foc.us Heterofocus 1400 User manual

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Heterofocus 1400
Design Installation & Operating Manual v.8.1 EN
Tested by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. and approved to
ULC-S610-M87 (A1998), UL 737-2011 And ULC S627-00
Report Number: 304-F-20-2
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) Options
c) Assembly details
4 –OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
a) Storage/use of flammable liquids
b) Insulating hearth
c) Ashes
d) Fuel
e) Before lighting your first fire
f) Building, starting and maintaining the fire
g) Protective glove and separable handle
h) Damper
5 –MAINTENANCE
a) Taking out the ashes
b) Inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the chimney
c) Surfaces
d) 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. Appliance designation: heterofocus 1400
Manufacturer: focus - atelier dominique imbert –le fort – 34380 viols le fort –
France.
2 –SPECIFICATIONS:
-CAUTION : DO NOT INSTALL IN A MOBILE HOME. NOT FOR EXTERIOR
INSTALLATION!
-CAUTION : NOT TO INSTALL WITH MASONRY CHIMNEY SYSTEM.
-CAUTION : DO NOT CONNECT TO OR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY
AIR DISTRIBUTION DUCTWORK!
-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:
• Hearth 1.40 m (55-1/8-inch) long ; weight : 90 kg (200 lbs)
• Smoke outlet diameter : 205 mm ID (8-1/16-inch) ; length custom-made
• Flue weight : 27 kg per meter (18 lbs per foot)
• Ceiling mount weight : 15 kg (33 lbs)
• 3 mm (1/8-inch) thick steel
• Polished raw steel finish (except cover disc and cold handle)

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b) Roof outlet requirement:
c) Chimney requirement:
DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER
APPLIANCE!
Heterofocus 1400 requirements: the floor to top of chimney length must be 15
feet minimum (18 feet 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.
The heterofocus 1400 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
8"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 focus flue and the
chimney manufacturer single wall slip adaptor. 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. 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 length : 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).
Internal termination must finish with a standard ventilation grill.

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g) Clearances to combustibles:
• Clearances to floor and ceiling:
MINIMUM FLOOR TO CEILING HEIGHT: 8 feet.
• Clearance from front of the fireplace to any combustible material:
CAUTION: THE DISTANCE TO A COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MUST BE
MAINTAINED AT 36" FROM THE FIREPLACE FRONT. PROPERTY
DAMAGE OR DEATH CAN OCCUR IF THIS DISTANCE IS NOT
MAINTAINED.

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• Clearances to side walls :
CAUTION: THE DISTANCE TO A COMBUSTIBLE SIDE WALL MUST BE
MAINTAINED AT 24" FROM THE FIREPLACE (38" FROM CONNECTOR).
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.
• Clearances to non-combustible back wall:
FIREPLACE MUST BE MAINTAINED AT 4" OFF A NON-COMBUSTIBLE
BACK WALL IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN VENTILATION AND AIR
CIRCULATION IN THIS AREA.

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• Clearances to combustible back wall:
WHEN INSTALLING THE HETEROFOCUS NEAR A COMBUSTIBLE BACK
WALL A HEATSHIELD IS THEN REQUIRED AND A CLEARANCE OF 24"
FROM WALL TO BACK OF THE UNIT (AND CONNECTOR) IS
NECESSARY.
CLEARANCES MAY ONLY BE REDUCED BY MEANS APPROVED BY THE
REGULATORY AUTHORITY.
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.

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3 –INSTALLATION:
a) Included parts, materials and required tools for installation:
-Appliance and designated parts are : hearth insulated support, spark-guard,
fire bricks, fire back protection, 3 (or 4, in central situation) sides top cover,
polished raw steel flue pipe, separable handle, and focus kit (heat protective
glove, mounting gloves, Zebraline©renewing wax tube, 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.
b) Options:
• custom ceiling cover disc (polished raw steel steel disc)
• focus flue extension
c) Assembly details:

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Hearth extentions must be installed only as illustrated
Spark-guard

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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:
CAUTION : DO NOT 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) Insulated Hearth:
The insulating hearth is located inside the fireplace. An insulating fiber material
is applied underneath the removable curved steel fire hearth (made of several
parts). They must not be removed except for cleaning, once all cinders have
thoroughly cooled. Fire must only be built on the fire hearth.
c) 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.

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d) 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.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH
DOORS, TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL
DOORS!
e) Before lighting your first fire:
For all focus models it is necessary to clean off (with a dry cloth) any dirt
collected during transport or installation.
The heterofocus finish is raw waxed steel. A tube of « Zebraline » (graphite
wax) is provided to solely look after your fireplace . It is highly recommended
to wax your fireplace upon completion of installation and then twice a
year or more if needed. The graphite wax will help to avoid rusting.
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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f) Building, starting and maintaining the fire:
DO NOT OVERLOAD YOUR FOCUS FIREPLACE TO AVOID OVER-FIRING.
Build the fire without elevating it, directly on the fire bricks, in the center.
DO NOT USE GRATES, ANDIRONS OR OTHER METHODS OF
SUPPORTING THE FIRE.
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 the room must be fully open.
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 into the room 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 refuelling time.
g) Protective glove and separable handle :
The use of the focus special protective glove supplied with our models is
required upon handling the cold handle, damper, etc. The separable handle
must be stored inside the pedestal drawer.

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h) 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 obturant panel 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 fireplace spills out it means the
damper is too obstructive : re-open the damper at the first signs of spillage.
5 –MAINTENANCE:
a) 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 use a brush and a shovel. Dispose of
ashes in an ash container (you can use the pedestal tray or any appropriate
container). After cleaning, be sure to secure the fireplace properly!
CAUTION : DO NOT LIGHT OR FUEL A FIRE USING CARDBOARD OR
PLASTIC OR ANY UNSTABLE OR VOLATILE FUEL SOURCE OR WITH
FIRE BRICKS 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.

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b) Inspection, maintenance and cleaning of the chimney:
CAUTION: CHEMICAL SWEEP NOT PERMITTED: ONLY MECHANICAL
SWEEP ALLOWED!
Refering to focus raw steel flue : the internal surface of the flue must absolutely
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.
Refering to chimney pipe : Creosote formation and need for removal:
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapours, which
combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapours
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 build-up 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.
Maintain all seals in good condition.
In case of soot or creosote fire in the connector or in the chimney : get everyone
out of the house, because fire can flash right through the house with incredible
speed. Then call the fire department from a safe distance such as a neigbours
house or from your car. Do not try to put out the fire and do not hesitate leave
immediately.
Afterwards fire department has secured the installation, call a chimney service
professional to clean and inspect the chimney as well as assess the damage.
Your chimney will need to be repaired and probably relined to make it safe for
further use.
Do not light another fire in the fireplace until you have had the chimney
professionally inspected and repaired.