Ventis ME300 User manual

45722A
Printed in Canada 20-08-2015
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION MANUAL
ME300 (VB00001 model)
U.S. EPA Low Mass Wood-burning
Fireplace voluntary program phase 2
emission level qualified model
Safety tested according to ULC S610
and UL 127 Standards
by an accredited laboratory
www.occanada.com
Manufactured by:
Stove Builder International Inc.
250 rue Copenhague, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures (Quebec), Canada, G3A 2H3
After-sale service: 418-908-8002 E-mail: [email protected]
READ AND KEEP THIS MANUAL FOR REFERENCE
This manual is available for free download on the manufacturer’s web site. It is a copyrighted document.
Re-sale is strictly prohibited. The manufacturer may update this manual from time to time and cannot be
responsible for problems, injuries, or damages arising out of the use of information contained in any manual
obtained from unauthorized sources.

2 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING THIS VENTIS FIREPLACE
As one of North America’s largest and most respected wood stove and fireplace manufacturers, Stove
Builder International takes pride in the quality and performance of all its products. We want to help you get
maximum satisfaction as you use this product.
In the pages that follow you will find general advice on wood heating, detailed instructions for safe and
effective installation, and guidance on how to get the best performance from this fireplace as you build and
maintain fires, and maintain your wood heating system.
We recommend that our woodburning hearth products be installed and serviced by professionals who are
certified in the United States by NFI (National Fireplace Institute®) or in Canada by WETT (Wood Energy
Technical Training) or in Quebec by APC (Association des Professionnels du Chauffage).
Congratulations on making a wise purchase.
Read this entire manual before you install and use your new fireplace. It is important that you follow the
installations guidelines exactly. Failure to install this fireplace correctly could result in a house fire, bodily
injury or even death.
You may need to obtain a building permit for the installation of this fireplace and the chimney that it is
connected to. Consult your municipal building or fire department about installation requirements in your
area. We recommend that you also inform your home insurance company to find out if the installation
will affect your policy.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE PICTURES SHOWN IN THIS MANUAL ARE GENERIC AND MAY NOT MATCH
EXACTLY THE LOOK OF YOUR FIREPLACE.
WARNING:
THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE APPLIANCE ALWAYS
OVERRIDES THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED, IN ANY OTHER MEDIA (OWNER’S MANUAL, CATALOGUES,
FLYERS, MAGAZINES AND/OR WEB SITES).
CAUTION: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR ALTER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIREPLACE OR ITS
COMPONENTS. ANY MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION OF CONSTRUCTION MAY VOID THE
WARRANTY, LISTINGS AND APPROVALS OF THIS SYSTEM. IN THAT CASE, STOVE BUILDER
INTERNATIONAL (SBI) WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DAMAGES. INSTALL THE FIREPLACE
ONLY AS DESCRIBED IN THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 3
Table of Content
PART A –INSTALLATION ................................................................................. 5
1Safety ....................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Safety Information ...............................................................................................................................5
1.1.1 Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation .....................................................................................6
2General Information.................................................................................. 7
2.1 ME300 Wood Fireplace Specifications.................................................................................................7
2.2 The Benefits of EPA Voluntary Emission Program «Low Mass» Phase II ............................................9
3Installation.............................................................................................. 10
3.1 Fireplace Installation..........................................................................................................................10
3.1.1 Installation of a Gas Log Set ...........................................................................................................10
3.2 Locating the ME300 Wood Fireplace.................................................................................................10
3.3 Raised base installation......................................................................................................................10
3.4 R-Value Calculations...........................................................................................................................15
3.5 Minimum Heart Extension Requirements .........................................................................................16
3.6 Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf ..............................................................................18
3.6.1 Framing...........................................................................................................................................18
3.7 Facing .................................................................................................................................................22
3.8 Compliance of a Combustible Mantel Shelf.......................................................................................23
3.9 Fresh Air Intake Kit.............................................................................................................................24
3.10 Faceplate Installation VBA1520 (Sold Separately).............................................................................26
3.11 The Use of the Fire Screen .................................................................................................................27
4Venting System ....................................................................................... 28
4.1 General Information ..........................................................................................................................28
4.2 Suitable Chimneys..............................................................................................................................28
4.3 Chimney Installation Notes................................................................................................................30
4.4 Chimney Installation Instructions ......................................................................................................32
4.4.1 Examples of Typical Chimney Installation......................................................................................32
4.5 Offset Chimney Installation ...............................................................................................................36
4.5.1 Angled Wall Radiation Shield .........................................................................................................36
4.6 Chimney Support Installation ............................................................................................................37
4.6.1 Universal Roof Support ..................................................................................................................37
4.6.2 Universal Offset Support ................................................................................................................37
PART B - OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE .................................................... 38

4 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
5Fuel......................................................................................................... 38
5.1 The Use of Manufactured Logs ..........................................................................................................38
6Operating the ME300 Wood Fireplace ..................................................... 39
6.1 First Fires............................................................................................................................................39
6.2 Building a Fire.....................................................................................................................................39
6.3 Maintaining the Fire...........................................................................................................................39
6.4 Air Intake Control and Exhaust Damper ............................................................................................40
6.5 Smoking Causes and Troubleshooting............................................................................................40
7Maintaining Your ME300 Wood Fireplace ................................................ 42
7.1 Creosote –Formation and Need for Removal ...................................................................................42
7.2 Chimney Maintenance .......................................................................................................................42
7.3 Dealing With a Chimney Fire..............................................................................................................42
7.4 Disposal of Ashes ...............................................................................................................................43
7.5 Refractory Panel Replacement ..........................................................................................................43
7.6 Replacing the Glass and/or the Glass Gasket ....................................................................................45
7.7 Plated Finish Maintenance.................................................................................................................46
7.8 Glass Care –Cleaning .........................................................................................................................46
7.9 Blower Maintenance or Replacement ...............................................................................................47
Appendix 1: Optional Heat Distribution Systems Installation (AC01375,
AC01376 or AC01340).............................................................................. 49
Appendix 2: Exploded Diagram and Parts List................................................ 60
VENTIS LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY .......................................................... 63
REGISTER YOU 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
recommend that you register your warranty online at
http://www.occanada.com/en/service-support/warranty-registration
Registering your warranty online will help us track rapidly the information
we need on your unit.

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 5
PART A –INSTALLATION
THE INFORMATION GIVEN ON THE CERTIFICATION LABEL AFFIXED TO THE APPLIANCE ALWAYS
OVERRIDES THE INFORMATION PUBLISHED, IN ANY OTHER MEDIA (OWNER’S MANUAL, CATALOGUES,
FLYERS, MAGAZINES AND/OR WEB SITES).
1SAFETY
1.1 Safety Information
CAUTION: NEVER 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 AT ALL TIMES.
CAUTION: KEEP COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AT LEAST 48 INCHES AWAY FROM THE FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE
OPENING.
CAUTION: NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED WHEN THERE IS A FIRE BURNING IN THE FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: NEVER USE GRATE OR ELEVATE FIRE. BUILD WOOD FIRE DIRECTLY ON HEARTH.
CAUTION: DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE INSERT AND OTHER PRODUCTS NOT SPECIFIED FOR USE WITH THIS
FIREPLACE.
CAUTION: DO NOT OBSTRUCT AIR INTLETS. THIS FIREPLACE NEEDS AIR FOR ITS GOOD OPERATION.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH A GAS LOG LIGHTER.
WARNING: DO NOT USE MATERIAL OTHER THAN THOSE LISTED IN THE REPLACEMENT PARTS SECTION DURING
INSTALLATION AS THEY MAY BE SAFETY HAZARDS AND A FIRE COULD RESULT.
CAUTION: FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE A NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL FOR THE
SURROUND OF THE FIREPLACE. IN THAT CASE, A CEMENT-BOARD (DUROCK STYLE) IS MANDATORY.
FAILING TO RESPECT THIS GUIDELINE MAY RESULT IN A FIRE.
CAUTION: THIS HEATING UNIT MUST SERVE AS A SUPPLEMENTARY HEAT SOURCE. AN ALTERNATIVE HEAT
SOURCE SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE HOME IF NEEDED. THE MANUFACTURER CANNOT BE
RESPONSIBLE FOR ADDITIONAL HEATING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE USE OF AN ALTERNATIVE
HEAT SOURCE. IT IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED THAT THE USER BUYS THIS PRODUCT FROM A
RETAILER WHO CAN PROVIDE INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE ADVICES.
CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.
CAUTION: DO NOT INSTALL THIS FIREPLACE IN A MOBILE HOME.

6 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
CAUTION: OPERATE ONLY WITH GLASS DOORS FULLY CLOSED OR FULLY OPEN WITH MECHE DOORS ALWAYS
CLOSED. IF DOORS ARE LEFT PARTLY OPEN, GAS AND FLAME MAY BE DRAWN OUT OF THE
OPENING, CREATING RISKS FROM BOTH FIRE AND SMOKE. NEVER LEAVE THE FIREPLACE
UNATTENDED WHEN IN USE.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS BEEN TESTED FOR USE WITH OPEN DOORS IN CONJUNCTION WITH MECHE
DOORS ALWAYS CLOSED. THE MECHE DOORS MAY BE OPENNED ONLY DURING LIGHTING
PROCEDURES OR RELOADING. ALWAYS CLOSE THE MECHE DOORS AFTER IGNITION.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED TO BE INSTALLED INSIDE A MASONRY CHIMNEY.
1.1.1 Regulations Covering Fireplace Installation
When installed and operated as described in these instructions, the ME300 wood fireplace is suitable for
use as a fireplace appliance in residential installations.
In Canada, the CSA B365 Installation Code for Solid Fuel Burning Appliances and Equipment and the CSA
C22.1 Canadian National Electrical Code are to be followed in the absence of local code requirements. In
the USA, the NFPA 211 Standard for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances and the
ANSI NFPA 70 National Electrical Code are to be followed in the absence of local code requirements.
NOTE: The Fireplace is not approved for use with a so-called “positive flue connection” to the clay tile of
a masonry chimney.

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 7
2GENERAL INFORMATION
2.1 ME300 Wood Fireplace Specifications
Fuel Type
Cordwood
Test Standards (safety)
ULC-S610 and UL 127
Test Standard (emissions)
ASTM 2515 and ASTM 2558 to comply with U.S. EPA Low
Mass Wood-burning Fireplace voluntary program phase
2 emission level qualified model
Recommended Heating Area
< 1,500 sq. ft. (< 139 m2)
Minimum burn rate
> 5 kg/h (> 11 lb/h)
Shipping Weight
450 lb (205 kg)
Firebox Volume
4.25 cu.ft. (0.120 m3)
Maximum Log Length
20” east-west
Flue Outlet Diameter
8” (203 mm) diameter (vertical)
Mobile home approved
No

8 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
6”/152 mm FORCED AIR DISTRIBUTION KIT (3)
8”/203mm HOT AIR GRAVITY DISTRIBUTION KIT (2)

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 9
2.2 The Benefits of EPA Voluntary Emission Program «Low Mass» Phase II
In the past, most conventional masonry and low-mass, factory-built fireplaces were not efficient at
producing usable heat. Typically, over 90 percent of the heat generated by a fireplace was lost out the
chimney. In addition, many of these fireplaces were sources of smoke, indoors and out.
In 2009, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a voluntary program for manufacturers of
decorative wood burning fireplaces to encourage manufacturers to produce clean wood-burning appliances
that reduce air pollution. Under the U.S. EPA Low Mass Fireplace Voluntary Program, cleaner burning
fireplaces are ones that qualify for the Phase I emission levels of 7.3 g/kg (approximately 57 percent cleaner
than unqualified models) or the Phase II emission levels of 5.1 g/kg (approximately 70 percent cleaner than
unqualified models). Participating manufacturers are expected to qualify under Phase 2 by 2013. The
ME300 wood fireplace is a phase II emission level qualified model that brings you the benefits of lower
emissions.

10 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
3INSTALLATION
3.1 Fireplace Installation
CAUTION: BEFORE CLOSING THE WALLS, MAKE SURE THAT THE AIR CONTROL MECHANISM, THE
FLUE DAMPER AND DOORS MECHANISM WORK PROPERLY.
3.1.1 Installation of a Gas Log Set
You can install a decorative gas appliance or a vented gas log set in the hearth. To do this, install an
automatic shut-off valve. Comply with the Standard for Decorative Gas Appliances for Installation in Vented
Fireplaces, ANSI Z21.60 (1991) or American Gas Association draft requirements for Gas-Fired Log Lighters
for Wood Burning Fireplaces, Draft No. 4 dated August, 1993.
WARNING: THIS FIREPLACE HAS NOT BEEN TESTED WITH AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET. TO REDUCE
RISK OF FIRE OR INJURY, DO NOT INSTALL AN UNVENTED GAS LOG SET INTO THIS
FIREPLACE.
3.2 Locating the ME300 Wood Fireplace
A. The best location to install your fireplace is determined by considering the location of windows, doors,
and the traffic flow in the room where the fireplace is located, allowing space in front of the unit for the
hearth extension and the mantel, and taking into consideration the location of the fresh air intake kit
and chimney. If possible, you should choose a location where the chimney will pass through the house
without cutting floor or roof rafters. Also choose a location that allows installing the least amount of
offsets in the chimney.
B. Usually, no additional floor support is needed for the fireplace. The adequacy of the floor can be
checked by first estimating the weight of the fireplace system. Weights are given in the Section 2.1:
ME300 Wood Fireplace Specifications. Next, measure the area occupied by the fireplace which is
normally 41 1/8" x 25 5/8" (105 cm x 65 cm). Note the floor construction and consult your local building
code to determine if additional support is needed.
WARNING: THE FIREPLACE MUST BE INSTALLED ON A LEVEL AND STRAIGHT (NOT UNEVEN) SURFACE.
3.3 Raised base installation
The ME300 fireplace may be installed directly on the floor or on a raised combustible or non combustible
base. However, the upper and lower angle, for the full width of the floor protection, must be protected 2"
horizontally and vertically (E) by a non-combustible material. For example, a sheet metal (not included).
Apart from these two corners, the sheet metal does not have to cover the rest of the wall between the base
of the fireplace and the floor.
Note that the non-combustible hearth extension floor area must extend at least 16" (41 cm) in front of the
hearth as shown in Section 3.5: Minimum Heart Extension Requirements.

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 11
CLEARANCES
MINIMUM
MEASUREMENTS
A
72" (1829 mm)
E
2" (51 mm)
B
12" (305 mm) maximum

12 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 13
In the case where (F) would be equal to 4", it is suggested that the sheet metal between the base of the
fireplace and floor be in one piece.
In the case where the fireplace is installed directly on the floor the joint between the hearth extension and
the fireplace (E) must also be protected by a non-combustible material. For example, a sheet metal (not
included).
Note that the floor under of the fireplace should match or exceed the height of the floor protection.

14 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
MINIMUM MEASUREMENT
E
2" (51 mm)
A noncombustible floor protection must be installed in front of the unit. For more details see Section 3.5:
Minimum Heart Extension Requirements. The use of an R value is convenient when more than one material
is going to be used in the hearth extension to cover the combustible surface. This is because R values are
additive, whereas K values are not. To find the corresponding R factor to use for some selected materials,
please see Thermal Characteristics of Common Floor Protection Materials table.
CAUTION: DO NOT LEAVE CARPET UNDER THE FLOOR PROTECTION IN FRONT OF THE FIREPLACE

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 15
3.4 R-Value Calculations
There are two ways to calculate the R factor of the floor protection. First, by adding the R-values of the
proposed materials or if some K and thickness values are given, by converting them to R values.
To calculate the R factor for a composite floor protection made of a combination of alternative materials,
simply add the R-values of those materials. If the result is equal to or larger than the required R value, the
combination is acceptable. For R-values of some selected materials, see Table Thermal Characteristics of
Common Floor Protection Materials.
Example:
Required floor protection R of 1.00. Proposed materials: four inches of brick and one inch of
Durock® board:
Four inches of brick
(R = 4 x 0,2 = 0,8) plus 1 inch of Durock®(R = 1 x 0.52 = 0.52).
0.8 + 0.52 = 1.32.
This R value is larger than the required 1.00 and is therefore acceptable
In the case of a known K and thickness of alternative materials to be used in combination, convert all K
values to R by dividing the thickness of each material by its K value. Add the R values of your proposed
materials as shown in the previous example.
Example:
K value = 0.75
Thickness = 1
R value = Thickness/K = 1/0.75 = 1.33

16 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
Thermal Characteristics of Common Floor Protection Materials*
MATERIAL
CONDUCTIVITY (k)
PER INCH
RESISTANCE (R) PER INCH
THICKNESS
Micore®160
0.39
2.54
Micore®300
0.49
2.06
Durock®
1.92
0.52
Hardibacker®
1.95
0.51
Hardibacker®500
2.3
0.44
Wonderboard®
3.23
0.31
Cement mortar
5.00
0.2
Common brick
5.00
0.2
Face brick
9.00
0.11
Marble
14.3 –20.00
0.07 –0.05
Ceramic tile
12.5
0.008
Concrete
1.050
0.950
Mineral wool insulation
0.320
3.120
Limestone
6.5
0.153
Ceramic board (Fibremax)
0.450
2.2
Horizontal still air** (1/8")
0.135
0,920**
* Information as reported by manufacturers and other resources
** For a 1/8" thickness. You cannot «stack» horizontal still air to accumulate R-values; you must separate
each layer of horizontal still air with another non-combustible material.
3.5 Minimum Heart Extension Requirements
The hearth extension floor area must extend at least 16" (41 cm) in front of the hearth (A) and at least 8"
(20 cm) on each side of the door opening (D). The joint between the hearth extension and the fireplace
hearth needs to be made of non-combustible material such as sheet metal (not included).

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 17
CLEARANCES
A
16" (406 mm)
B
46" (1168 mm)
C
8" (203 mm)

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3.6 Framing, Facing, Mantel, and Combustible Shelf
3.6.1 Framing
The construction of the framing, facing, and mantel must be in accordance with the standards and the
following illustrations:
A. Frame the fireplace using 2" × 3" (5 cm x 8 cm) or heavier lumber.
WARNING: COMBUSTIBLE FRAMING MATERIAL CANNOT BE USED IN THE SPACE DIRECTLY ABOVE THE
FIREPLACE, EXCEPT FOR THE STUDS ABOVE THE FACING THAT SUPPORT THE FACING
MATERIAL AND MANTEL. THIS AREA MUST REMAIN EMPTY FOR A HEIGHT OF 6′ (1.83 M)
MEASURED FROM THE BASE OF THE APPLIANCE.
B. Frame the fireplace with vertical studs on each side of the fireplace running from floor to ceiling.
Position the studs back from the front edge of the fireplace, leaving a space the thickness of the facing
material so that the facing can be installed flush with the fireplace facing within limitations of figures
and tables bellow. Frame headers between the vertical studs only as follows:
Place 2" x 3" (5 cm x 8 cm) or 2" x 4" (5 cm x 10 cm headers, only along the upper part of the front,
side and back faces. Do not put wood or any combustible material within the area above the
fireplace except on the front facing.
Place headers only as required to support the facing and mantel.
WARNING: DO NOT PACK REQUIRED AIR SPACES WITH INSULATION OR OTHER MATERIAL.
WARNING: THE FIREPLACE MUST NOT BE IN CONTACT WITH ANY INSULATION OR LOOSE FILLING
MATERIAL. COVER THE INSULATION WITH DRYWALL PANELS AROUND THE FIREPLACE.

ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual 19
Wall finish behind the fireplace’s faceplate installation
CLEARANCES
A
2" (51 mm)
B*
6 7/8" (175 mm)
C*
72" (1829 mm) minimum
D*
5 1/2" (140 mm)
MEASUREMENTS
E*
41 1/8" (1045 mm)
F*
25 1/2" (648 mm)
G
1 3/8" (35 mm) MAX
*When drywall panels or any other finishing material inside the chase around the fireplace is to be used,
add its thickness to the measurement.

20 ME300 - Installation and Operation Manual
See Section 1.3.5: Fresh Air Intake Kit to install this kit (K) and Appendix 1: Optional Heat Management
Systems Installation (AC01375, AC01376 or AC01340) to see the differents heat management systems (L)
installation.
Fresh air intake kit or forced air distribution kit installation
LEGEND
Combustible material allowed in
this area
Non-combustible material only in
this area
MINIMUM MEASUREMENTS
FOR FRESH AIR INTAKE KIT
(K)**
MINIMUM MEASUREMENTS
FOR FORCED AIR DISTRIBUTION
KIT (L)**
H*
12" (305 mm)
18" (457 mm)
J*
12" (305 mm)
18" (457 mm)
*When drywall panels or any other finishing material inside the chase around the fireplace is to be used,
add its thickness to the measurement.
** The fresh air intake kit may be installed on the left side only and the forced air distribution kit may be
installed either on the sides or on the back.