Kuma Stoves K-300 User manual

Kuma Stoves
Kuma Stoves
Hayden, ID. USA
Models:
K-300 Fireplace Insert
K-400 Free-Standing Wood Stove
Installation and Operating Instructions
*SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS*
This manual describes the installation and
Operation of the KUMA model K-300/K-400 wood
stove/insert. Under specific test conditions, this
wood stove has been shown to meet the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s
emission limits for residential wood stoves.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use
your new wood stove. Failure to follow instructions may
result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death.
Contact Local building/fire official about codes and
restrictions in your area and to obtain a permit if necessary.

Section A- Stove Description and Compliance
This manual describes the installation and operation of the KUMA model K-300/
K-400 catalytic equipped wood stove. This heater meets the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency’s emission limits for wood stoves sold in the U.S. Under specific
test conditions this wood stove has been shown to deliver heat at rates ranging from
10,100 to 52,100 BTU/hr.
Section B– Tamper Warning
This wood stove contains a catalytic combustor, which needs periodic inspection
and replacement for proper operation. It is against the law to operate this wood stove in
a manner inconsistent with the operating instructions in this manual, or if the catalytic
element is deactivated or removed.
Section C- Catalyst Information
The combustor supplied with this wood stove is an Applied Ceramics FireCat
Combustor. Consult the catalytic combustor warranty supplied with this wood heater.
Warranty claims should be addressed to:
Applied Ceramics
Customer Service Department
5555 Pleasantdale Road
Doraville GA 30340
Should the combustor become ineffective or require replacement, please take
extreme care to package the combustor in foam rubber or other soft material so as not to
damage it. Part number KRP-CATS (2.5”x 7.5”x 3”x 16 cell).
Section D- Fuel Selection
This wood stove is designed to burn natural wood only. Higher efficiencies and
lower emissions generally result when burning air seasoned hardwoods, as compared to
softwoods or too green or freshly cut hardwoods.
DO NOT BURN: treated wood, coal, garbage, cardboard, solvents, colored
paper, trash, painted wood, rubber, plastic, sulfur, oil, metal foils, or flammable fluids.
Burning treated wood, garbage, solvents, colored paper, sulfur, oil, metal foils, or
trash may result in release of toxic fumes and may poison or render ineffective the
catalytic combustor. Burning coal, cardboard, or loose paper can produce soot or large
flakes of char or fly ash that can plug the combustor, cause smoke spillage into the
room, and rendering the combustor ineffective. Store fuel in a dry place. Do not place
fuel within space heater installation clearances or within the space required for ash
1

Section E- Achieving and Maintaining
Catalyst Light-Off
Your KUMA stove is equipped with a by-pass plate that slides forward to allow
the draft to escape up the chimney when the rod is pulled all the way forward. This “by-
passes” the combustor for the purpose of (1) starting a fire, and (2) refueling. This
section describes the position of the by-pass for 3 different burning situations.
1) START-UP: The by-pass rod would be pulled all the way out during start-up.
It will remain open long enough to achieve a medium to high burn rate (about 15-20
minutes). It will also be necessary to “crack” the door to allow extra air during start-up.
Check Operation Section ‘H’. Usually a normal fire start-up to produce a good coal bed
will produce sufficient temperatures to begin catalytic combustion.
2) NORMAL OPERATION: After the start-up temperature is reached, the by-pass
should be closed (pushed in). This begins the flow of smoke and gases through the
combustor. The combustor will begin generating. The by-pass is to remain closed
during normal operation.
3) REFUELING: The by-pass should be open (pulled out) during the refueling of
the stove. When refueling or rekindling a cool fire or a fire that has burned down to the
charcoal phase, operate the stove again at a medium to high burn rate (about 15-20
minutes) until a sufficient start-up temperature is reached.
Section F– Catalyst Monitoring
It is important to periodically monitor the operation of the catalytic combustor to
ensure that it is functioning properly, and to determine when it needs to be replaced. A
non-functioning combustor will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an increase in
creosote and emissions. Following is a list of items that should be checked on a periodic
basis:
*Combustors should be visually inspected at least three times during the heating
season to determine if physical degradation has occurred. Actual removal of
the combustor is not recommended unless more detailed inspection is warranted
because of decreased performance. If any of these conditions exist, refer to
Catalyst Troubleshooting Section ‘G’ in this owner’s manual.
*You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is working by comparing the
amount of smoke leaving the chimney when the smoke is going through the
combustor and catalyst light-off has been achieved, to the amount of smoke
leaving the chimney when the smoke is not routed through the combustor (by-
pass mode).
2

Section F- Catalyst Monitoring (continued..)
Step 1- Light stove in accordance with instructions in section ‘E’.
Step 2- With smoke routed in the by-pass mode, go outside and observe the
emissions leaving the chimney.
Step 3- Push in the by-pass mechanism and again observe the emissions leaving
the chimney.
Significantly more smoke should be seen when the exhaust is not routed through
the combustor (by-pass mode). Be careful not to confuse smoke with steam from wet
wood.
Section G- Catalyst Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM PROBLEM REMEDY
1. Stove doesn’t seem *By-pass open *Close by-pass
to get rid of smoke. *Old, cracked combustor *replace combustor
*Poisoned combustor *replace combustor
2. Smoke spills out the *Fly ash build-up *Clean combustor cells
door, or draft is slow by opening by-pass and
and inhibited. Blowing air through
combustors, thereby
removing fly ash.
Section H- Operation and Maintenance
*RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BUILDING AND MAINTAINING A FIRE:
CAUTION: HOT WHILE IN OPERATION. KEEP CHILDREN, CLOTHING
AND FURNITURE AWAY. CONTACT MAY CAUSE SKIN BURNS
1. Pull by-pass control out to open.
2. Start with tinder and small kindling. When starting a fire, stack the wood in a
‘criss-cross’ arrangement so as to allow the fuel plenty of air. Place smaller
chunks of wood on up to larger chunks until desired fire is reached.
3. Open air vent controls. Crack door open 1/2” to help establish start-up fire.
Close after start up is achieved. The door will need to remain cracked open
approximately 25-30 minutes (close door 10 minutes after you close by-pass).
4. Leave by-pass and air controls fully open until a medium to high burn rate is
achieved (about 15-20 minutes). After start-up, push by-pass control in.
Adjust the air controls at bottom to achieve the desired heat output. See
3

Section H- Operation and maintenance
(continued..)
5. The slide type air controls can be slid open to allow more air to the fire, thus
increasing the fire size, rate of burn, and heat produced. Likewise, sliding the
air controls closed or decreasing the air to the fire decreases the fire size, rate of
burn, and heat produced.
6. Never leave your stove unattended with the door open. When the stove door is
open it will be necessary to open the by-pass to prevent smoke spillage.
7. CAUTION: When building the first couple of fires be careful to build the fire
small and increase heat slowly over a 4-5 hour period. The paint on the stove
“cures” with heat and this process needs to be done slowly. As the paint
“cures” it gives off a smell of paint and sometimes a visible “smoky” haze in
the room. Make sure the area is well ventilated during the curing operation.
The smell will disappear after a few hours of operation.
Section I- Catalyst Replacement
Gasket Replacement:
Periodically, gasket on your wood stove will need to be replaced. The
following is a list of parts and sizes of gasket used:
1) Door Gasket: 5/8” diameter (5 ft.)
2) Glass Gasket: Window channel with adhesive (5 ft.)
3) Catalytic Gasket: 1/16”x 3” (8 ft.)
4) By-pass Gasket: 1/8”x 1 1/2” (3 feet required)
*SEE FIGURE 1 FOR LOCATIONS OF GASKET*
CATALYTIC REPLACEMENT STEPS:
1) Pull insert or stovepipe out.
2) Remove by-pass rod by unscrewing fastening nuts. (A)
3) Lubricate and remove the 4 main holding bolts. (B) You may need to
support the baffle before doing this, as it is heavy.
4) Remove entire catalytic baffle system from stove.
5) Lift off catalytic hold-down clamp noting location of all gasket. (C)
6) Slide catalytic units up and out. (D)
7) Rewrap new catalytic units with new 1/8”x 3” gasket, or replace with pre-
wrapped catalytic assembly in stainless steel enclosure.
8) Re-install catalytic units in place being careful to have a ‘snug’ fit. It
may be necessary to add more gasket to achieve a snug fit.
9) Replace catalytic hold-down clamp and re-gasket top area with gasket
(1/8”x 3”) as shown in Figure 1.
10) Re-install entire catalytic baffle system with 4 bolts and hook up by-pass
rod with nuts.
11) Double check bolts and fasteners for tightness.
Note: If the steel baffle (catalytic enclosure) system is warped or degraded, an
entire baffle system with catalytics and gasketing already installed may be ordered and
replaced as a unit. Contact your dealer.
4

Section J- Stove Maintenance Warnings
DO NOT OVERFIRE THIS HEATER:
EXCESSIVE TEMPERATURES CAN CAUSE THE
STEEL PLATE TO WARP OR CRACK.
*CAUTION:
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 wood stove while it is
in use.
*CREOSOTE: Formation and need for removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors,
which combined with expelled moisture forms 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 connector and
chimney should be inspected at least once every two months during the
heating season to determine if a creosote build-up has occurred. If
creosote has accumulated, it should be removed to reduce the risk of a
chimney fire.
*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.
*USE OF GRATE IS NOT NECESSARY FOR PROPER OPERATION OF
THIS STOVE.
Section K- Proper Draft Information
ACHIEVING PROPER DRAFT:
Draft is the force which moves air from the appliance through the
chimney. The amount of draft in your chimney depends on the length of the chimney,
local geography, nearby obstructions, and other factors. Too much draft may cause
excessive temperatures in the appliance and may damage the catalytic combustor.
Inadequate draft may cause backpuffing into the room and plugging of the chimney or
the catalytic. Inadequate draft will cause the appliance to leak smoke into the room
through the
5

Section K- Proper Draft Information
(continued..)
appliance and chimney connector joints. An uncontrollable burn or a glowing red stove
part or chimney connector indicates excessive draft. A poor draft can cause poor stove
performance and can be remedied with a positive connect or chimney liner. Consult your
dealer for help. KUMA stoves are approved for use with or without liner connect in
properly constructed, clay-lined masonry chimneys.
Section L- K-400 Free-Standing Wood Stove
Installation Instructions
If this wood stove is not properly installed, a house fire may result. To reduce the
risk of fire, follow the installation instructions. WARNING: Do not compromise
clearances, codes, or materials used. Contact local building or fire officials about
restrictions and installation inspection requirements in your area.We also recommend that
your Kuma model HT wood stove be installed by a properly trained and licensed installer,
preferably an NFI (National Fireplace Institute) expert.
*PARTS REQUIRED:
1) Model K-400 wood stove– 8” flue
2) Floor protector
3) Chimney connector (stovepipe)
4) Chimney (Refer to figure 5)
a. Chimney sections
b. Fire stop
c. Support box
d. Storm collar
e. Roof flashing
f. Chimney spark arrestor cap
USE ONLY 8” DIAMETER CHIMNEYS THAT HAVE BEEN TESTED TO
ALL APPLICABLE U.L. 103-HT STANDARDS.
*Floor Protector- The floor protector must be non-combustible and must be a minimum
of 46” wide and 48” deep (U.S.) and 46” wide and 50” deep (CAN.). Situate heater on floor
protector according to the following: Dimensions: At least 18” of floor protector in front of the
stove and at least 8” beyond each side of the door opening. Floor protector shall be large enough
to cover under the flue pipe and 2” beyond each side of the flue connector (see figure 4).
*Chimney Connector- Use chimney connectors (flue pipe) that has been approved for
use with this appliance. The connector shallbe 8” in diameter, and made of steel, 24 gauge
thickness minimum. The chimney connector shall be slipped inside the flue of the stove and
should be screwed to the flue for maximum safety. Each chimney connector section should be
fastened securely together with screws. Approved double-wall connector may be used for
reduced clearance applications (see figs. 2 and 3).
(continued…)
6

Section L- Installation Instructions (continued..)
A stove top connector section may be required with reduced clearances installations
(double-wall connector). WARNING: Never pass a chimney connector through an
attic or roof space, closet or similar concealed space, or a floor or ceiling. Where
passage through a wall or partition of combustible construction is desired, the
installation shall conform to CAN/CSA-B365. DO NOT CONNECT TO ANY AIR
DISTRIBUTION OR DUCT SYSTEM.
*Chimney- This room heater must be connected to either an 8” chimney
complying with the requirements for Type HT chimneys in the standard for Chimneys,
Factory-Built, Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance, UL HT 103, or a code
approved masonry chimney with a flue liner. (See figure 5 for list of parts).
*CLEARANCES- Refer to Section ‘O’ figures 2 and 3 for minimum
installation clearances to combustibles. NOTE: Clearances
may only be reduced by means approved by the regulatory
authority.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Set the unit on the floor protector.
2) Make sure the clearance from the unit to combustibles is according to the
minimum clearances in figures 2 and 3. Also make sure of the minimum
clearances from the chimney connector to combustibles.
3) Check the minimum clearances on the floor protector as per figure 4.
4) Connect the unit to the chimney with the chimney connector (stovepipe) using
a slip connector usually supplied in a basic stovepipe kit.
5) Fasten the stove pipe sections together securely with screws, and screw the
stovepipe to chimney connection at ceiling or wall.
6) Double check all clearances and connections before operation.
*DO NOT CONNECT THIS APPLIANCE TO A CHIMNEY
SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE*
*THIS STOVE IS NOT APPROVED FOR
INSTALLATION INTO MOBILE HOMES*
List of Replacement Parts (K-300 or K-400)
KRP-CATS- Catalytics and Gasket
KRP-GLASS1- Glass
KRP-GSKT58- Door Gasket Kit (5’)
KRP-GSKT34- Window Gasket Kit (5’)
7

Section M- K-300 Fireplace Insert
Installation Instructions
With the addition of a fireplace insert surround kit (part # W-KWSK) your K-300/K-400
unit may be installed and used in masonry fireplaces only (lined, masonry chimneys constructed
in accordance with NFPA 211 guidelines). NOT APPROVED FOR USE IN FACTORY–
BUILT OR ZERO CLEARANCE FIREPLACES. If your masonry chimney is damaged,
deteriorated, or unlined, a stainless steel liner (8” diameter) with thermal wrap will need to be
installed and connected directly to the K-300 flue opening. If you are unsure of the condition of
your chimney, have it inspected by your dealer or a chimney professional. Use and install liner
kits that are approved to UL 1777 only. If your masonry fireplace/chimney is in good shape,
your K-300 is approved for installation and use with or without a direct-connect liner system.
There is no replacement for a proper draft to ensure optimum performance from your K-300, so
a stainless steel liner could be necessary for a proper draft. As a general guideline, if the flue
area (interior dimensions) of your chimney is 100 sq. inches or less, your insert should draft
fine. Due consideration of all conditions that could affect draft such as chimney height,
geographical conditions, location, climate, etc. should be noted. Contact your dealer with any
questions.
PRELIMINARY CHECKS:
*A preliminary check of the chimney should be made. Check for any obstructions,
cracks, or deterioration. If there is any evidence of deterioration of any kind, repairs should be
made before installation. Also check for excess creosote build up and clean if necessary. If a
stainless steel liner system is being used, install according to the liner manufacturer’s
instructions.
*Make sure the damper in your fireplace is in the full open position or removed before
installing the insert. Also make sure there is no danger of the damper handle closing
accidentally or that installation of the insert would bump the handle closed.
*Double check the drop in the fireplace from the hearth measured down to the bottom of
the firepit are. Check to make sure you have the proper height roller or pipe (see fig. 6) needed
to roll the insert into place. Option: 2– 3/8” N.C. bolts of appropriate lengths may be screwed
into the threaded holes at the insert bottom rear corners for the “drop” in the firepit area if
necessary. A piece of sheet metal laid in the firepit bottom will be helpful so the bolt heads can
slide easily as the insert is being pushed in.
*Determine the position of the faceplate.
Faceplate
Roller
Figure 6
8

Section M– K-300 Installation Instructions
(continued…)
Installation Procedure:
1. Protect the hearth with a carpet or some soft material so the insert will not damage the hearth.
2. Set the insert on the hearth by dolly or some other means.
3. Place the roller about 6 inches back from the hearth in the firepit.
4. Center the insert and roll into the fireplace all the way to the back wall.
5. Position the faceplate pieces (left, right, and top) against the fireplace wall and check for fit.
Make sure there is enough faceplate covering the fireplace brick to cover the opening. If the
faceplate is too narrow, optional widths are available. Contact your dealer.
6. Mark the faceplate position on your insert sides and top.
Attaching the faceplate:
1. After marking for the faceplate, pull the insert out enough to attach the fasteners.
2. Reposition the faceplate back to the insert in the marked locations.
3. Attach the faceplate pieces with supplied self-drilling, self-tapping fasteners.
4. Place fiberglass insulation around the faceplate back to seal it against the fireplace brick.
Note: Construction grade fiberglass building insulation may be used (make sure there
is no paper barrier attached.)
5. Assemble 3 piece gold trim kit and slide down over surround from the top (faceplate fits into
1/8” groove on gold trim interior).
6. Roll or slide insert back until faceplate contacts fireplace face. Check and make sure
insulation is sealing up all gaps behind faceplate.
7. Check final non-combustible clearance at insert front. You must have 18” of non-
combustible hearth in front of your K-300. If not, a hearth pad extension of 3/8” minimum
thickness must be installed (brick, tile, metal, stone, etc.).
8. Your K-300 insert is now ready for operation. Be sure and check the operation and
maintenance section of this manual before operation. Contact your dealer if you have any
questions.
9

Section N- Warranty
LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY
Your KUMA wood burning system is warranted for lifetime to the original
purchaser against defects in materials or workmanship on the firebox and all welded
steel components. Warranty does not cover gold, brass, or nickel items, glass or normal
maintenance items such as paint, gasket, or the catalytic baffle system. This warranty
does not apply in cases of abuse, mishandling, unauthorized repair, or alterations,
failures, or operating difficulties due to misuse, accident, improper installation, improper
maintenance or improper service. Kuma Stoves reserves the right under this warranty to
repair, replace, or authorize repair of a defective stove or part at their discretion. Any
warranty concern should be directed to your dealer, who will contact us. Catalytic
combustors are covered under a pro-rated warranty by the catalytic manufacturer.
*SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!*
10

Section O-
Figures 1-5
Flame Deflector Plate
*All Top surfaces to be gasketed
With 1/8” gasket before replacing baffle
system
Bypass
Control
Rod
3/8 X 3/4 S.S.
(16 thread)
Bypass Plate
1/2” thickness
15 1/2”
Figure 1
“C”- Catalytic hold
down clamp
22
1 1/2”
3 5/8”
1 1/2”
14”
5/8”
“B”
“A”
1” Clearance
Between Catalytic
and flame
deflector
“D” Catalytic Units (2)
2 1/2” Tall
7 1/2” Wide
3” Deep
16 Cells per sq. Inch
Re-gasket each catalytic unit once with 1/8” X 2” gasket
Wrap each pre-wrapped unit with 1/8” X 2” gasket
Typical Home Installation
All KUMA stoves must be installed and operated in
accordance with all local, state, and Federal laws,
codes, and ordinances.
NOTE: All reduced clearance installations must use
U.L. approved double wall stove pipe.
C
D
BA
Figure 2
Standard Reduced
Clearance Clearance
Pipe Connector
Floor Protector
8”
Min.
8” Min.
8”
Min.
18” Min.
Stove
E
E
F
G
Stove
Stove
Figure 3 Figure 4
Figure 5
A =14
B =18
C =22
D =36
E =24
F =22
G=36
A =7
B =11
C =15
D = 27
E =19
F =15
G =27
U.S. (in inches)
Canada (en mm)
A =406
B =508
C =635
D =914
E =660
F =432
G=914
A =229
B =330
C =406
D =686
E =533
F =305
G=686
11