MF FIRE CATALYST User manual

Revision #0013
Report # 055WS001S
Conforms to UL 1482-11 (R2015)
CATALYST
OWNER’S MANUAL
SafetyNotice: Please save these instructions for future reference.
Please read this entire manual before you install and use your
new room heater. Failure to follow instructions may result in
property damage, bodily injury, or even death. Contact local
building or fire officials about restrictions and installation
inspection requirements in your area. Do not install in a mobile
home!

1 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
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Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 2
Introduction
What you have in your hands is not the greatest wood burning device
ever invented –it is just the manual for the greatest wood burning
device ever invented.
Catalyst is the world’s first smart wood stove. We built the Catalyst
around state-of-the-art combustion techniques and using a
revolutionary smart controller that delivers efficient, clean, and safe
burning for you and your family.
As a result, we’ve won a few prizes. In the 2013 Wood Stove Design
Challenge, the prototype Catalyst won the Low Emissions Prize. In the
2014Wood Stove Design Challenge, the Catalyst won the Grand Prize.
In the MIT Clean Energy Prize, the Catalyst won the Energy Efficiency
Prize and the People’s Choice Award. Not a bad track record.
Before we built Catalyst we talked to hundreds of wood stove users,
and we heard the same thing over and over. Traditional wood stoves
are dirty, inefficient, and difficult to operate. We made Catalyst
differently. Unlike traditional wood stoves, with Catalyst all you need to
do is load it, light it, and lock it, and you can enjoy a clean and efficient
fire.
We at MF Fire are determined to give you a different experience than
with any other wood stove. We want every fire to be easy and
enjoyable.
If you ever have any questions, give us a call at 240.285.4225 or shoot
us an email at [e-mail]. We’re happy to help at any time.
Thank you for your purchase of the Catalyst and welcome to the MF
Fire Family!
Sincerely,
The MF Fire Team

3 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Table of Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................... 2
Table of Contents................................................................................ 3
Safety Precautions .............................................................................. 5
Installation........................................................................................ 5
Operation......................................................................................... 5
Maintenance.................................................................................... 6
Features and Specifications................................................................ 7
Features........................................................................................... 7
Heating Specifications..................................................................... 7
Dimensions...................................................................................... 8
Emissions ........................................................................................ 8
Getting to Know Your Catalyst............................................................ 9
How It Works ................................................................................. 10
Stove Installation............................................................................... 11
Planning the Installation................................................................ 11
Stove Placement Requirements.................................................... 12
Standard Installation...................................................................... 13
Corner Installation ......................................................................... 14
Chimney Requirements................................................................. 15
Chimney Connector Requirements............................................... 16
Chimney Termination Requirements............................................. 17
Special Installation: Exterior Factory-Built Chimney..................... 18
Special Installation: Masonry Chimney......................................... 19
Special Installation: Masonry Fireplace......................................... 20
Connecting the Electronics............................................................ 21
Using Catalyst: Stack to Stand.......................................................... 22
Startup........................................................................................... 22
Controlling the Burn....................................................................... 23
Reloading....................................................................................... 23
Controlling the Blower................................................................... 23
Wood Selection ............................................................................. 23
Ordinary Operating Sounds........................................................... 24
Operating Without Electricity......................................................... 24
Catalyst Smart App............................................................................ 25
Downloading the Catalyst Smart App ........................................... 25

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 4
Stove Control Screen .................................................................... 25
Connecting To Your Catalyst ........................................................ 26
Setting the Temperature................................................................ 26
Controlling Your Blower................................................................. 27
Monitor Stove Status..................................................................... 27
Regular Maintenance ........................................................................ 28
Glass.............................................................................................. 28
Ash Removal ................................................................................. 28
Door Gaskets................................................................................. 28
Monthly Maintenance ........................................................................ 29
Creosote........................................................................................ 29
Soapstone...................................................................................... 29
Duct/Blower cleaning..................................................................... 29
Gasket ........................................................................................... 29
Annual Maintenance.......................................................................... 30
Exterior Paint................................................................................. 30
Glass.............................................................................................. 30
Catalytic Combustor...................................................................... 31
Catalytic Combustor Troubleshooting and Replacement ............. 32
Lifetime Limited Warranty.................................................................. 33
A. If warranty service is needed.................................................... 33
B. Conditions and Exclusions........................................................ 33

5 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Safety Precautions
Installation
The Catalyst must be properly
installed to prevent house fires.
Please strictly adhere to the
installation instructions.
The Catalyst must be
connected to a listed high
temperature chimney or
approved masonry chimney
with liner.
Do not install in a mobile home
We recommend you use
smoke and CO detectors
Contact your local
building officials to obtain
information on any local
wood stove installation
requirements.
Carefully route all power
cords through to avoid
contact with hot stove
surfaces.
Do not connect to or use
in conjunction with any air
distribution ductwork
unless specifically
approved for such
installations
Operation
The viewing door and back
panel of the Catalyst must be
shut and latched during
operation.
Do not touch the Catalyst
while hot. Young children
should be supervised while
the Catalyst is in use.
Never use gasoline, gasoline-
type lantern fuel, kerosene,
charcoal lighter fluid, or
similar liquids to start or
"freshen up" a fire in this
stove. Keep all such liquids
well away from the stove
while it is in use.
Never obstruct airflow
through the inlet vents or
exhaust vents
The Catalyst has been
designed for the burning
of cordwood only. Do not
attempt to burn any other
type of fuel in the
Catalyst.
Keep all flammable
objects (fabrics, paper,
wood, etc.) at least 1 yd
(1 m) from the front of the
Catalyst.
This wood heater has a
manufacturer-set minimum
Do not use chemicals or
fluids to start the fire.

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 6
low burn rate that must not be
altered. It is against federal
regulations to alter this setting
or otherwise operate this
wood heater in a manner
inconsistent with operating
instructions in this manual.
Hot while in operation. Keep
children, clothing and furniture
away. Contact may cause
skin burns.
Do not burn garbage or
flammable fluids such as
gasoline, naphtha or
engine oil
Never over-fire the
Catalyst, as it could lead
to a house fire. If the unit
or chimney connector
glows, you have over-
fired the unit.
Maintenance
Never attempt to modify or
repair the appliance beyond
instructions given in this
manual.
Empty the ash regularly and
dispose of it in a metal
container with tight lid.
Allow the Catalyst to cool
before conducting any
maintenance.
Inspect the chimney
connector at least twice
monthly.

7 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Features and Specifications
Features
Catalyst is the world’s first smart wood stove – delivering an efficient,
clean, and safe fire for you and your family. Catalyst’s unique smart
technology continuously monitors and adjusts the fire to burn in the
sweet spot, eliminating soot and smoke and giving you control at the
touch of a button.
Every Catalyst wood stove features:
Control at your fingertips with the Catalyst Smart App
Safety alerts and automatic overfire prevention
Smart efficiency makes every cord go farther
Ultra-clean burning for fires without all of the harmful emissions
Convenient ash pan for easy clean up
Best in the business lifetime warranty
Heating Specifications
Catalyst is equipped with a 2.0 cubic foot firebox and accepts logs
more than 18” in length.
2,000 sq. ft.(175 m2) approximate maximum heating capacity. Heating
capacity will vary depending on the home's floor plan, degree of
insulation, and the outside temperature.
28,000BTUper hour(8kW)EPAcertifiedheatreleaserate,withactual
heat release rates ranging between 10,000 and 60,000 BTU per hour.
12 hour maximum burn time.

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 8
Dimensions
All clearances, side, corner, and back, are measured from the largest
dimensions.
Emissions
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency certified to comply with 2020
particulate emission standards for single burn rate heaters. This single
burn rate wood heater is not approved for use with a flue
damper. Certified average emissions rate of 1.9 g/hr, tested to EPA
Method 28R and ASTM E2515-11.

9 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Getting to Know Your Catalyst
Exhaust: This is where
your chimney pipe, or
stack, attaches.
Soapstone: The
soapstone on top
of Catalyst serves
to smooth heat
delivery for a long
comfortable burn.
Air vent:
Hot air from
the blower
blows out
from this
gap and
warms your
room.
Full-Fire View:
Three windows
means you can
see the
beautiful fire
from
everywhere in
the room.
Andirons:
These hold
the wood in
the main
fire box,
preventing
embers
from falling
into your
room.
Handle: Pull up
and then out to
open, push shut
and then down
to latch.
Ash pan: Don’t touch the ash pan
handle while the stove is hot! But when
the stove is cool, just unlatch, pull out
the ash pan, and dispose of your ashes
in a safe place.

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 10
How It Works
Catalyst uses our unique smart controller to carefully regulate
combustion to maintain your fire in the sweet spot and ensure clean
and efficient burning. We use three levels of combustion: Primary,
Secondary, and Catalytic.
Primary: This is the first step in the combustion process of your
Catalyst. Primary combustion occurs directly surrounding the wood.
Did you know that flames are never actually on the wood? Primary
combustion occurs just off the wood surface by combusting gases that
are released from the wood as it heats up. The air supply from the first
row of holes in the firebox walls is used to feed the primary combustion
process.
Secondary: The next step in the combustion process is secondary
combustion, which is any combustion distant from the wood fuel. This
typically occurs for the first time just underneath of the baffle in the
firebox and continues above the baffle. Secondary combustion helps
to eliminate any products ofincomplete combustion, like soot or carbon
monoxide that are left over from primary combustion. We need local
temperatures of over 1100oF (600oC) before secondary combustion
kicks in.
Catalytic: The final stage of combustion happens inside the catalytic
combustor. Your Catalyst has a catalytic combustor (or catalyst, this
part gets a little confusing) that scrubs the air just before the exhaust
gases leave the stove. Catalyst’s catalyst (see) is a fine metal
honeycomb, coated in platinum. Platinum lowers the activation energy
of certain chemical reactions, which means that the same chemical
reactions can occur at much lower temperatures if there is a little
platinum hanging around. For our particular reactions, this combustion
process begins at about 550oF (300oC).With thelarge viewing window,
you will be able to sometimes see your catalytic combustor glowing.
Don’t worry – that just means it is doing its job.

11 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Stove Installation
Safety Notice: Please read this entire manual before you install
and use your new room heater. Failure to follow instructions may
result in property damage, bodily injury, or even death. Contact
local building or fire officials about restrictions and installation
inspection requirements in your area. Do not install in a mobile
home!
Planning the Installation
We suggest that you have a certified chimney sweep install your
Catalyst. If you will be installing the stove yourself, we advise you
consult a certified chimney sweep. Check with your local building
officials and your home insurance company before installation.
If there are any major dents or other damage to your stove, please
report to MF Fire prior to installation.
When this room heater is notproperly 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.

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 12
Stove Placement Requirements
Catalyst must be placed in a room with a source of fresh air.
Stove must be placed so that no combustibles are within, or can swing
within 36" (914mm) of the front of the stove (drapes, doors, etc.).
Floor protection must extend around the front, sides, and rear of the
stove, according to listed clearance requirements below. Floor
protection must be made of a non-combustible material and at least
0.018” (0.45 mm) thick with a minimum R-value of 2.67 ft2•hr•°F/Btu/in.
Catalyst must also maintain the following minimum clearances to
combustibles (drywall, furniture, etc.):
Minimum Clearance Requirements
A Side wall to stovetop
20” (508 mm)
B Back wall to stovetop
12” (305 mm)
C Corner wall to stovetop
8” (203 mm)
D Connector to side wall
30” (762 mm)
E Connector to back wall
15” (381 mm)
F Connector to corner wall
18” (458 mm)
G Floor protection, side and back
8” (203 mm)
H Floor protection, front
16” (407 mm)

13 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Standard Installation
Minimum Clearance Requirements
A Side wall to stovetop
20” (508 mm)
B Back wall to stovetop
12” (305 mm)
D Connector to side wall
30” (762 mm)
E Connector to back wall
15” (381 mm)
G Floor protection, side and back
8” (200 mm)
H Floor protection, front
16” (407 mm)
I Floor protection, connector side
2” (51 mm)

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 14
Corner Installation
Minimum Clearance Requirements
C Corner wall to stovetop
8” (203 mm)
F Connector to corner wall
18” (458 mm)
G Floor protection, side and back
8” (200 mm)
H Floor protection, front
18” (450 mm)

15 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Chimney Requirements
Do not connect Catalyst to a chimney flue serving any other appliance
or use in conjunction with any air distribution ductwork, unless
specifically approved. This room heater must be connected to:
1. A 6” (150 mm) diameter, UL 103 HT chimney, from a single
manufacturer
OR
2. A code approved masonry chimney with a flue liner.
Standard Chimney Arrangement
A. Chimney termination
15’/33’ (4.5/10m) min/max height
B. Roof penetration
C. Chimney sections
D. Ceiling penetration
E. Chimney connector
A
B
C
D
E

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 16
Chimney Connector Requirements
Chimney connector is required from the flue collar of the stove to the
factory-built chimney or masonry chimney. The chimney connector
must be 6” (152mm) diameter and a minimum 24 gauge black steel.
Aluminum or galvanized steel is not allowed –these materials cannot
withstand the flue temperatures and may give off toxic fumes when
heated.
The chimney connector may not pass through a ceiling, attic, roof,
closet, or any other concealed space (use listed UL 103 HT chimney –
see “Chimney Requirements for details). DO NOT USE CONNECTOR
PIPE AS CHIMNEY.
The chimney connector should be as short and direct as possible. No
more than 180oof elbows (two 90oelbows, or two 45o& one 90oelbow,
etc.) may be used for the entire system (connector and chimney).
Horizontal runs should slope upwards 1/4” (6mm) per foot and be a
maximum 36” (914mm) long.
The chimneyconnectormust be installed with the crimped end pointing
downwards. This prevents creosote from leaking to the exterior of the
pipe.
The chimney connector must be fastened to the stove and each
adjoining section (and chimney) and kept clean.

17 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Chimney Termination Requirements
Must have an approved cap (to prevent water from entering)
Must not be located where it will become plugged by snow or other
material
Must terminate at least 3' (914mm) above the roof and at least 2'
(610mm) above any portion of the roof within 10' (3.048M)

Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017 Page | 18
Special Installation: Exterior Factory-Built
Chimney
Catalyst may be used in conjunction with an exterior factory built
chimney provided that the chimney meets UL 103 HT requirements.
Special care must be taken regarding the wall thimble, or penetration
from the chimney connector pipe to the exterior chimney, if the wall
thimble must pass through an exterior wall. Here all chimney
manufacturer’s instructions must be followed, including guidance on
spacing to combustible surfaces, piping requirements, and liner
requirements. Check with local authorities before installation to ensure
all requirement are met.
Floor protection is required 2” on both sides of the chimney connector.
Minimum Clearance Requirements
I Floor protection, connector side
2” (51 mm)

19 | Page Catalyst Owner’s Manual | © MF Fire 2017
Special Installation: Masonry Chimney
Catalyst may be used in conjunction with a masonry chimney provided
all installation instructions are followed.
We strongly recommend a full reline when installing the Catalyst in a
masonry chimney. If the chimney does not have a clay tile liner, a full
reline is required. The chimney must be clean, undamaged, and meet
all local building codes.
Special care must be taken regarding the wall thimble, or penetration
from the chimney connector pipe to the masonry chimney, if the wall
thimble must pass through an exterior wall. Here all chimney
manufacturer’s instructions must be followed, including guidance on
spacing to combustible surfaces, piping requirements, and liner
requirements. Check with local authorities before installation to ensure
all requirement are met.