Drolet ESCAPE 1800 DB03100 User manual

OWNER’S MANUAL
ESCAPE 1800 EPA WOOD STOVE
MODELS DB03100, DB03110, DB03115, & DB03116
WOOD STOVES CERTIFIED ACCORDING TO US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY PHASE II
Verified and tested following
ULC S627 and UL 1482 Standards
by:
Manufactured by : STOVE BUILDER INTERNATIONAL INC.
250, de Copenhague, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Québec), Canada, G3A 2H3
Telephone : [phone]
Fax : [phone]
www.drolet.ca
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
45228

INTRODUCTION
Stove Builder International, one of the most important wood stove and fireplace manufacturers in
North America, congratulates you on your purchase and wishes to help you get maximum
satisfaction from your wood stove. In the pages that follow, we will give you advice on wood
heating and controlled combustion as well as technical specifications regarding installation,
operation and maintenance of the model you have chosen.
The instructions pertaining to the installation of your wood stove in North America comply with
ULC-S627 and UL-1482 standards.
Readthisentire manualbefore youinstall anduse yournew stove. Ifthis stoveis notproperly
installed,ahousefire may result. To reduce the risk offire,follow theinstallationinstructions.
Failure to follow instructions may result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death.
Consultyour municipal building department orfireofficials about restrictionsandinstallation
requirements in your area and the need to obtain a permit.
KEEP THIS INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
CAUTIONS:
•HOT WHILE IN OPERATION.KEEP CHILDREN,CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.CONTACT MAY
CAUSE SKIN BURNS.
•DO NOT USE CHEMICALS OR FLUIDS TO IGNITE THE FIRE.
•DO NOT LEAVE THE STOVE UNATTENDED WHEN THE DOOR IS SLIGHTLY OPENED DURING IGNITION.
•DO NOT BURN WASTE,FLAMMABLE FLUID SUCH AS GASOLINE,NAPHTHA,OR MOTOR OIL.
•DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR SYSTEM.
•ALWAYS CLOSE THE DOOR AFTER IGNITION.
REGISTER YOU WARRANTY ONLINE
To receive full warranty coverage, you will
need to show evidence of the date you
purchased your stove. Keep your sales
invoice. We also recommend that you
register your warranty online at
www.drolet.ca
Registering your warranty online will help
us track rapidly the information we need on
your stove.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.0 - INSTALLATION................................................................................................5
1.1 GENERAL INSTALLATION...........................................................................................................................5
1.1.1 Ash drawer assembly for DB03115 model ................................................................................................. 6
1.1.2 Legs and ash drawer assembly for DB03116 model ................................................................................... 6
1.2 POSITIONING THE STOVE ...........................................................................................................................8
1.3 CLEARANCES...................................................................................................................................................8
1.3.1 REDUCED CLEARANCES ........................................................................................................................ 10
1.4 FLOOR PROTECTOR....................................................................................................................................14
TIPS ON WOOD HEATING......................................................................................................15
SECTION 2.0 CHIMNEY (FLUE SYSTEM) .........................................................................16
2.1 DEFINITIONS..................................................................................................................................................16
2.2 CHIMNEY ........................................................................................................................................................16
2.2.1 Step by step installation of your factory-built chimney............................................................................. 18
2.2.2 Typical installation through an existing masonry chimney ....................................................................... 27
2.3 CHIMNEY CONNECTOR..............................................................................................................................30
2.4 DRAFT..............................................................................................................................................................32
2.5 OUTSIDE COMBUSTION AIR .....................................................................................................................33
2.6 THE ADVANTAGE OF INSTALLING A BLOWER (FAN)......................................................................33
SECTION 3.0 OPERATION.....................................................................................................35
3.1 SAFETY INFORMATION..............................................................................................................................36
3.2 FUEL .................................................................................................................................................................37
3.2.1 The use of manufactured logs ................................................................................................................... 38
3.2.2 Simple wood moisture test ........................................................................................................................ 39
3.3 NOTES ABOUT FIRST FIRING ...................................................................................................................39
3.4 LIGHTING A FIRE.........................................................................................................................................39
3.5 MAINTAINING THE FIRE............................................................................................................................41
3.6 FAN (BLOWER) OPERATION .....................................................................................................................41

SECTION 4.0 MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................42
4.1 CLEANING AND PAINTING YOUR STOVE.............................................................................................42
4.2 GLASS...............................................................................................................................................................42
4.3 GASKETING....................................................................................................................................................43
4.4 ASH REMOVAL USING THE ASH DRAWER...........................................................................................43
4.5 CHIMNEY (FLUE) CLEANING....................................................................................................................44
4.6 BAFFLE INSTALLATION FOR ESCAPE 1800 MODEL..........................................................................44
4.5 SECONDARY AIR TUBE REPLACEMENT...............................................................................................46
SECTION 5.0 SPECIFICATIONS...........................................................................................47
DROLET LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ......................................................................48

SECTION 1.0 - INSTALLATION
When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the Escape 1800 EPA wood stove is
suitable for use as a freestanding wood stove in residential installations. The Escape 1800 EPA
wood stove is not intended for installation in a bedroom or a mobile home.
In Canada, the CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment and
the CSA C22.1 Canadian National Electrical Code are to be followed in the absence of local code
requirements. In the USA, the ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code and NFPA 211 Standard for
Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances are to be followed in the absence of
local code requirements.
In addition to the national installation and/or local building codes, fire officials (or other authorities
having jurisdiction) should be contacted to determine what restrictions and installation requirements
might apply locally.
This heating unit must serve as a supplementary heat source. An alternative heat source should be
available in the home if needed. The manufacturer cannot be responsible for additional heating costs
associated with the use of an alternative heat source.
It is highly recommended that the user buys this product from a retailer who can provide installation
and maintenance advices.
1.1 GENERAL INSTALLATION
CAUTION:
•MIXING OF APPLIANCE OR FLUE SYSTEM COMPONENTS FROM DIFFERENT SOURCES OR MODIFYING THE
DIMENSIONAL SPECIFICATION OF COMPONENTS MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS.WHERE SUCH
ACTION IS CONSIDERED,THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD BE CONSULTED IN THE FIRST INSTANCE.
•DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.
•CRACKED AND BROKEN COMPONENTS,e.g. GLASS PANELS OR CERAMIC TILES,MAY RENDER THIS
INSTALLATION UNSAFE.
•ASOURCE OF FRESH AIR INTO THE ROOM OR SPACE HEATED SHALL BE PROVIDED WHEN REQUIRED.
•INSTALL A SMOKE DETECTOR IN THE ROOM WHERE THE STOVE IS LOCATED
•CONNECT THE STOVE ONLY TO A LINED MASONRY CHIMNEY CONFORMING TO NATIONAL AND LOCAL
BUILDING CODES FOR USE WITH SOLID FUEL,OR TO A LISTED FACTORY BUILT CHIMNEY SUITABLE FOR
USE WITH SOLID FUEL.

SomeEscape 1800 models require aspecialassembly. This assemblymustbe performed before
positioning the appliance. Please note that only DB03115 and DB03116 models require this
additional assembly.
1.1.1 Ash drawer assembly for DB03115 model
Before positioning the wood stove, it is suggested to assemble the ash drawer on DB03115 model as
shown below :
1.1.2 Legs and ash drawer assembly for DB03116 model
Before positioning the wood stove, it is suggested to perform the following steps for the legs and
ash drawer assembly for DB03116 model. To do so, remove the freight supports (A) as shown
below. You can dispose of the bolts and freight supports.

Then, install the legs using the bolts (B) supplied in a big in the firebox as shown below :
The last step consists of installing the ash drawer. To do so, use the guides designed for this
purpose located under the unit as shown below :

1.2 POSITIONING THE STOVE
It is very important to position the wood stove in an area that will favour the most efficient heat
distribution throughout the house. The stove should therefore be installed in the room where the
most time is spent, and in the most spacious room possible. Recall that wood stoves produce
radiating heat, the heat we feel when we are close to a wood stove. A wood stove also functions by
convection, that is through the displacement of hot air accelerated upwards and its replacement with
cooler air at the floor level. The stove’s convection effect is facilitated by the installation of a
blower.
1.3 CLEARANCES
Clearances to any combustibles when measured directly from the floor protector to the ceiling must
be a minimum of 84" (2134 mm). Clearances to any combustibles when measured directly from the
front of the stove must be a minimum of 48" (1219 mm). The stove must also be placed so as to
maintain the minimum clearances to combustible walls specified for each type of connector used.
See Table 1.3 below for all clearance measures
Clearances to combustible materials**
Table 1.3 Clearances to combustible materials
MODEL SIDES (A)
Single wall pipe / Double wall BACK (B) Single wall pipe / Double wall CORNERS (C) Single wall pipe / Double wall HEIGHT (D)*
Escape 1800 12’’ / 12’’ 14’’ / 6”’ 7’’ / 5’’ *7' / 2,13
m
* Height, from floor protection to ceiling
**See Figure 1.3 on the following page

Youma
y
decreasethese clearances b
y
installin
g
heatradiation shieldsbetweenthe wallsor the
ceiling and the stove. These heat radiation shields must be installed permanentl
y
, and can
include sheet metal, a rigid non-combustible sheet or a masonr
y
wall. The installation
standards of such heat radiation shields are listed on the following page.
IT IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN TO PLACE WOOD WITHIN MINIMUM CLEARANCES

Figure 1.3 Clearances to combustible materials

1.3.1 REDUCED CLEARANCES
You may decrease the clearances by installing heat radiation shields between the walls or
the ceiling and the stove. These heat radiation shields must be installed permanently, and
can include sheet metal, a rigid non-combustible sheet or a masonry wall.
Clearances of not less than 1" (25 mm) and not more than 3" (76 mm) between the bottom
of the shield and the floor and not less than 3" (76 mm) between the top of the shield and
the ceiling must be respected to allow vertical air circulation behind the shield. The shield
must extend 20" (500 mm) above the stove top and 18" (450mm) to each side of the stove
(see Graphic 1).
Following the installation of such a heat radiation shield, the clearances mentioned on the
stove certification plate may be reduced as stated in the following table.
TYPE OF PROTECTION
Reducing Clearances With
Shielding
Sides and
Rear/Back Top
Sheetmetal, a minimum of 0,024" (0,61mm) spacedout
at least 1" (25mm) by non-combustible spacers (see
graphic 2). 67% 50%
Ceramictiles, or an equivalentnon-combustible material
on fire-proof supports spaced out at least 1" (25 mm) by
non-combustible spacers (see graphic 3). 50% 33%
Ceramictiles, or an equivalentnon-combustible material
on fire-proof supports with a minimum of 0,024" (0,61
mm)sheet metal backingspacedoutatleast1"(25mm)
by non-combustible spacers (see graphic 4)
67% 50%
Brick spacedout at least 1" (25mm) by non-combustible
spacers (see graphic 5) 50% N/A
Brick with a minimum of 0,024" (0,61 mm) sheet metal
backing spaced out at least 1" (25 mm) by non-
combustible spacers (see graphic 6).
67% N/A

Graphic 1
A- Clearance to combustible material with no protection.
B- 500 mm (20 po.) minimum;
C- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
D- Between 25 mm (1 po.) and 75 mm (3 po.) ;
E- 75 mm (3 po.) minimum;
F- 450 mm (18 po.) minimum.
1- Wall shielding ;
2- Non-combustible spacers ;
3- Ceiling shielding ;
4- Combustible wall ;
5- Ceiling;
6- Heater (side view) ;
7- Heater (top view).

Graphic 2
A- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
1- Combustible wall ;
2- Non-combustible spacer;
3- 0.61 mm (0.024") sheet metal.
Graphic 3
A- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
1- Combustible wall;
2- Non-combustible spacer;
3- Fire-proof support;
4- Ceramic tile or equivalent non-combustible material.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Graphic 4
A- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
1- Combustible wall;
2- Non-combustible spacer;
3- 0.61 mm (0.024") sheet metal;
4- Fire-proof support;
5- Ceramic tile or equivalent non-combustible material.

Graphic 5
A- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
1- Combustible wall;
2- Non-combustible spacer;
3- Brick.
Graphic 6
A- 25 mm (1 po.) minimum;
1- Combustible wall;
2- Non-combustible spacer;
3- 0.61 mm (0.024") sheet metal;
4- Brick.

1.4 FLOOR PROTECTOR
If the stove is to be installed on top of a combustible floor, it must be guarded by a non-combustible
material extending at least 18” (300mm) from the front and 8” (200mm) from the sides and the back
of the firebox., as shown in Figure 1.4 below.
Please refer to local building codes for suitable floor protection materials.
FRONT
18” (300 mm)
SIDES
8” (200 mm)
BACK
8” (200 mm)
FIGURE 1.4 Floor protector
Caution: do not install in a bedroom.

TIPS ON WOOD HEATING
Wood is a renewable energy. It is also a very clean heat source when used with
appliances that are certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a
standard accepted in Canada as well.
EPA-certified wood stoves are different than conventional wood stoves. Burning with an
EPA-certified wood stove may therefore require that you modify some of your heating
habits. To get the most satisfaction out of your new wood-heating system, please make
sure you go through the following check list.
9The chimney is the engine that drives the wood-heating system.Use a chimney that
is UL-listed, with an inner diameter to match the stove’s outlet collar (6” for all Drolet
wood stoves);
9Try to run the chimney inside the building for as much length as you can. A tall
and warm chimney will produce a good draft;
9Try to install your chimney straight up and avoid 90 degree turns in the flue pipe
and offsets in the chimney;
9Make sure that the chimney is tall enough and its top is clear of obstacles so it
can produce a stable draft;
9Use a chimney thermometer installed at a distance of approximately 18 inches on
the flue pipe above the stove. Flue gases should reach at least 350oF before you
close the stove’s primary air intake completely. Operate your unit within the
comfort zone indicated on the thermometer;
9To reduce the risk of smoke spillage into the room upon reloading your stove,
leave the primary air intake completely open for a few minutes. This will heat up
the chimney and build up draft before you open the stove door;
9Maximize hot air circulation! Our wood stoves are designed to easily receive a
variable speed blower that will improve heat distribution in front of the stove;
9Remember that wood stoves produce radiant heat. Since heat rises, the use of
floor traps will greatly improve the heat transfer to rooms upstairs;
9Use a mobile home approved stove if you are going to install your wood-heating
system in a mobile home. A fresh air kit must be connected to the stove. Never
install your wood stove in a bedroom;
9Burn only dry cordwood;
9Make sure you have a good bed of red coals before you load your stove with logs
exceeding 3 inches in diameter;
9Read and keep you owner’s manual. It will provide you with tips on how to run a
successful wood-heating system.

SECTION 2.0 CHIMNEY (FLUE SYSTEM)
2.1 DEFINITIONS
For clarity, the following definitions should be used with respect to these instructions:
•A chimney system consists of a connector off the top of the stove, and a chimney, which
attaches to the connector and terminates outside the house.
•A chimney can be a masonry chimney (of masonry construction with an inside liner), or a
factory built chimney.
•A factory built chimney can be a double walled chimney (two concentric pipes with
insulation - sometimes referred to as an insulated solid pack) or an air cooled chimney
(three concentric pipes, with insulation between the first and second pipes, and air between
the second and third pipes).
•A single walled connector is a single pipe.
•A double walled connector has two concentric pipes, no insulation, and is an air cooled
connector.
2.2 CHIMNEY
CAUTION:
•DO NOT fill any framed space around the factory-built chimney with insulation or any other
material. Insulation placed in this area could cause adjacent combustibles to overheat.
•Do not use makeshift compromises during installation as they may be safety hazards, and a
fire could result.
•Do not connect this unit to a chimney system serving another appliance.
•Do not cut rafters or ceiling joists without first consulting a building official to ensure
structural integrity is not compromised.
Your wood stove may be hooked up with a factory built or masonry chimney. If you are using a
factory built chimney, it must comply with UL103 (USA) or ULCS629 (Canada) standards. It must
therefore be a 6” (152mm) HT Type (2100°F) chimney. It is extremely important that it be installed
according to the manufacturer's specifications. The manufacturers’ installation instructions and
specified clearances should always be followed in accordance with local and national installation
codes. In Canada the CSA B365 and the CSA C22.1 installation codes are to be followed. In the
USA the ANSI NFPA 70 and ANSI NFPA 211 installation codes are to be followed.

If you are using a masonry chimney, it is important that it be built in compliance with the
specifications of the Building Code. It must be lined with fire clay bricks, or clay tiles, sealed
together with fire cement, or have a listed solid fuel burning stainless steel liner. Round chimneys
are the most efficient.
The interior diameter of the chimney should be identical to the stove's smoke exhaust. A chimney
which is too small may cause draft problems, since it may not have the required volume to properly
evacuate the quantity of smoke resulting from the combustion. A chimney whish is too large may
also cause draft problems. In fact, a large chimney will be harder to warm-up and may not reach high
enough temperatures to create a proper draft effect. Note that it is the chimney which creates the
draft effect, not your stove. Your stove's performance is therefore directly dependent on an
adequate draft from your chimney.
The following recommendations may be useful for the installation of your chimney:
•Do not connect your stove to a chimney serving another appliance.
•The chimney must rise above the roof at least 3' (0.9 mm) from the uppermost point of
contact. See Figure 2.2.
•The chimney must exceed any part of the building or other obstruction within a 10' (3.04 m)
distance by a height of at least 2' (0.6 m). See Figure 2.2.
•The minimum overall height of the chimney system, measured from the stove top to the
exterior termination cap of the chimney should be at least 12' (3.66m). A chimney which is
too short may lack the “tunnel effect” required to obtain a proper draft.
•Installation of an interior chimney is always preferable to an exterior chimney. Chimneys
constructed outside of the home on an exterior wall should be avoided if possible, especially
in colder climates. The gas which circulates into an interior chimney will cool more slowly,
thus reducing the build-up of creosote and the risk of flue fires.
•All else being equal, cooler chimneys will have less draft than hotter ones. This problem will
be amplified if the chimney is excessively long. A chimney which is excessively long may be
very hard to warm-up due to its higher volume. A cool chimney may even down draft
(reverse flow) due to the difficulty in heating it up to operating temperature while trying to
evacuate the stack gases.
•If an exterior chimney is used, the best results will be obtained by using a connector
vertically off the unit to the highest possible point before elbowing off horizontally to the
exterior chimney. For efficiency and safety reasons the stove must not be installed with an
insulated chimney connected directly to the appliance.
•Using a fire screen at the extremity of the chimney requires regular inspection in order to
insure that it is not obstructed, thus blocking the draft. It should be cleaned when necessary.

FIGURE 2.2 Minimum Height of the Chimney
2.2.1 Step by step installation of your factory-built chimney
The way to install your chimney may vary from one chimney manufacturer to another. The instructions
contained in this manual are based on the recommendations of chimney manufacturers whose products
are sold at many North American retailers of wood stoves and related heating accessories.
Wall support system
If your chimney must rise along an outside wall, you need to connect it to your stove through an
adjacent wall. For this type of installation, the following items are normally required :
Chimney
•Suitable lengths of chimney (enough to go up to your roof)
•An adjustable wall support
•A wall thimble
•An adequate number of wall bands (one for every 8 feet of chimney, excluding the roof portion)
•A stove pipe adapter
•One insulated tee & plug
•A roof flashing kit (if necessary)
•A chimney cap.
•Roof guys (if required)
Stove pipe
•An adequate number of stove pipe sections.
•A 90o elbow

Typical installation through the wall
FIGURE 2.2.1 (A) Typical installation through the wall

1- Start by positioning your stove where you would like it to go, taking into account the minimum
clearances to combustible material. You will then be able to determine where the chimney will
pass through the wall. You will probably have to adjust the stove position slightly to ensure
that your chimney will run between the studs. You can use a stud finder to locate the studs. Use
a spoke saw or jig saw to cut a hole, remembering that you need to maintain a clearance of 2
inches between the chimney and any combustible materials. For concrete walls, cut a hole
slightly larger than the outer diameter of the chimney.
2- Once the opening completed, you need to frame in the area to allow for the installation of a wall
thimble. A wall thimble is not required for installations through concrete walls.
3- You must first secure the wall thimble into the exterior wall surface. Then, do the same inside
and fasten the trim plate.