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OPERATING YOUR APPLIANCE (Continued)
Maintaining Catalytic Light-Off
Your Fireplace Xtrordinair is equipped with a catalytic combustor which increases the
efficiency of your appliance. It is located along the roof of the firebox and is accessed from
within. Its purpose is to re-ignite the flue gases before they exit up the chimney. This
process, called catalytic light-off, increases the heat output of your fireplace and reduces the
amount of emissions.
While starting a fire the catalytic combustor is by-passed to allow the fire to get up to
temperature. Once the fire is up to temperature the combustor by-pass control can be
pushed in to allow the flue gases to be routed through the catalytic combustor. The amount
of time it takes for the fire to get up to temperature varies depending upon the amount of draft
and quality of wood. In most cases the appliance is up to temperature in 30 minutes or less.
When to Push in the Combustor By-Pass
The temperature in the appliance and the flue gases entering the combustor must be raised
to between 500 and 700 degrees F. for the catalytic combustor to work correctly. During the
start up of a cold appliance a medium to high heat range setting must be maintained for a
minimum of 20 minutes. This insures that the appliance, catalyst and fuel are all stabilized at
their proper operating temperature. Even though it is possible to have gas temperatures
reach 600 degrees F. within 2 to 3 minutes after a fire is started, if the fire is allowed to die
down immediately it may go out and the combustor may stop working. Once the combustor
starts working, the heat generated in it by burning the smoke will keep it working.
What to do After Refueling Your Fireplace
During the refueling and rekindling of a cool fire or a fire that is in the charcoal phase,
operate the appliance at a medium to high firing rate for about 10 minutes to insure that the
catalyst reaches approximately 600 degrees F. This will insure catalytic light-off.
CATALYTIC LIGHT-OFF
Flue Gases
from Fireplace
Catalytic Combustor
(Heated to between 500
and 700 degrees F.)
Flue Gases Re-Ignite
Inside the Catalytic
Combustor, Cutting
Emissions