RSF Woodburning Fireplaces CHAMELEON2 User manual

RSF-IIC2_2010-05
Owner's Manual
Residential Factory Built Fireplace
Operation • Maintenance • Installation
CHAMELEON2
Keep these instructions for future use.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 2 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Dear Customer,
The CHAMELEON2 incorporates technology with elegance to give you a beautiful view of the
fire without compromising on heating efficiency or environmental quality.
We have designed your new CHAMELEON2 to be easy to install, operate and maintain. It is in
your best interest to become familiar with it. Study your manual to be sure that the installation
is correct, then follow the guidelines for operation and maintenance.
We at RSF Woodburning Fireplaces congratulate you on your choice of the CHAMELEON2,
and are confident that you have purchased a fireplace that is simply, the best.
Sincerely,
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces Team
July 2005
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SAFETY FIRST 3
DO'S AND DONT'S3
CREOSOTE:FORMATION AND REMOVAL 3
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 4
THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM 4
OPTIONS 4
UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES 5
OPERATION 7
AIR CONTROLS 7
BURN TIME VS.HEAT OUTPUT 7
FUEL 7
FIRST FIRES 8
LIGHTING 8
REFUELING 8
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS 8
MAINTENANCE 9
GENERAL CLEANING 9
PAINT 9
GLASS CLEANING 9
CHIMNEY CLEANING 9
DISPOSAL OF ASHES 9
DOOR ADJUSTMENT 10
GOLD PLATING 10
INSTALLATION 10
LOCATION 11
CEILING CLEARANCE 14
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT 14
CHIMNEY 14
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION 15
OFFSET CHIMNEY 16
CHASE ENCLOSURE 17
MASONRY CHIMNEY 17
FRAMING 18
HEARTH EXTENSION 19
BENEATH HEARTH EXTENSION 19
MANTEL 19
FACING INSTALLATION 20
MANDATORY OPTIONS WITH THE CLEAN FACE 20
DOOR INSTALLATION 20
REFRACTORY BRICK INSTALLATION 20
LISTING LABEL 23
COMPLETE OPTIONS LIST 24
CONFIGURED OPTIONS LIST 25
REPLACEMENT PARTS 26
LIMITED WARRANTY 27

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 3 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
SAFETY FIRST
DO'S AND DONT'S
If this fireplace is not properly installed, a house fire could result. For your safety, follow the installation
directions. Contact your local authority having jurisdiction (such as municipal building department, fire
department, fire prevention bureau, etc.) regarding restrictions and installation requirements, and the
need to obtain a permit.
To ANYONE using this fireplace: these DO's and DONT's are for your safety.
1. DO read this instruction manual before lighting your first fire.
2. DO burn seasoned wood fuel or densified fuel logs.
3. To avoid glass breakage, DO NOT slam the fireplace door.
4. DO NOT ever use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid or similar liquids to
start or freshen up a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well away from the fireplace while it is in use.
5. DO NOT overfire the fireplace. If you are unable to slow down the burning rate of the fire or if the
chimney connector behind the top louver glows red, you are overfiring the fireplace.
6. DO operate the fireplace with the door either fully closed or fully open with the firescreen. If the door is
left partly open, gas and flame can be drawn out of the fireplace opening, creating both fire and smoke
hazards.
7. If you use the fireplace with the door wide open, install a firescreen (FO-FSC2) to prevent logs and sparks
from burning your floor. Under no circumstances should the fireplace be used without either the firescreen
installed or the door closed.
8. DO keep all combustible materials (furniture, firewood, etc.) at least 4' away from the front of the fireplace.
9. DO NOT use a fireplace grate or other products not specified for use with this fireplace.
10. If you have the ash pan installed as an option (FO-CAP): always verify that your ash pan and ash pan plug
are in place before igniting a fire.
NOTE: We strongly recommend that our products be installed and
serviced by professionals who are certified by the National Fireplace
Institute in the U.S. or by Wood Energy Technology Transfer Inc. in
Canada.
CREOSOTE: FORMATION AND REMOVAL
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with the expelled moisture
from the wood to form creosote. The creosote vapors can condense in the relatively cool chimney of a slow
burning fire. When ignited, this creosote makes an extremely hot fire. The chimney should be inspected
periodically during the heating season to see if a creosote build-up has occurred. If a significant layer of creosote
has accumulated (1/4" or more), it should be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.
WARNING: BURN DRY WOOD ONLY. DO NOT BURN: DRIFTWOOD,
TREATED WOOD,
COAL,
GARBAGE, OR
PLASTIC.
Do not use construction scraps (e.g. 2x4 or plywood scraps) as your only supply of fuel as you can overheat and
seriously damage the fireplace. Do not use more than one wax fuel log (e.g. Duraflame) at a time and only with a
firescreen on the fireplace. Use only firelogs that have been evaluated for fireplace use. In Canada, they should
meet the requirements of ULC/ORD-C127-M1990. Refer to the firelog warnings and caution markings prior to
use.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 4 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The CHAMELEON2 fireplace is environmentally friendly as well as efficient. It is approved by the United States
Environmental Agency (EPA) at an emission rate of 4.0 grams per hour.
THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Since the door is sealed, all combustion air must come through the CHAMELEON2's primary air control.
For the first few days, it is best to operate the fireplace with the primary air control fully open (handle pushed to
the far right). Just control the fire as you would any normal fireplace, using one or two logs at a time for a smaller
fire, or more logs for more heat. Once you become familiar with operating the fireplace with the control open, you
can start experimenting with lower settings.
OPTIONS
There are many different ways you can choose to dress up your CHAMELEON21fireplace: first with the
mandatory options (facing and door) and then with a variety of regular options.
You can choose the Classic Facing (FO-CAMF-5) with louvers or the Clean Facing (FO-CAMF-4) with no louvers.
To further help you harmonize your fireplace into your decor, we offer a selection of door styles and colors:
Cathedral (FO-TZDC) (in black only), black (FO-TZDB), gold (FO-TZDG) and pewter (FO-TZDP).
If you choose to install your CHAMELEON2 fireplace without any louvers, you MUST install the Clean Facing
(FO-CAMF-4) along with one Intake Duct (FO-CID) and at least one Gravity Vent Kit (FO-V2). Gravity vent
dampers may not be installed on a Clean Face CHAMELEON2.
To simplify the installation of thin non-combustible materials such as ceramic tile or sliced brick, we have
designed rock retainer kits. They are not designed or required for full brick or stone. With a Louvered
CHAMELEON2, you can choose to leave all the black metal completely exposed, or partially covered with non-
combustible material. For a Louvered CHAMELEON2, consider using the FO-KF-5 to keep both louvers open
while covering everything else. For a Clean Face CHAMELEON2, consider using the FO-KF-4, that will help you
cover the entire fireplace facing with the exception of the door area. Thin materials can also be installed directly
on the face of the CHAMELEON2 using high temperature silicone as glue, without a rock retainer kit.
For increased air circulation and marginally more heat output, you can add the Circulating Internal Blower (FO-
FDHB8) to your Louvered CHAMELEON2 or the Inline Fan (FO-CIF) to your Clean Face CHAMELEON2.
If you have any rooms directly above or adjacent to the room with the fireplace that you would like to heat, you
may want to consider the Gravity Vent Kit (FO-V2). The gravity vent distributes hot air to these rooms and
requires no blower to assist its operation.
For a simple way to circulate a moderate amount of warm air from the fireplace to another room, we offer the Heat
Dump Kit (FO-HD) which uses a smaller fan than the Central Heat Blower. It is most often used to provide
supplemental heating to a basement room when the fireplace is on the main floor but it can also be used to send
the warm air upstairs.
To remove accumulated ashes from the firebox, simply shovel them in to a metal container but you may find the
optional Ash Pan Kit (FO-CAP) very convenient. You remove the plug from the firebox and sweep the ashes into
a hole to the ash pan. When the ash pan is full, simply remove the ash pan by the bottom louver and dispose of
the ashes properly.
This fireplace has been specially designed to combine high efficiency with the elegance of a wood burning fire.
Most often you will take advantage of the high efficiency and the control possible with your new CHAMELEON2
wood burning fireplace. If you would like to enjoy the sight and sound of an open fireplace, or simply have less
heat output in a warmer weather you may want to install the optional CHAMELEON2 firescreen (FO-FSC2).
NOTE: Many options require wiring and/or electricity for their installation. If there is any chance that any of these
options will be installed in the future then suitable wiring should be run during framing. Otherwise, it will be difficult
to install these options later. You can refer to page 24 for a list of options that require electricity.
Detailed installation instructions are included in the box with each option. These can also be obtained from our
Internet Web Site: www.icc-rsf.com.
1You can also refer to the configured option list on page 25.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 5 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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. DO NOT INSTALL A GAZ LIGHTER BECAUSE THE HEAT PRODUCED BY THE FIREPLACE
WILL PERMENENTLY DAMAGE THE GAZ LIGHTER
UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES
35 3/8"
22 1/2"
34 1/8" 16 1/2"
37"
9 7/8"
24"
12 1/2"
7 1/2"
Refer to Table 1
(B) for minimum
distance of side
wall to the
fireplace
Refer to
Table 1 (J)
for maximum
mantel depth
Refer to Table 1 (K)
for minimum mantel
height above the
door opening
Refer to Table 1 (H)
for minimum width
of hearth extension
Refer to Table 1 (G)
for minimum depth
of hearth extension
Non-combustible hearth extension
and spark guard () (refer to Table1
(I) and text for particulars)
Figure 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 6 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Table 2 Various Mantel Depths and Corresponding Installation Heights
Maximum Mantel Depth Minimum Installation Height
0" to 6" 17"
8" 20"
10" 24 ½"
12" 28 ½"
No combustible mantel can be installed lower than 17" above the top of the firebox opening. A combustible
mantel cannot be wider than 12".
For combustible mantel depths not mentioned in the list above, you can interpolate the minimum installation
height between the two closest mantel depths. For example:
•Mantel depth to be installed: 9 ¼"
•It is between 8" and 10" with corresponding installation heights of 20" and 24 ½"
•So: ((9.25 – 8) / (10-8) x (24.5-20)) + 20 = 22.8125 = 22 13/16"
•Minimum installation height of a 9 ¼" mantel: 22 13/16"above the firebox opening.
If the combustible mantel has a cross-section with variable depth, it has to be installed so that its widest part is
not installed lower than the corresponding minimum installation height while making sure that the lowest point
of the mantel is not installed lower the minimum installation height corresponding to it depth.
Refer to the "Installation: Mantel" section for particulars.
Table 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances
A Distance of combustible material from side, back and top standoffs 0" (0,0 mm)
B Minimum distance of side wall to the side of the fireplace 6" (153 mm)
C Ceiling clearance: from the base of the fireplace to the ceiling 6' (1,83 m)
D Minimum chimney height: minimum total chimney height from fireplace top to
below the chimney rain cap 12' (3,66 m)
E Maximum chimney height: maximum total chimney height from fireplace top to
below the chimney rain cap 45' (13,72 m)
F Maximum chimney height supported by the fireplace 18' (5,47 m)
G Minimum depth of non-combustible hearth extension: from the front of the
fireplace 16" (406 mm)
H Minimum width of non-combustible hearth extension: total width, must be
centered on the firebox opening 38 ½" (978 mm)
I Minimum width of the spark guard 36" (914 mm)
J Maximum mantel depth (see Table 2 for other mantel sizes) 12" (305 mm)
K
Minimum height of a combustible mantel above the top of the door opening: from
the highest point of the top of the door opening to below the combustible mantel
(see Table 2 for other installation heights) (refer to the "Installation: Mantel"
section for particulars)
28 ½" (724 mm)

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 7 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
OPERATION
AIR CONTROLS
All the CHAMELEON2 air controls are located below the door
(see Figure 2 and Figure 3).
Combustion Air Control
Unlike most open fireplaces, RSF fireplaces don’t have flue
dampers. Instead, the system is sealed by closing the door,
and the amount of air entering the firebox is controlled by the
combustion air control lever (see Figure 2) which can be
moved left or right. Setting the air control lever all the way
open (towards the left) will allow the maximum amount of air
into the firebox. Closing the air control (towards the right) will
reduce the amount of air entering the firebox.
Outside Air Control
The CHAMELEON2 is designed to use outside air for
combustion (see Figure 3).
Setting the outside air control lever towards the right will
completely open the outside air damper and allow fresh air
into the base of the fireplace. Because outside air is generally
colder and denser it will help to start the fire. In some cases
this fresh air will also help compensate for negative pressure
problems within the house; however it will not prevent the
fireplace from smoking in a severely depressurized house.
We recommend always using outside air for combustion but
you may choose to use room air for combustion instead. To
do so, move the outside air control lever towards the left to
close the outside air damper. This control should be closed
when the fireplace isn’t burning to prevent cold air infiltration.
BURN TIME VS. HEAT OUTPUT
The faster your fireplace burns the more heat it will create; however, faster fires result in much more hot air flow
up the chimney which means you are sacrificing efficiency. Fast burning fires (lots of air) go through much more
wood than slow burning fires. To get the most out of your CHAMELEON2 fireplace, adequately adjust the
combustion air control lever at the appropriate time. If the fire seems to be burning too quickly, turn the air down.
If the fire is smoldering and there are no visible flames, turn the air up. This way you’ll always be getting the most
out of your fuel.
FUEL
All modern high efficiency fireplaces and woodstoves are designed to burn best with seasoned cordwood.
Seasoned wood can be defined as wood that has been cut, split and let dry under cover for a minimum of 6
months, preferably a year or more. Dry seasoned wood generally contains less than 20% moisture content.
Attempting to burn fuel with a high moisture content will be difficult and result in lower efficiency, increased
creosote buildup and dark deposits on the glass. It’s possible to burn a very large amount of wood, and get very
little heat if the wood is wet.
The type of wood you select is also important. All types of wood give off more or less the same number of BTU’s
per pound. Since softer woods are less dense than hardwoods it is possible to put more weight of hardwood in
the firebox; in other words all woodburning appliances will burn longer and more evenly with hardwoods. Never
burn scrap, garbage, treated wood or driftwood as they produce much more pollution and can corrode the firebox
and chimney as well. Burning large amounts of paper, cardboard, mill ends or construction waste can easily over
fire and damage the fireplace or even ignite a chimney fire if the flue is dirty.
Figure 2 Combustion Air Control
Figure 3 Outside Air Control
Towards the left to
OPEN
Towards the right to
CLOSE
Towards the left to
CLOSE
Towards the right to
OPEN

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 8 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
FIRST FIRES
You will experience a slow start-up during the first few fires. The refractory bricks lining the firebox contain
moisture from manufacturing and require a few hot fires to evaporate the moisture. While there is still moisture in
the bricks, they will be black with smoke deposits. When the moisture has dissipated, the bricks will turn white.
Unlike cast iron stoves, there is no need to cure the fireplace itself by starting with small fires and progressively
larger ones. Feel free to light a large fire from the very start.
You will experience a slight odor during the first few fires. This odor comes from curing paint and oil burning off
the metal. The odor may be strong enough to set off your smoke detector. Open the doors and windows to allow
the room to properly ventilate.
Before the first fire, be absolutely sure to use regular dish soap and water to wipe off all fingerprints and
debris from the gold plating if you have chosen this option. The plating cures during this first fire, the
acid from your finger prints will permanently etch the gold plating.
LIGHTING
Ensure that the combustion air control lever is all the way in the open position. You will want as much air as
possible for the lighting process.
Start by laying your fire starter and kindling. Traditional fire starter is crumpled newspaper; make sure to use
enough to light the kindling (5-6 pieces should do). Next lay the kindling crisscrossed over the newspaper. Using
plenty of kindling ensures that the chimney will heat up quickly and establish a strong draft, never use any
flammable liquids. Light the paper and close the door most of the way, but don’t shut it completely. If the door is
positioned correctly you will see air rushing into the fireplace, this will help the lighting process.
Once the kindling is lit and sustaining fire, you can add some small pieces of seasoned cordwood. Use the
andirons in front to help position the cordwood so as not to flatten and smother the fire you’ve just created.
Always add at least 3 pieces of cordwood. Position your cordwood in a manner that the fire will hit several pieces
as it rises and has air gaps to flow through. Continue to leave the door slightly open until the cordwood is lit. Close
the door completely when the fire is established, if the fire goes out you’ve shut the door too early.
To get maximum efficiency out of your fireplace you will want to adjust the amount of air entering the firebox at the
appropriate times. Gauge how much to close the combustion air by how the fire reacts once the combustion air
control lever has been moved. If the fire goes out and begins to smolder, there’s too little combustion air entering
the firebox. If there’s no change to the burn pattern, you can continue to close the combustion air further.
Eventually you should be able to close the combustion air all or most of the way. There should always be visible
fire inside the firebox at every step of the process.
WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.
REFUELING
The door should be opened slowly to keep smoke from spilling into your room. If you have a problem with smoke
spillage, check to see that all kitchen and bathroom fans have been shut off. They can cause negative pressure in
the house which pulls smoke out of the fireplace.
NOTE: The internal blower or inline fan, if installed, should be shut off during refuelling to prevent smoke from
spilling out of the fireplace.
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS
If smoke comes into the house when the door is opened:
•You may have opened the door too quickly and created a suction of air into the room, this can be avoided by
opening the door more slowly.
•Ensure your chimney is clean and your chimney cap is not plugged. Chimney caps with screens are more
likely to become clogged with creosote buildup.
•Make sure you have adequate chimney height for your system. Refer to the Chimney section of this booklet
and make sure to take altitude, and number of elbows into consideration.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 9 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
•If you have purchased the internal blower or the inline fan, make sure the blower is off before opening the
door.
•Check to see if other fans in the home are running, particularly a kitchen range hood, or bathroom exhaust
fan. This can affect the pressure in the home.
•Try opening a window near the fireplace a little, this will equalize the pressure in the home and should correct
a draft problem. Once proper draft is established the window can be closed.
•Make sure you’ve used enough kindling to establish a hot fire quickly. The most likely time that smoke will
enter the home is during the lighting process.
MAINTENANCE
GENERAL CLEANING
The high heat paint and plating can be cleaned with a soft damp cloth. Use a mild detergent and water. Do not
use abrasive cleaners.
PAINT
You can touch up the face of the CHAMELEON2 with Stove Bright Metallic Black high temperature paint which is
available at most fireplaces dealers. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can. DO NOT attempt to paint the
fireplace while it is still warm. Keep the spray can away from any source of heat or open flame. Ensure that there
is adequate ventilation in the room from the time you start painting until the paint is dry. Stove Bright is available
in a wide range of colors if you want to change the color of your CHAMELEON2.
We recommend that you take the time to protect or remove any item that you do not want to paint such as: the
door glass, the plated door, the fireplace surroundings, etc. The glass can be removed from the door but you will
have to replace the window gasket.
GLASS CLEANING
In a controlled combustion firebox, temperatures are not always high enough to keep the glass perfectly clean. A
good hot fire once a day usually cleans off most of the deposits that have accumulated. Remember: the drier the
wood and the hotter the fire, the cleaner the glass. A word of caution: although heat will not break the glass,
impact can. Be careful not to hit the glass.
WARNING: NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WITH AN ABRASIVE CLEANER. USE ONLY A CLEANER
RECOMMENDED BY YOUR DEALER. NEVER CLEAN THE GLASS WHILE IT IS HOT, A SERIOUS BURN
CAN RESULT. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF EXCELLENT WOOD STOVE GLASS CLEANERS AVAILABLE
WHICH ARE FAR SUPERIOR TO REGULAR GLASS AND OVEN CLEANERS FOR WOOD STOVE
APPLICATIONS.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Check the chimney for creosote buildup every week or so until experience shows how often you need to clean it.
A buildup of ¼" or more should be cleaned before more creosote accumulates. Use an 7" round brush. The baffle
in the firebox can be removed to gain access to the flue from below.
Follow the directions in the Refractory Brick Installation section to remove and replace the baffle. If you prefer,
you can simply lift the baffle and move it forward and let the debris fall in the firebox. Do not forget to push the
baffle back in its place after cleaning the chimney. This second option is much easier than removing the baffle.
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Remove the ashes before they become too deep, i.e., before you have a spillage problem when you open the
door.
The 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

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 10 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by burial, or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained in the
closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled.
DOOR ADJUSTMENT
The door hinges on the fireplace can be adjusted for easy installation/removal of the door and the firescreen, and
for proper sealing of the door. The latch pin can also be adjusted to provide a positive seal without too much effort
at closing.
To check for a proper door seal, insert a thin sheet of paper between the door and the front of the fireplace and
latch the door. Pull gently but firmly on the sheet of paper. If the paper either tears or is hard to retrieve, the
adjustment is correct. Repeat this procedure along all sides of the door.
The most important factor for controlling the burning rate of the CHAMELEON2 is a good seal on the door gasket.
If the door gasket is worn or damaged to the point where the seal is not adequate as described above, then
remove and replace the gasket. Replacement kits are available from your RSF dealer.
To insure a proper seal, you need to adjust the tightness of the door against the front of the fireplace as follows:
1. Slightly loosen the four screws that hold in place the two door hinges to the fireplace, just enough so that the
hinges can be moved when force is applied. If the refractory bricks are installed, they must all be removed
except for the baffle and the rear refractory brick.
2. Close the door and engage the handle while making sure the door is straight.
3. Push the door against the fireplace where the hinges are to seal the gasket.
4. Carefully open the door and tighten all four hinge screws.
5. Verify the seal with the sheet of paper as described above.
6. If required, the right side of the door can be tightened/loosened by adjusting the eccentric screw that latches
the door: just loosen the nut on the inside of the firebox, turn the eccentric screw on the outside of the firebox
so as to tighten/loosen the door latch and retighten the nut.
7. Once adjusted for a proper seal, verify that the door can be easily removed and put back on the hinges. You
may have to slightly twist one of the hinges to correct the alignment between the hinges and ease the
installation/removal of the door. You can also lightly grease the hinges pins with the high temperature grease
provided to make the hinges easier to move.
NOTE: An improperly adjusted door seal can have a significant effect on the performance and durability of the
fireplace. A poorly adjusted door can result in reduced efficiency, over firing, excessive wood consumption and
premature fireplace failure.
GOLD PLATING
If you have any of the gold plated options, you will be happy to know that they will not tarnish. However, it is not
scratch resistant. Use only mild soap and warm water to clean the gold when the surface is cool. The use of any
household cleaner, such as Windex, abrasive cleaners, or any form of acid, may permanently etch or remove
some of the gold plating. Before the first fire, make sure to clean all fingerprints and other deposits on the gold
plating. Since the plating cures during the first fire, fingerprints and other deposits will permanently etch the gold
plating.
INSTALLATION
Check with your local authority having jurisdiction (such as municipal building department, fire department, fire
prevention bureau, etc.) regarding restrictions and installation requirements, and the need to obtain a permit.
NOTE: We recommend that you delay the installation of the facing and of the door until after all finishing work is
completed around the fireplace. This will reduce the possibility of scratches, vandalism, or damage to the finish
caused by drywall dust, muriatic acid, plaster, cement, paint or any other harmful spray or liquid.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 11 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
LOCATION
Your CHAMELEON2 fireplace may be installed in many different ways (see Figure 4) without any special floor
reinforcement. We recommend that you take the time to plan your entire installation (fireplace, chimney, and
options) before beginning the actual installation (refer to Figure 5 and Figure 6).
Dimensions of the fireplace along with clearances are shown in Figure 1 and Table 1.
38"
39" 24"
39"
82"
58"
18"
The framing dimensions are larger than required for ease of installation. The Heat Dump Option will require an
extra 12" on the selected side.
Figure 4 CHAMELEON2 Framing Examples

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 12 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Rain Cap
Storm Collar
Flashing
Radiation Shield with a
Storm Collar in the Attic
Ceiling
Radiation Shield
Hearth Extension and
Beneath Hearth Extension
(refer to text for particulars)
Electrical Knock-out
Outside Air Inlet (refer to text for particulars)
Figure 5 Louvered CHAMELEON2 General Installation

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 13 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Gravity Vent Option FO-V2 (using
flexible insulated ducting provided
by ICC only): One FO-V2 is
MANDATORY with the Clean
Facing (shown here)
Intake Grill part of the
Intake Duct Option FO-CID
Rain Cap
Storm Collar
Flashing
Radiation Shield with a
Storm Collar in the Attic
Ceiling
Radiation Shield
Hearth Extension and
Beneath Hearth Extension
(refer to text for particulars)
Electrical Knock-out
Outside Air Inlet (refer to text for particulars)
Figure 6 Clean Face CHAMELEON2 General Installation

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 14 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
WARNING: IF THIS FIREPLACE IS NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED, A HOUSE FIRE CAN RESULT. FOR
YOUR SAFETY, FOLLOW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS AND CLEARANCES. DO NOT PACK
REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSULATION OR OTHER MATERIALS.
1. Note the location of roof and floor joists. Try to choose a location that does not require cutting them.
2. Do not build shelves or cupboards in the area above the fireplace. This space must be kept empty.
3. If at all possible, run the chimney up through the inside of the house. If it must be run outside, it should be
enclosed in an insulated enclosure (see Installation: Chase Enclosure). Remember, a cold chimney causes
poor draft.
CEILING CLEARANCE
Ceiling clearance is the distance from the base of the fireplace to the ceiling.
Under no circumstances should the distance between the ceiling firestop and the base fireplace be less than the
dimension specified in Table 1 (C).
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT
After the fireplace is correctly positioned, connect the outside air inlet to the outside (see Figure 7).
Use an insulated aluminium flexible duct rated at over
200° F. The duct should not exceed 12' vertical rise
above the base of the unit.
The air inlet should never be less than 5' below the
top of the chimney flue and must never terminate
in attic spaces.
A 4" diameter duct can be used if the total duct run is
less than 25'. For longer runs, use 5" diameter duct.
Both 4" and 5" connecting sleeves are provided with
the fireplace.
1. Find a convenient location for the combustion air
duct and outside air inlet. The outside air inlet can
be above or below floor level.
2. Make a 4 ¼" (5 ¼" if using a 5" diameter duct)
hole in the outside wall of the house. Push the
outside air inlet in from the outside. Seal the joint
between the air inlet and the outside wall with an
appropriate sealant.
3. Place the insulated flexible duct over the round
sleeve on the outside air inlet. At both ends,
carefully pull back the insulation and plastic cover, exposing the flexible duct. Then at each end, attach the
duct with metal screws to the air inlet and to the fireplace connecting sleeve. Carefully push the insulation and
cover back over the duct. Tape the plastic cover in place with 2" aluminium duct tape.
CAUTION: WHEN RUNNING THE DUCT AROUND CORNERS, BE SURE TO PREVENT CRIMPING THE
DUCT THAT WOULD RESTRICT THE COMBUSTION AIRFLOW.
CHIMNEY
This fireplace is certified for use with 7" ICC Model EXCEL chimney only. Please refer to Table 1 (D-E) for the
minimum and maximum chimney heights permitted with the CHAMELEON2 fireplace.
We recommend that the minimum height be increased by approximately 1' for every 2000' elevation above sea
level. Every 15°, 30° or 45° elbow also increases the minimum height by 1'. For example, if you are living 6000'
above sea level, your chimney should terminate at least 15' from the top of the fireplace (12' + 3' for the 6000').
See Table 3 for more precise recommended flue heights.
Above Floor
Example Below Floor
Example
RSF
Fireplace
RSF
Fireplace
RSF
Fireplace
2" Aluminium
Duct Tape
Insulated Flexible Air Duct
Outside Wall
Outside Air
Inlet
Figure 7 Outside Air Connection and Installation
Example

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 15 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
Make sure to read the EXCEL Chimney installation
manual concerning requirements for supports, bracing,
anchors, etc. Refer to Table 1 (F) for the maximum
chimney height that can be supported by the top of the
fireplace.
WARNING: THE CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE
CHIMNEY AND COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL MUST
BE 2" OR MORE. DO NOT FILL THIS AREA WITH
INSULATION.
1. Cut and frame the required holes in the floor(s),
ceiling(s) and roof where the chimney will pass
through. The rough opening in the framing is 13"
square (the opening can be slightly bigger, up to
13 ½", but NEVER smaller).
2. From below, install a radiation shield in each floor
through which the chimney passes. At the attic
level, install a radiation shield and a storm collar
as shown in Figure 8.
WARNING: A RADIATION SHIELD MUST BE
INSTALLED AT EACH FLOOR WHERE THE
CHIMNEY PASSES THROUGH.
3. Remove the flue adapter from the fireplace, put the screws aside. Install the flue adapter on the first chimney
length and secure it with the screws provided. Reinstall the flue adapter on the fireplace and secure it with the
screws you have put aside earlier. Assemble the rest of the chimney.
The chimney must extend at least 3' above its point of contact with the roof and at least 2' higher than any
wall, roof, or building within 10' of it. If the chimney is higher than 5' above the roof, it must be secured using a
roof brace.
4. Put the roof flashing into place. Seal the joint between the roof and the flashing with roofing tar. For sloping
roofs, place the flashing under the upper shingles and on top of the lower shingles. Nail the flashing to the
roof using roofing nails.
If the chimney is enclosed to the roof:
•In USA: use a vented flashing;
•In Canada: use a vented flashing, or a roof radiation shield with a regular flashing.
RSF
Fireplace
Radiation
Shield
Rain Cap
Flashing with
Storm Collar 3' min.
10'
2' min.
Storm Collar
in the Attic
Ceiling
Clearance (see
Table 1 (C))
The chimney
must be enclosed
when it passes through
living spaces: min.
clearance of 2" with
chimney
2" min.
 NOTE: Openings
must be framed to
adequately support
any chimney
supports and roof
assemblies
 WARNING:
DO NOT PACK
REQUIRED AIR
SPACES WITH
INSULATION OR
OTHER
MATERIALS
 WARNING:
MAJOR RISK
OF FIRE,
LOOSE FILL
INSULATION
MUST NOT GO
ABOVE THE
RADIATION
SHIELD AND
MUST NEVER
COME IN
CONTACT
WITH THE
CHIMNEY
Figure 8 General Chimney Installation
Table 3 Minimum Recommended Flue Heights In Feet From The Top Of The Fireplace
Number Of Elbows
Elevation (ft) 0 2 x 15° 4 x 15° 2 x 30° 4 x 30° 2 x 45° 4 x 45°
0 - 1000 12’ 13’ 14’ 15’ 18’ 16’ 20’
1000 - 2000 12’6” 13’6” 14’6” 15’6” 19’ 16’6” 20’
2000 - 3000 13’ 14’ 15’ 16’ 19’6” 17’ 21’6”
3000 - 4000 13’6” 14’6” 15’6” 17’ 20’ 18’ 22’6”
4000 - 5000 14’ 15’ 16’ 17’6” 21’ 18’6” 23’
5000 - 6000 14’6” 15’6” 17’ 18’ 21’6” 19’ 24’
6000 - 7000 15’ 16’ 17’6” 18’6” 22’ 20’ 24’6”
7000 - 8000 15’6” 16’6” 18’ 19’ 23’ 20’6” 25’6”
8000 - 9000 16’ 17’ 18’6” 20’ 24’ 21’ 26’6”
9000 - 10000 16’6” 17’6” 19’ 20’6” 24’6” 22’ 27’

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 16 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
5. Place the storm collar over the chimney and flashing. Seal it around the chimney with silicone sealer (DO
NOT use roofing tar).
6. Fit the rain cap on the chimney. Secure it tightly in place.
OFFSET CHIMNEY
An elbow may be installed directly on top of the fireplace if required. See the detailed offset charts in the EXCEL
chimney installation manual. Use the offset option if you need to clear a joist or pass around a cupboard. See
Figure 9 and Figure 10 for examples.
•Maximum offset angle:
•In USA: 30°;
•In Canada: 45°.
•Maximum number of elbows: four, resulting in two offsets and returns.
Install the fireplace and chimney as described earlier. When you require an elbow, proceed as follows:
1. Install the required elbow. Turn it in the desired direction, and fasten it to the other section with 3 metal
screws at the joints.
2. Install enough lengths to obtain the desired offset. Secure each joint with 3 metal screws.
3. Use another elbow to return the chimney to the vertical direction.
4. Install a roof support, a wall support, or an offset support above each offset to support the weight of the
chimney (elbows are not designed to support the chimney above an offset).
Radiation
Shield
Use Offset
Support or
Roof Support
RSF
Fireplace
Radiation
Shield
3 Metal Screws
in Each Joint
Rise
Offset
10'
2' min.
Flashing*
with Storm
Collar
1' min.
Radiation
Shield and
Offset, Roof or
Wall Support
Insulated Wall
Radiation
Shield
(30° or 45°)
*In USA: use a
vented flashing
*In Canada: use
either a vented
flashing only or a
regular flashing
with a roof radiation
shield
RSF
Fireplace
Figure 9 Offset Chimney Installation Example Figure 10 Offset Chimney Through a Wall Example

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 17 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
CHASE ENCLOSURE
If the chimney runs up the outside of the house, we
recommend that it be enclosed in a chase structure.
The chase should be constructed in such a way that it
is an extension of the home (see Figure 11). It should
be well insulated between the footings and the floor of
the home to prevent heat loss. If the climate in your
area is mild, insulate the chase at least to the first
firestop. If the climate in your area is very cold,
insulate the chase to the top to keep the chimney
warmer, increase the draft, and reduce creosote
buildup. We also recommend to insulate the ceiling of
the chase just as if it were in the attic space. This will
prevent cold air from dropping down through the chase
and into the room where the fireplace is installed (see
Figure 11).
Some local codes require that the walls be insulated,
vapor sealed and sheathed with a fire rated gypsum
board (see Figure 11). We strongly recommend this
procedure for all installations to prevent cold drafts
from originating in the fireplace enclosure. If you follow
this procedure, we recommend that you do not
insulate the wall above the front of the fireplace.
REMEMBER: Check local codes concerning
installation requirements and restrictions in your area.
MASONRY CHIMNEY
Installing your CHAMELEON2 fireplace with a
masonry chimney still requires using EXCEL chimney
from the top of the fireplace to the wall where it will connect to a listed liner that will run up inside the masonry
chimney (see Figure 12).
The stainless steel liner should be fitted inside the clay liner all the way to the top of the masonry chimney. It is
not meant to replace the clay liner. You can use either the EXCEL liner or any other listed liner to ULC-S635,
ULC-S640 or UL-1777.
Special care is to be taken to make sure that you have a good solid connection between the EXCEL chimney and
the liner. A masonry adaptor (FO-FDM7) was designed specifically for that purpose and is available from your
RSF dealer. It will attach to the liner
with 3 stainless steel rivets (provided)
and to the EXCEL chimney with 3
screws (provided).
After mortaring in place, the
connection between the EXCEL
chimney and the liner should not be
visible in order to isolate the heat
released through the liner from the
fireplace enclosure.
As depicted in Figure 12, you must
install at least one 18" length of
EXCEL chimney after the EXCEL
chimney elbow. The uppermost part
of the EXCEL chimney - where it
enters the masonry chimney - must
be a minimum of 12" from the ceiling.
10'
2' min.
Optional
Decorative
Shroud
Insulation
Chase liner of fire rated
gypsum board is
recommended (may be
required by local authorities)
Radiation
Shield,
with Storm
Collar in
the Attic
RSF
Fireplace
Figure 11 Chimney Installed with a Chase
Enclosure Example
Mortar
Mortar
Clearances as per
NBC or NFPA 211
EXCEL liner or other listed liner to
ULC-S635, ULC-S640 or UL-1777
12" min. to
combustible ceiling
EXCEL chimney
lenght: 18" min.
EXCEL chimney
elbow
Masonry Adaptor
FO-FDM7
Metal
Firestop
Liner
Elbow
RSF
Fireplace
Figure 12 Connection to a Masonry Chimney

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 18 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
NOTE: If the ceiling is high enough, you can install one or more EXCEL chimney lengths directly on the
fireplace before the elbow.
If you use a flexible liner, make sure to be careful when cleaning to ensure that the stainless steel flexible liner is
not dislodged in any way.
Using an Existing Masonry Chimney
WARNING: IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING USING AN EXISTING CHIMNEY, IT MUST FIRST BE
THOROUGHLY INSPECTED BY AN AUTHORITY HAVING JURISDICTION TO DETERMINE THE
FOLLOWING:
1. The masonry chimney is well constructed and fully lined, in accordance with Local Building Codes and the
National Building Code of Canada (NBC) or National Fire Protection Association chimney standard (NFPA
211).
2. It has been thoroughly cleaned of any soot or creosote residue and inspected to determine that it is in good
working condition.
3. There is no insulation of any type in contact with the masonry chimney and there is no insulation stuffed
anywhere in the chimney.
4. All the necessary clearances around the masonry chimney, along the complete run of the chimney, are
respected as per NBC or NFPA 211. If the masonry chimney is enclosed in drywall, openings will probably be
required in order to verify clearances at all points.
5. The masonry chimney will only be used for the fireplace and no other appliance.
If major repairs are required to meet the above conditions, a new chimney should be constructed.
To make the hole through the masonry chimney and make the connection to the fireplace, we recommend that
you follow these steps:
1. Sight-in and mark the outline of where the EXCEL chimney will penetrate the masonry chimney.
2. Using a large (¾" - 2") masonry drill bit, drill a hole exactly in the center of the oval outline. With a masonry
hammer and drill, slowly enlarge the hole to the size required. Remember to work from the center out. Be
especially careful with the clay liner behind the brick because three sides of it must stay in place.
3. Bring the stainless steel liner down from the top of the chimney.
If you are using a rigid liner you will need enough room to secure an elbow to it with at least two screws.
If it is difficult to install rigid stainless steel liner in the existing masonry chimney or for a masonry chimney
with less than 10"x10" inside, a listed stainless steel flexible liner can be used along with a flexible/rigid
adaptor (LM-7LAF) available from your RSF dealer.
4. Install the liner elbow and masonry adaptor on the lower end of the liner.
5. Move the fireplace forward enough to install the EXCEL chimney on the fireplace (elbow and length) then
move the fireplace back into position as you connect the masonry adaptor to the EXCEL chimney.
Using a New Masonry chimney
Since the masonry chimney is not build yet, we recommend that you position your fireplace, install the EXCEL
chimney on it and connect to the first length of liner before building the chimney as explained above and shown in
Figure 12 . The liner sections can easily be installed as the layers of brick are being placed. Since this is a new
chimney, we recommend that you build it to the right size so you do not have to ovalize the liner but if you choose
to use a 6"x10" clay liner you will need to ovalize the stainless steel liner to fit into the clay liner.
Remember: The stainless steel liner should be fitted inside the clay liner all the way to the top of the masonry
chimney. It is not meant to replace the clay liner.
FRAMING
The enclosure walls can be framed with any suitable materials (2x4 or 2x6 studs, plywood, gypsum board, etc.).
Because of the high heat output potential of the CHAMELEON2, combustible materials must NOT go closer to the
fireplace than the standoffs, top, back and sides.

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 19 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
HEARTH EXTENSION
The area immediately in front of the fireplace must be protected by a non-combustible material such as brick, tile,
stone, or slate. Refer to Table 1 (G-H) for the depth and width that the hearth protection should extend beyond the
front and both sides of the door opening (see Figure 1). There is no minimum thickness required for the hearth
extension.
BENEATH HEARTH EXTENSION
If the CHAMELEON2 is installed on a non-combustible floor, NONE of the cement board and the spark guard
specified below is required.
Install the spark guard provided (5" x 36" piece of
sheet metal) halfway under the fireplace and halfway
under the hearth extension and centered on the door
opening. The spark guard will extend 2½" beneath the
fireplace. This will make certain that sparks cannot
lodge in this area and start a fire. If necessary, the
provided spark guard can be cut to the minimum width
specified in Table 1 (I).
If you are preparing a raised installation, you will need
a custom made spark guard, either a "Z" shaped spark
guard or a right angle spark guard (see Figure 13).
The Z-shaped spark guard must be used if the height
between the bottom of the fireplace and the top of the non-combustible flooring of the hearth extension is less
than or equal to 2 ½". The height of the Z-shaped spark guard must equal the distance between the floor and the
base of the unit and go under the hearth extension and the fireplace by at least 2½". If the unit is installed higher
than 2 ½" from the top of the flooring, a right angle spark guard is necessary. The sides of the right angle spark
guard should be at least 2½" x 2½" and must be covered with non-combustible material. Any custom made spark
guard must have the minimum width specified in Table 1 (I), and be installed centered on the door opening.
NOTE: Custom-made spark guards are not supplied.
In the USA only:
A ½" cement board, such as Durock© or an equivalent cement board, MUST be installed beneath the
hearth extension. The cement board must have the same minimum dimensions as the hearth extension
(see Table 1 (G-H)). If the fireplace is raised by at least 4", the cement board is NOT required.
The spark guard must be installed under any of the layers of the hearth extension.
MANTEL
Refer to Table 1 (J) for the maximum depth of the mantel and its installation height. Wood or other combustible
mantels must be placed as specified in Table 1 (K) and illustrated in Figure 1.
RSF
Fireplace
Non-
Combustible
Flooring
Right Angle
Spark Guard
(not provided)
More than 2 1/2"
Non-
Combustible
Flooring
Z-Shaped Spark
Guard (not
provided)
2 1/2" or less
Figure 13 Special Custom-made Spark Guard

CHAMELEON2 Owner's Manual 20 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Masonry and other non-combustible mantels can be placed directly
above the top of the fireplace facing or higher. If the non-combustible
mantel is located between the top of the fireplace facing and the
specified height for a combustible mantel, then the wall portion
between the top of the fireplace facing and the mantel must be
covered in non-combustible material. If the non-combustible mantel
is located at the same height allowed for a combustible mantel, or
higher, then no special wall covering is required below the mantel.
FACING INSTALLATION
NOTE: We recommend that you delay the installation of the facing
until after all finishing work is completed around the fireplace. This
will reduce the possibility of scratches, vandalism, or damage to the
finish caused by drywall dust, muriatic acid, plaster, cement, paint or
any other harmful spray or liquid.
The CHAMELEON2 is offered with various facings. Refer to the
facing installation instructions for particular details. Some facings
require the installation of gravity vents and intake ducts while others
do not. Make sure to have all the required options installed
properly.
Use only genuine RSF parts. The use of any substitutes will decertify
the system and may put your safety at risk.
Make sure to install the door hinges before installing the facing.
NOTE: To be able to eventually change the facing, you will need
free access to the entire facing and attaching screws.
MANDATORY OPTIONS WITH THE CLEAN FACE
When installing a Clean Face (FO-CAMF-4) on your CHAMELEON2, you MUST also install the intake duct (FO-
CID) to provide sufficient air to the unit along with at least one Gravity Vent Kit (FO-V2) to provide an evacuation
path for the heat. Neglecting to install either one of these will result in overheating of the unit and may put your
safety at risk. Refer to each option's installation instructions for particular details.
Use only genuine RSF parts. The use of any substitutes will decertify the system and may put your safety at risk.
DOOR INSTALLATION
NOTE: We recommend that you delay the installation of the door until after all finishing work is completed
around the fireplace. This will reduce the possibility of scratches, vandalism, or damage to the finish caused by
drywall dust, muriatic acid, plaster, cement, paint or any other harmful spray or liquid.
The CHAMELEON2 is offered with many door options.
Use only genuine RSF parts. The use of any substitutes will decertify the system and may put your safety at risk.
To install the female hinges on the door, remove the 2 top and 2 bottom screws on the left side of the door. These
four screws are not required for the CHAMELEON2. Use the two Allen key screws provided to install the female
hinges on the door. Figure 14 shows the holes to be used.
Put the door on the fireplace and refer to the maintenance section to adjust the hinges and the latch pin properly.
REFRACTORY BRICK INSTALLATION
Before lighting your first fire, you must make sure the refractory bricks are properly installed inside the firebox.
This is easily accomplished with the following instructions. To remove any of the refractory bricks, just follow the
installation procedure in the reverse sequence. Refer to Figure 15 to adequately identify which refractory brick is
the left and which is the right at each step of the installation.
1. First, remove the secondary air tube at the top front of the firebox. To do so, unscrew the bracket located on
the left side of the tube.
Figure 14 Door Hinge Installation