RSF Woodburning Fireplaces FOCUS 320 SBR User manual

RSF-IIF320SBR - 2019-09
Owner's Manual
Residential Factory Built Fireplace
Operation • Maintenance • Installation
FOCUS 320 SBR
Keep these instructions for future use.
Industrial Chimney Company Inc.
400 J.-F. Kennedy, St-Jerome, QC, Canada, J7Y 4B7
Telephone: [phone]
www.icc-rsf.com

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 2 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Dear Customer,
The FOCUS 320 SBR incorporate 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 FOCUS 320 SBR 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 FOCUS 320 SBR,
and are confident that you have purchased a fireplace that is simply, the best.
Sincerely,
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces Team
September 2019
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 6
OPERATION 8
AIR CONTROLS 8
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY 8
IMPORTANCE OF DRAFT 8
BURN TIME VS HEAT OUTPUT 8
FUEL 9
FIRST FIRES 9
LIGHTING 9
REFUELING 9
TROUBLESHOOTING PROBLEMS 10
MAINTENANCE 10
CHIMNEY CLEANING 10
DISPOSAL OF ASHES 11
GENERAL CLEANING 11
GLASS CLEANING 11
PAINT 11
DOOR ADJUSTMENT 11
LOUVERS ERREUR ! SIGNET NON DEFINI.
INSTALLATION 12
LOCATION 12
MOBILE HOME INSTALLATION 15
CEILING CLEARANCE 15
STANDOFFS INSTALLATION 15
SECURING THE FIREPLACE IN PLACE 16
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT 16
MANDATORY OPTIONS 16
CHIMNEY 17
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION 17
OFFSET CHIMNEY 18
CHASE ENCLOSURE 19
MASONRY CHIMNEY 20
FRAMING 21
COVERING THE FIREPLACE FACING 22
MANDATORY OPTIONS WITH THE CLEAN FACE 22
HEARTH EXTENSION 22
BENEATH HEARTH EXTENSION 22
MANTEL 22
REFRACTORY BRICK INSTALLATION 23
BAFFLE 23
LISTING LABEL 24
COMPLETE OPTIONS LIST 25
CONFIGURED OPTIONS LIST 27
REPLACEMENT PARTS 28
LIMITED WARRANTY 29

FOCUS 320 SBR 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 a combination of densified fuel logs and wood fuel.
3. DO operate the fireplace with the door fully closed. If the door is left partly open, gas and flame can be
drawn out of the fireplace opening, creating both fire and smoke hazards.
4. DO keep all combustible materials (furniture, firewood, etc.) at least 4' away from the front of the fireplace.
5. This fireplace needs periodic inspection and repair for proper operation. DO learn to properly use it and maintain
it.
6. Do have at least one smoke detector on each level of the house and at least one carbon monoxide detector.
7. To avoid glass breakage, DO NOT slam the fireplace door.
8. 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.
9. DO NOT overfire the fireplace. If you are unable to slow down the burn rate of the fire or if the chimney
connector behind the top louver glows red, you are overfiring the fireplace.
10. DO NOT use a fireplace grate or other products not specified for use with this fireplace.
11. The burn rate is set by the automatic air control at the factory. DO NOT tamper with the air control. DO NOT
install a flue damper that would allow you to reduce the chimney draft and thus slow the minimum burn rate.
12. To avoid damaging the fireplace, DO NOT operate it in a manner inconsistent with the operating instructions in
this manual.
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 shall 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 shall be removed to reduce the risk of chimney fire.
❖WARNING: USE SOLID FUEL ONLY. 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. We do not recommend using wax fuel logs (e.g. Duraflame) in this fireplace because
it will dirty the glass. If you choose to use wax or densified firelogs, do not use more than one at a time. Do not poke
or stir the logs while they are burning. Use only firelogs that have been evaluated for fireplace use. In Canada, they
should meet the requirements of ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC 2115, Processed Solid Fuel Firelogs and Firestarter. Refer to
the firelog warnings and caution markings on packaging prior to use.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 4 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The FOCUS 320 SBR is environmentally friendly and meets the 2020 United States Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) particulate emission standard with crib wood at an emission rate of 1.4 grams per hour.
Using data from a crib wood EPA emission tests and using CSA B415.1-10 calculations, it has an efficiency of 66%.
This has been established using the higher heating value of the wood.
Under the best burning conditions and using CSA B415.1-10 calculations, it has an optimal efficiency of 75%. This
has been established using the lower heating value of the wood.
It has been shown to deliver heat ranging from 10 000 to 50 000 BTU/h with an average of 35 000 BTU/h. Please
refer to the "Improving efficiency", the "Importance of draft", the "Burn Time vs Heat Output" and the "Fuel" sections
to better understand the various factors that influence the efficiency and heat output of your fireplace.
THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Since the door is sealed, all combustion air must come through the fireplace's draft control. The draft control is an
assembly that increases or reduces the amount of air permitted into the firebox. A bi-metallic coil in the air control
allows more air when the unit is cold, and less air when the unit is hot, guarding against overheating. The air control
is fully automatic; there is no user access to the air control.
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. Remember: when the fireplace is hot, the automatic air control will reduce the combustion air inlet
since the bi-metallic coil will shut the air control damper part way.
OPTIONS
Louver Options
There are different ways you can finish your fireplace
1
. You can choose to install louvers (black blade style FO-
F320SBRLB) or no louvers at all
2
(FO-F2).
If you choose to install your fireplace without any louvers, you MUST install the Clean Face Option (FO-F2) along
with two Gravity Vent Kits (FO-V2 or FO-V3). Gravity vent dampers CANNOT be installed on a Clean Face fireplace.
Furthermore, we recommend that you do not install any option requiring electricity or a thermal switch inside your
fireplace since it will be difficult to access those components after the fireplace facing is covered with non-
combustible materials. If you decide nevertheless to install electricity or a thermal switch in your Clean Face
fireplace, remember that you may eventually have to break through the non-combustible finishing to access the
electrical box or the thermal switch for servicing.
Gravity Vent Options
Gravity vent kits
3
allow hot air to be ducted from the fireplace to a room above or on the same level as the fireplace.
Clean Face installations require two gravity vents for heat circulation.
FO-V2
FO-VGC (grill only for FO-V2)
FO-V3
1
You can also refer to the configured option list on page 24.
2
Not allowed in a mobile home installation.
3
Not allowed in a mobile home installation.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 5 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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Heating Options
For increased air circulation and marginally more heat output, you can add the Circulating Internal Blower (FO-
FDHB5-N) to your Louvered fireplace or the Inline Fan (FO-CIF) to your Clean Face fireplace.
NOTE: The FOCUS 320 SBR is equipped with a floor shield to protect the floor under the fireplace. This floor
shield is made of two parts: the front part is insulated; the back part is a single layered sheet metal. Both parts are
screwed together and factory installed to cover the entire floor below the firebox. It must never be removed. Only
when installing the Internal Blower Option can the floor shield be modified. Follow the internal blower installation
instructions but before reinstalling the floor shield, remove the screw, slide the back part over the front part and
screw them back together. If you ever remove the internal blower make sure to extend the shield again.
To maximize the distribution of the heat generated by your fireplace throughout many rooms and different floors,
consider the Central Heat Option
4
. The Central Heat Control (FO-FDHC6) will enable automatic control of the
Central Heat Blower via a wall thermostat and thermal switch. The Zone Heat Control (FO-FDHCZ1) along with
Zone Damper Kits (FO-FDHCZ2) will provide the same features as the Central Heat Control but for more than one
heating zone. If you wish to install the Central Heat Blower on a Clean Face fireplace, you will need the Central
Heat T (FO-T) that will enable you to connect the central heat duct along with the left gravity vent on the fireplace.
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). It includes a 180 cfm blower and 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 to an adjacent
room or upstairs. The duct maximum length is 8' for the FO-HD.
General Options
To simplify the installation of thin non-combustible materials such as ceramic tile or sliced brick, we have designed
a rock retainer kit. It is not designed or required for full brick or stone. With a Louvered fireplace, you can choose to
leave all the black metal completely exposed or completely covered with non-combustible material. Whether you
have chosen a Louvered or Clean Face fireplace, the FO-KN kit will help you finish the facing of the fireplace as
you wish. Thin materials can also be installed directly on the face of the fireplace using high temperature silicone
as glue, without a rock retainer kit.
Decorative andirons (FO-A) are also an optional feature. The decorative andirons are made of cast iron and are
more aesthetically appealing than the basic ones included with the fireplace. The decorative andirons are also
taller, which reduces the chance of logs rolling forward.
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 25 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.
❖WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH A GAS LOG SET (UNVENTED OR VENTED).
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL A GAS LOG SET (UNVENTED OR VENTED) INTO
THIS FIREPLACE. DO NOT INSTALL A GAS LOG LIGHTER BECAUSE THE HEAT PRODUCED BY THE
FIREPLACE WILL PERMANENTLY DAMAGE THE GAS LOG LIGHTER.
4
Not allowed in a mobile home installation.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 6 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES
Figure 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances
39"
16 3/4"
29 3/4"
24"
8"
4"
42"
47"
6 1/2"
5"
13 1/2" 13 1/2"
43"
4 1/4"
4"
5"
18 1/2"
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FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 7 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Table 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances
A
Distance of combustible material from side, back and top standoffs
0"
(0,0 mm)
B
Minimum distance from the side wall to the side of the firebox opening
12"
(305 mm)
C
Minimum ceiling clearance: from the base of the fireplace to the
ceiling
sealed enclosure
vented enclosure
7'
6'
(2,13 m)
(1,83 m)
D
Minimum chimney height: minimum total chimney height from fireplace top to below
the chimney rain cap Refer to Table 3 on page 17 if elbows are present
12'
(3,66 m)
E
Maximum chimney height: maximum total chimney height from fireplace top to below
the chimney rain cap
40'
(12,19 m)
F
Maximum chimney height supported by the fireplace
18'
(5,49 m)
G
Minimum depth of non-combustible hearth extension: from the front of the fireplace
20"
(508 mm)
H
Minimum width of non-combustible hearth extension: total width, must be centered
on the firebox opening
42"
(1,07 m)
I
Minimum width of the spark guard
36"
(914 mm)
J
Maximum mantel shelf depth (see Table 2 for other mantel sizes)
12"
(305 mm)
K
Minimum height of a combustible mantel shelf above the top of the firebox opening:
to the bottom of the combustible mantel (refer to the "Installation: Mantel" section
for particulars)
See Table 2
Table 2 Various Mantel Shelf Depths and Corresponding Installation Heights
Maximum Mantel Shelf Depth
Minimum Installation Height
0" to 6"
20"
12"
26"
No combustible mantel shelf can be installed lower than 20" above the top of the firebox opening. A combustible
mantel shelf cannot be deeper than 12".
For any combustible mantel shelf depths between 6" and 12", you can calculate the minimum installation height.
For example:
•Mantel shelf depth to be installed: 9¼"
•So: (9.25 6) + 20 = 23.25 = 23¼"
•Thus minimum installation height of a 9¼" mantel: 23¼" above the firebox opening
If the combustible mantel shelf 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.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 8 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
OPERATION
AIR CONTROLS
Combustion Air Control
The bi-metallic coil is a unique feature built into your fireplace. It serves as a fully automatic combustion air control.
As the fireplace heats up, it will activate the bi-metallic coil. This will automatically begin to shut down the air entering
the firebox, slowing the combustion process. This will save you wood, reduce emissions, improve efficiency, and
prevent the fireplace from overheating and causing potential damage to the firebox.
Outside Air Control
The FOCUS 320 SBR is designed to use outside air for combustion.
Because outside air is generally colder and denser it will help to start the fire. In some cases, fresh air will 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. You will find a sliding door behind the bottom louver and below the firebox. Push the sliding door towards
the back to select outside air or pull it toward the front to select inside air as the combustion air.
If the fireplace is installed in a mobile home, the outside air MUST be used as combustion air.
IMPROVING EFFICIENCY
The location of your fireplace will affect how efficiently it heats the home. Your fireplace should be located in part of
the house you want to be the warmest. Trying to heat the main floor with a fireplace in the basement will generally
overheat the basement and waste fuel. Certain RSF options offer the ability to move heat from the main floor to the
basement. This allows you to efficiently heat your primary space while also heating the basement as a secondary
space.
The efficiency will also be influenced by the draft in the chimney which will be influenced by various factors (refer
to "Importance of draft" below) and by the amount of wood burning at any point (see "Burn Time vs Heat Output"
below). The efficiency will also be influenced by the quality of the wood (refer to "Fuel" below).
All of these factors must be taken into account and optimize so you can recover the maximum heat from your
fireplace.
IMPORTANCE OF DRAFT
Draft is the natural force which pulls air from the fireplace up the chimney. The strength of draft in your chimney
depends on a variety of factors, including chimney height, nearby obstructions, altitude, etc.
Excessive draft can result in a hotter fire than intended or reduced burn times as more air is pulled through the
fireplace. It will also result in less heat recovery since the heat will not have as much time to radiate into the room
before being sucked into the chimney.
Weak draft can result in smoke entering the room and difficulty lighting or operating the fireplace. Weak draft is
often incorrectly associated as a blockage in the air intake for the fireplace. Adding chimney height is the most
common solution. See Table 3 for minimum chimney height recommendations.
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. Your fireplace burns at a fixed rate depending on the heat inside the firebox. It will burn
quickly during light up and then gradually slow down to offer the best efficiency and emissions reduction.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 9 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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 is 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 
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.
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.
LIGHTING
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 3 or 4 layers of 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 
1" from being completely closed. 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

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, about 3-5 minutes.
Close the door completely when the fire is established.
During light up, it is normal for the glass to accumulate some soot and become dark. As the fireplace heats up, this
should burn off and reveal a nice view of the fire.
❖WARNING: DO NOT USE A GRATE OR ELEVATE THE FIRE.
❖WARNING: MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE FIRE BEHIND THE ANDIRONS. REPLACE THE LOGS IF THEY
FALL AGAINST THE GLASS.
REFUELING
Have your next wood load ready when you open the door. The temperature in the firebox will decrease as the door
is open, so decreasing the amount of time the door is open will allow the firebox to remain hotter. Nevertheless, do
not rush.
Turn off the central heat and/or internal blowers, if installed. The blowers may cause smoke to spill out of the
fireplace if they are running.
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.

FOCUS 320 SBR Owner's Manual 10 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Take the time to poke and stir the unburnt wood that is left in the firebox. This will help revive the fire. Place the
new logs in the firebox. Try to maintain a clear path in front of the pilot, which is the metal tube centered between
the two andiron posts. The pilot brings an influx of air close to the coals that will help to keep the fire going. Once
the new wood has been loaded, keep the door slightly ajar for about 3-10 minutes to get the fire going depending
on how well seasoned your cordwood is and how much coals were left in the firebox. Once the new wood it well lit,
close the door.
Wait at least 15 minutes after shutting the door after reloading before turning any blowers back on. This ensures
that heat will built up in the firebox before being cooled by the blower and ensures that your fireplace will continue
on burning as clean as it can.
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.
•If you have purchased the central heat kit option or the circulating internal blower, 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.
• The most likely time that smoke will enter
the home is during the lighting process.
If your fireplace burns excessively fast, seemingly uncontrollably:
•Door Adjustment
details of how to verify the tightness of the door.
•Inspect the secondary air tubes in the top of the fireplace to ensure they are in good condition. An unwanted
hole in the secondary air tubes can bring additional unwanted air into the fireplace.
MAINTENANCE
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. Close the fireplace door(s) prior to
sweeping. Use an 7" round brush.
We do not recommend moving or removing the baffle for chimney sweeping. The top part of the baffle is a metal
plate that can be easily vacuumed after sweeping the chimney. Be careful not to get too close to the sides and back
of the firebox with the vaccum nozzle. The soft white insulation can be easily torn and swallowed.
Nevertherless, if you prefer to remove the baffle, you will have to remove both side refractory bricks (see the
"Refractory Brick Installation" section for detailed instructions), then remove the front seondar air tube (remove the
cutter-pin on the left) and then the baffle (see "Baffle" section for detailed instructions). Make sure to reinstall
everything correctly after cleaning.