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TLC 2000 Coal Stove
17
Venting to a Masonry Fireplace Chimney
In some situations, a code compliant chimney
originally used for a masonry fireplace may be used to
install your TLC 2000. In addition to the requirements
found in the previous paragraphs, it is important to be
aware that all clearances must be met, including those
from the chimney connector to combustibles — 18" (360
mm) to sides and 18" (450 mm) to ceiling. Do not forget
to include floor protection in your plans. (See Clearances
and Floor Protection in this section.) Since many fire-
places have exposed wooden mantels and trim, pay spe-
cial attention to the clearances necessary to these materi-
als.
If your fireplace chimney is behind a combustible
wall, you must use an approved wall pass-through sys-
tem to gain access to the masonry chimney. The chim-
ney connector must enter the chimney at a place where it
is lined, and the fireplace must be made inoperable. For
example, you might remove the damper, replacing it with
a secure, airtight, noncombustible seal (removable for in-
spection); this also satisfies the requirement that no room
air must be allowed to enter the chimney.
Codes require that solid-fuel chimneys extend 3 ft
(0.9 m) above the point at which they exit from the roof,
provided that no part of any structure is within the top of
the chimney, then the chimney must extend 2 ft (6 m)
above the highest point with the 10 ft (3 m) radius top
height. If there is not ten feet of clearance from the top of
the chimney, then the chimney must extend 2 ft (6m)
above the highest point with the 10 ft (3m) radius.
Do not connect this unit to a chimney flue
servicing another appliance.
NOTE: The restriction of not venting more than
one appliance to the same flue applies to the U.S. specifi-
cally. While it is not recommended that you use the same
chimney for more than one appliance, in Canada certain
exceptions may be made. Be sure to contact your build-
ing code inspection official to see if this option is allowed
in your area, and to find out the specific requirements for
such an installation.
Existing Masonry Chimneys
If you plan on using a pre-existing masonry chim-
ney, have it thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Any faults
which make the chimney unsafe and unusable must be
repaired prior to use. These can include improper height,
structural defects, blockages, inadequate clearance to com-
bustibles, unsealed openings into other rooms of the house,
signs of creosote or smoke leakage, a loose or absent clean-
out door, or absence of a liner.
Do not connect to any air distribution
duct or system
Venting to a Masonry Chimney
When connecting to a masonry chimney, several
provisions are standard. First, whether the chimney con-
nector is vented to the chimney through a thimble or a
breech pipe, neither must pass beyond the inner surface
of the chimney liner, and both must be firmly cemented
in place with refractory cement. (A thimble is a masonry
pipe which is inserted through the chimney wall, and is
frequently the preferred method; a breech pipe is a piece
of steel pipe used the same way.) In Canada, a breech
pipe has ridges or protrusions to lock it firmly into the
refractory cement. In either case, the chimney connector
vents to the chimney through the thimble or breech pipe.
Using a thimble, the connector slides completely
inside the masonry to the inner edge of the flue liner, and
may be easily removed for chimney and connector in-
spection. A breech pipe must extend at least 2" (50 mm)
into the room, so the connector can be attached with
sheetmetal screws.