Installation and Operation Manual Rocket US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY PHASE II CERTIFIED WOOD STOVE Safety tested according to ULC S627, UL 737 and UL 1482 Standards by Intertek Testing Services www.drolet.ca Stove Builder International Inc. 250, rue de Copenhague, St-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec) Canada G3A 2H3 Tel: (418) 878-3040 Fax: (418) 878-3001 This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a copyrighted document. Re-sale is strictly prohibited.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS DROLET WOOD STOVE As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace manufacturers, Stove Builder International takes pride in the quality and performance of all its products. We want to help you get maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Table of content PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE ................................. 6 1 Safety Information ............................................................................... 6 1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings ......................... 6 2 General Information............................................................................ 7 2.1 Rocket Specifications ............................................................
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 5 Maintaining Your Wood Heating System ....................................... 23 5.1 Stove Maintenance............................................................................................... 23 5.1.1 Door adjustment ................................................................................................ 23 5.1.2 Replacing the Door Gasket ............................................................................... 24 5.1.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Appendix 1: Installing the Fresh Air Kit (AC01331) ........................... 41 Appendix 2: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01318) .............................. 42 Appendix 3: Installation and Use of Optional Air Circulation Fan and Thermodisc ................................................................ 43 Appendix 4: Exploded Diagram and Parts List ................................... 45 DROLET LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY .................................
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual PART A - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE Please see Part B for installation instructions. 1 Safety Information 1.1 Summary of Operation and Maintenance Cautions and Warnings • HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR STOVE OPERATION. • USING A STOVE WITH CRACKED OR BROKEN COMPONENTS, SUCH AS GLASS OR FIREBRICKS OR BAFFLES MAY PRODUCE AN UNSAFE CONDITION AND MAY DAMAGE THE STOVE.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 2 General Information 2.1 Rocket Specifications Fuel Type Cordwood Test Standards (safety) ULC S627, UL 737 and UL 1482 Test Standard (emissions) EPA Method 28 (40 CFR Part 60) Heating capacity range* 250 to 1000 sq. ft. (23,2 to 92,9 m2) Maximum heat output** (EPA test fuel) 21 800 BTU/h (6,4 kW/h) Maximum heat output** (natural hardwood fuel) 40 000 BTU/h (11,7 kW/h) Optimum efficiency 78,2 % Test Standard (efficiency) CSA B415.
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Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 2.2 Zone Heating and How to Make it Work for You Your new Rocket wood stove is a space heater, which means it is intended to heat the area it is installed in, as well as spaces that connect to that area, although to a lower temperature. This is called zone heating and it is an increasingly popular way to heat homes or spaces within homes.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 2.3 The Benefits of Low Emissions and High Efficiency The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside the Rocket firebox mean that your household will release up to 90 percent less smoke into the outside environment than if you used an older conventional stove. But there is more to the emission control technologies than protecting the environment. The smoke released from wood when it is heated contains about half of the energy content of the fuel.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 3 Fuel 3.1 Materials That Should Not be Burned • GARBAGE OF ANY KIND, • COAL OR CHARCOAL, • TREATED, PAINTED OR COATED WOOD, • PLYWOOD OR PARTICLE BOARD, • FINE PAPER, COLORED PAPER OR CARDBOARD, • SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD • MANUFACTURED LOGS CONTAINING WAX OR CHEMICAL ADDITIVES • RAILROAD TIES • LIQUIDS SUCH AS KEROSCENE OR DIESEL FUEL TO START A FIRE 3.2 How to Prepare or Buy Good Firewood 3.2.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 3.2.3 Log Length Logs should be cut about 1” (25 mm) shorter than the firebox so they fit in easily. Pieces that are even slightly too long make loading the stove very difficult. The most common standard length of firewood is 16” (400 mm). The pieces should be a consistent length, with a maximum of 1” (25 mm) variation from piece to piece. 3.2.4 Piece Size Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit rounds can take years to dry enough to burn.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 3.2.5 How to Dry Firewood Firewood that is not dry enough to burn is the cause of most complaints about wood inserts. Continually burning green or unseasoned wood produces more creosote and involves lack of heat and dirty glass door. See Section 5: Maintaining your wood heating system for concerns about creosote.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 3.2.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4 Operating Your Stove 4.1 The use of a fire screen. This stove has been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen (AC01318, sold separately). Make sure the fire screen is properly secured on the stove to avoid any risk of fire. When the fire screen is used, it is important not to leave the stove unattended to respond promptly in the event of smoke spillage into the room.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4.3.1 Conventional Fire Starting The conventional way to build a wood fire is to bunch up 5 to 10 sheets of plain newspaper and place them in the firebox. Next, place 10 or so pieces of fine kindling on the newspaper. This kindling should be very thin; less than 1” (25 mm). Next, place some larger kindling pieces on the fine kindling. Open the air control fully and light the newspaper.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4.3.3 Two Parallel Logs Place two spit logs in the firebox. Place a few sheets of twisted newspaper between the logs. Now place some fine kindling across the two logs and some larger kindling across those, log cabin style. Light the newspaper. 4.3.4 Using Fire Starters Many people like to use commercial fire starters instead of newspaper. Some of these starters are made of sawdust and wax and others are specialized flammable solid chemicals.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual IF YOU MUST OPEN THE DOOR WHILE THE FUEL IS FLAMING, OPEN THE AIR CONTROL FULLY FOR A FEW MINUTES, THEN UNLATCH AND OPEN THE DOOR SLOWLY. 4.4.2 Ash Removal Ash should be removed from the firebox every two or three days of full time heating. Do not let the ash build up in the firebox because it will interfere with proper fire management.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4.4.4 Firing Each New Load Hot Place the new load of wood on and behind the charcoal. Close the door and open the air control fully. Leave the air control fully open until the firebox is full of flames, the wood has charred to black and its edges are glowing red.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4.4.6 Building Different Fires for Different Needs Using the air control is not the only way to match the stove’s heat output to the heat demand. Your house will need far less heat in October than in January to be kept at a comfortable temperature. If you fill the firebox full in fall weather, you will either overheat the space or turn the stove down so much that the fire will be smoky and inefficient.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 4.4.6.2 Long Lasting Low Output Fires Sometimes you will want to build a fire to last up to eight hours, but don’t need intense heat. In this case use soft wood species and place the logs compactly in the firebox so the pieces are packed tightly together. You will need to fire the load hot for long enough to fully char the log surfaces before you can turn the air down. Make sure the fire is flaming brightly before leaving the fire to burn. 4.4.6.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Long burn times are not necessarily an indication of efficient stove operation. When you are home during the day and able to tend the fire, it is preferable to build a smaller fire that might provide three or four hours of heating than to fully load the firebox for a much longer burn. Shorter burn cycles make it easier to match the heat output of the stove to the heat demand of the space. 4.4.6.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 5 Maintaining Your Wood Heating System 5.1 Stove Maintenance Your new stove will give many years of reliable service if you use and maintain it correctly. Some of the internal components of the firebox, such as firebricks, baffles and air tubes, will wear over time under intense heat. You should always replace defective parts with original parts (see Appendix 4: Exploded Diagram and Parts List).
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 5.1.2 Replacing the Door Gasket It is important to maintain the gasket in good condition. After a year or more of use, the door gasket will compress and become hard, which may allow air to leak past it. You can test the condition of the door gasket by closing and latching the door on a strip of paper. Test all around the door. If the paper slips out easily anywhere, it is time to replace the gasket.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 5.2.2 How Often Should You Clean the Chimney? It is not possible to predict how much or how quickly creosote will form in your chimney. It is important, therefore, to check the build-up in your chimney monthly when getting used to the new stove until you determine the rate of creosote formation. Even if creosote forms slowly in your system, the chimney should be cleaned and inspected at least once each year.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual PART B - INSTALLATION 6 Safety Information 6.1 Summary of Installation Cautions and Warnings • THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE APPLIANCE ALWAYS OVERRIDES THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED, IN ANY OTHER MEDIA (OWNER’S MANUAL, CATALOGUES, FLYERS, MAGAZINES AND/OR WEB SITES). • MIXING OF APPLIANCE COMPONENTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OR MODIFYING COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS CONDTIONS.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 6.2 Regulations Covering Stove Installation When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the Rocket wood stove is suitable for use as a freestanding heater in residential installations. The Rocket wood stove is not recommended for installation in a sleeping room. In Canada, the CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment and the CSA C22.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 7 Clearances to Combustible Material The clearances shown in this section have been determined by test according to procedures set out in safety standards ULC S627 (Canada), UL1482 (U.S.A.) and UL737 (U.S.A.). When the stove is installed so that its surfaces are at or beyond the minimum clearances specified, combustible surfaces will not overheat under normal and even abnormal operating conditions.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual CLEARANCES (SINGLE WALL PIPE) A B C D E F K L CANADA 15½" (394 mm) 18" (457 mm) 10" (254 mm)* 18" (457 mm) 26½" (673 mm) 20" (508 mm) 48" (1220 mm) 84" (213 cm) USA 15" (381 mm) 18" (457 mm) 10" (254 mm)* 17½" (445 mm) 26½" (673 mm) 20" (508 mm) 48" (1220 mm) 84" (213 cm) Note: These clearances are also valid for an alcove installation. *Si la hauteur du plafond (L) est entre 68" à 84", le dégagement (C) devient 12" (305 mm).
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Clearances to combustible materials and floor protection 30
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 7.3 Floor protector If the stove is to be installed on top of a combustible floor, it must be guarded by a non combustible material as shown on figure 1.3 (see the dotted line area).
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 7.4.1 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Shield Construction Rules Minimum space behind shield: 25 mm (1 in.). In Canada 21 mm (7/8 in). Minimum clearance along the bottom of shield: 25 mm (1 in.). Maximum clearance along the bottom of shield: 75 mm (3 in.). Minimum clearance along the top of shield at ceiling: 75 mm (3 in.). Shield extension beyond each side of appliance: 450 mm (18 in.). Shield extension above appliance: 500 mm (20 in.).
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 7.4.2 Table of Clearance Reduction Percentages Clearances may be reduced by these percentages Type of shield Sides and rear % Top % (ceiling) 67 50 Ceramic tiles, or equivalent noncombustible material, on noncombustible board spaced out at least 25 mm (1 in)* by noncombustible spacers 50 33 Ceramic tiles, or equivalent noncombustible material, on noncombustible board, with a minimum of 24 gauge (0.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 8 The Venting System 8.1 General The venting system, made up of the chimney and the connecting pipe between the stove and the chimney, acts as the engine that drives your wood heating system. Even the best stove will not function safely and efficiently as intended if it is not connected to a suitable chimney. The heat in the flue gases that pass from the stove and chimney connector into the chimney is not waste heat.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 8.2.2 Masonry Chimneys The stove may also be connected to a masonry chimney, provided the chimney complies with the construction rules found in the building code enforced locally. The chimney must have either a clay liner or a suitably listed stainless steel liner. If the masonry chimney has a square or rectangular liner that is larger in cross sectional area than a round 6” flue, it should be relined with a suitably listed 6” stainless steel liner.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 8.4 The Relationship Between the Chimney and the House Because the venting system is the engine that drives the wood heating system, it must have the right characteristics. The signs of bad system design are cold backdrafting when there is no fire in the stove, slow kindling of new fires, and smoke roll-out when the door is opened for loading. There are two guidelines to follow.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 8.4.2 Why the chimney should penetrate the highest heated space When it is cold outside, the warm air in the house is buoyant so it tends to rise. This tendency of warm air to rise creates a slight pressure difference in the house. Called ‘stack effect’, it produces a slightly negative pressure low in the house (relative to outside) and a slightly positive pressure zone high in the house.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual 8.5.1 Air Supply in Conventional Houses The safest and most reliable supply of combustion air for your wood stove is from the room in which it is installed. Room air is already preheated so it will not chill the fire, and its availability is not affected by wind pressures on the house. Contrary to commonly expressed concerns, almost all tightly-sealed new houses have enough natural leakage to provide the small amount of air needed by the stove.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual The best flue pipe assembly is one that rises straight up from the stove to the base of the chimney with no elbows. Straight assemblies are less likely to cause problems like smoke roll-out when the door is opened for loading. They are also more stable and easier to maintain than assemblies with elbows. Horizontal runs of flue pipe should be avoided where possible because they reduce chimney draft. Use 45 degree elbows where possible, instead of 90 degree elbows.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual The rules below are based on those found in the CSA B365 installation code. Please carefully follow these installation instruction rules, or those enforced where you live. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Maximum overall length of straight pipe: 3 m (10 ft.) including elbows. Minimum clearance from combustible material: 450 mm (18 in.). The minimum clearance may be reduced by 50 percent to 225 mm (9 in.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Appendix 1: Installing the Fresh Air Kit (AC01331) The installation instructions are provided with the Fresh Air Kit (AC01331), sold separately.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Appendix 2: Installing the Fire Screen (AC01318) Open the door. Hold the fire screen by the two handles and bring it close to the door opening. Lean the upper part of the fire screen against the top door opening making sure to insert the top fire screen brackets behind the primary air deflector as in (Detail A). Lift the fire screen upwards and push the bottom part towards the stove then let the fire screen rest on the bottom of the door opening.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Appendix 3: Installation and Use of Optional Air Circulation Fan and Thermodisc An optional fan can be installed on the back of the stove to increase the flow of air past heat exchange surfaces and to help circulate warm air in the room. When used regularly, the fan can provide a small increase in efficiency, up to 2 percent.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual When using the optional fan, allow the stove to reach operating temperature (approximately one hour), before turning it on. The increased airflow from the fan cools the firebox and could affect the start-up combustion efficiency if the fan is turned on too early. You can also install a thermodisc to enable the blower to start or stop automatically when the stove is hot or too cold.
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual Appendix 4: Exploded Diagram and Parts List 45
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual # Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 AC01318 30569 AC07867 SE24231 AC09156 AC09185 AC06900 30055 30169 30101 PL63249 12 30060 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 PL63335 SE45521 AC01331 99999 30125 PL63146 30094 30428 AC07865 SE63179 23 AC02050 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 44073 44080 44087 44085 60013 AC05530 44046 PL36027 29015 PL36019 29010 21386 PL63339 46 Description FIRE SCREEN ROUND WOODEN HANDLE BLACK 1/2 " CHROME PLATED COIL HANDLE DOOR ASSEMBLY
Rocket Installation and Operation Manual DROLET LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY The warranty of the manufacturer extends only to the original consumer purchaser and is not transferable. This warranty covers brand new products only, which have not been altered, modified nor repaired since shipment from factory. Proof of purchase (dated bill of sale), model name and serial number must be supplied when making any warranty claim to your DROLET dealer. This warranty applies to normal residential use only.
