FRONTIERSMAN™ WOODSTOVE
Models VG450EL and VG450ELG Owners Manual

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READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE STARTING THE INSTALLATION OR OPERATING THE STOVE. FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY, OR EVEN DEATH.		DO NOT use this stove in a mobile home, manufactured home, trailer or tent. (NO EXCEPTIONS)
		This stove meets U.S. Test Standard: UL 1482-1996

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. The installation of this stove must comply with your local building code rulings. Please observe the clearances to combustibles (see figure 1, figure 2 & figure 3). Do not place furniture or other objects within the clearance area.
2. Verify that the stove is properly installed before firing the stove for the first time. After reading these instructions, if you have any doubt about your ability to complete your installation properly, you must obtain the services of a professional licensed installer familiar with all aspects of safe
   and correct installation. DO NOT use temporary or makeshift compromises during installation.
3. DO NOT store wood, flammable liquids or other combustible materials too close to the unit. Refer to certification label on back of unit (see figure 1, figure 2 & figure 3).
4. DO NOT use this stove in a mobile home, manufactured home, trailer or tent.
   NO EXCEPTIONS! (HUD Federal Standard: 24 CFR Ch.XX)
5. If any parts are missing or defective, please notify the dealer or manufacturer immediately. DO NOT OPERATE A STOVE THAT IS MISSING ANY PARTS!
6. Do not tamper with combustion air control beyond normal adjustment capacities.
7. Always connect this stove to a chimney and vent to the outside. Never vent to another room or inside a building. DO NOT CONNECT THIS UNIT TO A CHIMNEY FLUE SERVING ANOTHER APPLIANCE.
8. DO NOT CONNECT a wood burning stove to an aluminum Type B gas vent. This is not safe. Use approved masonry or a UL 103 HT Listed Residential Type and Building Heating Appliance Chimney. Use a 6" diameter chimney or larger, that is high enough to give a good draft (see specifics in chimney installation instructions.)
9. Be sure that your chimney is safely constructed and in good repair. Have the chimney inspected by the fire department or a qualified inspector. Your insurance company may be able to recommend a qualified inspector.
10. Creosote or soot may build up in the chimney connector and chimney and cause a house/building fire. Inspect the chimney connector and chimney twice monthly during the heating season and clean if necessary (see Maintenance & Service Hints).
11. In the event of a chimney fire, turn the air control to closed position, leave the building and CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY! Have a clearly understood plan on how to handle a chimney fire by contacting your local fire authority for information on proper procedures in the event of a chimney fire.
12. To prevent injury, do not allow anyone to use this stove who is unfamiliar with the correct operation of the stove.
13. Do not operate stove while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
14. Ashes should not be allowed to accumulate higher than the slide damper. Dispose of ashes in a metal container with a tight fitting lid. Keep the closed container on a noncombustible floor or on the ground, well away from all combustible materials. Keep the ashes in the closed container until all cinders have thoroughly cooled. The ashes may be buried in the ground or picked up by a refuse collector.
15. The special paints used on your stove may give off some smoke and an odor while they are curing during the first 12 to 15 fires. Additional smoke and odor may be emitted from the light oils used in construction of the fire box. This should disappear after a short period of time and not occur again. Persons with lung conditions or owners of susceptible domestic pets (such as birds) should take
    prudent precautions. Open windows and doors as needed to clear smoke and/or odor. Paint discoloration will occur if the stove is overfired.
16. This stove has a painted surface which is durable but it will not stand rough handling or abuse. When installing your stove, use care in handling. Clean with soap and warm water when stove is NOT hot. Do not use any acids or scouring soap, as these solvents wear and dull the finish.
17. While in operation, all persons, especially young children should be alerted to the hazards from high surface temperatures. Keep away from a hot stove to avoid burns or clothing ignition.
18. The walls of the firebox may become slightly distorted after a period of use. A slight distortion will not affect the operation of the stove.
19. If small children will be in the same room as the stove during operation, provide a sturdy barrier to keep them at a save distance from the stove. NEVER LEAVE SMALL CHILDREN UNSUPERVISED when they are in the same room as the stove.
20. Keep stove area clear and free from all combustible materials, gasoline, and other flammable vapors and liquids.
21. To prevent burns, always wear protective clothing, leather hearth gloves and eye protection, while tending the fire.
22. While in operation, keep the feed door closed at all times except while tending the fire.
23. Do not overfire the stove. Overfiring will occur if the feed door is left open during operation. Such actions will result in very dangerous operating conditions.
24. DO NOT ELEVATE FIRE! Build fire directly on the bottom of the firebox. This stove has not been tested with the use of grates, andirons, or other means of elevating fire and should not be used.
25. All power cords and electrical appliances and/or assemblies must be kept outside of the clearance dimensions shown in this manual for combustible materials.

1. Uncrate the stove and remove cardboard packing and protective poly bag. Remove rear deflector
   (# 21) from the carton. (Save cardboard for further assembly.)
2. Remove parts from inside of stove. Parts include: one damper collar (# 1), four legs (# 16), hardware pack (# 22)  and air deflectors (#33) located  inside firebox.
3. Place flattened carton behind stove and carefully turn stove over onto its back on carton.

4. Remove the four (4) 14mm nuts holding the bottom floor shield in place.
5. Without removing the floorshield, place each leg in position and secure using the four (4) 14mm nuts removed in step 4. Tighten nuts securely.
6. Carefully lift stove to upright position.
7. Attach rear deflector to the rear side corners of the stove using four screws.
8. On VG450ELGB models (only), attach blower assembly to rear of heat deflector. NOTE: Make sure ceramic gasket is positioned between rear deflector and blower assembly. Attach two (2) air deflectors (#33) to the top of the rear heat deflector. When installed, the angled lip should face towards the front of the stove.
9. Attach damper collar to rear top surface of stove using machine screws.

LOCATING STOVE

1. The stove must be placed on solid concrete, solid masonry, or when installed on a combustible floor, on a listed floor protector, such as Hy-C or Jackes-Evans Model UL 3654BK or equivalent with 0.8 R factor. The base must extend at least 16" beyond the side with the access door, 8" to the sides of fuel opening, and must extend under the stove pipe if it is elbowed towards a wall. (See figure 1 & figure 3 and consult local building codes and fire protection ordinances.)
2. The stove must have its own flue. DO NOT connect this unit to a chimney flue serving other appliances.
3. After observing the clearances to combustible materials (see figure 1, figure 2 & figure 3), locate your floor protector accordingly (figure 1) and carefully place the stove in your selected location. Install stove pipe, elbows, and thimble as required, utilizing either a recently cleaned and inspected 6" masonry chimney or a 6" i.d. listed chimney. 
4. Use 6" round black stove pipe, not galvanized stove pipe. Secure pipe sections with three (3) sheet metal screws in each stove pipe and/or elbow joint to firmly hold the pipe sections together. DO NOT connect this stove to any air distribution or duct system.

Fig. 1    TOP VIEW:  Minimum Clearance Dimensions from Combustible Surfaces:

CAUTION: Keep furnishings and other combustible materials away from the stove.   NOTE: Before firing woodstove, slide firebricks towards the rear so no gaps remain between bricks.

Fig. 3    SIDE VIEW:  Minimum Corner Clearances from Combustible Surfaces

CONNECTOR PIPE INSTALLATION

1. The crimped end of the stovepipe fits over the stove flue collar. Secure with three (3) sheet metal screws.
2. Horizontal pipe runs must slope upwards towards the chimney at least 1/4" per foot of horizontal run.
3. You must have at least 18 inches of clearance between any horizontal piping and the ceiling.
4. The pipe cannot extend into the chimney flue (figure 4).
5. Secure the pipe/flue collar and all pipe/elbow sections with three (3) sheet metal screws at each joint to make the piping rigid.
6. It is recommended that no more than two (2) 90° bends be used in the stovepipe installation. The use of more than two 90° bends may decrease the amount of draw and possibly cause smoke spillage. Where possible, use only corrugated (nonadjustable) elbows. These provide a better seal.

Fig. 4   Stovepipe / Flue Connections:

NOTICE: Always provide a source of fresh air into the room where the stove is located. Failure to do so may result in air starvation of other fuel burning appliances and the possible development of hazardous conditions, fire or death.

Your stove itself does not create draft. Draft is provided by the chimney. To achieve proper draft your chimney must meet the three minimum height requirements detailed in figures 7–9. A minimum of 0.05 w.c. (measured in water column) is required for proper drafting to prevent back puffing, smoke spillage, and to maximize performance. (Gauges to measure draft are readily available at stove stores and are economical to rent or purchase.)

FACTORS SUCH AS WIND, BAROMETRIC PRESSURE, TREES, TERRAIN AND CHIMNEY TEMPERATURE CAN HAVE AN ADVERSE EFFECT ON THE DRAFT. The manufacturer cannot be held responsible for external factors leading to less than optimal drafting. Should you have a problem with inadequate draft, you should contact a licensed heating and cooling contractor for assistance in solving the problem.

As of April 1, 1987 all wood stoves should be installed using a factory built chimney that meets the "Type HT" requirement of UL 103 (when using a factory built chimney).

Note, your stove does not create draft. Draft is a function of the chimney. A minimum of 0.05 w.c., (measured in water column) is required for proper drafting to prevent back-puffing, smoke spillage, and to maximize performance. (Gauges to measure chimney draft are readily available at stove shops and are economical to purchase or rent.)

IMPORTANT Installation Points

1. Size the chimney flue to the stove pipe. This stove requires a 6" diameter flue.

2. Never connect this unit to a chimney serving another appliance.

3. The chimney must meet all minimum height requirements.

4. Never use a chimney to ventilate a cellar or basement.

5. Contact your local building authority for approved methods of installation and any necessary permits and / or inspections.

Manufactured Chimney

REFER TO CHIMNEY AND CHIMNEY CONNECTOR MAKER’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLATION AND USE.

Use only 6” diameter listed chimney UL 103 HT. Chimney made to this listing is High Temperature rated to 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. Use chimney from only one manufacturer. Never mix brands.

Carefully follow the chimney manufacturer’s stated requirements and clearances. Use the chimney manufacturer’s attic guards, roof supports, flashing and fire stops when passing through a ceiling. Use a listed thimble when passing through a combustible wall. Do not use makeshift compromises during installation. Never use a single-wall connection pipe as a chimney!

When using a pre-existing chimney, have it’s condition and installation inspected before using. Make sure that the chimney meets all of the UL rating requirements listed above. Be aware that not all manufactured chimney is of the UL 103 HT type.

NOTE: It is recommended that you contact a licensed heating and cooling contractor (consult your local yellow pages) for chimney installation.

Manufactured chimney with the proper required UL listing is available from most home centers, hardware stores, and HVAC supply stores.

If you have access to the Internet, you may wish to view chimney manufacturers’ information on-line. See, www.duravent.com, www.selkirkinc.com, or www.mtlfab.com.
  

Venting a stove directly into a fireplace does not meet code and should not be attempted. (This constitutes connection to another appliance - the fireplace.) Combustion products will be deposited and build up in the firebox or fireplace. The stove warranty will be void with such an installation. Do not create a hazard in your home by connecting in this manner.

Fireplace Installation

Directly connecting the stovepipe into the existing masonry chimney (see figure 9 "Type A" fireplace conversion) of the fireplace is the only approved method of installation. This is a complicated and involved process and to insure safety should only by done by a qualified installer.

1. An entry hole must be cut through the masonry and tile liner with minimal damage to the liner. At least 8" of liner must remain below the entry position. When locating the stove and stovepipe, all minimum clearances must be observed from combustible surfaces including mantels, combustible trimwork, ceilings and walls. Positioning the center of the stove pipe entry into the chimney 24" below the ceiling should insure proper clearance for a 6" stovepipe. 

2. Install a metal or fire clay (5/8" minimum thickness) thimble. Make sure the thimble is flush with the inner surface of the chimney liner and does not protrude into the flue (see figure 4).

3. Secure the thimble with refractory mortar. The thimble should be surrounded by 8" of solid unit masonry brickwork or 24" of stone.

4. Install the stovepipe into the thimble as far as possible without extending past the flue lining (see figure 4 & figure 5).

5. A small airspace (about 1/2") should remain between the stovepipe and thimble to allow for expansion of the pipe. Seal this airspace with high-temperature caulking or ceramic wool.

6. Secure and seal the damper in the closed position using high-temp caulking, ceramic wool, or furnace cement. Also check to see if the chimney has a cleanout. If it does, make sure it is closed and sealed as well. A leaky cleanout will greatly reduce draft efficiency.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

SERVICE HINTS

CHIMNEY DRAFT

Draft is a function of the chimney, NOT THE STOVE — do not expect the stove to draw. Smoke spillage into the house or excessive buildup of condensation or creosote in the chimney are warnings that the chimney is NOT functioning properly. Correct the problem before using the stove. Following are some possible causes for improper draft.

1. The connector stovepipe may be pushed into the chimney too far, stopping the draft.

2. If the chimney temperature is too cool, water will condense in the chimney and run back into the stove. Creosote formation will be rapid and may block the chimney. Operate the stove at a fire level high enough to keep the chimney warm preventing this condensation.

3. If the fire burns well but sometimes creates excess smoke or burns slowly, it may be caused by the chimney top being lower than another part of the house or a nearby tree. The wind blowing over a house or tree, falls on top of the chimney like water over a dam, beating down the smoke. The top of the chimney should be at least three (3) feet above the roof and be at least two (2) feet higher than any point of the roof within ten (10) feet.

GLASS CARE

The following usage and safety tips should be observed:

1. Inspect the glass regularly for cracks and breaks. If you detect a crack or break, extinguish the fire immediately and contact the manufacturer for a replacement.

2. Do not slam the door or otherwise impact the glass. When closing doors, make sure that logs or other objects do not protrude to impact the glass.

3. Do not build fires against (or that might fall against) the glass.

4. Do not clean the glass with materials that may scratch (or otherwise damage) the glass. Scratches on the glass can develop into cracks or breaks during operation.

5. Never attempt to clean the glass while the unit is hot. If deposits are not very heavy, normal glass cleaners are adequate using a soft, nonabrasive cleaning pad. Heavier deposits may be removed with oven cleaners.

6. Never put substances which can ignite explosively in the unit. Even small explosions in confined areas can blow out the glass.

Gasket and Glass cleaning products are available at local retail home centers. Manufacturers of cleaning products for wood stoves include, A.W. Perkins Co. (www.awperkins.com) or Rutland Products (www.rutland.com).

GLASS REPLACEMENT
 

CAUTION: REPLACE GLASS ONLY WITH 5MM HIGH TEMPERATURE CERAMIC GLASS OF THE PROPER SIZE. DO NOT USE TEMPERED GLASS OR DOUBLE THICKNESS WINDOW GLASS!

Glass Replacement Procedure:

1. Ensure appliance is not in operation and is thoroughly cooled.

2. Remove screw and glass clip. (See parts list and diagram.)

3. Lift glass out from glass clip.

4. Remove old gasket and clean glass.

5. Replace new gasket starting at the bottom of glass working along edges, being sure to center gasket channel on glass.

6. Trim to length and butt ends together.

7. Replace glass into door, being sure not to overtighten screw and clip.

After extensive use, the gasket material which provides glass and door seal may lose it’s resiliency and will need to be replaced. Inspect glass and door gaskets periodically to ensure proper seal; if gaskets become frayed or worn, replace immediately.

Door Gasket Replacement Procedure:

1. Ensure appliance is not in operation and is thoroughly cooled.

2. Remove old door gasket and clean channel.

3. Using an approved, high temperature gasket cement, apply a thin coat in bottom of channel.

4. Starting at hinge side of door, work 3/8-inch diameter fiberglass gasket material into channel around door unit, end butt and trim to length to ensure no gaps.

5. Close door and allow three to four hours for cement to set before firing appliance.

CREOSOTE - FORMATION and REMOVAL

When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. Creosote vapors condense in the relatively cool chimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the flue lining. If ignited, this creosote creates an
extremely hot fire which may ignite surrounding materials resulting in a building fire.

The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected at least twice a month during the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.

If creosote has accumulated, it should be removed. Failure to remove creosote may result in ignition and may cause a house/building fire. Creosote may be removed using a chimney brush or other commonly available materials from your local hardware retailer.

Chimney fires burn very hot. If the unit chimney connector should glow red, reduce the fire by closing the inlet air control and immediately call the fire department.
 

A fire in the firebox may be smothered by pouring a large quantity of coarse salt, baking soda, or cool ashes on top of the fire.

Wiring Diagram - VG450EL Frontiersman woodstove

Optional blower assembly wiring diagram:

NOTICE: All power cords and electrical appliances and / or assemblies must be kept outside of the clearance dimensions shown in this manual for combustible materials.

Floor Protector Material Calculations

This stove has been tested for and must be installed on a floor protector with the proper Thermal Resistance or R-value as stated in the installation instructions for Locating Stove, step 1, of this manual. If the floor protector materials listed in the instructions are not available, materials with an equivalent R-value may be substituted.

Alternate materials may be rated with C-factor (Thermal Conductance) or k-factor (Thermal Conductivity) ratings which must be converted to R-value to determine if the alternate material meets the tested requirements. The following instructions provide the proper information and formulas for conversion to R-value.

To determine if alternate materials are acceptable follow this sequence.

Order replacement parts for the Frontier Woodstove

Order replacement parts for the Frontier Woodstove model VG450ELG with glass door

Chimney connector systems and clearances 

Wood stove accessories

This Vogelzang heating appliance is safe when installed properly and will provide you with years of service. However, always exercise good judgment when you are using this stove. You are dealing with FIRE! Fire is inherently dangerous and must be treated with respect. Stay warm and in good health!

Respectfully yours,

Steve Vogelzang

Proprietor

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