foc.us Gigafocus 1500 User manual

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Gigafocus 1500
Néofocus 1500 -1800
Design Installation & Operating Manual v.6.7 EN
Tested by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. and approved to
UL 127-2011 and ULC-S610-M87 (A1998)
Report Number: 304-F-18-2
US EPA exempt
this document was packed with the appliance.
KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE USE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:
1 –INTRODUCTION
2 –SPECIFICATIONS
a) Characteristics
b) Roof outlet requirement
c) Chimney requirement
d) Structural requirement
e) Connectors
f ) Fresh air intake
g) Clearances to combustibles
3 –INSTALLATION
a) Included parts, materials and required tools for installation
b) Assembly details Néofocus
c) Assembly details Gigafocus
4 –OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
a) Storage/use of flammable liquids
b) Ashes
c) Fuel
d) Before lighting your first fire
e) Building, starting and maintaining the fire
f ) Gigafocus set up
g) Protective glove and separable handle
5 –MAINTENANCE
a) Taking out the ashes
b) Inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the chimney
c) Surfaces
d) Directions and reasons for cleaning glass (gigafocus only)
e) Replacement parts
6 –WARRANTY

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1 –INTRODUCTION:
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.
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: gigafocus (1500 or 1700) / néofocus (1500 or 1800)
Manufacturer: atelier dominique imbert -le fort - 34380 viols-le-fort - France.
2 –SPECIFICATIONS:
-CAUTION : NOT FOR MOBILE HOME OR EXTERIOR INSTALLATION !
-CAUTION : DO NOT INSTALL WITH MASONRY CHIMNEY SYSTEM !
-CAUTION : DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCT OR
SYSTEM!
-WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN
UNVENTED GAS LOG SET. TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO
NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS FIREPLACE.
-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.

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a) Characteristics:
• Weight : giga 1500 : 360 kg / 793 lbs, giga 1700 : 410 kg / 903 lbs, néo 1500 :
185 kg / 407 lbs, néo 1800 : 205 kg / 452 lbs.
• Smoke outlet diameter : Ø 308 (12-1/8 inch).
• 3 mm (1/8-inch) thick steel
• Black matt high heat resistant paint
Dimensions Giga 1500 :
A : 380 –15 inch
B : 1780 –70-3/32 inch
C : 1510 –59-7/16 inch
D : 1350 –53-5/32 inch
Dimensions Néo 1500 :
A : 1570 –61-13/16 inch
B : 1500 –59-1/16 inch
Dimensions Néo 1800 :
A : 1870 –73-5/8 inch
B : 1800 –70-7/8 inch
Dimensions Giga 1700 :
A : 445 –17-17/32 inch
B : 1980 -77-15/16 inch
C : 1710 – 67-5/16 inch
D : 1800 –70-7/8 inch

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b) Roof outlet requirement:
c) Chimney requirement:
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER
APPLIANCE!
Giga and Neofocus requiements: the floor to top of chimney length must be 22'
minimum (25' 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° (USA) or 45°
(Canada) from vertical, and with maximum number of 2. Maximum inside +
outside height (without use of a fan) : 30 feet.
These fireplaces must 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 / ULC S629. For
example, a class A insulated stainless steel flue chimney system with a
12"minimum inside diameter.

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d) Structural requirement:
CAUTION: THE SUPPORT OF THIS UNIT (FLOOR) 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.
e) Connectors:
Connectors are all non-insulated chimney parts, including the chimney
manufacturer single wall slip adaptor and eventually the flue liner. 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. For Canada
the installation should conform to CAN/CSA-B365.
CAUTION: PASSAGE THROUGH A WALL OR PARTITION OF
COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT AN APPROPRIATE
INSTALLATION FOR THIS FOCUS FIREPLACE.
Refractory compound must be used to seal each connection. Connectors
should always be in good condition and kept clean. Minimum thickness : 1/32"
(1 mm). Please refer to installation details in this manual.
f) Fresh air intake:
To balance room air pressure with outdoors air pressure, we recommends a
fresh air intake in the room (ideally emerging under of the pedestal). Fresh air
intake shall only take combustion air from outdoors and not terminate in attic
spaces. We recommend Ø6ʼʼ deflect-O ID0625 UL listed 181 class 1 insulated
air duct. Minimum fresh air intake size:

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Important: 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. Fresh air intake must remain unrestricted while
appliance is in use to prevent room air starvation, which can cause smoke
spillage and an inability to maintain a fire. A lack of air intake may alarm smoke
detectors. Duct maximum lenght : 30 feet.
Guidance on how to seal at the penetration of the building envelope :
Installation of the combustion air inlet system will require a 6” diameter
penetration through the wall and then insert the passive air vent with pipe
extension through this opening. Take note that proper caulking is to be used
between the vent and exterior wall to insure no air leaks in or out of building
envelope. For in depth detail refer to your local building code having jurisdiction.
For vertical external façade building termination, we recommend Deflect-O fresh
air intake galvanized hood and pipe with screen ref. GFAI6 (see image
hereunder and technical specs at the end of this manual).

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g) Clearances to combustibles:
CLEARANCES MAY ONLY BE REDUCED BY MEANS APPROVED BY THE
REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
MINIMUM FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT: 8 feet.
FIREPLACE MUST BE INSERTED IN AN INSULATED CHAMBER. A
COMPULSORY MINIMUM OF 4" AIRSPACE MUST SURROUND THE
FIREBOX INSIDE THE CHAMBER. PROPERTY DAMAGE OR DEATH CAN
OCCUR IF THIS CLEARANCE IS NOT MAINTAINED.
THE INSIDE OF THE CHAMBER MUST BE LINED WITH MINIMUM 2"
ROXUL INSULATION OR EQUIVALENT (insert Ref : RHF 80 RFF, see
Roxul specifications in the appendix at the end of this manual).
RECOMMENDED INSTALLATION: BUILD A CHAMBER USING METAL
STUDS, 2" ROXUL INSULATION COMBINED WITH 1/2" CEMENT BOARD
PANELS.
ABSOLUTLY NO COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL IS ALLOWED INSIDE THE
INSULATED CHAMBER.
DRYWALL PRODUCTS LINED WITH PAPER SUCH AS SHEETROCK ARE
COMBUSTIBLE. THESE MATERIAL ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF THE CHAMBER.
See page 9 for details on floor protection required
underneath the unit.

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Important - 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 (vinyl for eg.) :
refer to window technical specifications.
• Clearance to floor:
FLOOR BENEATH THE UNIT AND INSIDE THE CHAMBER IS
REQUIRED TO BE LINED WITH MINIMUM 1.5" MILLBOARD PANELS with
R factor = 3.2 OR GREATER SUCH AS 2" ROXUL INSULATION (for use of
alternate materials and how to calculate equivalent thickness, see
appendix at the end of this manual). TAKE NECESSARY PRECAUTIONS
TO AVOID BOARDS FROM CRUSHING UNDER WEIGHT OF FIREPLACE.
SUBFLOOR CAN BE MADE OF PLYWOOD. NON COMBUSTIBLE FLOORS
SUCH AS CONCRETE ARE MOST RECOMMENDED.
• Ventilation grids : 4 x 200 square inches side grids:

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CAUTION:
NEVER INSTALL THIS FIREPLACE WITHOUT VENTILATING THE
CHAMBER.
TOTAL UPPER AND LOWER VENTILATION GRIDS ARE REQUIRED.
DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT OR OTHER PRODUCTS NOT
SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS FIREPLACE.
FALSE CEILING SEPARATION MUST BE LOCATED AT LEAST 1ʼBELOW
CEILING.
In case of combustible ceiling:
A 12"minimum airspace is required between the finished room ceiling and a 2"
roxul internal false ceiling insulation panel. Roxul insulation must be tight up
against the pipe. Refer to hereunder detail drawing:
DAMAGES CAUSED FROM NON-OBSERVANCE OF THIS CAUTION IS NOT
COVERED UNDER FOCUS LIMITED WARRANTY.

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3 –INSTALLATION:
a) Included parts, materials and required tools for installation:
- Appliance and designated parts are : firebox, grate (neofocus), integral
grate (gigafocus) ash drawer (néofocus), fire back protection, spark-guard,
separable handle, 12 inch adaptor, baffle and focus kit (heat protective glove,
mounting gloves, touch-up paint can, manual).
- Required tools: drill, M8 allen key, level, screwdrivers, M12 key, scaffolding
(up to underceiling height), refractory compound.
- 2 persons are required for Neofocus installation. Gigafocus : 4 persons.

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b) Assembly details Neofocus 1/3:
Non-combustible framing material or blocks to be used
See page 9
for details
on floor
protection
required
underneath
the unit.

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Assembly details Neofocus 2/3:
Hearth extentions must be installed only as illustrated

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Assembly details Neofocus 3/3: guidance for placement of the baffle :
CAUTION:
NEVER OPERATE THE NEOFOCUS WITHOUT THE BAFFLE IN PLACE,
BROKEN OR NOT WELL POSITIONED. DAMAGES CAUSED FROM NON-
OBSERVANCE OF THIS CAUTION IS NOT COVERED UNDER FOCUS
LIMITED WARRANTY.

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c) Assembly details Gigafocus 1/3:
See page 9
for details
on floor
protection
required
underneath
the unit.

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Assembly details Gigafocus 2/3:
Non combustible framing material or blocks to be used

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Assembly details Gigafocus 3/3: guidance for placement of the baffle :
CAUTION:
NEVER OPERATE THE GIGAFOCUS WITHOUT THE BAFFLE IN PLACE,
BROKEN OR NOT WELL POSITIONED. DAMAGES CAUSED FROM NON-
OBSERVANCE OF THIS CAUTION IS NOT COVERED UNDER FOCUS
LIMITED WARRANTY.

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4 –OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS:
CAUTION: HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING AND
FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS.
a) Storage/use of flammable liquids:
Never use chemicals or fluids, 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.
b) Ashes:
DISPOSAL OF ASHES –ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED IN A METAL
CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID. THE CLOSED CONTAINER OF
ASHES SHOULD BE IMMEDIATELY PLACED OUTDOORS 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.
c) 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 CHARGING 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.

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WARNING :
-THE GIGAFOCUS HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH DOOR FULLY
OPEN OR FULLY CLOSED. IF DOOR IS 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 THE DOOR!
-THE NEOFOCUS HAS BEEN TESTED WITH THE FIRE SCREEN IN
PLACE. IT HAS NOT BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH DOORS, TO REDUCE
THE RISK OF FIRE INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL DOORS IN THE
NEOFOCUS.
-WHEN PROCESSED SOLID FUEL FIREPLOGS ARE USED : DO NOT
POKE OR STIR THE LOGS WHILE THEY ARE BURNING. USE ONLY
FIRELOGS THAT HAVE BEEN EVALUATED FOR THE APPLICATION IN
FIREPLACE AND REFER TO FIRELOG WARNINGS AND CAUTION
MARKINGS ON PACKAGING PRIOR TO USE.
d) Before lighting your first fire:
CAUTION : DO NOT BUILD A FIRE TOO CLOSE TO THE GLASS
(GIGAFOCUS).
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.
In
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.

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e) Building, starting and maintaining the fire :
DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR FOCUS FIREPLACE TO AVOID OVER-FIRING.
DO NOT BUILD A FIRE OUTSIDE THE GRATE.
Build the fire without elevating it, directly on the hearth, in the center area of the
integrale grate (gigafocus only).
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 into ash drawer must be fully open (rotate contrary to clockwise).
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 the air intake position in order to avoid spillage.
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.
f) Gigafocus set up :