Firenzo Woodfires Topaz Operating instructions

Topaz LEB/RU
Installation and Operation Guide
LEB Authorisation #212341
Please read this booklet and keep for future reference
for the safe installation and operation of your Topaz Fire
This Fire must be installed by someone competent to do so, Firenzo recommend the use of a NZ
Home Heating Association, solid fuel Fire installation technician (SFAIT), or other suitably qualified
person. The Fire and Flue System must be installed in accordance with AS/NZS2918. All Installations
must be in accordance with these instructions. Consult with the building authority having jurisdiction
to determine the need for a permit prior to commencing the installation. Failure to follow these
instructions may also void your fire insurance and warranty.
This Fire has been tested to Appendix E & B of the joint Australia/New Zealand standard 2918:2001.

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Contents
1. Warnings.........................................................................................................................................2
2. Operating Instructions ....................................................................................................................3
3. Maintenance...................................................................................................................................6
4. Installation Responsibilities ............................................................................................................8
5. General Information .......................................................................................................................9
6. Masonry Installation .....................................................................................................................18
7. Built-In Fire Canopy Installation....................................................................................................26
8. Topaz Lowline ...............................................................................................................................36
9. Warranty.......................................................................................................................................37

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1. Warnings
This Fire should always be maintained and operated in accordance with these instructions.
The Topaz LEB/RU is tested to N.Z. Standards AS/NZS 2918:2001.
If this Fire is incorrectly installed a house fire may result.
For your safety follow the installation instructions carefully.
Do NOT connect the Fire to a chimney serving another Fire.
Although the exterior of the Fire may appear cool, contact with the Fire may cause burns.
Warn children and others of the possibility of injury should they touch the Fire.
Do NOT dry clothing or unseasoned wood directly in contact with the Fire.
Keep all household combustible materials at least 600mm away from front of the Fire.
This includes clothing, furniture, wood, newspaper, plastic, matches, etc.
Do not use FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS or AEROSOLS in the vicinity of this Fire when it is operating.
Use caution when reloading with fuel.
Do NOT attempt to load fuel into the Fire when the fire inside the stove is at or near its peak.
Do NOT burn large quantities of paper or combustible material that create an extremely quick fire.
Do NOT burn highly coloured paper or brochures (e.g. junk mail).
Use only dry wood (25% or less moisture content). AVOID BURNING WET OR GREEN WOOD.
The use of preservative treated wood as a fuel can be hazardous.
Timber treated with copper chromium and arsenic type preservatives will leave toxic residues in the
ash, firebox or within the flue, timber offcuts from building construction will often contain boric
salts. The combustion of this material over prolonged periods can produce adverse effects on
refractory lining in solid fuel Fires. Emission of poisonous gases can also be experienced with the
burning of treated wood.
Driftwood with salt content will also cause rapid deterioration of the Fire and should not be used.

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2. Operating Instructions
Please read fully before proceeding any further. Keep this book in a safe place.
SAFETY
All surfaces of the fire will get hot and cause burning if touched by bare hands.
Firenzo recommends using a fireguard.
The heat from the fire will effectively dry laundry and other wet articles; however such materials
should be kept well clear of the Fire to prevent accidental fires.
The Flue should be cleaned regularly to avoid flue fires. In such event, close the air control.
Do NOT the open door.
Remove combustible items from near the Fire and Flue.
FIRST BURN
On the initial lighting only, the high temperature paint finishes used on your Fire will give off smoke
and odour for several hours. As this is a temporary condition, open doors, windows, etc. to give
adequate ventilation until passed.
Prepare fire by placing crumpled paper in the middle of the firebox.
Do not use a grate or elevate fire. Build fire directly on the floor of firebox.
Pull air control knob out fully for high setting. (This is the small knob to the right of the door)
Air Control Out = High
Air Control In = Low
Arrange dry kindling in “tepee” style with larger pieces standing up on each side.
Ignite paper leaving door ajar until kindling is alight.
When vigorous flaming of the kindling subsides and embers begin to appear, reload with larger
wood, placing them in a side to side configuration.
Open door carefully and place small pieces, then larger logs on top.
Close door tight and leave Air Control on High for approximately 30 minutes.
The value in establishing this technique is that you are providing an excellent base for burning your
wood effectively. When a good fire is established move air control to middle position.
Do not immediately shut the fire to Low.
Remember to close the air control gradually to your desired level of heat output.
It is better to take 3-4 adjustments to get to the Low setting (extended burn).

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RELOADING
Move the Air Control to High before opening the door.
Never open the door when a vigorous fire is in progress. Wait until the flames have subsided and the
wood has broken up into glowing embers. Reload with dry logs, placing them in a side to side
configuration
Leave the air control in the High position for 10 to 15 minutes or until the flames begin to subside.
This shows that the initial highly volatile wood gases have been driven off and the Fire will be able to
maintain an even burning rate.
Normally a light load of fuel will stabilize quickly but a full load will take longer. Once the burning
rate has stabilized move the Air Control to a medium position.
RE-LOADING AFTER AN EXTENDED BURN TIME
At the end of an extended burn, re-establish the fire by adding a few small split logs, adjust the Air
Control to High and allow the firebox temperature to build up before adding the balance of the fuel,
loading logs in a side-to-side configuration.
The addition of large quantities of cold fuel to a low fire will reduce the firebox temperature
dramatically and this may result in ‘losing’ the fire.
Proceed with the fire as before.
Do not operate the Fire with the door constantly open, this overrides the Air Control System and
greatly lowers the optimum heat output and efficiency.
FUEL
Dry, seasoned softwood should always be used, with a moisture content of less than 25%.
The heat output level on the Fire is controlled not only by the Air Control but also by the type and
quantity of fuel in the firebox.
A fully loaded firebox set to High will produce far more heat than an almost empty Fire set at the
same position. Remember, you only get out of any Fire what you put into it. The better the fuel, the
better the Fire.
Do NOT burn plastic, household refuse or driftwood.
This will void any Warranty and reduce the lifespan of the fire.

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FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS
CAUTION
Never use gasoline, kerosene, charcoal lighter fuel or similar liquids to start or ‘freshen-up’ a fire.
CLEANING THE ASHES FROM THE FIRE
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.
A layer of ash at least 25mm deep should always be left in the bottom of the firebox - it will also act
as insulation for the fire.
WARNING
Do not remove excess ash from the firebox by vacuum unless the fire has been out for 5 or more
days - embers will smoulder for several days and will ignite vacuum cleaner bags.

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3. Maintenance
FLUE
Creosote is caused by burning wet fuel, leaving particles and condensation to build up on the inside
of any closed solid fuel Fire. Creosote and soot left to build up can cause decreased heat
performance and flue fires. Your heating retailer or local reputable chimney sweep will be able to
assist with flue cleaning.
SECONDARY CHAMBER
The baffles (horizontal bricks in the ceiling of firebox) are critical to the Fire’s performance and
should be checked annually during flue cleaning and replaced if signs of deterioration are evident.
DOOR HANDLE AND HINGES
Light lubrication is recommended once a year before the first autumn burn. Use a little graphite
grease available from most hardware stores.
FIRE BRICKS
The internal fire bricks on the sides and base of the firebox can crack in extreme heat; they are safe
to leave as is until they start to crumble in which case they should be replaced.
FIRE ROPE
The door rope and glass tape should be checked regularly and replaced as part of general
maintenance.
WELDS
The 5mm exposed steel sill and deflector in the fire box is welded on each side but primarily to the
firebox underneath. With expansion and contraction, the side welds develop hairline cracks.
Do not be alarmed as the main weld is sound and the Fire will not be affected in any way.
Any hairline cracks are not a structural problem.
INTERNAL DISCOLOURATION
A brown (rust like) colouration will develop on the exposed inside of the fire box. This is expected
over time and does not affect the performance of the fire.

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DOOR GLASS
This Fire is equipped with a self-cleaning glass air wash system.
Discolouration can appear on the glass after a long low burn; 30 minutes of high burn should clear
the glass. If necessary, you can clean the glass with wet newspaper dipped in ash from the firebox.
Do NOT clean glass when it is still hot.
CAUTION
This fire should not be operated with a cracked glass.
If replacement glass is required, it must be replaced with Firenzo Ceramic Glass.
The insulating material for the glass should be replaced at the same time.
Never place glass directly against the door. Without the insulation seal tape in place, the glass is
likely to shatter. Your Firenzo Dealer will be able to supply any spare parts.

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4. Installation Responsibilities
This Fire must be installed by someone competent to do so. Firenzo recommend the use of a NZ
Home Heating Association, solid fuel Fire installation technician (SFAIT), or other suitably qualified
person. Consult with the building authority having jurisdiction to determine the need for a permit
prior to commencing the installation. Failure to follow these instructions may also void your fire
insurance and warranty.
This Fire has been tested to Appendix E & B of the joint Australia/New Zealand standard 2918:2001.
WARNING: The Fire and Flue System must be installed in accordance with AS/NZS 2918:2001
Appendix F and the appropriate requirements of the relevant building code or codes.
Firenzo/SFP Flue Kits or Davin Flue Kits must be used.
CAUTION: Mixing of Fire or Flue System components from different sources, modifying the
dimensional specifications of components, or using more than 1 metre of extra flue may result in
hazardous conditions. Where such action is considered the manufacturer should be consulted in
the first instance.
The Fire must be installed with a minimum flue length of 4.2m.
Any modification of the Fire that has not been approved in writing by the testing authority is in
breach of the approval granted for compliance with AS/NZS 4013.
Before installing your Firenzo Topaz it is important to check the condition of your masonry chimney.
Ensure any cracks are sealed, loose masonry repaired, and the chimney swept.
Check that the dimensions of your fireplace opening are adequate to accept the new Fire.
Existing linings may need to be removed.
The Fire must be installed on a level non-combustible base and fixed with seismic restraints through
the anchor points at the front feet of the unit.
CAUTION: This Fire has a total weight of over 100kg. Installers must use their lifting and handling
equipment to prevent injury when handling the Fire.
Strict adherence to these instructions will meet these standards. Any variation from these
installation instructions or any doubt about them must be checked against the requirements of
the standards.

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5. General Information
Topaz Firebox Assembly

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Firebox Dimensions
Zero Clearance Box Dimensions (Built-In Canopy)
Note: the Zero Clearance Box includes a 40mm non-combustible base.
Internal Firebox Measurements: Height 260mm –Width 570mm –Depth 400mm

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Fascia Dimensions
Standard Topaz Fascia
Topaz Lowline Fascia
for installation on a non-combustible hearth only

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Opening in a Masonry Installation Opening in a Zero Clearance Install
Floor Protection Requirements
Hearth Installation Elevated Installation
Recommended Non-Combustible Wall Lining

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5A. Venting into Chimney
For both masonry and built-in-canopy (zero clearance) installations, adequate ventilation must be
provided into the chimney. The air vent in the chimney must be a minimum area of 10,000mm2
(100mmx100mm) and must meet the building code to prevent water ingress and vermin entering
the chimney space.
5B. Clearance to Heat Sensitive Materials
Do not use combustible mantels (e.g. wood) with the Topaz Fire.
Only non-combustible mantels (e.g. steel or concrete) may be used.
The minimum clearance from the side of the fascia to any heat sensitive material must be 5mm,
providing the material does not protrude more than 150mm.
5C. Floor Protection Requirements
AS/NZ2918 Section 3.3 states that if the Fire is to be placed on or within 500mm of heat sensitive
materials in the floor then a floor protector will be required.
The floor protector shall extend under the Fire and not less than 400mm beyond the front of the fuel
loading or ash removal openings. Where the fire is installed flush with the hearth using the ‘Topaz
Lowline Fascia’ the minimum distance increases to 500mm.
The width of the floor protector must extend not less than 200mm from each side of the fuel loading
or ash removal openings unless it forms an abutment with a wall or heatshield at a lesser distance.
For the Topaz In-built Fire, the minimum width of the floor protector is 1050mm and/or 525mm
about the centre of the Fire.
When installing the standard Topaz fascia, the base of the Topaz firebox must be no less than
120mm above the floor to allow sufficient airflow into the canopy for convective heating.
The top of the Topaz firebox must be no less than 1200mm below the ceiling.

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Floor Protection Requirements for a Solid Concrete Floor
in a Masonry or Zero-Clearance Installation
If the Fire is to be installed onto a solid concrete floor protector (hearth) that has no heat
sensitive materials in its construction it must meet the following minimum dimensions as
marked A & B from Diagram above:
A 400mm from breast of fire to outer edge of concrete floor protector (hearth)
B 30mm from heat sensitive floor to upper edge of concrete floor protector (hearth)
The minimum width of floor protector is 1050mm and/or 525mm from the centre of the Fire.
The Fire must be installed a minimum of 120mm above the floor to allow sufficient airflow.
Note Where the fire is installed flush with the hearth using the ‘Topaz Lowline Fascia’ the
minimum distance ‘A’ increases to 500mm.

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Floor Protector Requirements for Heat Sensitive Floors
in a Masonry or Zero-Clearance Installation
If the Fire is to be installed above a heat sensitive floor it must have an insulated floor protector
of the minimum dimensions as marked A & B in the diagram above:
A 400mm from breast of fire to outer edge of the insulated floor protector (hearth)
B 30mm from heat sensitive floor to upper edge of the insulated floor protector (hearth)
An Insulated Floor Protector (Hearth) must consist of a minimum of 20mm of Insulation
board (Promatech H, Eterpan LD, Pacbld-Pro or product of similar thermal resistance) and
tiles/slate or similar with sealed joints on top surface to protect from spilt ash/embers.
The minimum width of floor protector is 1050mm and/or 525mm from the centre of the Fire.
The Fire must be installed a minimum of 120mm above the floor to allow sufficient airflow.
Note Where the fire is installed flush with the hearth using the ‘Topaz Lowline Fascia’ the
minimum distance ‘A’ increases to 500mm.

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Floor Protection Requirements for a Zero-Clearance Installation
The Topaz Fire requires an insulated floor protector to AS/NZS 2918:2001.
The floor protector must consist of a continuous durable no-combustible upper
surface and be at least 30mm above any heat-sensitive flooring.
An Insulated Floor Protector (Hearth) must consist of a minimum of 20mm of
Insulation board (Promatech H, Eterpan LD, Pacbld-Pro or product of similar thermal
resistance) and tiles/slate or similar with sealed joints on top surface to protect from
spilt ash/embers. The insulated floor protector must extend a minimum of 400mm
from the firebox. The minimum width of the insulated floor protector is 1050mm
and/or 525mm from the centre of the Fire.
The Fire must be installed a minimum of 120mm above the floor to allow airflow under
the fascia.
The top of the fire canopy must be no less than 1200mm from the ceiling above.
Note Where the fire is installed flush with the hearth using the ‘Topaz Lowline Fascia’
the minimum distance ‘A’ increases to 500mm.

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5D. Flue Height Requirements
NOTES
The Fire must be installed with a minimum flue length of 4.2m. If the flue is to be extended by
more than 1 metre, the Manufacturer must first be consulted.
The flue cowl must be at least 600mm above the highest point of the roof if within 3 metres of it,
or 1 metre above the roof penetration if more than 3 metres from the ridge.
No part of the building, or any adjacent building may be in or above a circular area of a horizontal
radius of 3 metres from the flue exit.

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6. Masonry Installation
The following pages outline the installation of the Topaz Fire in an existing masonry chimney.

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6A. Assembly Instructions
1) Carefully remove all packaging.
2) Slide the Firebox into the opening so that the outer casing return folds are flush with the
finished fireplace surround.
3) It is important to anchor the fire box down in case of movement. Restraint points are
provided through the fires two front legs.
4) Install Flue as per instructions on page 19.
5) Fill any gaps between the steel canopy and the opening in the masonry chimney with the
yellow ISB insulation provided. See note below.
6) Assemble and fit the fascia.
NOTES
In some circumstances you may have to alter the chimney to accommodate the Topaz Fire.
This work must be done to the Building Code.
In the case of installing this Fire in existing masonry fireplaces, it is necessary to install additional
ventilation into the chimney cavity as per AS/NZ 2918 3.4.1.2 to assist air flow into the fire.
This ventilation should not be taken/drawn from the room that the fire is installed in.
This air vent should measure 100mmx100mm or equivalent area.
As this fire sources its combustion air from the chimney cavity/enclosure, the fire must be sealed
around the front between the steel canopy and the masonry fireplace. This is achieved by packing
the yellow ISB insulation (supplied) between the steel canopy and the masonry at the front of the
fireplace to a maximum depth of 80mm. Refer to page 21 for further detail.