Drolet Fox Small User manual

46231_UA
2023-04-28
ENGLISH
READ AND KEEP THIS GUIDE FOR REFERENCE
Printed in Canada
CONTACT LOCAL BUILDING OR FIRE OFFICIALS ABOUT RESTRICTIONS AND INSTALLATION INSPECTION
REQUIREMENTS IN LOCAL AREA.
READ THIS ENTIRE GUIDE BEFORE INSTALLATION AND USE OF THIS WOOD STOVE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS COULD RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY OR EVEN DEATH.
Wood Stove
Owner's Manual
Part 1 of 2
SAFETY NOTIFICATIONS
AND GENERAL INFORMATION

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.
The following pages provide
general advice on wood
heating, detailed instructions
for safe and effective
installation, and guidance
on how to get the best
performance from this stove.
It is highly recommended
that this wood burning hearth
product be installed and
serviced by professionals who
are certified by a «Qualified
Agency» such as NFI (National
Fireplace Institute®) or CSIA
(Chimney Safety Institute of
America) in the United States
and in Canada by WETT
(Wood Energy Technology
Transfer) or in Quebec
by APC (Association des
Professionnels du Chauffage).
Contact local building or fire
officials about restrictions
and installation inspection
requirements in your local
area.
A building permit might be
required for the installation of
this stove and the chimney
that it is connected to. It is
also highly recommended to
inform your home insurance
company.
Please read this entire manual
before installing and using this
stove.
A primary alternative heat
source should be available in
the home. This heating unit
may serve as a supplementary
heat source. The manufacturer
cannot be responsible for
additional heating costs
associated with the use of an
alternative heat source.
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING
THIS WOOD STOVE.
If this room heater is
not properly installed,
a house fire may result.
To reduce the
risk of fire, follow
the installation
instructions in this
manual.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Safety Information and Environment ..................................................................................... 5
1.1 Mobile Home........................................................................................................6
1.2 Regulations Covering Stove Installation..................................................................7
1.3 Location of the Certification Label .........................................................................7
1.4 Emissions and Efficiency.......................................................................................8
1.5 Materials..............................................................................................................8
2. Fuel .......................................................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Tree Species ........................................................................................................9
2.2 Log Length ........................................................................................................10
2.3 Piece Size..........................................................................................................10
2.4 Compressed Wood Logs.....................................................................................10
2.5 Drying Time .......................................................................................................10
3. Burning Wood Efficiently ...................................................................................................... 11
3.1 First Use............................................................................................................11
3.2 Lighting Fires .....................................................................................................12
3.3 Zone Heating .....................................................................................................13
3.4 Combustion Cycles.............................................................................................13
3.5 Rekindling a Fire ................................................................................................14
3.6 Removing Ashes.................................................................................................15
3.7 Air Intake Control ...............................................................................................15
3.8 Fire Types ..........................................................................................................16
4. Maintenance.......................................................................................................................... 17
4.1 Heater ...............................................................................................................18
4.2 Refractory Materials and Baffle............................................................................18
4.3 Glass Door.........................................................................................................18
5. Operating the Stove.............................................................................................................. 19
5.1 Blower Operation ...............................................................................................19
5.2 The Use of a Fire Screen ....................................................................................20
5.3 Exhaust System .................................................................................................20
6. The Venting System .............................................................................................................. 22
6.1 General ............................................................................................................22
6.2 Suitable Chimneys..............................................................................................22
6.3 Factory-Built Metal Chimneys ..............................................................................22
6.4 Minimum Chimney Height....................................................................................24
6.5 Chimney Location...............................................................................................24
6.6 Supply of Combustion Air ...................................................................................25
6.7 Installing the Chimney Connector ........................................................................26

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1. Safety Information and Environment
• Some stoves have been tested for use with an open door in conjunction with a fire screen, sold
separately (See in the Wood Stove Installation and Operation Manual if your appliance has
this option). The door may be opened, or fire screen removed only during lighting procedures
or reloading. Always close the door or put back on the fire screen after ignition. Do not leave
the insert unattended when the door is open with or without a fire screen.
• WARNING : OPERATE ONLY WITH THE DOOR FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN
WITH THE FIRE SCREEN IN PLACE. IF THE DOOR IS LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS
AND FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM
BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE.
• WARNING: ALWAYS OPERATE THE STOVE WITH THE ASH DRAWER CLOSED.
•
HOT WHILE IN OPERATION, KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY.
CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS. GLOVES MAY BE NEEDED FOR THE STOVE
OPERATION.
•
Using a stove with cracked or broken components, such as glass, firebricks or baffle may
produce an unsafe condition and may damage the stove.
• Open the air control fully before opening the loading door.
• DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMABLE FLUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTA OR
ENGINE OIL.
• Do not store fuel within heater minimum installation clearances.
• Burn only seasoned natural firewood.
•
This appliance should always be maintained and operated in accordance with these instructions.
• Do not elevate the fire by using a grate.
• Do not use makeshift materials or make any compromises when installing this appliance.
• This wood heater needs periodic inspection and repairs for the proper operation. It is against
federal regulations to operate this wood heater in a manner inconsistent with operating instructions
in this guide.
• A smoke detector, a carbon monoxide detector and a fire extinguisher should be installed in
the house. The location of the fire extinguisher should be known by all family members.
• A smoke detector located in the proximity of the stove may be activated when the door of the
stove is open to reload or to stir.
This product can expose you to chemicals including carbon monoxide, which is
known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive
harm. For more information go to www.P65warnings.ca.gov/
• 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
web sites).

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• Mixing of appliance components from different sources or modifying components may result in
hazardous conditions. Where any such changes are planned, Stove Builder International Inc.
should be contacted in advance.
•
Any modification of the appliance that has not been approved in writing by the testing authority
violates CSA-B365 (Canada), and ANSI NFPA 211 (USA).
•
CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT TO OR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION
DUCTWORK UNLESS SPECIFICALLY APPROVED FOR SUCH INSTALLATION.
•
CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER
APPLIANCE.
• Connect this stove only to a listed factory-built chimney for use with solid fuel or to a lined
masonry chimney conforming to national and local building codes.
• If required, a supply of combustion air shall be provided to the room.
•
This stove must be installed as a free-standing heater with the clearances listed in the
manufacturer's installation instructions. It is strictly forbidden to install this stove in a factory-
built fireplace.
•
NOTE: DO NOT INSTALL THE CHIMNEY DIRECTLY AT THE OUTLET OF THE APPLIANCE.
A CHIMNEY CONNECTOR (FLUE PIPE) IS REQUIRED UNLESS THE APPLIANCE IS
SPECIFICALLY APPROVED FOR THAT TYPE OF INSTALLATION.
1.1 Mobile Home
• Some appliances may be installed in a mobile home. The installation requires a fresh air kit,
sold separately.
• WARNING : DO NOT INSTALL IN THE SLEEPING ROOM OF A MOBILE HOME.
• IF INSTALLATION OF THIS PRODUCT IS PERMITTED IN A MOBILE HOME, IT MUST BE
SECURED TO THE STRUCTURE.
•
CAUTION : WHEN THE INSTALLATION IN A MOBILE HOME IS ACCEPTED, THE
STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE MOBILE HOME FLOOR, WALL, CEILING AND ROOF
MUST BE MAINTAINED.
•
IT IS PROHIBITED TO USE THIS WOOD STOVE WITH A FIRE SCREEN IN A MOBILE
HOME.

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1.2 Regulations Covering Stove Installation
When installed and operated as described in these instructions, this wood stove is suitable for
use as a freestanding heater in residential installations.
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 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents
and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and the ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code are to be
followed in the absence of local code requirements.
This stove must be connected to a chimney complying with the requirements for Type HT
chimneys in the Standard for Factory-Built Chimneys for Residential Type and Building Heating
Appliances, UL 103HT and ULC S629 or to a code-approved masonry chimney with a flue liner.
1.3 Location of the Certification Label
Since 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 web sites) it is important to refer to it in order to have a safe and compliant installation. In
addition, important information about the stove can be found (model, serial number, etc.). The
certification label is located on the back of the stove.
It is recommended to note the stove serial number on page 1 of the Wood Stove Installation and
Operation Manual since it will be needed to precisely identify the version of the appliance in the
event replacement parts or technical assistance is required.

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1.4 Emissions and Efficiency
The low smoke emissions produced by the special features inside this stove firebox mean that
the household will release up to 90% less smoke into the outside environment than if an older
conventional stove was used. 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. By burning the wood completely, this stove releases all the heat energy from the wood
instead of wasting it as smoke up the chimney. Also, the features inside the firebox allow control
of the air supply meaning controlling the heat output, while maintaining clean and efficient
flaming combustion, which boosts the efficient delivery of heat to the home.
The emission control and advanced combustion features of this stove can only work properly if
the fuel used is in the correct moisture content range of 15% to 20%. Refer to the Fuel Section
for suggestions on preparing fuelwood and judging its moisture.
1.5 Materials
The SBI team is committed to protecting the environment, so they do everything they can to use
only materials in their products that will have no lasting negative impact on the environment.
The body of this stove, which is most of its weight, is carbon steel. Should it ever become
necessary many years in the future, almost the entire stove can be recycled into new products,
thus eliminating the need to mine new materials.
The paint coating on the stove is very thin. Its VOC content (Volatile Organic Compounds) is
very low. VOCs can be responsible for smog, so all the paint used during the manufacturing
process meets the latest air quality requirements regarding VOC reduction or elimination.
The air tubes are stainless steel, which can also be recycled.
The baffle is made of aluminosilicate fibre material that is compressed with a binder to form
a rigid board. C-Cast or Vermiculite can withstand temperatures above 2,000 °F. It is not
considered hazardous waste. Disposal at a ecocenter is recommended.
The Grey firebrick is made of cement and pumice stone. Pumice stone is made from volcanic
rock. It is recommended to send it to the ecocenter.
The Yellow firebrick is mainly composed of silicon dioxide, also known as silica, a product
processed from a mined mineral. It is most commonly found in nature in the form of sand and
clay. Disposal at a ecocenter is recommended.
The door and glass gaskets are fibreglass which is spun from melted sand. Black gaskets have
been dipped into a solvent-free solution. Disposal at a ecocenter is recommended.
The door glass is a 5/32" (4 mm) thick ceramic material that contains no toxic chemicals. It is
made of natural raw materials such as sand and quartz that are combined in such a way to form
a high temperature glass. Ceramic glass cannot be recycled in the same way as normal glass,
so it should not be disposed of with your regular household products. Disposal at a ecocenter
is recommended.

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2. Fuel
Good firewood has been cut to the correct length for the stove, split to a range of sizes and
stacked in the open until its moisture content is down to 15% to 20%.
DO NOT BURN:
• COAL;
• GARBAGE;
• LAWN CLIPPINGS OR YARD WASTE;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING RUBBER, INCLUDING TIRES;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING PLASTIC;
• WASTE PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, PAINTS OR PAINT THINNERS, OR ASPHALT
PRODUCTS;
• MATERIALS CONTAINING ASBESTOS;
• CONSTRUCTION OR DEMOLITION DEBRIS;
• RAILROAD TIES OR PRESSURE-TREATED WOOD;
• MANURE OR ANIMAL REMAINS;
•
SALT WATER DRIFTWOOD OR OTHER PREVIOUSLY SALT WATER SATURATED
MATERIALS;
• UNSEASONED WOOD; OR
•
PAPER PRODUCTS, CARDBOARD, PLYWOOD, OR PARTICLE BOARD. THE
PROHIBITION AGAINST BURNING THESE MATERIALS DOES NOT PROHIBIT
THE USE OF FIRE STARTERS MADE FROM PAPER, CARDBOARD, SAW DUST,
WAX AND SIMILAR SUBSTANCES FOR THE PURPOSE OF STARTING A FIRE
IN AN AFFECTED WOOD HEATER.
•
BURNING THESE MATERIALS MAY RESULT IN THE RELEASE OF TOXIC FUMES
OR RENDER THE HEATER INEFFECTIVE AND CAUSE SMOKE.
•
IF THESE FUELS ARE BURNED, IT COULD CREATE A HIGHER CONCENTRATION
OF CO THAN BURNING HARDWOOD.
2.1 Tree Species
The tree species the firewood is produced from is less important than its moisture content. The
main difference in firewood from various tree species is the density of the wood. Hardwoods are
denser than softwoods.
Homeowners with access to both hardwood and softwood use both types for different purposes.
Softer woods make good fuel for mild weather in spring and fall because they light quickly
and produce less heat. Softwoods are not as dense as hardwoods so a given volume of wood
contains less energy. Using softwoods avoids overheating the house, which can be a common
problem with wood heating in moderate weather. Harder woods are best for colder winter
weather when more heat and longer burn cycles are desirable.
Note that hardwood trees like oak, maple, ash and beech are slower growing and longer lived

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than softer woods like poplar and birch. That makes hardwood trees more valuable. The advice
that only hardwoods are good to burn is outdated. Old, leaky cast iron stoves wouldn’t hold a
fire overnight unless they were fed large pieces of hardwood. That is no longer true.
2.2 Log Length
Logs should be cut at least 1" (25 mm) shorter than the
firebox so they fit in easily. Pieces that are even slightly too
long makes loading the stove very difficult. The most common
standard length of firewood is 16" (400 mm).
2.3 Piece Size
Firewood dries more quickly when it is split. Large unsplit
rounds can take years to dry enough to burn. Even when dried,
unsplit logs are difficult to ignite because they don’t have the sharp edges where the
flames first catch.
Wood should be split to a range of sizes, from about 3" to 6" (75 mm to 150 mm) in
cross section. Having a range of sizes makes starting and rekindling fires much easier.
2.4 Compressed Wood Logs
Compressed wood logs made of 100% compressed sawdust
can be burned with caution in the number of these logs
burned at once. Do not burn compressed logs made of wax
impregnated sawdust or logs with any chemical additives.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and warnings.
2.5 Drying Time
Firewood that is not dry enough to burn
is the cause of most complaints about
wood burning appliances. Continually
burning green or unseasoned wood
produces more creosote and involves
lack of heat and dirty glass door.
Firewood with a moisture content
between 15% and 20% will allow the
stove to produce its highest possible
efficiency.