RSF Woodburning Fireplaces Opel AP User manual

Keep these instructions for future use.
Owner's
Manual
Residential
Factory Built
Fireplace
Operation
Maintenance
Installation
The OPEL AP
OpelinstalAng.04-2003.qxd

SAFETY FIRST
3 Do’s and Don’ts
3Creosote Formation and Need for Removal
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
3 Combustion Control System
3 Ash Pan
4Firescreen
4 Thermostat
4Internal Circulating Blower
4Gravity Vent System
4 Central Heat System
4Catalytic Combustor
OPERATION
5Lighting
5First Fire
5 Refueling
5Refractory Bricks Installation
MAINTENANCE
6Cleaning
6Disposal of Ashes
6 Doors
7Glass
7Gold Plating
7 Chimney Cleaning
8 Paint
8Catalytic Combustor
INSTALLATION
9General Assembly Illustration
10 Location
10 Ceiling Clearance
11 Outside Air Duct
11 Chimney
12 Chimney Installation
12 Masonry Chimney
14 Chase Enclosure
14 Radiation Shield
14 Offset Chimney
15 Framing In
16 Spark Guard
16 Mantel
16 Hearth Extension
16 Beneath Heath Extension
OPTIONS
18 Wall Thermostat
19 Circulating Blower
21 Catalytic Combustor
24 Gold / Pewter Louvers
24 Rock Retainer Kit
25 Remote Venting
25 Gravity Vent System
27 Central Heat System
32 Zone Heating
SCHEMATIC WIRING DIAGRAMS
33 Thermostat
33 Circulating Blower
34 Central Heat System
34 All Systems
35 Zone Heating
REPLACEMENT PARTS
36 Replacement Parts
FIREPLACE OPTIONS
37 Fireplace Options
LABEL
38 Label
WARRANTY
39 Warranty
Page 2
Dear Customer,
The OPEL AP 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 OPEL AP 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 OPEL AP, and are con-
fident that you have purchased a fireplace that is simply, the best.
Sincerely,
The RSF Woodburning Fireplaces Team
April 2003
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPEL AP

SAFETY FIRST
DO’S AND DON’TS
If this fireplace is not properly installed, a house fire
may result. For your safety, follow the installation
directions. Contact local building or fire officials about
restrictions and installation requirements in your area.
NOTE: We strongly recommend installers to be WETT or
WHERF certified.
To ANYONE using this fireplace:
These DO’s and DO NOTs are for your safety.
1. DO read this instruction manual before lighting your
first fire.
2. DO burn seasoned wood fuel or processed solid fuel
firelogs.
3. To avoid glass breakage, DO NOT slam the fireplace
door.
4. DO NOT use gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene,
charcoal lighter fluid or similar liquids to start or fresh-
en up a fire in this fireplace. Keep all such liquids well
away from the fireplace.
5. DO NOT overfire the fireplace. If the chimney con-
nector behind the top louver glows red, or if you
are unable to slow down the burning rate of the
fire, you are probably overfiring the fireplace.
6. DO operate the fireplace with doors fully open or fully
closed. If doors are left partly open, gas and flame may
be drawn out of the fireplace opening, creating risks of
both fire and smoke.
7. DO keep all combustible materials (furniture, shoes,
etc.) at least 4 feet away from the front of the fireplace.
8. If the Opel AP is equipped with a catalyst it needs peri-
odic inspection for proper operation. If you have the
catalyst installed, DO NOT burn chemical chimney
cleaners. They contain contaminants that will render
the catalyst inoperative.
9. DO NOT use a fireplace insert or other products not
specified for use with this fireplace.
10. If you use the fireplace with the doors wide open,
install a firescreen (FDFS) to prevent logs and
sparks from burning your floor.
11.Always verify that your ash pan is in place before
igniting a fire.
CREOSOTE: Formation and removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other
organic vapours which combine with expelled moisture to
form creosote. The creosote vapours condense in the rela-
tively cool chimney flue of a slow burning fire. When ignit-
ed, 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
- plastic
Do not use construction scraps (e.g. 2x4 or plywood
scraps) as your only supply of fuel as you may over-
heat and seriously damage the fireplace. Do not use
more than 3 densified fuel logs (e.g. Presto Logs) at a time.
Do not poke or stir the logs while they are burning. Use
only firelogs that have been evaluated for fireplace use and
refer to firelog warnings and caution markings prior to use.
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
THE COMBUSTION CONTROL SYSTEM
Since the doors are sealed, all combustion air must come
through a draft control. This control has a bimetal coil to
allow more air when the unit is cold, and less air when the
unit is hot, guarding against overheating. It can be con-
trolled either manually through the lever below the door
handles, or automatically through the optional electric wall
thermostat. For the first few days, it is best to operate the
fireplace with the manual control fully on (moved to the
right as far as possible). Just control the fire as you would
any normal fireplace using two or three large logs at a time
for a smaller fire, or more logs for more heat. Once you
become familiar with operating the fireplace with the con-
trol open, you can start experimenting with lower settings.
Remember: when the fireplace is hot, the control will not
need as much movement to reduce the fire as when it is
cold. The bimetal coil will already have shut the damper
part way.
THE ASH PAN
The Opel AP is equipped with an ash pan to easily remove
ashes from the firebox. To remove the ashes, open the
doors and, with a poker, remove the ash pan plug from its
hole. Push the ashes through the hole (making sure that
the ash pan is in proper position). When the ash pan is full,
open the bottom louvers of the fireplace. The louvers can
be easily opened by pulling the right hand side of the lou-
vers. It is held in place by a magnet. Remove ash pan and
Page 3
OPEL AP

dispose of ashes properly. Replace ash pan and louvers.
Replace plug in hole, making sure it is properly placed
before starting a fire. Do not remove the ashes from the
firebox while they are still hot. The ash pan is not built to
resist hot ashes or embers.
Under no circumstances should the fireplace be oper-
ated without the ash pan plug and pan in place.
FIRESCREEN (option)
If you want to use the fireplace with the doors completely
open, you have to run it with the firescreen (FDFS) in front
of the opening. The firescreen will prevent sparks from
falling on the floor. Do not leave the fireplace unattended
when using the firescreen.
THERMOSTAT (option)
If you want a constant temperature, day and night, you will
be surprised to see what the wall thermostat option can do
for you. Once you have your fire burning, just set the man-
ual control on low (push the draft control lever all the way
to the left) and let the automatic thermostat take over. Your
room temperature will stay as even as though you were
heating with oil, gas, or electricity — except you will find
wood heat more comfortable (see options: Wall Thermostat
FDHC4).
NOTE: This thermostat controls the combustion air rate,
not the internal circulating blower.Also, when you are using
the automatic thermostat during cold weather, you will find
that the fire burns cleaner if the manual setting is on medi-
um or higher. This will keep the thermostat from shutting
the fireplace right down during the automatic on / off cycle.
INTERNAL CIRCULATING BLOWER (option)
If you have the optional internal blower installed, adjust the
speed of the blower to the output you require. The blower
speed control should be installed at a convenient place on
the wall. When a fire is burning, the thermal switch installed
inside the fireplace will turn on at 110° F, allowing the blow-
er to operate. When the OpelAP cools to 90° F, the switch
deactivates the blower. The maximum heat output of the
fireplace is greater with the blower running (see options:
Circulating Blower FDHB5-N).
GRAVITY VENT SYSTEM (option)
If there are areas in your home that you would like to heat
either in an upper level or an adjacent room, the gravity
vent system can provide this heat without the use of a
blower. It is controlled by a gravity vent damper. The han-
dle is located between the top louvers of the fireplace.
Simply turn the lever to adjust the air flow through the grav-
ity vent ducting. As the hot air rises, it will be distributed
through the insulated ducting to the outlet (see options:
Gravity Vent System FDV).
CENTRAL HEAT SYSTEM (option)
You have the option to heat remote rooms in your home
with the heat generated by your fireplace. If this option is
installed, there will be a wall thermostat installed in the
main room you want to heat, away from the room which
contains the fireplace. This thermostat controls the blower,
which brings air to the other rooms in your home, keeping
them at the temperature you desire. When the blower is
running, it takes air from the room the Opel APis in, draws
it around the fireplace and distributes it (see options:
Central Heating System FDHC6 / FDHB6).
NOTE: The blower (FDHB6) can push warm air either up
or down, and can also be zone controlled ( See Options:
Zone Heating).
HINT: If some evening you would like to enjoy the ambi-
ence of the wood flame, but you are a little too warm, turn
up the central heating thermostat and open a window by
the thermostat. This will keep your room in front of the fire
from getting too warm.
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR (option)
If the Opel APis equipped with a catalyst, it ignites cre-
osote-forming gases in wood smoke at significantly lower
temperatures. As a result, you get less creosote and more
heat from your fire at low to medium burn rates. Less fuel
goes up your chimney in the form of smoke. In addition to
the list on page 3, DO NOT burn chemical chimney clean-
ers, as they can contain contaminants that will render the
catalyst inoperative.
The catalytic option comes with a bypass damper which
serves two functions:
a)to eliminate smoking into the room when the
doors are opened;
b)to allow the fire to start quickly when the fireplace
is cold.
Make sure the bypass damper above the right door is
pulled all the way out before opening the doors. When
starting a fire, the bypass damper should be left open long
enough to establish sufficient draft (approximately 30 min-
utes).
The temperature in the firebox and the gases entering the
catalyst must be raised to at least 500° F for catalytic activ-
ity to be initiated. When you start the fire, keep a medium
to high fire for about 30 minutes to stabilize the catalyst at
a sufficient operating temperature. If the fire is allowed to
die down too soon after starting, the catalyst may stop
working. After the 30 minutes of a medium to high burn,
however, the catalyst will operate with the heat generated
by the burning smoke, even with a low fire.
Page 4
OPEL AP

OPERATION
LIGHTING
Slide the draft control under the doors all the way to the
right. Light a fire in the fireplace, starting with paper and
kindling only. Then add 2-3" diameter pieces of wood.
After the fire is established, close the doors to prevent
overheating (see the Combustion Control section). Never
use any flammable liquids. Once a coal bed is established,
add standard cord wood. Leave the draft control open until
the fire is well lit, then adjust it to the level you desire.
WARNING: Do not use a grate or elevate the fire.
THE FIRST FIRE
Before the first fire, be absolutely sure to wipe off all
fingerprints and debris from the gold plating. The plat-
ing undergoes a sealing process during this first fire, and
the acid from your finger prints will permanently etch the
gold plating. You will experience a slow start-up during the
first fire. The refractory bricks still contain moisture and
take a good hot fire to get rid of the moisture. While there
is moisture in the bricks, the bricks will be black with smoke
deposits. When the moisture is gone, the bricks will be
white. You may also experience a slight odour during the
first few fires. This odour results from curing paint and the
burn-off of oil.
REFUELING
Fuel wood can be of any species, however, ensure that the
wood is well seasoned and kept under cover. Sixteen to
eighteen inch lengths work the best.
NOTE: The central heat and internal blowers, if installed,
should be shut off during refuelling.
The doors should be opened slowly, moving both
doors together, to keep smoke from spilling into your
room. If you do have smoke spillage, check to see that
all kitchen and bathroom fans have been shut off.
They can cause a vacuum in the house, which pulls
smoke out of the fireplace.
If you have the Opel APwith the catalyst: after refuelling a
cool fire or a fire that has burned down to a cool coal bed,
operate the fire at a medium to high burn rate for at least
10 minutes to ensure that the catalyst reaches operating
temperature.
REFRACTORY BRICKS INSTALLATION
Before lighting your first fire you must make sure the refrac-
tory is properly installed inside the firebox. This is easily
accomplished with the following instructions. First, through
the front opening of the fireplace pass the baffle (11.6.P).
Next, place the baffle parallel to the opening with the nar-
rower portion on top. Slide the baffle onto the bracket at the
top of the firebox until it is as far back as it can go. Install
the back left and back right (11.11.P and 11.12.P) at the
back of the firebox with the joint in the center. These will be
secured in place by the two side rear (11.9.P and 11.10.P)
refractories. To install these two refractories, put the top
corner into the bracket and slide the entire refractory into
place. The two small front refractories (11.7.P and 11.8.P)
are installed with the finished side towards the front of the
unit. See (Figure 1b) below for more details.
These refractories have been designed specifically for the
Opel AP and no modifications are required to ensure a
proper fit.
Page 5
OPEL AP
Fireplace face
Thick facing
Rod extension Pull hook
Decorative collar
Set screw bypass eye Handle
Figure 1a: Bypass control with extension rod
11.7.P
11.9.P
11.6.P
11.11.P
11.12.P
11.10.P
11.8.P
11.14.P11.15.P
Figure 1b: Refractory bricks installation

Page 6
OPEL AP
MAINTENANCE
CLEANING
The high-heat paint and gold plating can be cleaned with a
soft moist cloth. Use a mild detergent and water. Do not
use abrasive cleaners!
DISPOSAL OF ASHES
Clean the ashes before they become too deep, i.e., before
you have a spillage problem when opening the doors.
When removed from the ash pan, ashes should be placed
in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. The closed con-
tainer of ashes should be placed on a noncombustible floor
or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials,
pending final disposal. If the ashes are disposed of by bur-
ial, or otherwise locally dispersed, they should be retained
in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly
cooled.
DOORS
Keep the door latch and hinges lubricated with all-purpose
grease at least annually. To adjust the door closer, tighten
the Allen screw (as shown in Figure 2) to ensure that the
door closes tightly. The hinges can be adjust by loosening
the nut underneath (Picture 1). Close the right hand door
while the door closer is not latched. Adjust the door so that
the joint between the two doors is straight and level. Push
the door firmly against the facade of the fireplace while
tightening the hinge nuts. Use a screwdriver on the bottom
of the hinge pin and a wrench to tighten the nut. Be sure
that the door latch can easily go into its slot on the façade.
Adjust the left hand door so that the top arch and the joint
are flush with the right hand door. With the right hand door
open, push on the left hand door firmly against the façade
of the fireplace while tightening the hinge nuts. Re-tighten
the door closer as described above.
If the door seal is damaged to the point where it does not
seal tightly, replace the gasket. The Gasket Replacement
Kit (FDGRK2) is available from your dealer.
It is normal to push on the handle to close the doors
(Picture 3). To verify that the doors are well sealed, insert
a piece of paper between the door and the fireplace
(Picture 4). Along the top of the door you should be able to
tear the paper when it is pulled out. On the side and bottom
part, you should be able to pull out the piece of paper with
some resistance (Picture 5).
NOTE: An improperly adjusted door seal can have a sig-
nificant effect of the performance and durability of the fire-
place. A poorly adjusted door can result in reduced effi-
ciency, excessive wood consumption and pre-mature fire-
place failure.
Figure 2: Door adjustment
Adjust
here
Loosen
Tighten
Picture 1
Picture 2

Page 7
OPEL AP
GLASS
In a controlled combustion firebox temperatures are not
always high enough to keep the glass perfectly clean. A
good hot fire in the morning usually cleans off most of the
deposits that have accumulated during the night.
Remember the drier the wood, the cleaner the glass. A
word of caution: although heat will not break the glass, a
good blow can. Be careful not to hit the glass.
WARNING: Never clean this 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.
If your glass breaks:
See your dealer for the exact replacement glass. If the gas-
ket is damaged, it must be replaced with the identical kind
(14.10.2). Place the gasket on the door frame between the
door and the glass (it is self-sticking).
1. Remove the door from the fireplace by lifting it off the
hinges.
2. Remove the clips holding the glass.
3. Clean out any bits of glass and dirt from the gasket.
4. Place the new glass into the opening and replace the
clips being careful not to over-tighten the screws.
5. Check the glass by trying to move it back and forth. It
should feel snug, but move slightly without too much
effort.
GOLD PLATING
If you have gold/pewter doors or gold/pewter louvers you
will be happy to know that they will not tarnish however
they are not scratch resistant. They require a totally abra-
sive free cleaner. 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 every fire, be absolutely sure to
wipe off all fingerprints from the gold plating. Acid from
debris or your fingerprints may permanently etch the gold
plating.
CHIMNEY CLEANING
Check the chimney for creosote build-up every week until
experience shows how often cleaning is necessary.Abuild-
up of 1/4 inch or more should be cleaned before more cre-
osote accumulates. Use a 7 inch diameter wire brush. The
baffle in the firebox must be removed to gain access to the
flue from below.
Baffle removal:
1. Remove the secondary air tube and the refractory liners.
2. Slide the baffle towards the front of the fireplace and
rotate it so that you can lower it to the bottom of the fire-
place opening.
3. Remove the baffle through the door opening.
Follow the reverse procedure to re-install it.
Picture 4Picture 3 Picture 5

Page 8
OPEL AP
PAINT
You may touch up the face of the Opel APwith STOVE
BRIGHT Flat Black high temperature paint. The correct
paint is available from your dealer. When you paint the face
of the fireplace, remove the gold items (i.e., doors and lou-
vers), and cover the area surrounding the fireplace with
newspaper. Follow the directions outlined on the spray can.
DO NOT attempt to paint while the fireplace 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.
CATALYTIC COMBUSTOR (option)
The catalyst is warranted by the catalyst manufacturer,
please insure that you keep the warranty card. If the cata-
lyst fails, it should be replaced with Applied Ceramics
Model 3621202-52-C. The dimensions of the catalyst are
3.875" x 12.25" x 2".
It is important to periodically monitor the operation of the
catalyst to ensure that it is functioning properly and to
determine when it needs to be replaced. A non-functioning
catalyst will result in a loss of heating efficiency, and an
increase in creosote and emissions.
Catalysts should be visually inspected at least three times
during the heating season to determine if physical degra-
dation has occurred. Actual removal of the catalyst is not
recommended unless a more detailed inspection is need-
ed because of a noticeable decrease in performance.
You can get an indication of whether the catalyst is work-
ing by comparing the amount of smoke leaving the chim-
ney when the smoke is going through the chimney after
light-off has been achieved, to the amount of smoke leav-
ing the chimney when the bypass damper is open:
1. Light the fire in accordance with the instructions under
lighting. After the fireplace is warm, set the manual con-
trol (and the thermostat, if this option is installed) to low.
2. With the bypass damper closed, the smoke is routed
through the catalyst. Go outside and observe the emis-
sions leaving the chimney.
3. Open the bypass damper and again observe the emis-
sions leaving the chimney.
Significantly more smoke should be seen when the
exhaust is not routed through the catalyst, i.e., with the
bypass damper open. Be careful not to confuse smoke with
steam from wet wood.
The catalytic combustor is self-cleaning, and requires very
little maintenance. Any loose ash should be removed with
a paintbrush. If the catalyst is plugged with creosote, you
may try burning it off by leaving the bypass damper in a
partially open position and pushing the draft control all the
way to the right. You may also burn off the excess creosote
with a propane torch.
WARNING: Do not use sharp or hard tools to clean the
catalytic combustor as this will damage it.
Catalyst removal and replacement
1. Remove the screws holding the brackets, one on each
side of the catalyst.
2. Carefully ease out the catalyst, using a knife blade if it is
tight.
3. Replace the catalyst the same way it was removed. If the
gasket is loose, re-cement it to the outside using a sili-
cone adhesive. A damaged gasket should be replaced
with 3M “Interam” 1/16” x 2” x 36”.

Page 9
OPEL AP
Rain cap
Storm collar
Roof flashing
Radiation shield
and storm collar
Ceiling
Radiation
shield
Central heat
blower
Back draft
damper
Header
Gravity vent
damper handle
Hearth extension
The hearth can be made of any permanently
affixed, non-combustible material
- See the manual for flue
height requirements.
- The central heat blower
may be installed on the
left side.
- Gravity vent may be
installed on the left, right
or both sides.
B-vent components for
gravity system only
(or Ultrablack double wall
connector made by ICC).
Ceiling clearance
(minimum from the top of
the fireplace) :
25” for vented enclosure
37” for sealed enclosure
Fresh air hood
24” minimum depth of
opening
Electrical knockouts
5” wide sheet metal
spark guard
Figure 3: Assembly drawing
Metal sheet and
DUROCK© board
(see page 16)

Page 10
OPEL AP
INSTALLATION
Check local codes concerning restrictions and installation
requirements in your area.
WARNING: Remove the doors before installation and
place them in a safe area to reduce the possibility of:
a) Vandalism ;
b) Sub-trade tool abrasion, chipping, or
breaking of glass ;
c) Gold finish damage because of muriatic acid,
plaster, cement, paint and harmful sprays or
liquids.
LOCATION
Your Opel AP fireplace may be installed in many different
ways (see Figure 4) without any special floor reinforce-
ment.
WARNING: If this fireplace is not properly installed, a
house fire may result. For your safety, follow the instal-
lation directions and clearances.
1. Note the location of roof and floor joists. Choose a loca-
tion 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 the inside of the
house. If it must be run up 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 top of the fire-
place to the ceiling.
If the space between the top of the fireplace and the ceil-
ing joists is less than 37 inches, the enclosure around the
fireplace MUST be vented. Place a minimum 3" X 10" vent
grille into holes cut within one foot of both the floor and ceil-
ing levels, to allow room air to circulate through the fire-
place enclosure and reduce heat buildup. These vent grills
may be placed vertically or horizontally. Under no circum-
stances is the distance between the ceiling and the top of
the unit to be less than 25 inches (see Figure 3).
24”
38 1/2”
8 3/4” min. to
side wall
Block
58”
38 1/2”
18”
82”
24”
38 1/2”
49”
These framing dimensions
are larger than required for
ease of installation. The fire-
place has a minimum clear-
ance of 0” to standoff (see
unit dimensions Figure 13).
NOTE: When framing with
2x6’s and installing the gravity
vent option, be sure to allow
for the 2” minimum clearance
between the header and the
B-vent pipe. (see Figure 13)
for gravity vent locations.
Figure 4: Location and framing dimensions

OUTSIDE AIR DUCT
After the fireplace is correctly positioned, connect the com-
bustion air inlet to the outside (see Figure 5).
A4inch diameter duct can be used if the total run of the
pipe is less than 25 feet. If the total run is longer than 25
feet, a 5 inch diameter pipe must be used.
1.Find a convenient location for the combustion air duct
and register. The location of the register may be above
or below floor level.
2. Make a 4 1/4"(5 1/4" if using a 5" diameter duct) hole in
the outside wall of the house. Mount the register in the
hole from the outside with the inlet facing down.
3. Place the insulated flexible duct over the register tube
and outside air connector sleeve. 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 inlet and tube. Carefully push the
insulation and cover back over the duct. Tape the plastic
cover in place with the 2" aluminum duct.
CAUTION: When running duct around corners, be sure to
prevent crimping that would restrict the combustion airflow.
Use an insulated duct rated at over 200° F. Our testing has
shown that as long as the 5" diameter insulated duct is uti-
lized properly, there is no restriction on the length of the
run. It is recommended that the duct does not exceed 12
ft. vertical height rise above the base of the unit. The air
inlet should never be less than 5 ft. below the top of the
chimney flue and should not terminate in attic spaces.
Outside air control
The OpelAPis designed to use outside air for combustion
but you may choose to use inside air for combustion air
instead. To do so, open the sliding door on the bottom
inside right ofthe fireplace (behind the bottom louvers).
Note that the fireplace uses outside air when the handle is
closer to the back of the fireplace and inside air when it’s
closer to the front. We recommend the use of outside air
for combustion.
CHIMNEY
This fireplace is certified for use with 7” ICC Model EXCEL
chimney. The chimney system height from the top of the
fireplace must be a minimum of 12 ft. and a maximum of 40 ft.
We recommend that the minimum height be increased by
approximately 1 ft. for every 2000 ft. elevation above sea
level. Every 30° or 45° elbow also increases the minimum
height by 1 ft. For example, if you are living 6000 ft. above
sea level, your chimney should terminate at least 15 ft.
from the top of the fireplace (12 ft. + 3 ft. for the 6000 ft.).
(See Table 1) for more precise recommended flue heights.
Page 11
OPEL AP
Outside air
connection
12
Opel AP
Outside air register
2” aluminium duct tape
Insulated flexible air duct Outside wall
Figure 5: Outside air connection and installation options

Page 12
OPEL AP
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
NOTE: The clearance between the chimney and com-
bustible material must be 2" or more. DO NOT fill this area
with insulation.
1. Cut and frame the required holes in the floor, ceiling and
roof where the chimney will pass through. Use a plumb
bob. The rough opening in the framing size is 131/4”
square.
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 6).
3. Place the first chimney length on the fireplace. Secure
the chimney length to the fireplace with the three screws
provided.
The chimney must extend at least 3 ft. above its point of
contact with the roof and at least 2 ft. higher than any wall,
roof, or building within 10 ft. of it.
NOTE: If the chimney is higher than 5 ft. 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:
-USA: use a vented flashing.
-CANADA: use a vented flashing or a
roof radiation shield (ERRS)
and a regular flashing.
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.
7. Read the EXCEL Chimney installation manual concern-
ing requirements for supports, bracing, anchors, etc.
8. The maximum height of chimney that can be supported
by the top of the fireplace is 18 feet.
MASONRY CHIMNEY
WARNING: When contemplating using an existing
chimney, it must first be thoroughly inspected by an
authority having jurisdiction to determine the follow-
ing:
1. It is a well constructed, lined masonry chimney, fully in
accordance with Local Building Codes and the National
Building Code of Canada NBCC 9.21 or NFPA211.
2. It has been thoroughly cleaned of any soot or creosote
residue and inspected to determine that it is in good con-
dition.
3. There is no attic insulation of any type in contact with the
chimney and no insulation stuffed in around the chimney
at any point, for any reason.
4. There is, as per NBCC 9.21 or NFPA211, the necessary
air space clearance at all points around the chimney
from floor to roof flashing. If the chimney is enclosed in
drywall, openings will probably be required in order to
verify clearances at all points.
5. Chimney will be used only for the fireplace and may not
be used to vent a furnace, water heater or any other
appliance.
TABLE #1
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’
TABLE 1

Page 13
OPEL AP
Rain cap
3’ min.
Storm
collar
Flashing
Storm collar
Radiatio
n shield
2” min.
WARNING: DO NOT PACK
REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSU-
LATION OR OTHER MATERIALS
1-hour fire rated enclosure required
when chimney passes occupied living
space (closets, etc.). 2” min. clearance
from chimney.
Opel AP
NOTE: openings
must be framed
to adequately
support any
chimney sup-
ports and roof
assemblies
10’ min.
2’ min.
37” min. (84 from
base to ceiling) for
sealed enclosure
25” min. (72 from
base to ceiling) for
vented enclosure
Louverd
vents
Figure 6: Chimney installation
6. If major repairs are required to meet the above
conditions, a new chimney should be constructed.
New chimney installation:
To ensure adequate draft and to facilitate cleaning, the fire-
place must be connected to the chimney using 7" diameter
EXCEL chimney with an elbow, as shown in (Figure 7). An
ICC 7" rigid stainless steel liner and a 45° stainless steel
elbow are attached to the chimney and secured in place
using a liner adapter (FDM). If you use a 6 x 10 clay liner
you will need to ovalize the stainless steel liner to fit into the
clay liner. It is recommended that you position your fire-
place before building the chimney. The factory built chim-
ney sections can easily be installed as the layers of brick
are being placed.
NOTE: If the ceiling is high enough some vertical chimney
can be installed before the 45° or 30° elbow is installed.
Existing chimney installation:
If it is difficult to install rigid stainless on an existing chim-
ney, a listed stainless steel flex liner can be used. Special
care is to be taken when installing the flexible liner. A posi-
tive connection is assured with the masonry adaptor (FDM)
available from your dealer. The stainless steel flex liner
connects to the masonry adaptor with a flexible/rigid adap-
tor (LAF) and is secured with the 3 stainless steel rivets
provided. The masonry adaptor is then secured to the Excel
chimney with the 3 screws provided. The stainless steel
liner fits inside the clay liner all the way to the top of the
masonry chimney. It is not meant to replace
the clay liner. After mortaring in place, the
connection should not be visible. Care must
be taken when cleaning to ensure that the
stainless steel flex liner is not dislodged.
As depicted in (Figure 7), the EXCEL chim-
ney is to be a minimum of 18" from the con-
nection point at the elbow to the masonry
adaptor. The uppermost part of the metal
chimney where it enters the masonry chim-
ney must be a minimum of 12 inches from the
ceiling.
1. Sight-in and mark the outline of where the
factory-built chimney will penetrate the
masonry chimney.
2. Using a large (3/4" - 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 cen-
ter 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. For chimneys with less than 10" X
10" inside you may find it easier to install a
flex liner and secure the end with a special
adapter (LAF) available from your dealer.
4. Move the fireplace forward enough to
install the length of EXCEL chimney then
move the fireplace back into position as
you connect the masonry adaptor to the
EXCEL chimney.

Page 14
OPEL AP
Clearance as per NBCC
9.21 or NFPA211
Metal
firestop
Masonry adaptor
(FDM)
Excel liner or other liner list-
ed to ULC-S635, ULC-S640
or UL1777
12” min. to
combustible ceiling
Excel 7” chimney
18” min. length
Excel elbow
Figure 7: Connection to masonry chimney
CHASE ENCLOSURE
If the chimney runs up the outside of the house, it must be
enclosed in a chase structure. It is best to locate the chase
away from any overhead obstructions and meet all clear-
ances from such objects. The chase should be constructed
in such a way that it is an extension of the home. 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 fire-stop. If the
climate in your area is very cold, insulate the chase to the
top to keep the flue warmer, to increase the draft, and
reduce creosote buildup.
NOTE: In USA if the chase is enclosed or flashed to the
roof as shown in (Figure 9), then the flashing must be vent-
ed.
If required by local codes, make certain that the walls have
been properly insulated, vapor sealed and sheathed with a
fire rated gypsum board (see Figure 9).
REMEMBER: Check local codes concerning installation
requirements and restrictions in your area.
RADIATION SHIELD
Aradiation shield must be placed where the chimney
passes through each floor level overhead. This will assist
in retarding any spread of fire and act to contain the fire
within the area below the radiation shield.
OFFSET CHIMNEY
Maximum offset angle: 45°
Maximum number of elbows: 4, resulting in two
(2) offsets.
An elbow may be installed directly on top of the fireplace if
required. Use offset
support
Radiation
shield
Offset
Rise
3 metal
screws in
each joint
Radiation shield
Figure 8: Offset chimney installation
Storm collar
Offset
suport

Page 15
OPEL AP
10 ft
2 ft
min. Storm collar
Flashing* 12” min.
Insulation
Chase liner of fire rated gypsum
board is recommended (may be
required by local authorities)
Fire stop, joist radiation shield
Opel AP
2” min.
clearance to
combustibles
Figure 9: Chimney installation with chase enclosure
Use the offset option if you need to clear a joist or pass
around a cupboard. Install the fireplace and chimney as
described earlier. When you require an elbow, proceed as
follows:
See the detailed offset chart in the EXCEL installation
instructions.
1. Install the required elbow. Turn it in the desired direction,
and fasten it to the other section with the 3 metal screws
provided at the joint.
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, wall support, or an offset support
at each offset to support the weight of the flue (elbows
are not designed to support a flue above an offset).
FRAMING IN
The enclosure walls can be framed with any suitable mate-
rials (2x4 or 2x6 studs, plywood, gypsum board, etc.).
Because of the high heat output potential of the Opel AP,
combustible material must NOT go closer to the fireplace
than the standoffs, top, back and sides.
If you like, framing can be set back to allow the facing to be
flush with the front of the fireplace.
Each top standoff has a notch where the gypsum board
can be inserted when finishing.
In front of each side standoff there is a gypsum board
bracket to lean the finishing wall on. Under no circum-
stance the gypsum board or finishing wall should be placed
below this bracket or notch line.

Page 16
OPEL AP
2 ft
min. 10 ft.
Flashing* 12” min.
2” min. to
combustibles
Wall
support
Radiation shield
and offset, roof
or wall support
Insulated firestop in
angle(30° or 45°)
Opel AP
Figure 11: Offset chimney through a wall
In USA: Use vented flashing
In CANADA:Use Roof Radiation Shield (ERRS)
and a regular flashing
SPARK GUARD
Install a 5" piece of sheet metal centered under the joint
between the fireplace and the hearth extension. This will
make certain that sparks cannot lodge in the crack and
start a fire. If you are preparing a raised installation, then a
“Z” shaped spark guard must be installed. The height of the
Z-shaped spark guard must equal the distance between
the floor and the base of the unit. The minimum depth the
spark guard must extend beneath the Opel APis 2 1/2
inches. The spark guard must run the full length of the fire-
place. (Z-SHAPED GUARD NOT SUPPLIED)
Z-shaped spark guard for raised
installation must be custom supplied
by installer (minimum 26 gauge
steel)
Non-combustible
flooring
Figure 10: Z-shaped spark guard
Raised platform
Opel AP
MANTEL
Amasonry or other non-combustible mantel may be placed
directly above the top louvers. If a wood or other com-
bustible mantel is desired, then it must be at least 28” (54"
from the base of the fireplace) above the top of the door
opening (see Figure 14).
HEARTH EXTENSION
The area immediately in front of the fireplace must be pro-
tected by a non-combustible material such as brick, tile,
stone, or slate. The protection must extend at least 16" in
front and 8" on both sides of the fireplace opening. There
is no minimum thickness required for the hearth extension.
BENEATH HEARTH EXTENSION
Installation required in the USA only.
The Opel APmust use a metal sheet and 1/2” Durock©
cement board beneath the hearth extension - unless it is
raised at least 4 inches above the base of the hearth. The
metal sheet and Durock© board must have the same
dimension as the hearth extension, namely, 16” wide and
38 1/2” long.
If the fireplace is raised 4” or more, the area in front of the
fireplace just needs to be covered with a non-combustible
material such as metal, brick, stone or slate, it does not
require the Durock© board. There is no minimum thickness
required for this non-combustible hearth extension. The 5”
wide spark guard must be installed underneath either the
hearth extension or the Durock© board.
NOTE: if the Opel AP is installed on a concrete floor, the
Durock© board and spark guard are not required.

Page 17
OPEL AP
8” min.
Linteau
12” min. from side
wall to edge of
louvers
47 1/4”
54”
23”
38 1/2”
16”
Insulation 3/4”
Non-combustible
hearth
Figure 12: Clearance to combustibles
11”11”
11¼”
24” to standoff
37” to standoff
1 ½”
Opening for central heat or
gravity vent ducting
11”
39 ¼”
5 ¾”
36”
18 7/8”
29 ½”
5 ½”
47 ¼” to top standoff
½” 1 ¼”
Figure 13: Unit dimensions
NOTE: Metal sheet
and Durock© cement
board (in USA only).
Opening for gravity vent only

Page 18
OPEL AP
Combustible side
facing or surround
may extend 8” max.
from the face of the
fireplace
28” min.
to mantel
(54” from
the base
of the
fireplace)
23 1/2” min.
to com-
bustible top
facing
(49 3/4” from
the base of
the fireplace)
7 1/4” min. from door open-
ing to combustible facing
Combustible top facing
may protrude 1” max.
from the face of the
fireplace
Figure 14: Clearance to combustibles
OPEL AP OPTIONS
Just a few comments about your OpelAP options. The size
and shape of your home and how you intend to use your
fireplace will determine the options you require.
For a basic, high-efficiency fireplace, you won’t need any
options or electricity.
Automatic temperature control can be accomplished by
adding the thermostat option (FDHC4). The thermostat
automatically controls the amount of combustion air to the
fire, leaving your home at an even preset temperature. If
you seriously plan to heat your home with the fireplace, the
thermostat option will increase comfort, end the fuss of
continued manual adjustment, and reduce wood consump-
tion.
For more heat output and increased air circulation, you can
add the internal blower (FDHB5). For larger homes in cold-
er climates, this is an important option if you plan to use the
fireplace as a serious source of heat.
NOTE: It will be difficult to install the internal blower if
wiring is not run during framing. If there is any chance that
this option will be installed in the future, power should be
run to the fireplace and wire must be run to a switch box at
a convenient place on the wall for mounting the blower
control.
If you have rooms directly above or adjacent to the room
with the fireplace that you would like to heat, you may con-
sider the gravity vent option (FDV). The gravity vent dis-
tributes hot air to these rooms and requires no blower to
assist its operation. However, with the internal blower
(FDHB5-N) installed, there will be some increase in warm
air movement to rooms serviced by the gravity vent.
If you desire even heat throughout your home strictly from
your fireplace, or if you want to move heat to a remote area
of your home, it is recommended that you incorporate the
central heat option (parts FDHB6, FDHC6 and FDHC6-1). A
thermostatically controlled blower takes heat from the fire-
place, and distributes the warm air throughout your home
even a couple of stories up or down.
WALL THERMOSTAT (FDHC4)
This optional kit allows you to control the temperature by a
remote mounted electric wall thermostat.
NOTE: It is strongly recommended that this kit be installed
during framing so that the wiring can be easily hidden.
1. Remove both top and bottom louvers. The top louver is
held in place by springs underneath, so push down from
the top, then rotate and pull forward. The bottom louvers
can be opened by pulling the right hand side of the lou-
vers. To completely remove the louvers, when opened,
push up the louver to remove the bottom of the hinge rod
from its hole and pull the louvers.

Page 19
OPEL AP
Black
White
Ground (bare)
Top louvers Draft control
Keyhole
with pen-
dant stops
Wall
thermostat
(FDHC4)
Terminal block
(cover removed)
Damper motor (FDHC4)
Transformer Mounting
bracket
Screws
Pendant end
chain
(FDHC4 kit)
To thermostat
110 V
Figure 15: Thermostat control installation
See wiring
diagram
(Figure 34)
3. BEFORE fastening the controls with the 2 screws pro-
vided, thread the supplied chain through the spare key-
hole in the draft control and attach a pendant to the end,
just like the chain that is beside it. Let the chain down on
the same side of the heat shield as the existing chain,
and attach it to the lever on the damper motor with
another pendant. Push the pendant snug into the hole in
the lever. Then mount the controls to the bracket.
4. Adjust the chain on the draft control lever until it is just
snug but the damper is still closed. When the damper
motor is energized, the damper should open all the way.
Lock the chain onto the keyhole with another pendant
just like the chain beside it.
5. Wire the thermostat as shown in (Figure 15), making
sure the wall control is sufficiently away from the direct
radiation of the fireplace. Make certain that it is at least
10 ft. away from the fireplace, but in the same room.
CIRCULATING BLOWER (FDHB5-N)
NOTE: It is important that the wiring for the blower kit is
installed during framing so that the wiring can be easily
hidden.
1. Remove the bottom louver. (See operation #1 in the
above section.) Pull the louver from the right hand side
toward you. Lift the louver to remove the bottom of the
hinge rod from its hole. Remove the top of the hinge rod
from the top hole.
2. The damper motor and transformer are mounted on a
bracket in the bottom right hand corner of the fireplace
(see Figure 15).
Circulating blower
Blower speed control
Thermal switch
bypass
Terminal block
Thermodisc
Figure 16: Circulating blower

Page 20
OPEL AP
Terminal switch
Mounting clips
Thermal switch
Circulating blower
Bottom louver
Louver retention
Figure 17: Circulating blower location (sectional view)
2. Remove the ash pan, to do so, you will need to remove
the plug from the inside of the firebox.
3. Remove the ash pan’s drawer. Remove the screw locat-
ed on the right hand side of the drawer at its back.
4. Mount the blower on its 90º bracket. Be sure that the
wires are connected to the blower before mounting
5. Hold the blower with the outlet facing up from the back.
Fit the blower through the louver opening.
6. Slide the blower into place between the two brackets.
You should see the wheels of the blower.
7. Mount the thermal switch on its support as shown in
(Figure 17). The thermal switch support is located just
beneath the bottom of the firebox on the right hand side
leg. Push the clips on to the support as far as they will
go.
NOTE: One thermal switch is all that is required to oper-
ate the internal blower, the central heat blower, or both.
8. Locate the provided speed control in a switch box at a
convenient location on the wall and connect it with con-
ventional 90° C 14 gauge wire (see Figure 16).
9. Replace the ash pan drawer and srew, the ash pan and
the louver.