SENTRY COAL™ STOVE
Model VG810CL 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.		May NOT be installed in mobile homes, manufactured homes, trailers or tents. (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 3, figure 4 & figure 5). 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 coal, kindling, flammable liquids or other combustible materials too close to the unit. Refer to certification label on back of unit (see figure 3, figure 4 & figure 5).
4. DO NOT install this stove in a mobile home, manufactured home, trailer or tent. (NO EXCEPTIONS! per HUD Federal Standard CFR Ch. XXX).
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 coal burning stove to an aluminum Type B gas vent. This is not safe. Use approved masonry or a UL 103 HT (U.S.) 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 Chimney maintenance).
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 ash pan. 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 wear and dull the finish.
17. 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.
18. While stove is 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.
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, ash door, and cabinet door closed at all times except while tending the fire.
23. Do not overfire the stove. Overfiring will happen if the feed door or ash door is left open during operation. Such actions can result in very dangerous operating conditions.
24. All power cords and electrical appliances and/or assemblies must be kept outside of the clearance dimensions shown in this manual for combustible materials.
25. For further information on using your stove safely, obtain a copy of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) publication, "Using Coal and Wood Stoves Safely" NFPA No. HS-10-1978. The address of the NFPA is:
    Battery March Park, Quincy, MA  02269.

NOTICE: Vogelzang International Corp. grants no warranty, stated or implied, for the installation or maintenance of your wood stove and assumes no responsibility of any incidental or consequential damages.
 

5. Place both legs upside down and attach the heat shield assembly (from step 4) between the legs. Align the holes in the heat shield assembly with those in the mounting flange of the leg assemblies and secure with four (4) self-tapping screws.
6. Attach leg / heat shield assembly to the base of the stove using self-tapping screws provided (see figure 1).

Carefully lift stove to upright position. Locate the door knob and machine screw in the hardware pack. Open the cabinet door by reaching under the cabinet frame and pulling the door open. Install the door knob onto the outside of the door. Install the machine screw through the latch bracket, door, and into the knob. Tighten securely (see figure 2).

Fig. 2    Cabinet Door Knob Assembly

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, use a minimum 3/8" noncombustible floor protector with an "R" factor of 0.8, such as Hy-C or Imperior Model UL 4260BK or equivalent. (NOTE: to calculate R-values of equivalent alternative materials, click here.) 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 3 & figure 4 and consult local building codes and fire protection ordinances.)

Fig. 3    TOP VIEW:  Minimum Clearance Dimensions from Combustible Surfaces:

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 4 & figure 5), locate your floor protector accordingly (figure 3) 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 (see pipe installation). 

7. The clearances provided are minimum dimensions determined by the manufacturer's testing facility. Installation of this stove must comply with the latest edition of NFPA 211 for reduced clearances and / or your local building code rulings. Use whichever minimum dimensions are LARGEST.
   Failure to follow these minimum clearance requirements may result in an unsafe installation
   and could cause a fire.
8. This stove meets U. S. Test Standard: UL 1482-1996.

D-6 Draft Damper

A Draft Damper included with the stove must be installed in the first straight section of pipe exiting the stove before the stove pipe is connected and the wood stove is used.

Fig. 6    Draft Damper Installation

Drill two (2) 1/4" holes centered on either side of the pipe section 6" from the top end of the pipe (see figure 6). Remove the handle from the damper then slide the damper into the pipe. Align the damper with the holes drilled in step 1 and insert the handle through the holes and the damper. NOTE: This damper is necessary for the proper operation of the stove and to meet EPA emissions requirements for heating appliances. It MUST be installed before use.  (NO EXCEPTIONS)

Pipe Installation

1. The crimped end of the stovepipe fits inside the stove collar. Install additional pipe and elbow with the crimped end towards the stove. This will allow any condensation in the flue to run back into the firebox.
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 7).
5. Secure 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 are much more airtight.
7. The chimney connector must not pass through an attic or roof space, closet, or any concealed space, or floor, ceiling, wall or combustible construction. (See chimney connector systems and clearances.). A UL 103 HT Listed chimney must be used from the first penetration of ceiling or wall to the chimney cap.
   Never use single wall connector pipe as a chimney – a house fire could result!

Fig. 7   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 (see figure 9, figure 10 & figure 11). 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.

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 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.

Steel-lined fireplaces are constructed with 1/4" firebox liner, an air chamber in connection with 8" of masonry. These can be safely used with wood burning stoves. They contain all the essential components of a fireplace, firebox, damper, throat, smoke shelf, and smoke chamber. Many look identical to masonry fireplaces and should be checked carefully before connecting a stove to them.

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 12 "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 7).

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 7 & figure 8).

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

Minimum Fire

The rate of burning at the "LOW" thermostat setting can be further controlled by adjusting the draft damper door located behind the cabinet on the front of the firebox (see 
figure 14).

1. Partially close the shutter to make the fuel burn longer.

2. Open the shutter, exposing a larger opening, to reduce the formation of soot (see Chimney Draft).

3. Do Not operate the heater with the minimum fire shutter completely closed (see figures 5a and 5b).

Minimum Fire Air Shutter

The thermostat control was calibrated at the factory and is not adjustable. The operation of the heater may require a change in calibration of the minimum fire air shutter. Calibration adjustments should be made at room temperature. The minimum fire air shutter is mounted on the door of the thermostat draft damper mounted behind the front screen on the lower front of the firebox (see figure 14). After stove has cooled, the cabinet lid may be opened to make adjustments.

NOTE: More than one recalibration may be necessary. At room temperature (72° F) and "LOW" setting, the draft damper door should be closed.

Recommendations for burning Anthracite Coal

1. When burning coal, it is important to maintain a clean chimney. Inspect chimney connector and chimney at least twice monthly during the heating season.

Keep the grate clear of ash and cinders. Use the shaker grate to keep the ashes from building up in the firebox. DO NOT operate the stove with the ash door, feed door, or the cabinet door open. Before adding coal, it is necessary to have a good hot log fire burning. After the log fire is burning, add small amounts of coal until a bed of coals has been built up. Anthracite Coal burns with a short, blue flame, with the coals having a glowing, red color. Anthracite Coal needs a strong draft to burn efficiently. A draft reading of 0.05 to 0.06 w.c. (water column) is required to burn Anthracite.

Fig. 15   Feed Door Wheel Adjustment

The draft wheel located on the feed door (see figure 15) provides a source of secondary air and should be opened when burning coal. Coal emits volatile gases when burned and requires a source of secondary air for complete combustion to occur. The draft wheel may be adjusted to give the best performance depending on the particular needs of the user.

CHIMNEY DRAFT: 

Do not expect the stove to draw. Draft is a function of the chimney, not the stove. Smoke spillage into the house or excessive buildup of condensation or soot 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. Soot formation will be rapid and may block the chimney. Operate the stove at a high enough fire level 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.

Chimney Maintenance

CREOSOTE -  Formation and Removal:  When coal is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors which combine with expelled moisture to form creosote. The 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 chimney connector should glow red, immediately call the fire department, then reduce the fire by closing the inlet air control and pour a large quantity of coarse salt, baking soda, or cool ashes on top of the fire in the firebox.
 

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 internal replacement parts for the Sentry Coal™ Stove

Order external replacement parts for the Sentry Coal™ Stove

Optional F-1 Heat Circulator Blower

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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