Vermont Castings Stratton User manual



Homeowner’s
Installation and
Operating Manual

30004508 3/11 Rev. 8






4508
Stratton cover
5/08


Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508

Thank you for purchasing a Vermont Castings, Stratton replace. This replace is carefully engineered to include the
latest in wood combustion principles and modern foundry technology.
You can count on years of comfortable heating and pleasurable re viewing if you operate and maintain the Stratton
according to the directions in this owner’s guide.
The Stratton is listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories, and is in compliance with the standards set forth by the Federal
Environmental Protection Agency, 40 CFR Part 60.53(b), as stated on the permanent label attached to each appli-
ance.
This manual describes the installation and operation of the Stratton replace. This heater meets the US Environmen-
tal Protection Agency’s emission limits for wood heaters sold after July 1, 1990. Under specic test conditions this
heater has been shown to deliver heat at a rate ranging from 10,000 to 7,550 BTU/hr.
For more complete details on the Stratton performance and specications, please refer to Page 4.
The Stratton is designed, tested and listed for burning wood. Do not burn other fuels.
We recommend that you hire a professional installer certied by Wood Energy Technical Training (WETT) to install
your Stratton, or to advise you on the installation should you attempt to install it yourself.
Please read the appropriate sections of this manual before you install and use your Stratton. For information on op-
eration and maintenance of the Stratton, refer to Pages 18 and .
The Stratton replace can use 100% outside air with the optional AKMST Outside Air Kit installed.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in property damage, bodily injury or even death.


Introduction ............................................................... 
Safety Information .................................................... 3
Specications ........................................................... 4
Planning Information................................................. 7
Installation ................................................................ 8
Operation ................................................................ 0
Maintenance ........................................................... 4
Replacement Parts ................................................. 8
Optional Accessories .............................................. 30
Warranty ................................................................. 31
 Fuels used in gas, wood-
burning or oil red appliances, and the products of
combustion of such fuels, contain chemicals known
to the State of California to cause cancer, birth de-
fects and other reproductive harm.
California Health & Safety Code Sec. 549.6

3
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508


Read all instructions and warnings carefully before starting installation. Failure to
follow these instructions may result in a possible re hazard and will void the warranty.

The Stratton replace is a clean burning, non-catalytic,
EPA certied solid fuel, wood burning, heat circulating
replace.

MHSC replaces and component parts have been
tested to operate safely when installed in accordance
with instructions provided in this manual. Carefully read
and understand all instructions before beginning instal-
lation.
If you notice any damage to replace or component
parts, immediately report damage to your MHSC dealer.
Only use MHSC components or the warranty will be
voided and a re hazard may be created.
MHSC warranty will be voided by and MHSC disclaims
any responsibility for the following actions:
• 

• 
(except for
chase ashings as detailed in MHSC Chimney
Top installation instructions).
• MHSC

• 
MHSC
MHSC





Consult local building codes to ensure that you are in
compliance installing the replace.
This replace and chimney system must be vented
outdoors.















The replace should not be located in areas with exces-
sive drafts (ie: areas with frequently opened doors and
central heating air inlets/outlets) that disturb the normal
ow of air into the re.

 The Stratton is shipped with a brick tem-
plate in place to be used as a guide to nish brick or
other noncombustible materials to its edge. This brick
template  removed and replaced with an
optional trim kit before burning the replace.





4
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508

EPA Emissions Rating .......................................3.0 g/hr
Range of heat output*.............. 10,100 - 7,550 BTU/hr
Maximum heat output** ..........................40,000 BTU/hr
Area heated*** ................................... up to 1,500 sq. ft.
Size of wood splits ....................18”-0” (460 - 508 mm)
Fuel Capacity......................................... 30lbs. (13.5kg)
Loading ..................................................................Front
Flue size .................................................... 8” (03 mm)
Fireplace weight ................................. 390 lbs. (177 kg)
Primary Air Control ............................................ Manual
Glass panel.......................... High-temperature ceramic
Flue exit position...................................................... Top
Blower rating...............................150 cfm. (115V, 60Hz)
*Under specic test conditions used during EPA emis-
sions standard testing.
**This value can vary depending on how the unit is
operated, and the type and moisture content of the fuel
used. Figure shown is based on maximum fuel con-
sumption obtained under laboratory conditions and on
average efciencies.
***These values are based on operation in building-
code conforming homes under typical winter climate
conditions. If your home is of nonstandard construction
(e.g. unusually well insulated, not insulated, built under
ground, etc.) or if you live in a more severe or more
temperate climate, these gures may not apply. Since
so many variables affect performance, consult your Ver-
mont Castings’ Authorized Dealer to determine realistic
expectations for your home.


 Stratton specications and framing.
Gravity vent ducting may be installed on top of the replace to supply additional heat to the room the replace is in or
an adjacent room.
1/2” (13 mm)
326:O”
(815 mm)
356”
(79 mm)
1236:O”
(325 mm)
366:O” (918 mm)
Rough
Opening
Height
2656O” (673 mm)
3556M” (895 mm)
16”
(406 mm)
33(6:O”
(98 mm)
736:O”
(207 mm)
1236:O”
(325 mm)
356”
(79 mm)
3656O” (927 mm)
Rough Opening Width
Rough
Opening
Depth
11” Dia.
8” Dia.
25” (635 mm)
9”
(229 mm)
22(6:O”
(564 mm)
4508
Stratton Specs
5/08
5/8” (16 mm)
5/8” (16 mm)
23”
(584 mm)
51” (1295 mm)
51” (1295 mm)
72” (1829 mm)
1/2” (13 mm)
Minimum
1/2” (13 mm)
Minimum
36” (914 mm)
3656O” (927 mm)
Outside
Air
Electrical
Access
Outside
Air

5
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508
4508
Stratton finish specs
5/08
32”
(812 mm)
3436:O”
(882 mm)
38" (965 mm)
 Stratton with brick template in place.
Install nish wall
before installing
face plate.
FP1858
Stratton parts id
5/08
FP1875
gravity vent kit
7/08
12”
(305 mm)
Min.
24”
(610 mm)
Min.
 Fireplace and chase parts identication.
FP1858

Insulation methods shown are
optional for cold climate, not a
requirement for unit operation.
Termination Cap
Storm Collar
Pan Flashing
Draftstop
Batt Insulation
(cut out around
restop)
Firestop
Ceiling
Level
Standoff
Metal Safety Strips
(1, or 3 pieces)
 Batt
Insulation may
be used in the
Chase.
Electrical Access
Outside Air Access
Duct Grille
Flex
Duct
FP1875



6
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508
D
Rise
BG
H
B
Offset
C
E
6 FT.
G
H
A
Hearth
Floor
Chimney
Section
CHIMNEY FLUE EXIT
Elbow
FP269
MBUF
5/16/96
rev. 5/25
TCS8A
Support
Example 1 Example 2 Example 3

 G + H cannot exceed 0 feet.
Air Space Clearances: “SK” Series (-wall) = 1Z\x” Min. to Combustibles
“S” Series (3-wall) = ” Min. to Combustibles

The following safety rules apply to
offset installations (letters correspond
with illustration above):
 Height of the chimney is measured
from the hearth to the chimney exit.
Stratton
Maximum: 50’
Minimum:
Without Elbows 19’0”
With  Elbows* 19’0”
With 4 Elbows* 1’0”
 Do not use more than 4 elbows per
chimney.
Attach the straps of the return (top)
elbow to a structural framing member.
The offset (rst) elbow of any pair does
not have straps.
FP69
The chimney cannot be more than 30°
(45° in Canada) from the vertical plane in
any installation*.
The maximum length of the angled run
of the  chimney system is 0 feet. (G
plus H cannot exceed 0 feet.)
 A chimney support (Model SKCS8)
is required every 6 feet of angled run of
chimney. Chimney supports are required
for every 30 feet and 60 feet (SK8 pipe)
or 0 feet and 40 feet (3-wall pipe) of ver-
tical chimney height above the hearth.
Determine the offset distance of your
chimney arrangement from the centerline
of the replace to the centerline of the
chimney where it is to pass through the
rst ceiling.
 This offset distance may not be
your full offset distance. See Examples 
and 3.
 Chimney system requirements.
FP8
0 0 0 0 0 3” 11”
1 0 0 0 0 8Z\₄" 0"
0 1 0 0 0 11Z\₄" 5Z\₄"
 0 0 0 0 13Z\x" 9Z\₄"
1 1 0 0 0 16Z\x" 34Z\₄"
0 0 1 0 0 0Z\₄" 40³\₄"
 1 0 0 0 1³\₄" 43Z\x"
0 0 0 1 0 6Z\₄" 51Z\₄"
0 1 1 0 0 8Z\x" 55Z\₄"
1 0 0 1 0 31Z\x" 60Z\₄”
0 1 0 1 0 34Z\x" 65Z\x"
0 0  0 0 37Z\x" 70³\₄"
1 1 0 1 1 41Z\x" 77³\₄"
0 0 1 1 1 45" 83³\₄"
0 1  0 1 47Z\₄" 87Z\x"
0 0 0  1 51" 94"
0 1 1 1 1 53Z\₄" 98"
0 0 3 0 1 56Z\₄" 103Z\₄"
0 1 0  1 59Z\₄" 108Z\x"
0 0  1 1 6Z\₄" 113Z\x"
0 1 3 0 1 64Z\x" 117Z\x"
0 0 1  1 68Z\₄" 14"
0 1  1 1 70Z\x" 18"
0 0 0 3 1 74Z\₄" 134Z\x"
0 1 1   78" 140³\₄"
0 0 3 1  81" 146"
0 1 0 3  84" 151Z\₄"
0 0    87" 156Z\x"
0 1 3 1  89Z\₄" 160Z\₄"
0 0 1 3  93" 166³\₄"
0 1    95Z\₄" 170³\₄"
0 0 0 4  99Z\₄" 177³\₄"
0 1 1 3  101Z\₄" 181³\₄"
0 0 3   104Z\₄" 186Z\₄"
0 1 0 4  107Z\₄" 191Z\x"
0 0  3  110Z\₄" 196³\₄"
0 1 3  3 114" 03Z\₄"
0 0 1 4 3 117³\₄" 09³\₄"
0 1  3 3 10" 13Z\x"
0 0 0 5 3 13³\₄" 0"

 ¹⁄₂ 
 
 
FP282
MBUF
5/26/96
Offset
Rise
30°
Return
Elbow
30°
Return
Elbow
30°
Offset
Elbow
30°
Offset
Elbow

7
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508

In planning a chimney system, it is important to know:
1. The height of a chimney is measured from the hearth
to the exit point on the termination.
. A chimney cannot be offset more than 30° from a
vertical plane.
3. A chimney may run straight up or it may be neces-
sary to offset it to avoid obstructions.
4. The maximum length of an angled run (total chimney
system) is 0 feet.
5. No more than  offsets (4 total 30° elbows in U.S./or
 total 45° elbows in Canada) per replace may be
used.
6. A guy wire stabilizer is required for chimneys extend-
ing more than 6’ (1.8 m) above a roof line.

The majority of U.S. building codes specify a minimum
chimney height above the roof top. The “Ten Foot Rule”
is a re safety rule rather than a rule to ensure proper
draft. To ensure proper draft, it is recommended that
you always meet or exceed the “Ten Foot Rule,” espe-
cially when installing a termination on a high pitch roof.
(Fig. 6)
The key points of the “Ten Foot Rule” are:
1. If the horizontal distance from the chimney to the
peak of the roof is 10’ (3 m) or less, the top of the
chimney must be at least ’ (610 mm) above the
peak of the roof, but never less than 3’ (914 mm)
in height above the highest point where it passes
through the roof.
. If a horizontal distance from the chimney to the peak
of the roof is more than 10’ (3 m), a chimney height
reference point is established that is on the surface
of the roof a distance of 10’ (3 m) from the chimney
in a horizontal plane. The top of the chimney must be
at least ’ (610 mm) above the reference point, but
never less than 3’ (914 mm) in height above the high-
est point where it passes through the roof.
2' Min.
2' Min.
3'
Min.
0 To 10'
3'
Min.
0 To 10'
AC246
4/1/96
Reference
Point
AC46
 Ten Foot Rule illustration.
Planning an installation is very important to ensure
safety and to save time and money. An installer must
predetermine where a replace will be set and plan how
the chimney system will be run.
Also, when planning your installation, consider nishing
materials you will be using for hearth and walls.

1. The replace bottom must be ush with the top of
the material used for the hearth.
. If you are using a thick stone or brick, you may
want to consider mounting the rebox further out to
achieve the amount of inset from the stone face to
the unit face.
3. Be sure to follow all safety guidelines described in
this manual when choosing the materials for con-
struction.

The replace is shipped with lifting handles attached to
each side with steel straps.  The lifting straps are
intended for lifting the replace from the skid and nal
positioning. The replace should remain on the skid
until nal positioning. After the replace is in position,
the lifting handle and straps may be removed or left in
place.
A replace may only be mounted on the following sur-
faces:
1. A at combustible surface.
. A raised wooden platform.
3. A concrete block or other solid object placed beneath
each of the four (4) corners of the replace.
The replace  be spaced 1/” (13 mm) from a
combustible back wall and 1/” (13 mm) from a com-
bustible side wall or support. (Page 15, Fig. )

L1
L1
LTTOTAL
LENGTH
(LT)
INSTALLED
LENGTH
(L1)
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
56O "
FP288A
MBUF-INSTALLED LENGTH
Triple wall
1/28/99 djt
TRIPLE
WALL
81
818
83
84
 Installed lengths of chimney sections.
 
   
   
SK81 11Z\x” 10Z\x”
SK818 17Z\x” 16Z\x”
SK83 35Z\x” 34Z\x”
SK84 47Z\x” 46Z\x”
FP88a
Determine how the chimney will be run, the length of
the run and the chimney components required to com-
plete the job. (Fig. 5)  install a chimney below the
minimum heights specied in this manual.

8
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508

The SK chimney system can be supported by the re-
place for vertical chimney heights up to 30’ (9 m) above
the hearth. Chimney supports are required if the vertical
height exceeds 30’ (9 m). Locate chimney supports
at ceiling holes or other structural framing at 30’ (9 m)
intervals. Spacing between chimney supports 
exceed 30’ (9 m). Use Chimney Support Model SKCS8.

 Support provided by elbow straps fullls
the support requirement only if they are spaced as pre-
viously described. (A chimney support is Z\x" (64 mm)
long when installed.)
Angled chimney runs require a support every 6’ (1.8 m)
in addition to the elbow straps. Chimney supports are
used for this function. (Fig. 7)
FP284a
TCS8A
8/21/00
Chimney Sup-
port Strap
SKCS8
FP84a
 Chimney support installation.

A chase is a vertical box-like structure which encloses
the replace and/or chimney. A chase is typically built
on the outside of the house with the replace opening
cut into the outer wall of a room. (Page 5, Fig. )
If you need help in determining replace location or how
the chimney system should be run, contact your Ver-
mont Castings dealer for assistance.


If you live in a cold climate, it is not required but
 that you insulate the replace
enclosure to reduce cold air penetration as much as
possible.
Insulate the base of the replace with a noncombus-
tible insulation rated for a minimum of 300° F. Insulat-
ing is  for an outside wall installation
over a concrete slab. If the replace is installed on
a platform, insulation should be placed on top of the
platform replace is set in place. (Fig. 8)
When a replace is installed in a chase or on an
outside wall, the enclosure should be treated like any
outside wall in a home. Insulation should be installed
on the inside wall as well as the outside wall(s). In a
chase, it is also a good idea to install a restop at the
rst ceiling level above the replace and enclose the
chase with the sheeting material. Insulation may then
be installed above sheeting material to assure the
space around the replace is well sealed. (Fig. 3)
When installing the chimney,  caulk between
the outer pipe of the chimney and the restops. It is
vital that some air be allowed to ow through this very
thin gap.
To minimize air inltration from the chase to the home,
seal all joints between the nished wall and the re-
place sheet metal. Use only noncombustible materi-
als, such as rock wool, plaster or mortar to seal these
joints.




FP1859
Platform insulation
5/08 djt
Hard
Flat
Surface
Insulation
Platform
FP1859
 Insulating between platform and replace.

9
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508

Framing can be constructed before or after the replace
is set in place, however, most installers build the frame
before setting the replace.
Frame the replace opening with  x 4 lumber or
heavier materials. Refer to framing dimensions shown
in Figure 1.
Framing should be positioned to accommodate
wall covering and replace facing material.

This replace is wired for the optional FK6STRAT fan
kit. The fan requires 10VAC, 60 Hz power which may
be connected to the right side of the replace using the
romex pigtail provided with the unit. This power must
be completed  the replace is secured and nish
material applied. The romex pigtail should be ocnnected
to house power inside a junction box which includes
wall switch or rheostat.
1. Attach the white wire from house power to the white
wire of the romex pigtail and secure with a wire nut.
. Attach the black wire from the house power to the
black wire of the romex pigtail and secure with a wire
nut.
3. Attach the ground wire from house power to the
ground wire of the romex pigtail and secure with a
wire nut. (Fig. 9)
 The wire nuts must be tight.
Check local building codes to determine if a
junction box is required at the romex pigtail/house wire
connection. Also read junction box and speed control
(SCVS) installation instructions.

Since you have already planned the chimney run, you
should know exactly how the installation is to be accom-
plished - the amount of pipe required, the number of
elbows, if any, and type of termination to be used.
 Report to your dealer any parts damaged
in shipment, specically check the end connection of
chimney sections and elbows.
 Fireplaces may use MHSC Model SK8, or
Model S (three wall) chimney systems. The Stratton
Series Fireplace will accept the SK8 chimney system as
shipped; but a TWABR adapter collar is required when
using the Model S (triple wall) chimney system. The
installation procedure described in this manual applies
 to the SK8 system. Either chimney system may be
used, but the systems  be mixed. The replace
must be modied to install the TWABR adapter. (Fig.
10)

To mark the centerline of the ue, put the replace in
nal position and measure out from the wall: 9Z\x" (41
mm). Mark a spot on the ceiling directly above the re-
place. Draw a line parallel to the back wall through this
mark. (Fig. 10)
Using a plumb bob positioned directly over center point
of replace ue collar, mark the ceiling to establish the
chimney center point. (Fig. 10)

In order to clear an obstruction, it may be necessary to
offset the chimney from vertical. This is accomplished
by using the elbows. Use the 30° Offset Elbow table on
Page 6 to determine proper offset and parts required.
Each offset requires two () elbows. The second elbow
is equipped with support straps. It is very important to
install the second elbow in each offset as close to the
ceiling or support as possible so the elbow straps can
be secured to framing members and help support the
weight of the chimney.
Determine offset distance of the chimney arrangement
from the centerline of the replace to the centerline of
the chimney where it is to pass through the ceiling.
Locate the center point of the chimney on the ceiling
as though a straight up chimney arrangement is to be
used. Measure your offset dimension from the straight
up chimney center point on the ceiling.
FP1062
romex pigtail
8/21/00 djt
Romex Pigtail
(Provided)
Fireplace Electrical
Coverplate
Wire Nuts
(Not pro-
vided)
Ground
Black
White House
Wiring
(10V
60Hz)
FP106
 Wiring diagram.

10
Vermont Castings Stratton
30004508
FP551b
17 1/2"
Framing chimney hole
5/13/99 djt
Existing
Ceiling
Joists
Chimney
Hole
Ceiling
New Framing
Members
FP551b
 Typical frame for ceiling chimney hole.
 Ceiling chimney hole sizes necessary for installing
restop spacer.

   
8" Flue SKFSA SKFS6A
"SK" Series 14Z\x" x 14Z\x" 14Z\x" x 5Z\x"
(368 mm x 368 mm) (368 mm x 648 mm)
8" Flue FSA FS6A
"S" Series 3-Wall 17Z\x" x 17Z\x" 17⁷\₈" x 9⁵\₈"
(445 mm x 445 mm) (454 mm x 753 mm)


Frame the ceiling chimney hole as shown in Figure
1. It is good practice to use framing lumber that is the
same size as the ceiling joists; this is a requirement at
attic level.
The following table gives restop spacer model num-
bers:
FP1860
LOCATE CENTER LINE
Circulating model
5/08 djt
956O"
(241mm)
Chimney Centerline
Actual Centerpoint
Plumb Line
Plumb Bob
Imaginary
Centerpoint
FP1860
 Locate centerline of chimney with plumb line.


The size of the hole in the ceiling will vary with the
angle at which the chimney passes through the ceiling.
Drive a nail into the ceiling at the previously marked
chimney center point. Go to the oor above and locate
the chimney center and ensure existing ceiling joists
and other possible obstructions, such as wiring, plumb-
ing etc., are not in the path of the planned chimney. If
necessary, re-position the chimney and/or replace to
avoid obstructions.

Cover the replace collar opening and cut the proper
sized chimney hole in the ceiling.
The  of the frame the same
as the hole size selected from Figure 11 in order to pro-
vide the required 1Z\x” (38 mm) air space between the
outside diameter of the chimney and the edges of the
framed ceiling hole.


Slide the replace into position.
Safety strips are used to ensure that a combustible
surface in front of the replace is protected at the gap
between the replace and the required noncombustible
hearth extension.
When the nished extended hearth is added, the top
of the nished hearth must be ush with the bottom of
the replace. “Z” shaped metal safety strips have been
supplied with the replace and are required for most
installations. The safety strips provided have a 1” offset.
For applications with a greater offset, “Z” shaped strips
will have to be fabricated of metal. Overlap safety strips
Cut upper shield at
6³\₄” radius to accept
TWABR triple wall
adapter