Godin Petit Godin 3720A User manual

Petit Godin
3720A, 3726, 3727, 3721A

This unit must be installed according to all local and national regulations in place and must
conform to the technical directives contained in the user manual. The heater must be
installed by a suitably qualified professional installer.
You have just purchased a Petit Godin multifuel heater and we thank you for making this
choice. This insert has been conceptualised, designed and manufactured in France. Please
read the instruction manual attentively and completely before installing the insert.
Please keep this manual at hand, even after the unit has been installed.
TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
3720A
3721A
3726
3727
Dimensions (HxWxD in
cm)
76x41x41
94x53x53
77x59x48
94x59x48
Mass (kg)
60
102
84
100
Secondary combustion
YES
YES
YES
YES
Manual regulation
YES
YES
YES
YES
Loading
TOP
TOP
TOP
TOP
Interior
FIREBRICKS
FIREBRICKS
FIREBRICKS
FIREBRICKS
Exterior
ENAMELLED
STEEL & CAST-
IRON
ENAMELLED
STEEL & CAST-
IRON
ENAMELLED
STEEL & CAST-
IRON
ENAMELLED
STEEL & CAST-
IRON
Fuel –wood
UP TO 40cm
UP TO 50 cm
UP TO 33cm
UP TO 50cm
Fuel –anthracite
20/30mm
20/30mm
20/30mm
20/30mm
Rear outlet
YES
YES
YES
YES
Spigot diameter (mm)
97
125
125
125
Distance from the
ground to the top of
the outlet spigot (cm) -
TOP
69.4
85.9
69.3
85.5
Distance from the
ground to the top of
the outlet spigot (cm) -
LOWER
47
63.2
46.5
62.7
Drum colour
ENAMELLED
GLOSS BLACK
ENAMELLED
GLOSS BLACK
ENAMELLED
GLOSS BLACK
ENAMELLED
GLOSS BLACK
Ash removal
FRONT
FRONT
FRONT
FRONT
Firebox size (HxWxD in
cm)
40x20x20
60x30x30
50x33x20
60x33x20
Calorific output (kW)
5
10
7
10
Corrected heating
volume (m³)
70 to 150
180 to 380
90 to 240
180 to 380
Fume temperature in
normal use –Wood (⁰C)
321
357
446
444
Fume temperature in
normal use –
222
412
376
414

Anthracite (⁰C)
CO emission at 13% O²
(%) - Wood
0.92
0.56
0.54
0.80
CO emission at 13% O²
(%) –Anthracite
0.33
0.72
0.14
0.35
Efficiency at normal
rate (%) - Wood
71.0
72.8
69.6
70.7
Efficiency at normal
rate (%) –Anthracite
83.5
76.8
73.5
78.7
Safety distances to
combustible materials
(cm) –Rear
70
70
70
70
Safety distances to
combustible materials
(cm) –Sides
70
70
70
70
Safety distances to
combustible materials
(cm) –Front
150
150
150
150

LINEDRAWINGS

PART FOR THE INSTALLER
Always respect all norms and standards in the country of installation.
Ensure that the chimney (if it is an existing one) is compatible and suitable for the unit to
be installed. The chimney and/or flue is critical to the correct functioning of the unit –
ensuring the correct delivery of fresh air to the unit for primary combustion and for the
elimination of the combustion fumes.
Most heater/ insert malfunctions are due to a fault with the chimney flue –this point
cannot be emphasized enough….
One should not be content in referring to results obtained with a previous heater –the air intake
requirements may differ.
A good chimney should be made of material that is a low conductor of heat and that does
not cool down too easily.
If the internal volume of a brick chimney, or existing tubing, is too high it may be necessary
to run a new liner in the chimney. Any bends must be gentle and as straight as possible.
Mechanical sweeping of the chimney must be possible –there should be no restrictions or
sharp bends.
If there is any combustible material in the rear wall of the chimney (some types of
insulation) this should be removed across the full width of the chimney and up to the height
of the ceiling. Any beams (exposed or enclosed) in the vicinity should not be exposed to any
temperatures exceeding 50⁰C.
In cases where combustible material has to be removed then the wall should be rebuilt using
materials with good thermal insulation properties –cellulose concrete for example.
If there is a combustible mantle piece (wooden beam) it must be protected on the inside and
underside by incombustible material or by a deflector. There must be no direct physical
contact between the material protecting the mantelpiece and the heater itself.
The flue diameter for correct functioning of the unit is recommended to be 150mm –though
125mm is acceptable.
The flue diameter must never be reduced.
The chimney must originate in the room where the heater is installed.
The flue and chimney must be airtight.
Any flue or conduit used must be resistant to chimney fires and be designed to withstand
temperatures 50⁰C higher than the declared operating temperatures of the heater.
Reducers on the air intakes are not permitted.
The flue must be homogenous.
Flue pipes or tubing used must be suitable for heater installations and be able to resist to
chimney fires. The flue must be able to withstand temperatures 50⁰C higher than the
declared smoke/fume temperature for the unit –whatever the installation method.
The height of the flue should not be less than 5 metres and should exit into “free” air at least
40cm above the crest of the roof or any higher obstacle that may be within 8 metres of the
chimney.
Any changes in the angle of the chimney must be as gentle as possible (a 30⁰ bend is highly
preferable to a 90⁰ bend).
The draw should be between 12 and 15 Pascals during normal (average) operation and when
running on a normal average setting the draw should not drop below 12 Pascals as the

performance may be affected. The draw will drop to about 5 Pascals if the unit is run very
slowly.
If there is too much draw, a damper can be installed in the flue/chimney. If there is not
enough draw it may be that one of the points above has been disregarded
If an existing chimney is being used it is possible that the internal volume thereof is too large
for the draw to establish itself. It may necessitate running a liner in the chimney.
Pottery chimney pots should have an outlet diameter of at least 250cm² or they should be
removed.
A cleaning trap is recommended at the base of the chimney.
A chimney sweep is recommended before installing the heater.
A professional installer should install the heater.
An alcove and Ceiling Insulation:
Incombustible materials may degrade above 90⁰C (plaster, for example) –thermal insulation
of surfaces subjected to direct radiation from the flue/ conduit off the heater is
recommended. The ceiling part of an alcove should also be lined.
A false ceiling must be made of incombustible material.
If the heater is in an alcove the ceiling of the alcove must be at least 80cm above the
heater.
Allowing for Fresh Air in the Room:
Air extractors in the same room can cause problems as this can result in insufficient fresh air
supply for the heater. A supplementary air supply must be allowed for.
An air intake should preferably be directly from the outside or otherwise from an adjacent
well-ventilated room.
Existing air vents into the room should not be sealed off.
The heater must not be connected to a chimney that serves as a multiple conduit.
The connection off the rear spigot can either be directly into a T-piece leading into a vertical
flue or a horizontal connection can be made directly into an existing chimney.
USE OF THE HEATER
There may be NO reduction in the flue diameter –UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES. This could
result in the “blowback” of fumes into the room as soon as the heater door is opened, and a
reduction in the evacuation of fumes.
The chimney must originate in the same room where the heater is installed.
If the chimney conduit is too large, the volume of air to heat is too large to overcome and a
normal draw cannot be established. In this case the chimney should be lined with tubing.
The tubing used must conform to regulations and be suitable for heater installations (see
above).
Pottery chimney pots must be removed if they cause a reduction in the flue diameter.
Before connecting the heater the chimney must be checked to ensure that it is clean and, if
necessary, the chimney must be swept.

The heater should be installed by a professional and all national and local regulations should
be adhered to.
An extractor operating in the same room as the heater can adversely affect the functioning
of the heater.
Other heaters operating in the same room at the same time can also cause problems with
the draw.
Never seal off incoming air vents into the room. Air vents should be situated in positions
where it is unlikely that they would be accidentally blocked. The heater uses air that comes
into the room in order to operate correctly –it is important that this air supply can renew
itself from an external source.
This heater is not to be connected to a chimney with multiple connections.
IMPORTANT
Ensure that the floor can support the weight of the unit. If necessary a weight-bearing slab
(cement, stone or tile) may have to support the unit.
If the floor is of combustible material (wood, vinyl) it should be adequately protected with
a material that surpasses the front of the unit by at least 40cm.
Pipes that are used must be of the correct diameter and should preferably be enamelled as
these are more resistant to corrosion. Any horizontal section must be as short as possible so
that the hot fumes/ smoke can rapidly establish the correct operating draw for the unit.
The rear wall should not contain any flammable material. Suitable protection should be
applied if necessary. Flammable material should be at a distance of at least 70cm from the
rear of the unit.
If there are walls to the left or right sides of the unit, containing flammable material, these
should be at least 70cm from the side of the unit.
If the unit is to be used in a freestanding situation, within an alcove, then the gap above the
unit to the ceiling must be at least 80cm.
The heater radiates heat (from the cast-iron and through the glass) and it is recommended
that all flammable material (chairs, carpets, coffee tables) are at least 150cm away from the
front of the unit.
CONNECTING THE HEATER TO A CHIMNEY
The heater must be connected according to regulations –special care being taken where there are
any roofing beams adjacent, or in close proximity, to the actual chimney. It is important that no join
is made within the actual thickness of the ceiling (or flooring) itself –the flue pipe or tubing must go
beyond this point.

Example of Connecting to a Chimney Flue
General connection Principles
INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE USER
Before using the heater, read the instruction manual carefully.
The unit must be installed in according to regulations and in accordance with the norms of
best=practise.
It is strongly recommended that a professional installer installs this heater.
Never obstruct air passages/ vents into the room.
The heater must be connected to a flue or chimney that is for it’s exclusive use. It cannot be
used in a situation where there are multiple connections in one chimney.
No unauthorised modifications are to be made to this heater.
The unit is not designed to be operated with the door open.
All surfaces of this unit will get hot when in use–it is imperative that precautions are taken
to avoid any risk of burns.

The operating tool should be used to move the lids, open the door lock-nut, adjust the air-
intake and remove the ashtray.
Keep children and frail people away from the operating unit in order to minimise any risk of
injury.
AIR RENEWAL
The heater uses the air in the room in which it is installed. It is important that this air can
replenish itself in sufficient quantities.
Some of the air is taken in as primary air for combustion and some of it is directed as
“secondary” air in order to augment the combustion and to reduce the deposit of residues
on the glass.
The air that is used for combustion should be compensated for by allowing an intake (air-
vent) of fresh, external air into the room.
LIGHTING AND REGULATION
Open the door –make sure the unit is clean.
Ensure that the shaking grate and front retaining grate are properly in position.
Using usual firelighting material (kindling, firestarters) and a small load of firewood, light the
fire through the front grate. The air intake can be fully open.
Never use fuel or alcohol to light the fire.
When the fire is burning properly, the desired quantity of firewood/ anthracite can be
loaded and the air intake can be suitably reduced.
In cases where there have been extensive wet-works in the installation of the heater these
should be allowed to dry for 4 weeks. This will enable moisture in the possible brickwork
or stonework to evaporate.
To enable proper drying of the building works (after the 4 week period) small, moderate
fires should be lit for the first 10 days. The air register should not be opened fully during this
period in order to keep the fire intensity low.
Air Intake Adjustment:
The operating tool should be used to adjust the air intake valve.
The air intake adjustment is the Spindle on the central front of the door –this air valve is rotated to
adjust the burning rate:
1. ½ turn to 1 turn open is slow.
2. 2 to 3 turns open is moderate to fast.
3. 3 turns and more is fast to very fast.
The unit is sensitive to adjustment of the air control.

Before loading for the night, a clearly burning bed of coals, 8 to 10 cm thick, should be visible
on the grate.
The heater can then be loaded ⅔ of the height of the fire chamber.
REMARKS
During use, all material or objects that could be adversely affected by the heat should be
removed to a safe distance.
NOTE
When the heater is functioning normally the door handle must not be touched with a bare
hand. The door must be closed during normal operation.
Loading of firewood and anthracite is done through the top loading lid (beneath the
decorative outer lid) of the unit.
For a slow burn one would use fewer logs but of greater thickness on a moderate bed of
coals and reduce the air intake.
A thin layer of ash on the grid often makes it easier to light the fire.
In order to overcome a poor draw it is recommended to try and build up a larger, stronger
fire. Take note of the outside weather conditions as these affect the draw: High winds -
strong draw, Fog –low draw.
NOTE: The duration of the burn will depend on the type of wood being used and the draw.
THE HEATER CHIMNEY
Always follow the instructions.
When using the heater for the first few times, make moderate fires in order to ensure it’s
correct operation. One can gradually increase the burning load over a period of several days.
Do not use the heater like an incinerator.
Only use recommended burning material (wood and anthracite).
Do not use the unit if the glass is broken or cracked. The glass should first be replaced. Your
installer should be contacted in order to assist you in replacing the glass –for which you will
be invoiced. One may look at replacing the door seals at the same time and special care
must be taken in not overtightening any clamps or brackets that hold the glass in place as
it is important to allow for expansion and contraction.
After a long period of inactivity, ensure that the chimney/ flue is not obstructed and also any
air guides or smoke/ fume passages within the unit.
Loading: IMPORTANT RECOMMENDATION
When loading firewood into the unit, the fire should be sufficiently low. Do not open the door or lid
if there are extensive high flames as one may risk drawing these outwards when opening the door or
lid. The door or lid must always be opened very slowly in order to allow the draw to stabilise and to
avoid the possibility of blowback.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FUEL (FIREWOOD)
This unit must give you entire satisfaction. Nonetheless one must not forget that the heater can only
liberate the energy in the fuel that it is burning.
If it seems that your heater is not producing sufficient heat, we can affirm that:
The quantity of fuel is too little.
The fuel being used does not have sufficient available energy.
Firewood should ideally have been felled 2 years previously (3 years is even better).
In principle, all wood, contains the same calorific value versus weight. Hard wood is often better as it
is more dense and often contains less moisture. Moisture content in wood typically varies from 15%
for dry wood to 50% for wet wood. It stands to reason that a lot of energy is required to vaporise the
moisture in the wood.
The energy available for heating is 4.16 Wh per kilogram of dry wood. For firewood with 50%
moisture content this available energy drops to 1.73 Wh.
Using wet wood also causes more condensation in the chimney which accelerates deposits and the
subsequent risk, over time, of chimney fires.
Never use water to put out the fire.
If the glass gets dirty quickly it is often an indication of using wood that is too damp or burning low
fires extensively.
REMOVING THE ASH
The ashtray should be emptied every 2 to 3 days –depending on use of the heater. This
must be done carefully –the ashtray should be carried using the glove provided and the
operating tool should be used to move the ashtray.
Do not allow the ashes to build up in the ashtray so that they touch the underside of the
grate. This will inhibit cooling down of the grate and will accelerate it’s deterioration.
CHIMNEY SWEEPING
Your chimney should be swept by a professional, using mechanical tools, at least twice a
year –one of these should occur during the heating season (winter). In South Africa it would
usually suffice to do this once a year. A chemical powder can also be used to do a “sweep”
but this does not replace the mechanical sweep that is required.
Inspect the unit, ensure that all seals are intact and replace if necessary.
Clean the heater completely on the inside and ensure that all air/ fume passages/ channels
are clear.
The glass can be cleaned with a recommended glass cleaner (Godin Net ref. 0009).
In case of fire in the chimney, close the air intake and call the emergency services.

MAINTENANCE
The heater should be checked by a competent person at least once a year.
IMPORTANT
FOR THE FIRST FEW TIMES THAT THE HEATER IS USED IT IS IMPORTANT THAT ONLY
MODERATE FIRES ARE LIT, IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE CONSTITUENT PARTS TO EXPAND
AND CONTRACT NORMALLY.
THE HANDLES ARE HOT DURING USE. USE THE GLOVE SUPPLIED.
THE GLOVE IS ONLY TO BE USED FOR OPENING THE DOOR HANDLE AND CARRYING THE
ASHTRAY. IT IS NOT TO BE USED FOR HANDLING BURNING OBJECTS (FIREWOOD). IT IS
NOT IMPERMEABLE TO LIQUIDS. IT CANNOT BE USED AS PROTECTION AGAINST CHEMICAL
PRODUCTS.
TAKE CARE IN PUTTING YOUR GLOVE IN A SAFE (COOL) PLACE AFTER EACH USE.
Do not worry if the heater gives off a slightly acrid smell/ smoke when lit for the first couple of times.
This can be as a result of the high-temperature paint finish on the various cast-iron parts and some
excess residues from the manufacturing process. This may persist for several days.
Maintaining the cast-iron and steel
All cast-iron and steel heaters require a minimum of maintenance, after each winter, during the
summer season, in order to preserve the integrity of the different parts. When the heater is being
used there is minimal risk of oxidation of the constituent parts. The process of oxidation usually
occurs during prolonged periods of inactivity (no fires).
The cast-iron parts can be regularly maintained using the black graphite paste (Godin ref. 0012). This
is applied cold as a polish. Once it has dried a soft cloth can be used to shine it up. The high heat
spray paint (Godin ref. 0001) can be used on the external parts of the heater if a more uniform and
even finish is desired. Before using the spray paint it is imperative that all traces of oxidation are first
removed either by using a wire brush or a fine-grained emery paper.
All cast-iron heaters that have an external baked enamel finish do require maintenance of the
internal parts of the heater. Maintenance is even more important in those homes that are only
occasionally occupied. Most of the cleaning products (graphite paste, window cleaner, chemical
chimney cleaner, high-temperature spray paint) are available through your installer/ importer.
Particular care of the door
The door of the unit swivels on steel pins and washers.
TAKE NOTE : if the door is removed for some reason (replacing the door glass) it is important to
replace the washers on the pins at the same time with new ones and possibly the door pins
themselves.

SPARE PARTS
If any spares are required please contact your installer or the importer. It is important to record the
model number –a metallic plate usually affixed to the rear of the unit records the specifics for that
model.
This will ensure that the correct expanded views and parts lists are obtained for any assistance that
may be required.
NOTE: The manufacturer is only responsible for the actual heater that is produced. The installation
and commissioning of the heater is the responsibility of the installer.
In the quest for improving the quality of its products, GODIN S.A., reserves the right to modify it’s
products without any prior warning.
Exploded view and Spare Part Nomenclature: