RSF Woodburning Fireplaces PEARL User manual

RSF-IIPRL – 2014-08
Owner's Manual
Residential Factory Built Fireplace
Operation • Maintenance • Installation
PEARL
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

PEARL Owner's Manual 2 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Dear Customer,
The PEARL 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 PEARL 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 PEARL, and are
confident that you have purchased a fireplace that is simply, the best.
Sincerely,
RSF Woodburning Fireplaces Team
May 2014
TABLE OF CONTENT
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
INSTALLATION 10
LOCATION 10
FRAMING 11
CEILING CLEARANCE 13
STANDOFF INSTALLATION 13
SECURING THE FIREPLACE IN PLACE 13
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT 13
FINISHING AROUND THE FIREPLACE 14
CHIMNEY 17
CHIMNEY INSTALLATION 17
OFFSET CHIMNEY 19
CHASE ENCLOSURE 19
MASONRY CHIMNEY 19
HEARTH EXTENSION 21
BENEATH THE HEARTH EXTENSION 21
MANTEL 22
REFRACTORY BRICK INSTALLATION 22
LISTING LABEL 23
COMPLETE OPTIONS LIST 24
REPLACEMENT PARTS 25
LIMITED WARRANTY 26

PEARL 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 burn 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 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.
7. DO keep all combustible materials (furniture, firewood, etc.) at least 4' away from the front of the fireplace.
8. DO NOT use a fireplace grate or other products not specified for use with this fireplace.
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,
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 them, do not use more than one at a time and do not poke or
stir the log while it is burning. 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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 4 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS
The PEARL 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 PEARL'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
For increased air circulation and marginally more heat output, you can add the Circulating Internal Blower (FO-
FDHB8).
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 without the
need for a blower.
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.
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 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.
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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 5 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
UNIT DIMENSIONS AND CLEARANCES
For the side wall
clearance
Distance from the
fireplace side standoff to
the side of the firebox
opening:
8
1
/
8
"
For the mantel shelf
clearance
Distance from the
fireplace base to the top
of the firebox opening:
22"
Figure 1 Unit Dimensions and Clearances

PEARL Owner's Manual 6 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 6' (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 45' (13,72 m)
F Maximum chimney height supported by the fireplace 12' (3,66 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 40½" (1,03 m)
I Minimum width of the spark guard 32½" (825 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 4" 17"
12" 28½"
No combustible mantel shelf can be installed lower than 16½" above the top of the firebox opening. A
combustible mantel shelf cannot be deeper than 12".
For any combustible mantel shelf depths between 4" and 12", you can calculate the minimum installation height.
For example:
•Mantel shelf depth to be installed: 9½"
•So: ((9.5" – 4") x 1.4375) + 17" = 24.9 = 25"
•Thus minimum installation height of a 9½" mantel: 25" 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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 7 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
OPERATION
AIR CONTROLS
All the PEARL 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). Setting the air control lever all the way open (towards the
right) will allow the maximum amount of air into the firebox. Closing the
air control (towards the left) will reduce the amount of air entering the
firebox.
Outside Air Control
The PEARL is designed to use outside air for combustion (see Figure 3).
Setting the outside air control lever towards the left 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, 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. To do so, move the
outside air control lever towards the right 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
PEARL fireplace, 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 an 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
CLOSED
OPEN
CLOSED
OPEN

PEARL 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.
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: USE ONLY THE RSF ANDIRONS PROVIDED WITH THE FIREPLACE.
WARNING: MAKE SURE TO KEEP THE FIRE BEHIND THE ANDIRONS. REPLACE THE LOGS IF THEY
FALL AGAINST THE GLASS.
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, 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.
•If you have purchased the inline fan, make sure the blower is off before opening the door.

PEARL Owner's Manual 9 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
•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 PEARL 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 PEARL.
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 UNLESS SPECIFIED FOR THAT
PARTICULAR USE. 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 a 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
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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 10 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
DOOR ADJUSTMENT
To check for a proper door seal, insert a 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 burn rate of the PEARL 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 ensure a proper seal on the latch side, you can adjust the tightness of the door against the front of the
fireplace as follows:
1. Open the door and turn the handle 360° counterclockwise. Beware not to over tighten the door latch; this will
result in premature failure of the door gasket or cause undue stress on the door handle.
2. Verify the seal with the sheet of paper as described above.
If needed, the hinges can be adjusted to improve the alignment of the door latch with respect to the hole in the
fireplace facing, and for easy installation/removal of the door.
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.
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 remove 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.
LOCATION
Your PEARL 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).
Dimensions of the fireplace along with clearances are shown in Figure 1 and Table 1.
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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 11 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Please refer to the " Finishing " section
starting on page 14 for description of
each finishing scenario. Depth of the
Rectangular
Enclosure
"A"
Depth of the Corner
Enclosure
"B"
Width of the Corner
Enclosure
"C"
Flat Facing 24 ½" 62" 87 ½"
Thin Facing 24" 61 ¼" 86 ½"
Thick Facing 23 ½" 60 ½" 85 ½"
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 PEARL Framing Examples
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 PEARL, combustible materials must NOT go closer to the
fireplace than the standoffs, top, back and sides.

PEARL Owner's Manual 12 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Figure 5 PEARL General Installation
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)
Outside Air Inlet (refer to text for particulars)
Connects to the left side of the fireplace
No combustible material
over the fireplace facing,
top stand-off and in front
of the top casing (grayed
area, refer to text for
particulars)
Cold air trap (optional)

PEARL Owner's Manual 13 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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).
STANDOFF INSTALLATION
Before you begin installing your fireplace, you
MUST install the standoff provided on the top of
the fireplace.
The back shield MUST be open on the back side
as shown at the top of Figure 6. You can then
install the standoff on the fireplace as shown in
Figure 6 with the screws provided in the manual
bag.
DO NOT fill the gap between the fireplace and the
standoff with insulation or any other material; it
will be covered with the finishing material.
NOTHING CAN BE PLACED BELOW THE
HEADER SUPPORTS OF THE TOP STANDOFF
WHETHER COMBUSTIBLE OR NOT. THE
SPACE MUST REMAIN EMPTY.
SECURING THE FIREPLACE IN PLACE
Once the fireplace is in its final location, take the
time to attach it to the floor. Using at least two of
the five small brackets that were securing the
fireplace to the crate, attach the casing of the
fireplace to the floor. If possible, try to have at
least one, if not two, of the brackets screwed into
the floor joists with 2" wood screws.
OUTSIDE AIR DUCT
After the fireplace is correctly positioned, connect the
outside air inlet to the fireplace.
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. We suggest using the 4"
RSF outside air kit (FO-INT).
The air inlet should be at least 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 insulated flexible
duct and outside air inlet. The outside air inlet can
be above or below floor level (see Figure 7).
2. Make a 4 ¼" (5 ¼" if using a 5" diameter duct)
hole in the outside wall of the house. Push the
Examples of the position of the framing with
respect to the top stand-off
Figure 6 Standoff Installation
Figure 7 Outside Air Connection and Installation
Example
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

PEARL Owner's Manual 14 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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 IN A WAY THAT WOULD RESTRICT THE COMBUSTION AIRFLOW.
FINISHING AROUND THE FIREPLACE
The decorative faceplate of the PEARL fireplace is not meant to be covered, it is meant to be admired. DO NOT
cover the decorative faceplate of the fireplace or any of its louvers.
The decorative faceplate of the PEARL extends ½" beyond the sides of the fireplace to be able to hide the edge
of the finishing material behind it. There is also a 1" indentation in the top of the casing to allow for easy finishing
behind the rounded top of the decorative faceplate.
Before you begin, remove the decorative faceplate and bottom louver to
prevent damaging them while installing the finishing materials. To
remove the faceplate, simply open the door and remove the screw that
is centered above the opening of the firebox and is between the
faceplate and the front of the firebox (see Figure 8). Once the screw is
removed, the faceplate will be loose, so with one hand holding the
faceplate in place, close the door. Take a good grip on both side of the
faceplate and lift it up. There are two brackets, one on each lower side,
that need to be disengaged from the base of the fireplace. Do not lose
the hardware that secures the faceplate to the fireplace.
To remove the bottom louver, simply open the door, grab the top of the
louver close to each extremity and pull forward. There are two high
temperature magnets, one on each side, close to the top of the louver
keeping it in place along with two supports close to the bottom of the
louver to support the weight of the louver.
If desired, you can also remove the glass door by lifting it off its hinges
Facing Requirements
Finishing materials that cover the facing of the fireplace MUST BE NON-COMBUSTIBLE (e.g. brick, slate,
ceramic tile, etc.). Drywall cannot get closer to the fireplace than the side and top standoffs. The front face of the
top standoff is considered part of the fireplace facing (see Figure 5). Framing shown in the Figure 9 and Figure 10
is based on the recommended framing shown in Figure 4.
Plan the finishing of the fireplace in advance and plan for the material thickness including the adhesive
coat. You MUST be able to reinstall the decorative facing properly, or it may become a safety hazard.
Top View - Cross section of Fireplace, Framing and Facing (refer to Figure 10)
The non-combustible finishing materials may be installed so that they fit behind the decorative faceplate. Refer to
Figure 10 and adjust the position of your framing to accommodate the thickness of the finishing material you have
selected.
WARNING GYPSUM BOARDS OR ANY OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL CANNOT TOUCH THE
CASING OF THE FIREPLACE. ONLY NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL SUCH AS CEMENT BOARD CAN
TOUCH THE FIREPLACE CASING.
Framing cannot be recessed more than 1½" from the back of the decorative faceplate or more than ½” back from
the front of the top standoff (see Figure 6). To accommodate thick non-combustible finishing materials (e.g.
materials > 1”), use the decorative faceplate as a template and install them so that they protrude past the
decorative faceplate.
Figure 8 Location of the Screw to
Remove the Decorative Faceplate

PEARL Owner's Manual 15 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Flat Facing Installations:
cement board contacting sides of fireplace with drywall
Other Installations:
cement board only on top with drywall no closer than
side and top standoffs
Cement board interior cut detail. A template was
provided on the cardboard packaging of the fireplace
Cement board cut detail. A template was provided on
the cardboard packaging of the fireplace
Figure 9 Facing Examples – Front Views
Flat Facing (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10)
The PEARL can be finished by simply surrounding it with cement board and painting it to provide a flat facing
look.
•Align the front of the framing so that it is recessed ½” back from the decorative faceplate (or ½” in front of the
top standoff, see Figure 6). It should be in line with the front of the notched portion of the side standoff.
•Cover the sides and the top area of the fireplace with a non-combustible material such as a cement board.
Use the template provided in the cardboard packaging of the fireplace to cut the cement board to the
appropriate shape. The decorative faceplate will cover the edge of the cement board against the fireplace
casing.
Remember: ONLY NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL SUCH AS CEMENT BOARD CAN TOUCH THE
FIREPLACE CASING.
•The rest of the wall (beyond the standoffs) can be covered with regular drywall.
Thin Facing (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10)
The PEARL can also be finished with thin facing materials such as ceramic tiles that are less than 1" thick
including the adhesive coat.
•Align the front of the framing so that it is recessed 1" – 1½" back from the decorative faceplate (flush - ½”
back from the top standoff, see Figure 6). Adjust this distance based on the thickness of your facing material
and add ½" for drywall.
•The area directly above the door must be covered with non-combustible material (see Figure 9). If using
cement board, a template was provided in the cardboard packaging to achieve the appropriate shape.
•The rest of the wall (beyond the standoffs) can be covered with regular gypsum boards.

PEARL Owner's Manual 16 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
Remember: GYPSUM BOARDS OR ANY OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL CANNOT TOUCH THE
CASING OF THE FIREPLACE.
•Apply your adhesive coat and thin finishing material to the wall so it will fit behind the decorative faceplate.
Thick Facing (refer to Figure 9 and Figure 10)
You can also finish your PEARL with materials that will result in a combined thickness greater than 1" (e.g. brick,
stone, etc.). These materials will not fit behind the decorative faceplate and will protrude past the faceplate once
installed. If you are using thick finishing materials, then the decorative faceplate of the Pearl can be used
as a template.
Flat Facing: requires cement board due to the
direct contact to the fireplace casing
Thin Facing (< 1", including the drywall)
Thick Facing (≥1")
Note: Framing shown is based on the
recommended framing in Figure 4.
Figure 10 Framing Alignment Examples – Top Views

PEARL Owner's Manual 17 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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 PEARL 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.
Table 3 Minimum Recommended Flue Heights In Feet From The Top Of The Fireplace
Elevation (ft) Number Of Elbows
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’
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, 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 11.
WARNING: A RADIATION SHIELD MUST BE INSTALLED AT EACH FLOOR WHERE THE CHIMNEY
PASSES THROUGH.
3. Place the first length of chimney on the fireplace. Secure the chimney length to the fireplace with the three
screws provided. 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.

PEARL Owner's Manual 18 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
4. Put the roof flashing into place. Seal the joint
between the roof and the flashing with roofing tar
or an exterior sealant. For sloping roofs, place the
flashing under the upper shingles and on top of
the lower shingles. Secure the flashing to the roof
using roofing nails or roofing screws.
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.
WARNING: DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE
OPENINGS IN THE VENTED FLASHING WITH
SEALANT, CAULKING OR ANY OTHER
MATERIALS.
5. Place the storm collar over the chimney and
flashing. Place a bead of exterior sealant around
the chimney below the storm collar, pull the storm
collar through the sealant and seal it once again
on the top with the exterior sealant (DO NOT use
roofing tar).
6. Fit the rain cap on the chimney. Secure it tightly
in place.
Figure 12 Offset Chimney Installation Example Figure 13 Offset Chimney Through a Wall Example
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 11 General Chimney Installation
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
RSF
Fireplace

PEARL Owner's Manual 19 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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 12 and Figure 13 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 chimney length with the three
metal screws provided at the joints.
2. Install enough lengths to obtain the desired offset. Secure each joint with three metal screws. Refer to the
offset charts provided with the EXCEL chimney installation manual for exact offset dimensions.
If the chimney goes through an outside wall as shown in Figure 13 and is enclosed on the other side of the
wall, then the outside plate of the angled wall rediation shield MUST NOT be installed.
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).
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 14). 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 14).
Some local codes require that the walls be insulated,
vapor sealed and sheathed with a fire rated gypsum
board (see Figure 14). 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 PEARL fireplace with a masonry chimney
still requires using EXCEL chimney from the top of the
fireplace to where it will connect to a listed liner that will
run up inside the masonry chimney (see Figure 15).
Figure 14 Chimney Installed with a Chase
Enclosure Example
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

PEARL Owner's Manual 20 RSF Woodburning Fireplaces
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 15, 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.
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 Figure 15 Connection to a Masonry Chimney
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