Oakleaf Birchley 5.0kW Ecodesign Wood Stove User Guide

Appliance Location

Position the appliance at specific distances from surroundings to prevent damage to products and furnishings. Ensure adequate space for servicing.

Keep furnishings at least 1.1m away to avoid heat degradation. Maintain a minimum clearance of 75mm on each side and at the back for non-combustible materials. Ensure 350mm clearance above and in front for heat dissipation.

Ventilation

The stove requires ventilation for combustion and proper flue/chimney operation to disperse combustion products safely. Ensure sufficient ventilation.

Extraction fans can lower building pressure, potentially causing combustion product spillage from open-flued appliances. If mechanical extraction is unavoidable in the same room, seek specialist advice.

Component Spare Parts

Only approved manufacturer spare parts should be used. Using fabricated or modified parts will invalidate the warranty and may render the stove dangerous or detrimental to the environment.

Diagram Description: An exploded view diagram shows the various components of the Oakleaf Birchley stove, with each part numbered for reference to the spare parts list.

2.1. Chimney

The chimney must be fitted according to manufacturer instructions and Building Regulations, including local and European standards. It must be in good condition, free from cracks and obstructions. The flue diameter should be between 125mm and 200mm. If not, lining is required.

The chimney must be swept and examined for soundness before installation. Seek expert advice for remedial action. If previously used for an open fire, it's recommended to sweep it again within a month of regular use after installation. Consult a local installer if unsure about chimney suitability.

Chimney Height and Diameter: Minimum height is 4.5m. Recommended minimum diameter is 150mm for safety and performance. Ensure the flue is dry and free from obstructions. The flue diameter must be at least 125mm (spigot diameter) and not exceed 200mm. A 5" (125mm) flexible flue liner is permissible for well-seasoned wood, with an air limiter fitted. A 6" (150mm) liner is preferable.

If the chimney previously served an open fire, higher flue gas temperatures may loosen deposits, risking blockage. A second sweep within a month of regular use is advised. For new installations without an existing chimney, use a solid fuel compatible prefabricated block chimney or a twin-walled insulated stainless steel flue (BS 4543), fitted per manufacturer instructions and Building Regulations.

Chimney Fire Procedure: In case of a chimney fire, close off the air supply to the stove, move combustible materials away, evacuate the building, and call emergency services (999).

2.2. Flue Draught (Working range 12-25 Pascals)

A flue draught reading must be taken during commissioning to ensure optimal operation and efficiency. The reading is documented on the commissioning certificate by the installer. A sample point is located on the top right of the stove; take care during testing as parts will be hot.

Use a manometer or draught gauge to measure the draught in Pascals (Pa). The optimum reading is 12-15Pa. It may exceed 15Pa but must not exceed 24Pa. Readings above 24Pa can lead to over-firing, excessive fuel consumption, and chimney fires. Replace the test point screw securely after testing.

If the draught is outside the specified range, remedial action is needed. This may include adding a draught stabilizer for high draughts or lining/insulating an oversized chimney for low draughts.

The chimney must be swept before fitting a liner. It is a warranty condition to sweep the chimney every twelve months, or every six months if used regularly.

WARNING NOTE: Properly installed stoves should not emit fumes. Occasional fumes during de-ashing or refuelling may occur. Persistent fume emission is dangerous and requires immediate action:

• Open doors and windows to ventilate the room, then leave the premises.
• Let the fire go out.
• Check for flue or chimney blockage and clean if required.
• Do not relight until the cause of fume emission is identified and corrected. Seek expert advice if necessary.

Flueway or chimney blockage is the most common cause of fume emission. Keep them clean at all times for safety.

Diagram Description: An image shows the rear of the stove with a label pointing to the "Flue Draught Test Point" on the top right side.

2.3. Chimney Connection

Brick up or seal an existing fireplace opening with a register plate. Connect the stove to the chimney using a flue pipe with a minimum internal diameter of 125mm, conforming to Building Regulations. Ensure the pipe end is at least 76mm from side or rear chimney walls.

Ideally, the old fireplace opening should be filled to create a smooth entry into the flue way. The horizontal run of flue pipe must not exceed 125mm.

All connections between the stove and chimney-flue must be sealed and airtight. This appliance is not suitable for installation in a shared flue system.

The chimney and flue pipe must be accessible for cleaning. If parts are unreachable through the stove (with baffle removed), a soot door must be fitted.

2.4. Air Supply

A permanent, unobstructed air opening is essential for the room containing the appliance. The air opening should be at least 3625mm² when a draught stabilizer is fitted. Consider air requirements if other appliances are used in the same room.

2.5. Air Inlet

The stove requires air for function, entering at the bottom rear. A direct supply air kit is included for direct supply/duct installation.

2.6. Material Clearances

The appliance can be recessed in a fireplace, but a suitable free air gap must be maintained around the sides, top, and back for maximum heat output and rear access. The back wall of the recess and the hearth must be made of non-combustible material.

The hearth should be at least 25-30mm thick and comply with building regulations. Ensure the stove is level using the adjusting feet. Install on a floor with adequate load-bearing capacity; use measures like a load-distributing plate if necessary.

2.7. Commissioning and Handover

Allow adequate time for fire cement and mortar to dry after installation. Light a small fire first to ensure smoke and fumes are safely drawn up the chimney. Do not run the stove at full output for at least 24 hours.

Keep operating instructions and tools handy. Understand proper stove usage and recommended fuels. Users should be aware of how to manage smoke/fumes and prevent injuries, especially with children, aged, or infirm persons present.

3.1. Important Information

Comply with all local, national, and European standards during installation.

This appliance is not suitable for installation in a shared flue system.

Keep the firebox and ash pit cover closed except during ignition, refuelling, and ash removal to prevent fume spillage. Correct usage ensures best results.

3.1.1 The Clean Air Act 1993 and Smoke Control Areas

Local authorities can declare smoke control areas, making it an offence to emit smoke from buildings, furnaces, or boilers in these areas. Using unauthorized fuel in a smoke control area is also an offence unless the appliance is "exempt".

Appliances are exempted based on lists published by the Secretary of State (England) and Scottish Ministers (Scotland), or by regulations in Wales and Northern Ireland.

For further information on Clean Air Act requirements, consult your local authority or visit gov.uk/smoke-control-area-rules.

The Birchley 5.0kW Multi-fuel stove is recommended for smoke control areas when burning wood logs. It must be fitted with a permanent stop to prevent the combustion air controller from closing beyond 7mm open.

3.2. Air Controls

Warning: Appliance surfaces, especially external ones, will be hot during operation. Use protective gloves.

Sufficient air supply is crucial for combustion and ventilation.

For installation in a Smoke Control Area, the secondary air lever must have a restrictor plate to prevent total closure of the secondary air control. The restrictor is the bottom secondary intake.

Diagram Description: Two images show the rear of the stove's air control mechanism. The top image illustrates the "Restrictor Open" position, indicating a 7mm gap. The bottom image shows the "Restrictor Closed" position.

3.2.1. Primary Air

Controlled by the air slider under the door, primary air provides conventional draught through the fuel bed. Intakes can be adjusted for combustion control.

3.2.2. Secondary Air/Tertiary Air

The appliance features an air wash system to keep the heat-resistant glass clean. Secondary air is controlled via fittings on the bottom of the stove.

Diagram Description: An image of the front of the stove highlights the "Primary Air Intake" located below the door and the "Secondary/Tertiary Air Intake" at the bottom front.

3.2.3. Tertiary Air

Tertiary air is supplied from the rear panel to ignite unburned gases, promoting a clean burn. This supply is permanently open.

3.3. Burning Wood

Refuelling intervals at nominal heat output are approximately 1.5 hours. Wood logs can be loaded higher than solid mineral fuel but must not touch the baffle plate.

Wood burns most efficiently with primary air controls closed and secondary control partially open. Adjusting the secondary control regulates the burn rate.

A layer of ash on the fuel bed aids burning. Remove only surplus residue.

Use only dry, seasoned wood (cut, split, and stacked for at least one year in circulating air). Wet or unseasoned wood causes tar deposits and poor heat output.

Recommended wood moisture content is less than 20%. Burning wet wood produces excess smoke, tar deposits, and unsatisfactory heat output. Wood from approved sources may still need drying.

3.5. Refuelling on to a low fire bed

Insufficient fuel on the fire bed can cause excessive smoke. Refuel onto sufficient glowing embers and ash for ignition. If embers are low, add suitable kindling.

3.6. Fuel overloading

Do not exceed the specified maximum fuel load to avoid excess smoke and unstable burn conditions. Refuel every 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on fuel.

Controlling Stove

4.1.1 Burning wood

• Air-wash/secondary air lever (right): Controls the fire when burning wood.
• Primary air control lever (left): Should be closed as wood burns effectively without bottom air.
• Avoid overloading to prevent damage and unstable burn conditions. Refer to 'Refuelling Wood' for max fuel load.

4.1.2. Recommended Fuels

• Split and dried logs, seasoned, with less than 20% moisture content (do not exceed max fuel load on page 10).
• Eco Logs.

4.3 Multi Fuel Kit Optional Accessories

4.3.1 Riddling the firebox

To riddle the grate, open the main fire door. Use the Multi Fuel Kit lever (with glove) and move it left to right repeatedly until the ember/ash bed is reduced.

Note: Vigorous riddling may discharge ash; exercise caution.