VisionLINE Taurus AU Freestanding Wood Fireplace

Product Overview

This document provides comprehensive installation and operational guidance for the VisionLINE Taurus AU freestanding wood fireplace. It details safety precautions, installation requirements, operational tips, and warranty information.

Woodfire Compliance Label

The VisionLINE Taurus appliance has been tested to AS/NZS 4013 for Hardwood by ASFT Report 20009, dated February 2020. Key compliance details include:

Important Note: Installations must comply with AS/NZS 2918:2018 and will require a building consent. Read all instructions carefully before installation to prevent fire hazards and voiding the warranty.

Safety Warnings

⚠️ Fire Risk: For use with solid wood fuel only. Other fuels may over-fire and generate poisonous gases (e.g., carbon monoxide).

⚠️ General Warning: Failure to follow these instructions exactly could result in a fire, causing property damage, personal injury, or death. Do not store or use flammable vapors or liquids near the appliance. Do not over-fire the appliance; if the appliance or chimney connector glows, it indicates over-firing, which will void the warranty. Always comply with minimum clearance requirements to combustibles to prevent house fires.

Dimensions and Clearances

The VisionLINE Taurus firebox weighs approximately 310kg including the base. For safe lifting and positioning, remove bricks, baffles, and the door assembly to reduce weight. Refer to page 17 for brick removal and re-assembly. Mark the top door hinge location before removal for correct re-assembly; adjustment is via top hinge bolts if the door does not latch correctly.

Appliance Dimensions

Diagrams illustrate the unit's dimensions, including central air intake (100mm) and flue connections (Ø110mm). Specific measurements are provided for overall width, height, and depth.

Floor Protector Requirements

The VisionLINE Taurus may require an insulating floor protector based on the installation type, complying with AS/NZS 2918:2018 minimum requirements. A floor protector can be ceramic tiles, a steel panel, or a concrete slab. Minimum measurements are detailed in clearance charts.

Clearance Charts

Parallel Positioning (Fig. 1)

* When an optional rear heat shield is attached, rear wall clearance reduces to 200mm to the shield from a combustible wall. For non-combustible walls, 50mm spacing is recommended for servicing access.

** See FIG 3 on page 5.

Corner Positioning (Fig. 2)

Hearth Projection (Fig. 3)

Note: A minimum 300mm hearth projection is required when using the optional wood storage base/pedestal.

Installation Guide

Getting Started

Considerations for design and installation include safety, convenience, traffic flow, and the chimney/connector requirements. Planning on paper with exact measurements is recommended before installation. If not using an existing chimney, ensure a clear passage for a factory-built listed chimney. It is advisable to have a qualified building inspector and insurance representative review plans. If children may be present, a decorative barrier is recommended, and they should always be kept away from the operating appliance.

Installation Compliance

CAUTION: Check building codes prior to installation. Installation MUST comply with local, regional, state, and national codes and regulations. Consult insurance carriers, local building officials, and fire authorities regarding restrictions, inspections, and permits.

⚠️ Asphyxiation Risk: Do NOT connect this appliance to a chimney flue servicing another appliance or any air distribution duct/system, as this may allow flue gases to enter the house.

NOTICE: VisionLINE Fireplaces assumes no responsibility for improper performance caused by inadequate draft, down drafts, tight sealing construction, mechanical exhausting devices, or excessive chimney heights. Ideal performance is achieved with a chimney height between 14-16 feet (4.26-4.88m) from the appliance base.

Fire Safety

To ensure reasonable fire safety:

• Install smoke detectors on each floor, away from heating appliances and near sleeping areas.
• Keep a Class A fire extinguisher readily available.
• Install a CO detector in the room with the appliance.
• Have a practiced evacuation plan with at least two escape routes.
• In case of a chimney fire: evacuate immediately and notify the fire department.

Negative Pressure

⚠️ Asphyxiation Risk: Negative pressure can cause spillage of combustion fumes, soot, and carbon monoxide. The appliance needs proper draft for safety. Negative pressure results from an imbalance of available air, often strongest in lower house levels. Causes include exhaust fans, range hoods, combustion air needs for other appliances, clothes dryers, HVAC system imbalances, and air leaks.

To minimize negative air pressure effects:

• Install an optional outside air kit facing prevailing winds.
• Ensure adequate outdoor air for all combustion appliances and exhaust equipment.
• Avoid locating furnace/AC return vents near the appliance.
• Avoid installing the appliance near doors, walkways, or small isolated spaces.
• Use sealed-can recessed lighting.
• Weather-strip or seal attic hatches.
• Tape or seal attic-mounted ductwork and air handler joints/seams.
• Avoid basement installations.

Tools and Supplies Needed

Before installation, ensure the following tools and supplies are available:

• Reciprocating saw
• Framing material
• High temp caulking material
• Hammer
• Gloves
• Phillips screwdriver
• Framing square
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Electric drill and bits
• Plumb line
• Safety glasses
• Level
• Tape measure
• Misc. screws and nails
• 10mm socket or wrench
• 1/2-3/4 in. length, #6 or #8 self-drilling screws

Inspection of Appliance and Components

Remove all packaging and components, inspecting for damage. Report any damaged parts to your dealer. Read all instructions carefully before and during installation for maximum safety and benefit.

⚠️ Fire Risk: Inspect all parts for damage. Damaged parts can impair safe operation. Do not install damaged, incomplete, or substitute components. Report damaged parts to the dealer.

Install Checklist

An installer checklist is provided to ensure all installation steps are followed correctly, covering appliance, chimney, clearances, and setup. It is recommended to photograph the installation and keep a copy of the checklist.

General Instructions for Flue System

Flue pipes should be installed with the crimped/narrow end down. Outer casings should have the crimped/narrow end up, especially when exposed above the roof. Seal all flue pipe joints with a minimum of 3 stainless steel rivets. Flue pipe spacers should be affixed to the flue pipe. The flue system termination point must comply with AS/NZS 2918:2018 4.9.1. The flue pipe must extend at least 4.6m above the top of the floor protector as per AS/NZS 2918:2018 4.9.1(a). Façade or chase systems follow the same rules.

The unit is approved with either mesh or solid 8" outer skin. These instructions apply to 150mm diameter flue pipe systems tested to AS/NZS 2918:2018.

Default 6" Flue Kit Installation Instructions

The diagram shows the installation of a 6" flue kit, including components like the anti down-draft cowl, cover cone, roof flashing, rafters, inner and outer casings, angle brackets, joists, ceiling, ceiling collar, and decorative mesh with rear heat shield. Minimum clearances and distances are specified.

Minimum Height of Flue System Exit

Diagrams illustrate the required flue system exit heights relative to the roof and nearby structures, specifying minimum distances to ensure safe operation and prevent smoke ingress.

Installing The Flue

The flue seats over the flue starter spigot, with the flue crimp sliding into the lower channel for a friction fit. No sealant is required. If the connection is slack, remove the crimp to ensure a tight fit against the spigot. The flue starter spigot is for demonstration purposes and is not removed during installation.

AS/NZS 2918:2018 General Notes

WARNING: The appliance and flue system must be installed according to AS/NZS 2918 and relevant building codes. Appliances must comply with AS/NZS 4013 requirements, identifiable by a compliance plate. Modifications not approved in writing by the testing authority breach approval. Mixing components from different sources or modifying specifications can lead to hazardous conditions; consult the manufacturer. Do not operate with cracked or broken components. Do not use flammable liquids or aerosols to start or rekindle the fire, or near the operating appliance. Do not store fuel within installation clearances. Open air controls and damper before opening the firing door. For optimal performance, load logs front-to-rear, leaving spaces for oxygen. Maintain and operate according to instructions. Use of preservative-treated wood as fuel can be hazardous.

Operation and Maintenance

Before Lighting the First Fire

If the stove was stored in a cold environment, allow it to reach room temperature for approximately 3 hours to equalize moisture condensation and surface temperature. This prevents damage to the glass or lining. During the first lighting, the paint will cure, emitting an odor for up to 4 hours; ensure the room is well-ventilated.

Lighting Your Fire

1. Ensure the Air Slide is in the open or high position.
2. Place fire lighters 10-15 cm apart in the firebox. Do not use newspaper.
3. Add a criss-cross pattern of softwood and hardwood kindling above the firelighters. Softwood lights faster and burns hotter, while hardwood helps coals retain heat longer.
4. Light the fire with a match or gas lighter. When ablaze, close the door but do not latch it for 5-10 minutes. Do not leave unattended.
5. Load hardwood pieces no wider than a drink can in a criss-cross pattern.
6. Latch the door and leave it latched for 30 minutes. If the heater has a fan, do not run it for at least 45 minutes.
7. After 30 minutes, add larger pieces of hardwood (no bigger than a loaf of bread). Close and latch the door.
8. After 45 minutes, adjust the air slide to slow the fire and find your comfort level. Turn on the fan if fitted.

Insufficient wood, large pieces, or incorrect lighting can prevent optimal operating temperature, leading to poor combustion, soot formation, and fire extinguishing. Slow combustion fireplaces may experience occasional smoke spillage when the door is opened during lighting or reloading due to pressure imbalance. Avoid opening the door when visible smoke or flame is present; reload when fuel is at the coaling phase.

Tips on Choosing Firewood

Wood dryness is not indicated by felling date or appearance. Splitting wood and exposing the inner core to sunlight aids natural drying. Good merchants may split wood but not necessarily season it. Use a moisture meter to confirm dryness (under 20% moisture is ideal). Wood over 20% moisture reduces efficiency, using energy to dry the wood rather than produce heat. Store wood for at least 12 months; optimum moisture content is 15-18%. Never burn treated or painted wood.

Combustion Air

Fire requires Fuel, Heat, and Oxygen. Heat rising in the flue creates a vacuum, drawing in oxygen for combustion. In tightly sealed homes, fresh air supply may be insufficient. The unit can connect directly to outside for combustion air via a 99mm central air duct neck on the rear, which can be relocated to the base. The duct should not exceed 3m and have minimal bends, with a minimum diameter of 80mm. It must lead outdoors or into a well-ventilated room. VisionLINE recommends the VisionLINE AIR insulated flue system for balanced flue operation.

Unit Operation

Over-firing or running the unit on high with an overloaded firebox for extended periods can damage the unit and void the warranty. The image shows a fully loaded firebox with a red line indicating the required gap between fuel and the baffle top, maintaining a clear path to the tertiary air tube. Fuel touching the roof baffle or tertiary air tube is considered overloaded.

Cleaning and Inspection

The stove and flue pipes should be inspected annually, or more frequently if needed, especially when the chimney is cleaned. The chimney requires regular cleaning by a chimney sweep. Before the heating season, clean the fireplace from ash and soot using a brush or vacuum cleaner. Ensure ash between fireplace walls and the grate is removed, leaving a small gap for material dilation. Never use abrasive products on glass or metal parts. The glass can only be cleaned when the stove is cold. The stove surface can be cleaned with a damp cloth, or mild soap solution if necessary.

The fireplace can be accessed for cleaning following a specific procedure, illustrated by a series of images showing the removal and cleaning of internal components.

Installation of Optional Components

Installing Rear Heat Shield

To install the rear heat shield: remove four 10mm bolts holding the internal shield, place it on a flat surface (inner surface up), and retain the bolts. Insert eight cage nuts into the square holes on the back of the internal shield. Return the internal shield to the unit and secure with the 10mm bolts. If not using an outside air direct connection, remove the outside air rear spigot (FIG 4) or the knock-out point on the rear shield (FIG 5) to fit the rear shield. Place the heat shield onto the unit and secure using the supplied 10mm bolts into the cage nuts.

Installing Optional Rear Fans

Optional fans can be installed in two locations: a lower position for units on an optional base, or a higher mounting position for units on a raised hearth. The fans require a standard double 240v GPO situated behind the fireplace. Fans should not be used within 45 minutes of starting the fireplace to allow the firebox to warm up. Using fans too early can reduce heat output and delay warm-up. Important Note: Fans must be switched off when the fireplace door is opened to prevent smoke being blown into the room.

Warranty Information

VisionLINE Wood Stove Warranty

VisionLINE provides a manufacturer's warranty for wood hearth appliances purchased from an authorized dealer. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship at the time of manufacture for the original owner and transferees within two years of original purchase. VisionLINE may repair or replace defective components at its option. The maximum recovery is limited to the purchase price. Warranty coverage begins on the date of original purchase, or upon first occupancy for new homes, no later than 12 months from product shipment.

Limited Lifetime: Defined as 10 years from the beginning date of warranty coverage for wood appliances.

• 10-year structural warranty on firebox construction (including weldment).
• 5-year warranty on tertiary air tube and baffle (3 years labor).
• 2-year warranty on fans and electrical components (1 year labor).

This warranty is in addition to rights under Australian Consumer Law.

Warranty Conditions and Exclusions

The warranty only covers appliances purchased through authorized dealers and is valid only at the site of original installation.

Warranty Exclusions: Normal use changes in surface finishes, damage to plated/enamelled surfaces from fingerprints, accidents, misuse, scratches, melted items, or abrasive cleaners. Normal wear and tear parts (paint, gaskets, firebricks, grates, glass discoloration). Minor expansion/contraction causing noise. Damages from improper installation, operation, maintenance, shipping, misuse, abuse, continued operation with damaged components, accidents, improper repairs, environmental conditions (inadequate ventilation, negative pressure), use of incorrect fuels, non-approved components, unauthorized modifications, or power fluctuations. Non-VisionLINE venting, hearth, or other accessories. Parts of pre-existing fireplace systems. Costs associated with removal, installation, reinstallation, setup, travel, and shipping. The warranty does not extend to the appliance's capability to heat a desired space.

Warranty Void if: The appliance is over-fired or operated in contaminated atmospheres. It is subjected to prolonged dampness or condensation. Damage occurs due to improper chimney or venting installation.

How to Claim

To make a warranty claim, contact your local distributor during business hours. Additional service fees may apply if seeking service from a dealer other than the original purchase dealer. Check with the distributor for any costs. VisionLINE or its representative may need to inspect the product. Proof of purchase (invoice or receipt) is required; other evidence may be accepted.

Contact Information

VisionLINE Fireplaces
PO Box 5051 Burnley, 3121
Phone: (03) 9429 5573
Email: info@visionlinefire.com.au
Web: visionlinefire.com.au