Door II  
79. Door Gasket 5/16 Med. Density 6ND  
80. Glass Gasket  
1308615  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1307403  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1308634  
30. Damper Handle Screw 1/4-20 x 3³⁄₈” NT 1201294  
31. Damper Handle,Wood  
33. Steel Handle Stub  
34. Left Side  
35. Left Air Plate (Inner side)  
36. Right Air Plate (Inner side)  
37. Right Side  
38. Thermostat Handle Assy  
39. Thermostat Assy  
40. Grate  
1600664  
30002720  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1308621  
1308622  
See Chart Pg. 36  
5004224  
1307404  
30002721  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1203588  
1203556  
1408630  
1408629  
1408628  
81. Left Door Glass2  
82. Right Door Glass2  
83. Door Latch  
5005470  
1307434  
84. Spacer 3/8 x 1-Z  
1201779  
85. Damper Ramp1  
Socket Set Screw Adjuster  
PH Flat Hd Screw  
Hex Nuts  
86. Handle Base Stub3  
87. Ceramic Handle2.78 Lg3  
88. Handle Bolt3  
1301811  
1200436  
1200809  
1203210  
30002714  
20006381  
1201294  
1201846  
5005471  
1200334  
1202471  
30002727  
41. Primary Air Tube Cover Plate  
1308609  
42. Primary Air Frame  
Primary Air Valve Only  
Primary Air Rod Only  
43. Primary Air Regulatory System  
44. Bottom  
45. Ashlip  
50. Andiron (2)  
51. Leg  
52. Leg Leveler  
53. Ashdrop  
1307411  
1301412  
1601493  
5000337  
1308604  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1307419  
See Chart Pg. 36  
1201745  
89. Friction Spring  
90. Primary Air Cable w/Clips  
91. 7/16-20 x 1 Socket Set Screw  
92. Washer  
1308603  
30002362  
1308607  
93. Pin, Long, Door  
54. Pawl Assembly Short Adjustment  
55. Ashdoor  
1. Included in #5008649 upper fireback assembly.  
2. Not interchangeable, due to a heat-reflective coating on the room  
side of the panels.  
3. Included in #0004345 ceramic handle assembly.  
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Encore Woodburning Stove  
Encore Woodburning Stove  
Model 2550CE (continued)  
Shell Enamel Parts - Encore  
Enamel  
Color  
Classic  
Biscuit  
Top  
Left Side  
1308623  
30003006  
2328623  
30003018  
30003030  
2318623  
2378623  
1328623  
30002524  
Right Side  
1308619  
30003005  
2328619  
30003017  
30003029  
2318619  
2378619  
1328619  
30002523  
Front  
Ashlip  
1307406  
30003002  
2377406  
30003014  
30003026  
2317406  
2377406  
1327406  
30002520  
Single Leg  
1307427  
30003003  
2327427  
30003015  
30003027  
2317427  
2377427  
1327427  
30002521  
1308618  
30003007  
2328618  
1308635  
30003004  
2328635  
30003016  
30003028  
2318635  
2378635  
1328635  
30002522  
Bordeaux  
Chestnut Brown 30003019  
Ebony  
Forest Green  
Midnight Blue  
Sand  
Suede Brown  
Vermont  
30003031  
2318618  
2378618  
1328618  
30002526  
Classic Green  
30003044  
30003043  
30003042  
30003041  
30003039  
30003040  
Shell Enamel Parts - Encore  
Enamel  
Left Door  
Subassembly  
5008648  
Left Door  
Only  
Right Door  
Subassembly  
5008647  
Right Door  
Only  
Color  
Flue Collar  
Classic  
Biscuit  
Bordeaux  
1304280  
30003008  
2324280  
1308637  
30003010  
2328637  
30003022  
30003034  
2318637  
2378637  
1328637  
30002529  
1308636  
30003009  
2328636  
30003021  
30003033  
2318636  
2378636  
1328636  
30002528  
30003012  
30001144  
30003024  
30003037  
30001150  
30001345  
30001146  
30002531  
30003011  
30001143  
30003023  
30003036  
30001149  
30001344  
30001145  
30002530  
Chestnut Brown 30003020  
Ebony  
30003032  
2314280  
2374280  
1324280  
30002527  
Forest Green  
Midnight Blue  
Sand  
Suede Brown  
Vermont  
Classic Green  
30003045  
30003049  
30003047  
30003048  
30003046  
30003842  
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Warranty  
Limited 3 Year Warranty  
CFM Corporation 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.  
CFM Corporation will repair or replace, at its option, any part found  
to be defective upon inspection by a Vermont Castings, 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 cus-  
tomer’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.  
Exclusions & Limitations  
1. This warranty is transferable; however, proof of original retail pur-  
chase is required.  
2. This warranty does not cover misuse of the stove. Misuse includes  
overfiring which will result if the stove 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 bub-  
bling, cracking, chipping and discoloration of the porcelain enamel  
finish. CFM Corporation 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 CFM Corporation representative in  
writing. This warranty does not cover damage to the stove caused  
by burning salt saturated wood, chemically treated wood, or any fuel  
not recommended in the 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.  
4. This warranty does not cover a stove repaired by someone other  
than a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer.  
Limited 1 Year Warranty  
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  
Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer from whom you purchased  
your stove or CFM Corporation if the purchase was direct. (Do not  
operate the stove as this may negate the ability to process the claim  
with the carrier.)  
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 defec-  
tive will be repaired or replaced at no charge, upon the return of the  
part with postage prepaid to a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer.  
6. Claims are not valid where the installation does not conform to local  
building and fire codes or, in their absence, to the recommendations  
in our Owner’s Guide.  
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 en-  
vironment, 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.  
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  
stove is received, the catalyst itself will be replaced free.  
8. CFM Corporation shall have no obligation to enhance or update any  
unit once manufactured.  
IN NO EVENT SHALL CFM CORPORATION BE LIABLE FOR INCI-  
DENTAL AND CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. ALL IMPLIED WAR-  
RANTIES, INCLUDING THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT-  
ABILITY AND FITNESS, ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF  
THIS WRITTEN WARRANTY. THIS WARRANTY SUPERCEDES ALL  
OTHER ORAL OR WRITTEN WARRANTIES.  
From 25 - 72 months a pro-rated credit will be allowed against a re-  
placement 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 combus-  
tor 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 stove to the  
Authorized Dealer.  
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.  
Amount of Time  
Since Purchase  
0 - 24 months  
25 - 36 months  
37 - 48 months  
49 - 60 months  
61 - 72 months  
Credit Towards  
Replacement Cost  
How to Obtain Service  
100%  
50 %  
30%  
20%  
10%  
If a defect is noted within the warranty period, the customer should  
contact a Vermont Castings Authorized Dealer or CFM Corporation if  
the purchase was direct with the following information:  
1. Name, address, and telephone number of the purchaser.  
2. Date of purchase.  
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.  
3. Serial number from the label on the back.  
4. Nature of the defect or damage.  
5. Any relevant information or circumstances, e.g., installation,  
mode of operation when defect was noted.  
2. Proof of original purchase date.  
3. Date of failure of catalyst.  
4. Any relevant information or circumstances regarding determina-  
tion of failure.  
A warranty claim will then start in process. CFM Corporation reserves  
the right to withhold final approval of a warranty claim pending a visual  
inspection of the defect by authorized representatives.  
5. In addition, the owner must return the failed catalyst.  
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CFM Corporation  
2695 Meadowvale Blvd. • Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5N 8A3  
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