Valcourt FP9 User manual

PREFABRICATED WOOD-BURNING FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
Keep this manual for future reference
Standards: ULC-S610
Revised: January 2008 Web Site: valcourtinc.com

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REGISTER YOUR WARRANTY ONLINE
To receive full warranty coverage, you will need to show evidence of the date
you purchased your unit. Keep your sales invoice. We also recommended that
you register your warranty online at:
www.valcourtinc.com
Registering your warranty online will help us track rapidly the information we
need on your unit.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
INTRODUCTION.......................................................................................................................... 4
INSTALLATION........................................................................................................................... 5
Fireplace Installation................................................................................................................... 8
Chimney Installation................................................................................................................. 11
Installation Instruction for Masonry Application ..................................................................... 11
Fireplace Finish......................................................................................................................... 15
USE AND SAFETY..................................................................................................................... 19
Creosote .................................................................................................................................... 20
Chimney Fire Safety Procedures .............................................................................................. 20
Feeding and Controlling Combustion....................................................................................... 20
MAINTENANCE......................................................................................................................... 22
Glass and Metal Plating ............................................................................................................ 22
Replacing Refractory Bricks..................................................................................................... 23
Door Installation and Alignment .............................................................................................. 24
Gasket Replacement.................................................................................................................. 24
TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................................................... 25
HEAT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS ........................................................................................... 26
Gravity Distribution Kit............................................................................................................ 26
Forced Air Distribution Kit....................................................................................................... 27
VALCOURT LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY ................................................................... 29
APPENDIX A .............................................................................................................................. 30
Exploded View........................................................................................................................ 30
Parts List.................................................................................................................................. 31
Warranty Registration Card .................................................................................................... 32
Certification Plate.................................................................................................................... 32

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INTRODUCTION
This manual contains all the information required for safe, efficient installation and use of your Valcourt
fireplace. Read carefully all the instructions contained herein and keep this manual handy so you may refer to it
whenever necessary.
Before starting to install the fireplace, consult local authorities to obtain a building permit and learn
about all applicable regulatory requirements.
Do not install this fireplace in a mobile home.
Figure #1: FP9 Fireplace Dimensions
Maximum recommended heating area : 500 to 2,800 square feet (with forced air kit)
Heating capacity* – BTU/hr., EPA test wood : 69,500
Heating capacity* – BTU/hr., seasoned cordwood : 120,000
Optimum efficiency : 75%
*Why is the BTU indicated on the EPA label smaller than the one advertised?
You will notice a difference between the BTU output as indicated on the unit’s white EPA label affixed to the glass and the BTU as
advertised on our web site and/or product literature. The maximum BTU output we advertise for this unit is what will be obtained
with a full load of seasoned cordwood inserted inside the firebox. The EPA output, on the other hand, is what has been obtained
during emissions testing. The EPA test procedure requires that a special type of wood be used and positioned inside the firebox in a
manner that does not represent the way the firebox volume would normally be utilized using seasoned cordwood. The EPA test load is
typically much smaller. Hence, the BTU as per the EPA label is reduced. The BTU output that should be considered by a normal user
is the one we advertise for seasoned cordwood.

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INSTALLATION
This fireplace is designed and approved for installation with the following brands of chimneys
measuring 8” (203 mm) in diameter as well as a minimum of 15’ (4.6 m) and maximum of 45’ (13.7 m) in
height.
* FMI AC (U.S. Only) SuperVent (GSW) Alternative, Superpro
Sécurité ASHT+; ASHT Oliver MacLoed HT 6103
Sécurité S2100+; S2100 Oliver Macloed HT 6000
Selkirk, sentinel(CF); Superpro 2100(ALT);
Supervent 2100 (JM)
Selkirk, Ultra-Temp(UT); Sure-Temp(ST);
Superpro(SPR), Supervent(JSC); Hart&cooley(TLC)
Energy Vent Commander HT 5013 Energy Vent Commander HT 5000
SuperVent (GSW) FC, Max ICC Excel 2100-3
Simpson Duratech Simpson Duraplus HTC
No other device must be added to the chimney connected to the fireplace.
Install the fireplace only according to the methods described herein and ensure proper clearance is
provided to combustible. Use only the parts and chimneys specified in this manual. Any non-compliance with
these directions could create a hazardous situation, thus voiding the certification and the warranty.
ATTENTION: Do not modify or adapt the fireplace’s construction or components. This would void the
warranty. In this event, VALCOURT would not be responsible for any damages which
may occur.
Choose the best location for your fireplace, based on the position of the doors and windows and room air
flow. Provide for the positioning of hot air ducts (optional), an outside air inlet as well as the chimney.
Remember to leave sufficient space for the hearth extension and mantel. If possible, install the fireplace where
it will not be necessary to cut any floor or ceiling joists. (Figure #2)
The fireplace must be installed against a finished wall. Do not install the fireplace against a moisture
barrier or insulation (insulating wool). Do not insert insulation into the enclosure around the chimney.
There are several possibilities for the chimney’s configuration. See Figure #3 to determine the
appropriate configuration for your home. The straighter the chimney, the easier it will be to clean and maintain.
For optimal performance, install the chimney indoors if possible. In areas where temperatures are
constantly below freezing (32ºF/0ºC), installing the chimney outdoors promotes functional problems such as
low draft, excessive creosote buildup and problems starting the fire. In addition, outdoor chimneys are subject
to decreases in pressure and smoke flow reversal. Fireplaces with outdoor chimneys installed on lower floors
(basements) are particularly prone to smoke flow reversal. (Figure #3)

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Figure #2: Various Fireplace Locations
Figure #3: Chimney Configurations

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The table below shows the minimum chimney height requirements, fireplace included, according to the
number of elbows:
Chimne
y
Number of Elbows Minimum Hei
g
ht
Straight installatio
n
--------------- 15’ (4.6 m)
1 - 15° offset 2 - 15° elbows 15’ (4.6 m)
2 - 15° offsets 4 - 15° elbows 18’ (5.5 m)
1 - 30° offset 2 - 30° elbows 12’ (3.7 m)
2 - 30° offsets 4 - 30° elbows 25’ (7.6 m)
* 1 - 45° offset * 2 - 45° elbows 16’ (4.9 m)
* 2 - 45° offsets * 4 - 45° elbows 23’ (7.0 m)
* Permitted only in Canada.
You can also install a decorative gas appliance in the hearth. To do this, install an automatic shut-off
valve. Comply with ANSI Z21.60 (1991) standards governing “Decorative Gas Appliances” in vented
fireplaces and ANSI Z233.1 with regards to the National Gas Code.
ATTENTION: ALWAYS OPEN THE CHIMNEY DAMPER TO ITS MAXIMUM POSITION WHEN
USING A DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE. THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN
TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS LOG APPLIANCE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF
FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL A GAS LOG APPLIANCE WITHOUT A VENT
PIPE.

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FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
1. Remove all combustible floor coverings, e.g. carpeting, linoleum, etc., from the area where the fireplace is
to be installed.
2. The fireplace can be installed directly on the floor or on a platform made of combustible materials, such as
wood or plywood or any other hard, sturdy surface.
3. A 58” x 24” (1473 mm x 610 mm) minimum hearth extension made of non combustible material is
required. The extension can be lower than or flush with the base of the fireplace. (Figures #5)
4. To prevent any burning embers falling between the fireplace and the hearth extension from coming into
contact with the floor, insert a metal sheet under the front of the fireplace. This sheet must extend 4”
(100 mm) on both sides of the fireplace and 2” (50 mm) in front. The non combustible hearth extension
should rest on the 2” band of sheet metal in front. You can also prevent embers from falling in the joint
between the fireplace and the hearth extension by filling it with mortar grout. (Figure #5)
5. To anchor the fireplace to the floor, unfold lower metal attachments and screw them to the floor using 1”
(25 mm) screws.
6. The opening must be at least 6” (152 mm) away from any wall at a right angle with the appliance’s face.
(Figure #12)
7. The standards in your area may require an outside air inlet. Even if this is not the case, it is beneficial to do
so as this will improve the fireplace’s performance. Install a flexible air duct that is 4” (102 mm) in
diameter and a maximum length of 20’ (6.1 m). If a longer duct is required, increase diameter to 6”
(152 mm) but the maximum length will then be 40’ (12.2 m). The outside air intake must not come from a
garage, carport, basement, attic or the chimney’s enclosure.
8. Install the outside air inlet in a place where it is unlikely to become blocked by snow and is sheltered from
high winds. Make sure it is far from the gas meter or any other device that may emit fumes or gases, such
as automobile exhaust.
9. Once you have decided on the location of the outside air inlet, drill a 4¼” (108 mm) hole in the wall. Insert
the inlet grill in the hole from the outside and screw it to the wall with four 1” (25 mm) screws.
10. From the inside, insert the insulated flexible duct and attach it to the inlet grill with aluminum duct tape or
¾” (19 mm) metal screws.
11. On the lower left side of the fireplace, remove the metal piece blocking the air intake. Cut the insulating
wool, insert the adaptor included with the fireplace and screw it in place using two ¾” (19 mm) metal
screws. Using an adjustable collar or aluminum duct tape, attach the flexible duct to the adaptor.

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12. Valcourt fireplaces can be equipped with a temperature control. The fan will come on as soon as the
fireplace reaches its minimum start temperature. Have the wiring installed by a qualified electrician.
Electrical Installation Instructions
12.1 Install the connection box on the bottom right of the fireplace behind the lower louver.
12.2 Install the fan on the pegs at the back of the fireplace behind the lower louver.
12.3 Connect the terminals the thermo-disc found under the fireplace floor.
12.4 Insert a 110-volt wire into the box through the appropriate hole.
12.5 Connect the wiring in the box.
12.6 Test the wiring.
12.7 Close the connection box.
Figure #4: Electrical Circuit

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Figure #5: Fireplace and Hearth Extension Positioning

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CHIMNEY INSTALLATION
1. Assemble the first chimney section with the anchor plate (provided by the chimney manufacturer) using
three ¾” (19 mm) screws.
2. Screw this assembly to the fireplace using four ¾” (19 mm) screws.
3. Continue the installation following the instructions in the chimney manufacturer’s manual. (Figures #6
through #11).
4. To avoid overheating the walls of the enclosure, keep the combustible materials wall flush to the front of he
fireplace. The side walls of the enclosure must not angle over the appliance and should be parallel to its
sides, rising straight up to the ceiling. Never fill the enclosure space with insulation or any combustible
material.
5. The chimney must rise at least 3’ (914 mm) over its juncture with the roof and exceed by at least 2’
(610 mm) any wall, roof or building located within a radius of 10’ (3 m). Any length of chimney exceeding
the roof by 5’ (1.5 m) or more, must be braced using tie rods or guy wires. (Figure #7)
6. To limit creosote buildup, it is strongly recommended that an empty enclosure space be left between the
chimney stack and the outer framing of the chimney. Make sure that at all times a minimum clearance of 2”
(51 mm) separates the chimney and any combustible materials.
NOTE: Since May 1997, whatever the type of fireplace or building, safety standards require that the fireplace
and the full length of an interior chimney up to the ceiling be enclosed.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTION FOR MASONRY APPLICATION
The following requirements must be respected:
1. The chimney must be absolutely clear of any soot residue or creosote. Check for cracks, loose or missing
bricks that could inhibit correct installation of the liner.
2. The clearance to combustible must be a minimum of 1” between the outside of the masonry and any wood
framing or loose insulation.
3. The chimney must be built in accordance with the current building code.
4. No other appliance can be connected to the same chimney.
5. The clearances to combustible for the BISPMA and BISUPA30 connectors are 2” on the side and bottom
and 16” at the top.
6. The connector parts are not necessary if the connection between the insulated length and the stainless steel
liner is done within the masonry chimney.

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Installation with an 8 in. EXCEL chimney
Installing your fireplace with a masonry chimney still requires using EXCEL chimney from the top of
the fireplace to the wall where it will connect to a listed liner that will run up inside the masonry chimney.
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 or
flexible liner to ULC-S635, ULC-S640 or UL777.
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 specially for that purpose and is available
from your RSF dealer. It will attach to the liner with 3 stainless 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.
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.
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 (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 center
out. Be especially careful with the clay liner behind the brick because three sides of it must stay in place.
3. Bring the stainless steel liner down from the top of the chimney. If you are using a rigid liner you will need
enough room to secure an elbow to it with at least two screws. If it difficult to install rigid stainless steel
liner in the existing masonry chimney or for a masonry chimney with less than 10” x 10” inside, a listed
stainless steel flexible liner can be used along with a flexible/ rigid adaptor (LM-LAF) available from your
ICC dealer.
4. Install the liner elbow and masonry adaptor on the lower end of the liner.
5. Move the fireplace forward enough to install the EXCEL chimney on the fireplace (elbow and length) then
move the fireplace back into position as you connect the masonry adaptor to the EXCEL chimney.
NOTE: The stainless steel flexible liner must be installed inside the clay liner. It is not meant to replace the
clay liner.

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Figure #6: Installation with EXCEL Chimney
Figure #7: Minimum Chimney Height

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Figure #8: Straight Chimney Installation Figure #9: Chimney Installation with Elbows
Figure #10: Installation through an Exterior Wall Figure #11: Installation in an Isolated Chase

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FIREPLACE FINISH
1. Combustible materials can be used to finish the fireplace. The framing can be built directly on the sides of
the appliance and behind its face.
2. No side wall of more than 6” (152 mm) wide at right angle with the face of the appliance can be closer than
4” (102 mm). (Figure #12)
3. Adjoining walls may also be built at a 45 degree angle from the edge of the face. However, any right angle
wall must be located at least 18” (457 mm) measured from the outer door edge hinge. (Figure #12)
4. To enclose the top of the finish, it must reach at least 84” (2133 mm) in height from the base of the
fireplace. Do not insert insulation in the chimney enclosure. (Figure #13)
5. Combustible materials must be installed parallel to the face and must not project behind. (Figure #15)
6. To avoid overheating the walls of the enclosure, keep the combustible materials wall flush to the front of
the fireplace. The side walls of the enclosure must not angle over the appliance and should be parallel to its
sides, rising straight up to the ceiling. Never fill the enclosure space with insulation or any combustible
material. If the fireplace is equipped with a gravity ventilation system, this space must be free of any
combustible materials. (Figure #13)
7. If the mantel is made of combustible materials, it must be installed at a height of at least 50” (1270 mm)
from the base of the fireplace. (Figure #14)
NOTE: Make sure nothing obstructs or interferes with the front hot air outlets. The enclosure could overheat.
Any accessible chimney must be chased off or finished to prevent contact. (Figure #13)
Figure #12: Fireplace Finishing

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Figure #13: Chimney Enclosure

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Figure #14: Mantel Positioning
Figure #14b: Combustible material positioning
A : 48 po.
B : Radius of 84 in.
C : 80 in. Min.

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Figure #15: Installation of Combustible and Non-Combustible Materials

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USE AND SAFETY
1. Teach children fireplace safety rules.
2. Do not use the fireplace under the following conditions:
2.1 Whenever a refractory brick is missing or broken.
2.2 Whenever the ceramic glass is cracked or broken.
3. Never use flammable liquids to light or revive a fire and keep such products away from any heat source.
Before lighting a fire, make sure there are no flammable liquids, gases or fumes in the room.
4. When lighting the fire, adjust the air intake control (located at the bottom left of the fireplace) to its
maximum position. Do not leave the damper control in MAX position more than 30 minutes while the fire
is burning.
5. Prevent smoke flow reversal by preheating the chimney flue. Just hold a torch made of rolled up newspaper
towards the smoke chamber for a few minutes.
6. Valcourt fireplaces are designed to burn reasonable quantities of wood. Avoid making overly intense fires
that would damage the appliance. Do not burn garbage, painted wood or wood that has been exposed to salt
water.
DO NOT OVERHEAT
7. When using the fireplace for the first couples of times, make small fires to give the refractory brick time to
dry properly. The appearance of fine cracks in the refractory brick is normal and therefore not hazardous. It
is not a cause for concern.
8. During the first fire, you may detect a certain odor and the coating and oil protecting certain appliance parts
may smoke a little. If you open a window, these will quickly dispel.
9. To light a fire, place balled-up newspaper in the combustion chamber. Crisscross kindling wood over the
newspaper, taking care to leave air space between the sticks. Adjust the air intake control to its maximum
position. Finally, light the newspaper. Once it is well lit, close the doors leaving a ½” (12.5 mm) opening
until the kindling is burning well. To sustain a nice fire, you should maintain a bed of burning embers.
10. Add larger pieces of wood. Crisscross wood over the burning embers leaving air space between. Once the
fire is burning brightly, place 2 or 3 logs and close the doors slowly. Leave the air intake damper
completely open long enough to sustain combustion (maximum of 30 minutes).
11. If you close the doors too quickly, the temperature of the fireplace will reduce and consequently the fire’s
intensity will diminish.
12. Leave the air intake damper in maximum open position until the logs are burning brightly. Do not keep
feeding the fire with softwood kindling and construction waste wood, because these would produce a very
hot fire that may damage the combustion chamber.
13. Expansion and contraction noises during the heating and cooling cycle are normal. They are caused by the
normal expansion of fireplace components.

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CREOSOTE
When wood burns slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with humidity to
produce creosote. Creosote vapor condenses in the chimney left relatively cool by the slow fire and coats the
inside of the flue with residue. When creosote ignites, it produces a red-hot, extremely dangerous fire.
It is therefore recommended to make small, brightly burning fires rather than lazy, smoldering fires. Not
only will it keep your glass doors and flue cleaner but, what is most important, it will lessen the likelihood of
chimney fires.
CHIMNEY FIRE SAFETY PROCEDURES
What to do if you suspect a chimney fire has started:
1. Close the fireplace doors.
2. Alert everyone in the house.
3. Call the Fire Department if necessary.
4. Put out the fire in the fireplace with a dry-chemical extinguisher, baking soda, sand or ashes. (Never use
salt because it is corrosive, nor water because it could cause a steam explosion.)
5. Make sure the sparks coming from the chimney do not set fire to the roof.
6. Before reusing the fireplace, have it inspected by the Fire Department.
FEEDING AND CONTROLLING COMBUSTION
The best fuel for a fireplace is wood that has dried for a year (15% to 20% humidity). Preferably use
hard wood since it has a greater heating capacity than softwood. Hard wood takes longer to burn and,
consequently, you need to feed the fire less often. Wet or very damp wood is more difficult to burn and leaves
more creosote in the flue and on the glass doors than dry wood. In addition, it is not a very effective heating
material.
The fireplace provides its optimal performance when a temperature of 572 ºF (300 ºC) or more is
maintained in the upper part of the combustion chamber. The firestone will whiten and the glass will be clear,
both of which are indications of proper combustion.
To reach the ideal temperature, the air intake damper must remain fully opened during fire start-up for
15 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the fire and the humidity of the wood. At least three logs are
required to cover the bed of embers and maintain a brightly burning fire. The greater the air space between the
logs in the fire, the quicker the wood will burn.
In order to achieve an optimum efficiency from your unit, we suggest that you operate it with the air control
completely closed. Make sure that you have a good fire going and an adequate ember bed before you
completely close the air control. Closing the air control too soon will lower combustion efficiency and may
cause the fire to die out. The addition of a blower (if not already included) is highly recommended to maximize
your unit’s efficiency.