Drolet ESCAPE 1500-I User manual

CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS
IN THE AREA.
READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLATION AND USE OF THIS WOOD INSERT. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH.
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
Printed in Canada
2023-07-28
45997_IA
ENGLISH
2.5 g/h
<
≤
EPA
Safety tested according to
CAN/ULC 628, UL 1482 and
UL 737 by an accredited
laboratory.
US Environmental Protection
Agency phase II certified
wood insert compliant with
2020 cord wood standard.
ESCAPE 1500-I
(DB03137 model)
Wood Insert
Owner's Manual
Part 2 of 2
INSTALLATION AND
OPERATION REQUIREMENTS

ONLINE WARRANTY REGISTRATION
If the unit requires repairs during the warranty period, proof of purchase must be provided. The
purchase invoice must be kept. The date indicated on it establishes the warranty period. If it can
not be provided, the warranty period will be determined by the date of manufacture of the product.
It is also highly recommended to register the warranty online at
https://www.drolet.ca/en/warranty/warranty-registration/
Registering the warranty will help to quickly find the information needed on the unit.
Dealer:
Installer:
Phone Number:
Serial Number:

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. CERTIFICATION PLATE .......................................................................................................... 4
2. General Information ................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Performances ............................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Specifications............................................................................................................. 6
2.3 Dimensions ................................................................................................................ 7
3. Clearances to Combustible Material.................................................................................... 13
3.1 Minimum Masonry Opening and Clearances to Combustibles .......................................13
3.2 Floor Protection .........................................................................................................14
3.3 R Value .....................................................................................................................15
4. Installing Options on Your Product and Replacing Parts.................................................... 17
4.1 Replacement and Adjustment .....................................................................................17
4.2 Blower and Ash Lip Installation ...................................................................................20
4.3 Faceplate Installation .................................................................................................21
4.4 Optional Fresh Air Intake Kit Installation.......................................................................23
4.5 Optional Fire Screen Installation..................................................................................24
4.6 Log Retainers Installation ...........................................................................................26
4.7 Air Tubes and Baffle Installation ..................................................................................27
4.8 Removal Instructions..................................................................................................30
4.9 Exploded Diagram and Parts List ................................................................................31
DROLET LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY................................................................................. 34

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1. CERTIFICATION PLATE

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2. General Information
2.1 Performances
Values are as measured per test method, except for the recommended heating area, firebox volume,
maximum burn time and maximum heat output.
Model Escape 1500-I (DB03137)
Type of combustion Non-catalytic
Fuel Type Dry Cordwood
Recommended heating area (sq. ft..)1 500 to 1,800 ft2(46 to 167 m2)
Overall firebox volume21.86 ft3(0.053 m3)
EPA loading volume 1.44 ft3(0.041 m3)
Maximum burn time17 hours
Maximum heat output (dry cordwood)3 65,000 BTU/h (19 kW)
Overall heat output rate (min. to max.)2 4 9,800 BTU/h to 52,200 BTU/h
(2.87 kW to 15.3 kW)
Average overall efficiency3
(Dry cordwood) 68 % (HHV)573 % (LHV)6
Optimum overall efficiency7 76 %
Optimum heat transfer efficiency8 75 %
Average particulate emissions rate9 2.4 g/h (EPA / CSA B415.1-10)10
Average CO11 103 g/h
1Recommended heating area and maximum burn time may vary subject to location in home, chimney draft,heat loss factors, climate, fuel type
and other variables. The recommended heated area for a given appliance is dened by the manufacturer as its capacity to maintain a minimum
acceptable temperature in the designated area in case of a power failure.
2The overall rebox calculation is an approximation and is not intended to be used for loading. This volume includes a buffer zone to allow an easier
fuel insertion, prevent ash spillage and allow the air wash to work properly.
3The maximum heat output (dry cordwood) is based on a loading density varying between 15 lb/ft3and 20 lb/ft3. Other performances are based on
a fuel load prescribed by the standard. The specied loading density varies between 7 lb/ft³ and 12 lb/ft3. The moisture content is between 19%
and 25%.
4As measured per CSA B415.1-10 stack loss method.
5Higher Heating Value of the fuel.
6Lower Heating Value of the fuel.
7Optimum overall efciency at a specic burn rate (LHV).
8The optimum heat transfer efciency is for the low burn rate and represents the appliance's ability to convert the energy contained in the wood logs
into energy transferred to the room in the form of heat and does not take into account the chemical losses during combustion.
9This appliance is ofcially tested and certied by an independent agency.
10 Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and ASTM E3053-17. Based on EPA letter dated November
1, 2022.
11 Carbon monoxide.

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2.2 Specifications
Recommended log length 16 in (406 mm) east-west
Maximum log length118 in (457 mm) east-west
Flue outlet diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Recommended connector pipe diameter 6 in (150 mm)
Type of chimney ULC S635, CAN/ULC-S640, UL 1777
Minimum liner height 12 feet
Baffle material Vermiculite
Approved for alcove installation Not applicable
Approved for mobile home installation2No
Type of door Simple, glass with cast iron frame
Type of glass Ceramic glass
Blower Included (up to 144 CFM)
Particulate emission standard3EPA / CSA B415.1-10
USA Standard (Safety) UL 1482, UL 737
Canada Standard (Safety) CAN/ULC-628
1North-south: ends of the logs visible, East-west: sides of the logs visible.
2Mobile homes (Canada) or manufactured homes (USA): The US Department of Housing and Urban Development describes “manufactured homes”
better known as “mobile homes” as follows; buildings built on xed wheels and those transported on temporary wheels/axles and set on a permanent
foundation. In Canada, a mobile home is a dwelling for which the manufacture and assembly of each component is completed or substantially
completed prior to being moved to a site for installation on a foundation and connection to service facilities and which conforms to the CAN/CSAZ240
MH standard.
3Tested and certied in compliance with CFR 40 part 60, subpart AAA, section 60.534(a)(1(ii) and ASTM E3053-17. Based on EPA letter dated November
1, 2022.

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2.3 Dimensions
27 1/4"
692mm25 1/2"
648mm
12 3/4"
324mm
5 3/4"
145mm
Ø
6"
150mm
13 5/8"
348mm
MAX
2 7/8"
74mm
MIN.
Figure 1 : Top View Figure 2 : Side View - Minimum Insert Projection
15 3/4"
400mm
9 3/4"
248mm
24 1/4"
616mm
12 7/8"
328mm
MIN.
3 5/8"
93mm
MAX.
22 3/8"
569mm
6 5/8"
169mm
17 5/8"
446mm
16 1/2"
419mm
20 1/2"
521mm
20 3/4"
528mm 21 1/4"
539mm
Figure 3 : Front View Figure 4 : Side View - Maximum Insert Projection

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8 3/4"
221mm
17 1/4"
438mm
Figure 5 : Door Opening
19 5/8"
498mm
13 1/2"
343mm
11 7/8"
301mm
3/16"
5mm
5/16"
8mm
Figure 6 : Front View - Combustion Chamber Figure 7 : Side View - Combustion Chamber

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1.1 EPA Loading Procedure
The best loading method for efficient and clean combustion with this fireplace is the EPA loading
method. The images below show the space in the firebox where the logs are to be placed. It is
important to always respect this space and not to put logs in the grid area marked with an X.
The marked area is defined by the space between the glass and primary air channel. Leave
enough space between the logs for good air circulation. Using more than the usable firebox
volume for loading wood will result in poor combustion. The Usable firebox volume of 1.44 ft³
shown below is the one used during EPA emissions certification. The log length recommended
for this stove is 16 inches and the EPA testing were done with log length of 16 in. The fuel
specie used for the EPA certification was beech.
1.1.1 Air control
The air control is located underneath the ash shelf. To open
the air control, pull the air control handle completely toward
you (High). This will increase the burn rate. To close the air
control, push the air control handle completely. This will
permit to achieve the lowest possible burn rate.
1.1.2 High burn rate (primary air control open)
For Kindling and Start-up fuel configuration refer to the pictures below. Split the start-up fuel
log into 6 pieces. Crisscross at 45 degrees the 6 pieces on the brick on 3 rows (From the
bottom, first row 2 smallest-second row 2 biggest- third row 2 medium) and leaving some space
between each wood pieces. Crisscross at 45 degrees the kindling on the top of the start-up fuel
on 3 rows, from biggest to smallest. The kindling is made of between 12-15 small pieces that
are about 10% of moisture content. Place newspaper sheets on top of the kindling. Light up the
paper and let the door at 90 degrees between one minute and one minute and 30 seconds, then
close the door. Air control is fully open.
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 8: Start-up fuel Figure 9: Kindling Figure 10: Newspaper
When there are only faint flames remaining and most of the wood is turned into coal, break
ashes and level coal bed. Close the door.
Add High Fire load in an East-West configuration. Put 3 first pieces on the coal bed. Leave about
2 inches of air space between the rear firebrick and the first piece. See Figure 11 and 12 for an
example of high burn load inside the firebox. The front (3rd) piece should stand off on the steel
andirons by approximately 1-2 inches. The 2 other pieces should be added on top of the first

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3, stacked in the middle, in an East-West orientation. Let the door open at 90 degrees between
one minute and one minute and 30 seconds. Close the door, start the blower at maximum
speed, and let burn until the weight is down to target.
X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 11: Position of the bottom
pieces (High burn)
Figure 12: Position of the two top
pieces (High burn)
Figure 13: Example high burn load
(side view)
For optimal loading of a high fire, take small to medium size fuel pieces (between 2- and
3-inches cross section dimensions approximately) on the bottom and use medium to large size
fuel pieces (3.5 to 4.5 inches of cross section dimensions approximately) on top. To make sure
combustion is equal, put the biggest piece on top of the first three, at the front of the firebox.
See an example of high burn load in the Figure 13 above.
1.1.3 Low burn rate
After the high fire, if there is visible yellow flame, close the air control. When the charcoal bed
weight is between 14 and 17% of the low fire load weight, turn off the blower, open the door,
stir the coals slightly, just enough to have a level plane coal bed, and let the door remain slightly
open for 1 minute before loading the low burn test fuel.
For the loading, put 3 first pieces on the coal bed in an East-West orientation. Leave approximately
1 inch of air space between the rear firebrick and the first piece. There should be air space
between all pieces. The front (3rd) piece may contact the steel andirons. The 2 top pieces (fourth
and fifth) should be added on top of the first 3, slightly angled (10° from the 3 wood pieces at
the bottom). The distance between the logs should be approximately 1 inch. See Figure 14 and
15 for an example of low burn load inside the firebox.
For optimal low fire load, use medium to large size fuel pieces (between 4- and 5.5-inches cross
section dimensions approximately) on the bottom and use small to medium size fuel pieces (2.5
to 4 inches cross section dimensions approximately) on top. To make sure combustion is equal,
put the smallest piece on top of the first three, at the back of the firebox (see Figure 16 for an
example of low burn load).
Front

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X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 14: Position of the bottom
pieces (Low burn)
Figure 15: Position of the two top
pieces (Low burn)
Figure 16: Example low burn load (side
view)
Let the door ajar at 90° until the flames roll on top of the fuel (between 2:00 and 4:00 minutes)
and then close the door with the primary air control open. See picture below for rolling flame:
Close the primary air control by small increments (ex: 1/16 of an inch), from ½’’ to fully closed,
between 4 and 15 minutes after the loading period. Before closing further, make sure the flame
intensity is increasing or stable. Close the air control completely. Turn ON the blower at maximum
speed.
1.1.4 Medium burn rate
After the high fire, if there is visible yellow flame, close the air control. When the charcoal bed
weight is between 14 and 17% of the medium fire load weight, turn off the blower, open the
door, stir the coals slightly, just enough to have a level plane coal bed, and let the door remain
slightly open for 1 minute before loading the medium burn test fuel.
For the loading, put 3 first pieces on the coal bed in an East-West orientation. Leave about 1
to 2 inches of air space between the rear firebrick and the first piece. The front (3rd) piece
should stand off from the steel andirons by approximately 1 inch. The 2 top pieces (fourth and
fifth) should be added on top of the first 3, slightly angled (10° from horizontal, top view). The
distance between the logs should be approximately 1 inch. See Figure 17 and 18 for an example
of medium burn load inside the firebox.
For optimal medium fire load, use medium to large size fuel pieces (between 4- and 5.5-inches
cross section dimensions approximately) on the bottom and use small to medium size fuel pieces
(2.5 to 4 inches cross section dimensions approximately) on top. To make sure combustion is
Front

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equal, put the smallest piece on top of the first three, at the back of the firebox (see Figure 19
for an example of medium burn load).
X
X
X
X
X
X
Figure 17: Position of the bottom
pieces (Medium burn)
Figure 18: Position of the two top
pieces (Medium burn)
Figure 19: Example medium burn load
(side view)
Let the door ajar at 90° until the flames roll on top of the fuel (between 2:30 and 5:00) and then
close the door with the primary air control open. See picture below for rolling flame:
Close the primary air control by small increments (ex: 1/16 of an inch) until reaching the mid-
point of air control position, between 4 and 15 minutes after the loading period. Before closing
further, make sure the flame intensity is increasing or stable. Turn ON the blower at maximum
speed.
Front

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3. Clearances to Combustible Material
When the insert 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.
NO PART OF THE INSERT MAY BE LOCATED CLOSER TO THE COMBUSTIBLE THAN THE MINIMUM
CLEARANCE FIGURES GIVEN.
CLEARANCES MAY ONLY BE REDUCED BY MEANS APPROVED BY THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
3.1 Minimum Masonry Opening and Clearances to Combustibles
COMBUSTIBLE MANTEL SHELF
COMBUSTIBLE
TOP SURROUND
COMBUSTIBLE
SIDE SURROUND
ADJACENT SIDE WALL
FLOOR PROTECTION
J
I
H
Q
G
F
K
L
O
P
Masonry Opening and Clearances
MINIMUM CLEARANCES
F16" (406 mm)
G9" (229 mm)
H27" (686 mm)
I27" (686 mm)
Q84" (213 cm)
MAXIMUM THICKNESS
O5" (127 mm)
P12" (305 mm)
MINIMUM MASONRY
OPENING
J21 ½" (546 mm)
K127 ½" (700 mm)
L12 ¾" (324 mm)
1If a fresh air intake is required, it is recommended to add at least 4" to the width of the minimum opening of the hearth.

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3.2 Floor Protection
t is necessary to have a floor protection made of non-combustible materials that meets the
measurements specified in the "Table 1 : Floor Protection" below.
Table 1 : Floor Protection
FLOOR PROTECTION
Canada USA
B118" (457 mm) 16" (406 mm)
M8" (203 mm) N/A
NN/A 8" (203 mm)
N
M
B
DOOR
Floor Protection
3.2.1 Installation Raised of 4" (102 mm) and Less
If non-combustible material floor protection needs to be added in front of and level with the
hearth extension of the masonry fireplace (F = 4" (102 mm) or less), an R-value equal to or
greater than 1.00 is required and should extend at least 22" (559 mm) in front of the unit (B).
Refer to "Additional Floor Protection - Not Raised Installation"
HEARTH SLAB:
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
FLOOR PROTECTOR:
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
B
C
D
E
F
A
G
Additional Floor Protection - Not Raised Installation
1From door opening. The depth of the hearth extension in front of the insert is included in the calculation of the oor protector’s dimensions. The
masonry hearth should be at least 5" (127 mm) higher than the combustible oor in front of it and a oor protection must extend at least 16"
(406 mm USA) and at least 18" (457 mm Canada) without an R value. If the hearth elevation is lower than 5" (127 mm), the non-combustible (B)
oor protection in front of the insert should have an R value equal or greater than 1.00 and shall extend 23" (584 mm) in front of the unit.

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3.2.2 Installation Raised of More Than 4" (102 mm)
If the extension of the masonry hearth is raised at least 4" (102mm) from the floor protection, a non-
combustible material, without an R-value, must extend at least 16" (406 mm in USA) or 18" (457 mm
in Canada) in front of the unit (B). Refer to "Additional Floor Protection - Raised Installation".
HEARTH SLAB:
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
FLOOR PROTECTOR:
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
B
C
D
E
F
A
G
Additional Floor Protection - Raised Installation
3.3 R Value
There are two ways to calculate the R-value of the floor protection. First, by adding the R-values of
materials used, or by the conversion if the K factor and thickness of the floor protection are given.
To calculate the total R value from R values of the materials used, simply add the R-values of
materials. If the result is equal to or greater than the R-value requirements, the combination is
acceptable. R-values of some selected materials are shown below.
Table 2 : Thermal Characteristics of Common Floor Protection Materials1
MATERIAL CONDUCTIVITY (K)
PER INCH
RESISTANCE (R)
PER INCH THICKNESS
Micore® 160 0.39 2.54
Micore® 300 0.49 2.06
Durock® 1.92 0.52
Hardibacker® 1.95 0.51
Hardibacker® 500 2.3 0.44
Wonderboard® 3.23 0.31
Cement mortar 5.00 0.2
Common brick 5.00 0.2
Face brick 9.00 0.11
Marble 14.3 – 20.00 0.07 – 0.05
1Information as reported by manufacturers and other resources.

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MATERIAL CONDUCTIVITY (K)
PER INCH
RESISTANCE (R)
PER INCH THICKNESS
Ceramic tile 12.5 0.008
Concrete 1.050 0.950
Mineral wool insulation 0.320 3.120
Limestone 6.5 0.153
Ceramic board (Fibremax) 0.450 2.2
Horizontal still air (1/8" thick)10.135 0,920**
Exemple:
Required floor protection R of 1.00. Proposed materials: four inches of brick and one inch of
Durock® board:
Four inches of brick (R = 4 x 0,2 = 0,8) plus 1 inch of Durock® (R = 1 x 0.52 = 0.52).
0.8 + 0.52 = 1.32.
This R value is larger than the required 1.00 and is therefore acceptable.
In the case of a known K and thickness of alternative materials to be used in combination,
convert all K values to R by dividing the thickness of each material by its K value. Add R values
of the proposed materials as shown in the previous example.
Exemple:
K value = 0.75
Thickness = 1
R value = Thickness/K = 1/0.75 = 1.33
1Horizontal still air can’t be «stack» to accumulate R-values; each layer must be separated with another non-combustible material.

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4. Installing Options on Your Product and Replacing Parts
4.1 Replacement and Adjustment
4.1.1 Door
Note: The images shown are for guidance only and may be different from your product, but
the assembly remains the same.
In order for the insert to burn at its best efficiency, the door must provide a perfect seal with the
firebox. Therefore, the gasket should be inspected periodically to check for a good seal. The
tightness of the door seal can be verified by closing and latching the door on a strip of paper.
The test must be performed all around the door. If the paper slips out easily anywhere, either
adjust the door or replace the gasket.
4.1.2 Adjustment
The gasket seal may be improved with a simple latch mechanism adjustment:
1. Remove the split pin by pulling and turning it using pliers.
2. Turn the handle one counterclockwise turn to increase pressure.
3. Reinstall the split pin with a small hammer.
Figure 20 : Removing the split pin Figure 21 : Installing the split pin

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4.1.3 Door Alignment
To align, open the door and loosen the pressures screws located on the lower and upper hinges
of the door using a 3/32” Allen key to free the adjustable hinge rods.
Using a flat screwdriver, turn the adjustable hinge rods in the direction shown to adjust the
doors. Tighten all door hinge pressure screws when they are at the desired positions.
Configurations 1-2-3-4-5-6, show in which direction these act on the adjustment of the door.
3/32"
5
6
3
2
A
B
1
4
4
2
A
B
1
3

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4.1.4 Gasket
It is important to replace the gasket with another having the same diameter and density to
maintain a good seal.
1. Remove the door and place it face-down on something soft like a cushion of rags or a piece of
carpet.
2. Remove the old gasket from the door. Use a screwdriver to scrape the old gasket adhesive from
the door gasket groove.
3. Apply a bead of approximately 3/16" (5 mm) of high temperature silicone in the door gasket
groove. Starting from the middle, hinges side, press the gasket into the groove. The gasket must
not be stretched during installation.
4. Leave about ½″(10 mm) long of the gasket when cutting and press the end into the groove. Tuck
any loose fibers under the gasket and into the silicone.
5. Close the door. Do not use the insert for 24 hours.
4.1.5 Glass Replacement
The glass used is a ceramic glass, 5/32" (4 mm) thick,15 ⅞" x 9 ⅞" (403mm x 251 mm) tested to
reach temperatures up to 1400º F. If the glass breaks, it must be replaced by a ceramic glass
from SCHOTT with the same specification. Contact your dealer to obtain a genuine replacement
part.Tempered glass or ordinary glass will not withstand the high temperatures of this
unit.
To remove or replace the glass (D):
6. Remove the door from its hinges and lay it on
a soft, flat surface.
7. Remove the screws (A), the glass retainers
(B), and the metal frames (C).
8. Remove the glass (D). If it is damaged install
a new one in place. The replacement glass
must have a gasket all around (see procedure
below).
9. Reinstall the glass, being careful to centre the
glass in the door and not to over-tightening
the retaining screw.
A
B
C
D
E
Figure 22 : Replacing the glass

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The two main causes of broken door glass are uneven placement in the door and over-
tightening the retaining screws.
4.1.6 Glass Gasket Replacement
The glass gasket is flat, adhesive-backed, woven fibreglass. The gasket must be centred on the
edge of the glass.
1. Follow the steps of the previous section to remove the glass.
2. Remove the old gasket and clean the glass thoroughly.
3. Peel back a section of the paper covering the adhesive and place
the gasket on a table with the adhesive side up.
4. Stick the end of the gasket to the middle of one edge, then press
the edge of the glass down onto the gasket, taking care that it is
perfectly centred on the gasket.
5. Peel off more of the backing and rotate the glass. The gasket must
not be stretched during installation.
6. Cut the gasket to the required length.
7. Pinch the gasket onto the glass in a U shape, all around the glass.
By following these instructions, the edge clearances are maintain.
4.2 Blower and Ash Lip Installation
1. Install the ash lip (A) on the insert with
three screws (B).
2. Center the blower on the ash lip and push
it against the firebox. Then push it until it
clips.
A
B