European Home Focus OPTIFOCUS 1250 User manual

Tested by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. and approved to
UL 737-2011
US EPA exempt
Report Number : 0304WF019S
This document was packed with the appliance.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE
OPTIFOCUS
1250 & 1750
____
DESIGN
INSTALLATION &
OPERATING
MANUAL

2
Introduction
Table
of contents
Please read this entire manual before you install and use
your focus fireplace. Failure to follow instruction may result
in property damage, bodily injury or even death. When this
room heater is not properly installed, a house fire may result.
To reduce the risk of fire, follow the installation instructions.
Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and
installation inspection requirements in your area.
This fireplace is approved for use as a wood burning
fireplace or for use with a vented gas log listed to
ANSI Z21.60 standard having an input rate of 65,000
Btu or less.
KEEP THIS MANUAL HANDY FOR EASY REFERRAL.
All WARNING and CAUTION statements will appear in bold
font and upper case letters: THEY SHOULD BE STRICTLY
OBSERVED.
Thank you for choosing focus fireplaces.
Appliance designation: optifocus 1250 / optifocus 1750
Manufacturer:
Focus - Atelier Dominique Imbert
Le fort – 34380 Viols le fort – France.
Introduction
Specifications
CHARACTERISTICS
ROOF OUTLET REQUIREMENT
CHIMNEY REQUIREMENT
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENT
CONNECTOR
FRESH AIR INTAKE
CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES
A. CLEARANCES TO FLOOR AND CEILING
B. CLEARANCES TO BACK WALL
C. CLEARANCES TO SIDE WALLS
Installation
INCLUDED PARTS, MATERIALS AND REQUIRED TOOLS
FOR INSTALLATION
OPTIONS
ASSEMBLY DETAILS
STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY SYSTEM:
COVER DISC SETUP AND CONNECTION
Operating instructions
STORAGE / USE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
GRATE
ASHES
FUEL
BEFORE LIGHTING YOUR FIRST FIRE
BUILDING, STARTING AND MAINTAINING THE FIRE
PROTECTIVE GLOVE
DAMPER OPERATION AND USE
Maintenance
TAKING OUT THE ASHES
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING
OF THE CHIMNEY
A. REFERING TO FOCUS STEEL FLUE PIPES
B. REFERING TO CHIMNEY PIPE
SURFACES
DIRECTIONS AND REASONS FOR CLEANING GLASS
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Warranty
Annex
HOW TO DETERMINE IF ALTERNATE FLOOR PROTECTION
MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTABLE
A. PROCEDURE
B. DEFINITION
2
3
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4
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5
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6
8
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9
10
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12
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3
Specifications
CAUTION
DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME. NOT FOR EXTERIOR INSTALLATION!
DO NOT CONNECT TO OR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTWORK!
NOT TO INSTALL WITH MASONRY CHIMNEY SYSTEM.
DO NOT INSTALL IN SLEEPING ROOM.
•The authority having jurisdiction (such as municipal building department, fire department, fire prevention
bureau, etc.) Should be consulted before installation to determine the need to obtain a permit.
•Using make-shift compromises during installation can cause damage. Such installation is not covered under
focus limited warranty.
•When this room heater is not properly installed, a house fire may result. To reduce the risk of fire, follow the
installation instructions. Contact local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation inspection
requirements in your area.
CHARACTERISTICS
• Hearth shelf available in two
sizes: 49-inch (1,25 m) and
69-inch (1,75m)
• Hearth Ø37-13/32-inch
(Ø 0,95 m);
weight: 282 lbs (128 kg)
• Flue diameter: 8-5/8-inch
(219 mm) ;
length custom-made
• Flue weight: 35 lbs per foot
(16 kg per meter)
• Standard cover disc with
collar: 35lbs (16 kg)
• 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick steel
• High heat resistant paint
• Wall plate for hood hanging
included
OPTIFOCUS 1250 / 1750
Scale 1 : 20
Note : imperial are rounded from metric
floor
(sol)
8’’ adaptor
Optifocus 1250 Ø 1.250 Ø 49 3/16
Ø 1.750 Ø 68 7/8Optifocus 1750
A
mm inch
800 31 1/2
875 34 7/16
B
mm inch
15 3/4"
(400 mm)
18 11/16"
(475 mm)
6 7/8"
(175 mm)
57 11/16"
(1.465 mm)
15 15/16"
(405 mm)
Ø 8 1/16" id
(Ø 205 mm)
Ø 8 5/8" od
(Ø 219 mm)
Ø 34 1/16"
(Ø 865 mm)
A
B

4
Specifications
ROOF OUTLET REQUIREMENT
CHIMNEY REQUIREMENT
Do not connect this unit to a chimney flue serving another appliance!
Optifocus requirement: the floor to top of chimney must be 16 feet minimum (5 m) or 19 feet (5,8 m) for an installation less than
3 miles from the ocean or if a 30° elbow is necessary). Elbows should not be more inclined than 30° from vertical, and with
maximum number of 2. Maximum inside + outside height : 30 feet.
Optifocus can be connected to a chimney complying with the requirements for Type HT chimneys in the standard for Chimneys,
Factory-built, Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance, UL 103. For example, a class A insulated stainless steel flue
chimney system with an 8-inch minimum inside diameter.

5
Specifications
STRUCTURAL REQUIREMENT
CAUTION
THE SUPPORTS OF THIS UNIT (FLOOR AND WALL) MUST BE SIZED IN CONGRUENCE WITH THE FIREPLACE
STATIC AND DYNAMIC CHARGES (WEIGHT). THE SIZE CALCULATION FOR THE SUPPORT IS NOT THE
RESPONSIBILITY OF FOCUS OR ITS AFFILIATES. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONSULT WITH AN ENGINEER
OR ARCHITECT FOR YOUR PROJECT.
CONNECTOR
Connectors are all non-insulated chimney parts including focus flue, focus 8’’ universal adaptor and the chimney manufacturer
finishing collar with adapter.
To avoid heat traps the chimney connector shall not pass through an attic or roof space, closet or similar concealed space, or
a floor, or ceiling.
Passage through an attic, roof frame floor, or ceiling must be done using an insulated chimney respecting all chimney
manufacturer clearances.
CAUTION
PASSAGE THROUGH A WALL OR PARTITION OF COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE
INSTALLATION FOR THIS FOCUS FIREPLACE.
Connector should always be in good condition and kept clean. Minimum thickness : 1/32” (1 mm)
FRESH AIR INTAKE
To balance room air pressure with outdoors air pressure, focus recommends a fresh air intake in the room (ideally emerging
under of the fire bowl). Fresh air intake shall only take combustion air from outdoors. We recommend deflect-O A0684 semi
rigid aluminium duct.
Minimum fresh air intake size:
fresh air intake
This fresh air intake is compulsory
when operating venting appliances
such as kitchen hoods, permanent
air extractors or any appliances
creating an air depression in the
habitation. A lack of air intake may
alarm smoke detectors.
IMPORTANT

6
CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES
A. CLEARANCES TO FLOOR AND CEILING
Minimum floor to ceiling height: 8’
minimum 8’
minimum 2.44 m
14-3/8’’
365 mm
non combustible surface R ≥ 2.12
surface non combustible R ≥ 2.12
combustible sub floor
sol combustible
IMPORTANT
no radiant floor heating tubing under the fireplace !
pas de chauffage au sol !
Use of provided heat shield under the hearth plate is compulsory. A minimum clearance of 14-3/8” from the floor
to the top of the hearth plate strictly must apply.
Specifications
8’’
200 mm
8’’
200 mm
16’’ / 40 cm
wall
mur
wall mur
non combustible surface R ≥ 2.12
surface non combustible R ≥ 2.12

7
C. CLEARANCES TO SIDE WALLS
CAUTION
THE DISTANCE TO A COMBUSTIBLE SIDE WALL MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 43” FROM THE GLASS PANEL
OF THE FIREPLACE. PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DEATH CAN OCCUR IF THIS DISTANCE IS NOT MAINTAINED.
DRYWALL PRODUCTS LINED WITH PAPER SUCH AS SHEETROCK ARE COMBUSTIBLE. CLEARANCES AS
INDICATED FURTHER APPLY.
1’’ rockwool insilation
(Roxul) attached to
backside of cement board.
25 mm isolant laine de roche (Roxul)
positionné juste derrière le panneau de ciment.
2x6’’ metal studs supporting
wall mounting plate.
montants métal 2x150 mm
supportant la platine murale
combustible wall
mur combustible
6’
1830 mm
1/2’’cement board
(Durarock)
13 mm panneau de ciment
(Durarock)
61-11/16’’
1570 mm
43’’
1090 mm
combustible wall
mur combustible
Manufacturer specifications:
• To avoid premature aging of your painted walls, only use mineral or acrylic paints. With other paints, above
clearances apply.
• Fire clearance from window glass or combustible frame (eg. Vinyl): refer to window technical specifications.
IMPORTANT
Clearances may only be reduced by means approved by the regulatory authority.
Specifications

8
Installation
INCLUDED PARTS, MATERIALS AND REQUIRED TOOLS FOR INSTALLATION
• Appliance and designated parts are : hood, support bar (for installation purpose only), insulated hearth plate, steel flue pipe,
3 curved glass panels, cold handle, and focus kit (heat protective glove, mounting gloves, can of touch-up paint, manual).
• Required tools: drill, M8 allen key, level, screwdrivers, M12 key, scaffolding (up to underceiling height), refractory compound.
• 2 persons minimum are required for installation.
OPTIONS
• Custom ceiling cover disc (steel disc)
• Focus steel flue extension
ASSEMBLY DETAILS

9
Support bar
to be
removed
Béquille devant
être enlevé aprés
installation
STAINLESS STEEL CHIMNEY SYSTEM:
COVER DISC SETUP AND CONNECTION
class A insulated chimney
pipe 8" id - 10" od
cheminée isolée:
200 int./250 ext.
finishing collar
collier de finition
slip connector: same brand
as the chimney
réduction conique: même marque
que le conduit de cheminée
focus 8’’
universal adaptor
adaptateur universel
focus 200 mm
cover disc
with collar
disque cache
avec collerette
focus steel flue
conduit focus
Ø14’’ mini.
Ø355 mm mini.
this point 3’’ mini.
below finished ceiling
ce point est à 75 mm mini.
dessous le plafond fini
Hearth extentions must be installed only as illustrated
Installation
Un cracked or broken glass should be replaced. To remove a glass, take steps back from 5 to 4.

10
Operating instructions
CAUTION
HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE
SKIN BURNS.
STORAGE / USE OF FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid, or similar liquids to start or « freshen up » a fire
in this heater. Keep all such liquids well away from the heater while it is in use.
GRATE
The cast-iron grate is located inside the fireplace. It must not be removed except for cleaning, once all cinders have thoroughly
cooled. Fire must only be built on the grate.
ASHES
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Ashes should be placed in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed container of ashes should be
placed on a non-combustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials, pending final
disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial in soil or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in
the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
FUEL
CAUTION
DO NOT BURN GARBAGE OR FLAMMABLE FLUIDS SUCH AS GASOLINE, NAPHTHA OR ENGINE OIL. DO NOT
STORE THE FUEL WITHIN THE SPACE HEATER INSTALLATION CLEARANCES OR WITHIN THE SPACE REQUIRED
FOR REFUELING AND ASH REMOVAL.
Only burn dry, natural, untreated well-seasoned wood. Wood moisture content should not be more than 20%. We recommend
using 2 year dry stored wood. For the best efficiency use a covered storage. Hazards may occur with some fuels (e.g., charcoal).
Such fuels may generate dangerous gas like carbon monoxide.

11
Operating instructions
WARNING
THE OPTIFOCUS HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH GLAZED SCREENS FULLY CLOSED. IF PANELS ARE LEFT
PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE FIREPLACE OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM
BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE INJURY, DO NOT INTEND TO REMOVE GLAZED SCREENS!
BEFORE LIGHTING YOUR FIRST FIRE
For all focus models it is necessary:
• To clean off (with a damp sponge and/or a dry cloth) any dirt collected during transport or installation.
• Actual scratches on painted designs can be retouched solely with the expressly provided focus paint. If this is necessary,
ventilate the area thouroughly before lighting your fire to disperse any fumes generated in the spraying process.
The first fire should be a modest one; do not use packing material or pallet wood for fuel.
The paint finish we use, oven baked at 250°C for 30 minutes, is thermo-plastic. Because of the very gradual polymerisation of
the components, the unit may give off a light smoke the first few times the fire is lit. The painted surfaces nearest the fire may,
while hot, acquire a certain viscosity, or slight stickiness perceptible to the touch. We advise therefore:
• Not to be alarmed at possible smoking or residual odors. This is normal on the first fires and will rapidly subside.
• Not to touch, rub or try to clean the fireplace while it is still hot.
To avoid thermal shocks, we strongly advise against throwing buckets of water on a very vigorous fire to try to put it out.
BUILDING, STARTING AND MAINTAINING THE FIRE
CAUTION
DO NOT LIGHT A FIRE WITH ASH REMOVAL HATCH REMOVED, AS THIS WILL PRODUCE OVER-FIRING OR HOUSE
FIRE. DAMAGE CAUSED FROM NON-OBSERVANCE OF THIS CAUTION IS NOT COVERED UNDER FOCUS LIMITED
WARRANTY.
Do not overload your focus fireplace to avoid over-firing.
Build the fire without elevating it, directly on the grate. not too close to the glasses. For starting the fire, we recommend using
a small amount of fire starter with enough kindling (small logs or mill ends) to establish a primary fire.
Fresh air intake must be fully open (pull the handle towards you) as for damper (handle vertical).
After a few minutes, and making sure the primary fire is well started, add larger wood (between 3 and 7 pieces, depending on
their size), directly on top, making sure not to smother the fire. Leave some spaces between the logs for air intake. Adapt air
intake and damper position in order to avoid spillage. Always fully open the damper and air intake before opening the door.
To maintain or refuel your fire, add when needed (see note), a few larger logs.
NOTE : For the same weight of fuel, 10 logs will burn more intensely (and faster) than 3 logs, but you will get the same heat
power at the end. The log size you buy will determine the heating and refueling time.

12
Operating instructions
PROTECTIVE GLOVE
The use of the focus special protective glove supplied with our models is required upon handling the cold handle, damper, fresh air
controls, fire dogs, etc.
DAMPER OPERATION AND USE
Use of supplied cold handle tool or protective glove is recommended to operate the damper. Do not touch the damper handle without
protection when a fire is operating.
The heterofocus damper has four positions. The damper is in the same direction as the handle: when the handle is vertical, the
damper is fully open. Handle can rotate at 30°, 60° and 90° (horizontal : closed). In closed position the damper obturates by 75% the
flue section. To modify the damper position, first pull the handle, then rotate and push again
the handle in order to lock on a preset position.
CAUTION
NEVER ADJUST THE DAMPER HANDLE ON AN INTERMEDIATE POSITION !
The damper position must be adapted to the fire intensity : during the lighting it must be fully open. Then it must be adjusted in order
to reduce the smoke flow, so the heat efficiency will be optimal. If the smoke spills out it means the damper is too obstructive : re-
open the damper at the first signs of spillage.

13
TAKING OUT THE ASHES
CAUTION
BE SURE THE FIRE IS OUT AND THE FIREPLACE BODY COLD BEFORE REMOVING ASHES!
To remove ashes we recommend to remove the grate and use a brush
and a shovel. Dispose of ashes in an appropriate ash container (not
supplied). After cleaning, be sure to secure the hatch back properly!
INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND CLEANING OF THE CHIMNEY
CAUTION
CHEMICAL SWEEP NOT PERMITTED: ONLY MECHANICAL SWEEP ALLOWED !
A. REFERING TO FOCUS STEEL FLUE PIPES
It must absolutly be swept with a nylon brush. Never use metal brushes! Damage caused from non-observance of this caution
is not covered under the focus limited warranty.
B. REFERING TO CHIMNEY PIPE
Creosote formation and need for removal:
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine with expelled moisture to form
creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue
accumulates on the flue lining. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney and chimney connector
should be inspected at least once every two months during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If a significant layer of creosote has accumulated (3mm or more) it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
In that case, call a professional chimney sweeper or buy a brush at your local focus retailer and clean the chimney this way :
Remove rain cap, use appropriately sized brush and sweep the entire system to remove all debris or refer to chimney
manufacturer recommendations.
Communicate with the authorities (municipal, regional or provincial fire protection agency) to obtain all instructions concerning
the measures to be taken when or before there is a risk of chimney fire.
Keep firing and de-ashing doors closed and maintain all seals in good condition.
Maintenance

14
Maintenance
SURFACES
The outer surfaces can be wiped with a soft, dry rag (making sure the metal is cool).
For continued use of the touch-up paint can following its initial usage, invert the focus
can (spray head down) and spray into a balled up newspaper until the can sprays clear.
Clean the spray can bottom with a dry rag and store out of the reach of children.
DIRECTIONS AND REASONS FOR CLEANING GLASS
Do not clean the glass when hot.
Glass doors should not be struck or banged.
The outer surfaces can be wiped with a soft, dry rag and a standard glass cleaner product (making sure the glass is cool).
Do not use abrasive cleaners. The inner surfaces can be cleaned with a special insert glass product.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Do not use substitute materials.
For ordering replacement parts,
please contact the Focus North
American exclusive importer:
distributor of french design
30 Log Bridge Road
Building 300 – Suite 303
Middleton, MA 01949
T: 781-324-8383
www.europeanhome.com
DO NOT SCRUB !
CAUTION
3 Glass Panels:
2 stationary glasses:
Thickness 5/32” (4 mm)
Height : 19-11/16” - 500 mm
Radius : 16-1/16” - 408 mm
Developed length :
21-21/32” - 550 mm
1 sliding glass:
Thickness 5/32” (4 mm)
Height : 19-11/16” - 500 mm
Radius : 16-17/32” - 420 mm
Developed length :
22-7/32”-564 mm
Cold handle
Touch-up paint
Cast iron grate

15
All of our focus models are guaranteed against any defect in design, construction, or manufacture, and guaranteed to
function properly for 5 years from date of order. Our product guarantees are applicable only when our fireplaces have been
installed with respect to all local building codes and with strict attention to the technical details outlined in our Plan Study
as well as our installation, maintenance, and userʼs manuals. Our guarantees exclude accidental damages such as those
occuring during transport without written notification upon receipt, damages incurred during installation, and damages
resulting from improper use.
Warranty

16
Annex
HOW TO DETERMINE IF ALTERNATE FLOOR PROTECTION MATERIALS ARE ACCEPTABLE
All floor protection must be non-combustible (i.e., metals, brick, stone, mineral fiber boards, etc.). Any organic materials (i.e.,
plastics, wood paper products, etc.) are combustible and must not be used. The floor protection specified includes some form of
thermal designation such as R-value (thermal resistance) or k-factor (thermal conductivity).
A. PROCEDURE
1. Convert specification to R-value:
I. R-value given - no conversion needed.
II. k-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches:
III. K-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches
IV. r-factor is given with a required thickness (T) in inches:
R = r x T
2. Determine the R-value of the proposed alternate floor protector.
I. Use the formula in step (1) to convert values not expressed as “R”.
II. For multiple layers, add R-values of each layer to determine overall R-value.
3. If the overall R-value of the system is greater than the R-value of the specified floor protector, the alternate is acceptable.
EXAMPLE: The specified floor protector should be 3/4-inch thick material with a k-factor of 0.84. The proposed alternate is
4” brick with an r-factor of 0.2 over 1/8” mineral board with a k-factor of 0.29.
Step (a): Use formula above to convert specification to R-value.
Step (b): Calculate R of proposed system.
4” brick of r = 0.2, therefore:
1/8” mineral board of k = 0.29, therefore
Rtotal = Rbrick + Rmineral board = 0.8 + 0.431 = 1.231
Step (c): Compare proposed system Rtotal of 1.231 to specified R of 0.893. Since proposed system Rtotal is greater than
required, the system is acceptable.
B. DEFINITIONS

17
Note

18
Note

19
Note

V. 6.1 - June 2020
cheminées contemporaines