Charnwood C-Series

This document provides comprehensive operating and installation instructions for the Charnwood C-Series range of wood burning stoves. It covers essential information for safe and efficient use, installation requirements, technical specifications, and parts identification.

Operating Instructions

Fuel

This stove is designed to burn wood. Only dry, well-seasoned wood should be used. Hardwoods like Ash, Beech, and Oak are preferable to softwoods. Burning wet wood leads to tar deposits and reduced output. Log moisture content should be less than 20%. Petroleum coke and household waste are not suitable fuels and will invalidate the guarantee.

Lighting the Stove

Use dry kindling, paper, or fire lighters. Open the air control fully. Leave the door slightly ajar for a few minutes to aid combustion. Once kindling is well alight, add small logs and close the door, keeping the air control fully open. Load with the required fuel once flames are established. The airwash system activates when the stove is hot.

Controlling the Fire

The air control manages the burn rate and output. Use the boost position for lighting or rapid burning. For high output, use the 'click position'; for low burning, move to the fully closed position. An airwash supply helps keep the glass clean. A stove pipe thermometer is recommended for optimal firing.

Refuelling

Keep the firebox well filled. Distribute logs evenly. After refuelling, open the air control fully until flames are established. Refuel onto a hot bed of ash. If the fire dies down, add kindling, open the air control, and crack the door open to revive the firebed before adding larger logs.

Ash Clearance

If the optional wood ash removal kit is fitted, empty the ashpan regularly. Never allow ash to accumulate and touch the grate. Ensure ash is cool before disposal.

Reduced Burning

For reduced burning, the fire door must be closed. For areas not under smoke control, allow logs to burn for 30 minutes before closing the air control. Experimentation may be needed to find the optimal setting.

Maintenance

The stove's high-temperature paint can be cleaned with a damp, lint-free cloth when cold. High-temperature paints are available for repainting. Clean the glass by running the fire at a fast rate or using a damp cloth and a suitable cleaner. For periods of non-use, leave the air control open and the door ajar to prevent condensation and corrosion. Sweep the chimney and clean the appliance before relighting after long periods of disuse.

Door Seals and Servicing

Check door seals for wear and replace if necessary. Annual servicing is recommended to maintain the stove in good working order. Use only genuine Charnwood replacement parts.

Throat Plate & Flueway Cleaning

Keep the throat plate and flueways clean to prevent fume emission. Clean at least monthly. This requires the fire to be out. Instructions are provided for removing and refitting the throat plate.

Chimney Sweeping

Sweep the chimney at least twice a year. If the chimney previously served an open fire, an additional sweep may be needed one month after installation. Ensure all horizontal surfaces are cleared of soot. If sweeping through the appliance is not possible, a soot door may be required.

Trouble Shooting

Fire Will Not Burn: Check air inlet, chimney/flueways, fuel type, room air supply, and extractor fans. Ensure sufficient chimney draw (at least 1.25 mm water gauge).
Blackening of Door Glass: Avoid wet/unseasoned wood. Ensure adequate airwash. Do not overfill the firebox. Check flue connections and chimney draw. Some blackening below the fuel retainer is normal.
Fume Emission: Persistent fume emission is dangerous. Open doors/windows, let the fire out, check for blockages. Do not relight until the cause is identified. Common causes include flueway or chimney blockage.
Fire Blazing Out of Control: Check door is closed, air control is fully closed, fuel is suitable, and door seals/airwash slide are intact. If the fire does not go out, call the fire brigade.

CO Alarm

A CO alarm must be fitted in the same room as the appliance. Follow the warning note regarding fume emission if the alarm sounds.

If You Need Further Help

Contact your installer, a Charnwood Premier Dealer, or the Charnwood Customer Services department.

Installation Instructions

Health & Safety Precautions

Installation must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and local building regulations. Take precautions with fire cement and potential asbestos. Ensure adequate air supply for combustion via a permanently open vent. Minimum vent areas are specified based on house air permeability.

Unpacking the Stove

The stove is shipped on a pallet and must be carefully removed. Ensure adequate facilities for unloading and maneuvering.

CO Alarms

Building regulations mandate the installation of a carbon monoxide alarm in the same room as the appliance.

Specification Overview

*The results will be marginally reduced if the grate kit is fitted

Chimney

The chimney must be at least 4 metres high. Internal dimensions should be 175mm (7") or 200mm (8"). For C-Four/Five, minimum is 125mm (5"); for C-Six/Seven/Eight, minimum is 150mm (6"). Existing chimneys must be swept and checked. If previously used for an open fire, sweep one month after installation. Prefabricated insulated flues (BSEN 15287-1:2007) can be used. Single wall flue pipe is for connection only, not the entire chimney. A draught stabiliser may be needed if draw is excessive. Chimney draw should be at least 1.25mm (0.05") water gauge (12 Pa) when warm.

Hearth & Fire Surround

The stove must be placed on a fireproof hearth (min. 12mm thick). The hearth must extend at least 225mm (9") in front and 150mm (6") to the sides. Ensure adequate clearance from combustible materials as per the specification table. Building regulations govern hearth size and stove positioning.

Connections to Flues

Stove models C-Four & C-Five require 125mm (5") i/d flue pipe. C-Six, C-Seven & C-Eight require 150mm (6") i/d flue pipe. Various connection methods are illustrated. Horizontal flue lengths should be minimal. All flue connections must be well sealed.

Soot Doors

Soot doors may be necessary for chimney sweeping, especially with rear outlet installations. Optional vertical rear flue connectors allow sweeping through the stove.

Pre Lighting Check

Ensure the throat plate is fitted correctly and the front fence is secure. Check the door closes properly.

Commissioning

Allow fire cement and mortar to dry before lighting. Check for safe emission of smoke and fumes. Advise the customer on appliance use.

Clean Air Act Information

Information regarding smoke control areas and the suitability of Charnwood C-Series stoves for burning wood logs in such areas is provided. Local authorities manage smoke control areas.

Diagram Descriptions

Fig. 1: Optional Wood Ash Removal Grate

Illustrates the components of the optional wood ash removal grate, including Grate Plates, Washers, Front/Rear/Side Grate Supports, Riddler Rod/Knob/Handle, 'R' Clips, Ash Shedding Plates, Ashpan Tool, and Ashpan.

Fig. 2: Stove Controls

Depicts the stove controls: Door Handle (marked 'Pull to Open'), Air Control (with positions for 'Boost', 'High Output', 'Low Output' and instructions 'Pull out to Open', 'Push in to Close'), and the Identification Plate location ('Lift Plate to View').

Fig. 3: Throat Plate Position and Lowering

Shows how to remove and refit the throat plate. The process involves pushing the plate up, twisting one side down, and lowering it. It notes that the Upper Throat Plate (for C4, C6 & C8 models only) rests on the air wash tubes.

Figs. 4-7: Register Plates

These figures illustrate various configurations for connecting the stove to the chimney using a register plate. They show options for vertical and horizontal flue connections, including the placement of soot doors.

Fig. 8: Flue Blanking Plate

Details the components of a flue blanking plate used for sealing flue outlets. It includes the Blanking Plate, Clamping Plate, M8 Nut, and Glass Fibre Webbing, showing how the plate finishes flush with the inside face of the firebox top and bottom.

Dimensions

Detailed diagrams are provided for each Charnwood C-Series model (C-Four, C-Five, C-Six, C-Seven, C-Eight), showing dimensions for the Standard Model, Store Stand, and High Leg versions. These diagrams include front, side, and rear views with specific measurements in millimeters.

Technical Specifications

Detailed technical data sheets are available for each Charnwood C-Series model (C-Four, C-Five, C-Six, C-Seven, C-Eight). These sheets provide comprehensive information on fuel suitability, operating characteristics (including seasonal space heating energy efficiency, nominal heat output, energy efficiency index), auxiliary electricity consumption, pilot flame power requirements, space heating emissions (CO, NOX, OGC, PM), and contact details for Charnwood.

Parts Lists

Comprehensive parts lists are included for each Charnwood C-Series model (C-Four, C-Five, C-Six, C-Seven, C-Eight). Each list provides item numbers, part numbers, and descriptions for all components, accompanied by exploded view diagrams to aid in identification and ordering spare parts.

Contact Information

Manufacturer:
Charnwood
A.J. Wells & Sons Ltd
Bishops Way, Newport, Isle of Wight PO30 5WS, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 (0)1983 537799
Fax: +44 (0)1983 537788
Website: www.charnwood.com