CHARNWOOD
LA20i
Roomheater
Operating
and
Installation Instructions
Bishops Way, Newport, Isle Of Wight, PO3O 5WS, U.K.
Tel: (01983) 537799 Fax: (01983) 537788
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
CHARNWOOD LA20i
Housing Authority will be able to
advise you if other fuels may be
burnt. For instructions on burning
other fuels please ask your your
supplier or Housing Authority for the
“Charnwood Instruction
and empty the ashpan.
GENERAL POINTS
Before lighting the fire check with
the installer that the work and checks
described in the installation
instructions have been carried out
correctly and that the chimney has
been swept, is sound, and free from
any obstructions.
CONTROLLING THE
FIRE
The rate of burning and hence the
output is controlled by the control
knob on the left hand side of the
appliance, shown in Fig. 1. This is
linked to a thermostat which controls
the firebox temperature. The number
at the top of the knob is the number
at which it is set. Some experimenta-
tion may be necessary to obtain the
desired heat output.
Supplement.”
PETROLEUM COKE IS
NOT SUITABLE FOR USE
ON THIS APPLIANCE, ITS
USE WILL INVALIDATE
THE GUARANTEE
WARNING There must not be an
extractor fan fitted in the same room
as this appliance as this can cause the
appliance to emit smoke and fumes
into the room.
At first you may find it helpful to try
several fuels to find the most suitable.
If you are unable to obtain the fuel
you want ask your supplier, an
approved fuel distributor, or the Solid
Fuel Association (tel. 0800 600 000)
to suggest an alternative.
If the appliance is fitted in place of
an open fire then the chimney should
be swept one month after installation
to clear any soot falls which may
have occurred due to the difference in
combustion between the appliance
and the open fire.
There is also a manual secondary air
control which is located above the
door opening as shown in Fig. 2. To
adjust the setting, open the doors and
use the door opening tool to move the
flap to the desired position. This
control should be in the closed
position when burning any of the
recommended smokeless fuels except
for anthracite and homefire which
When using the fire in situations
where children or infirm people are
present please use a fire guard to
prevent accidents. The fire guard
should be manufactured in
DOOR OPERATION
Use the spanner type tool to open and
close the doors. Turn the knob on the
right hand door anti-clockwise to
open and clockwise to close. When
closing the doors do not push on the
enamel with the tool as this can chip
the enamel, instead push the doors on
the door knobs.
accordance with BS 6539.
This appliance obtained approval by
HETAS Ltd. in the safe and fit for
purpose category.
FUELS
LIGHTING
HETAS Ltd. approval only covers the
use of the following smokeless fuels
on this appliance:
Place some paper and dry kindling
wood or fire lighters on the grate and
cover with a small amount of fuel.
Turn the thermostat control knob to
the maximum setting and light the
paper or fire lighters. Close the doors
and allow the fire to burn until the
fuel is well ignited then load with
more fuel and adjust the thermostat
to the required level.
Ancit (Phurnacite Plus),
Anthracite Large Nuts,
Cosycoke,
Centurion,
Extracite,
0
Control
Knob
Maxibrite,
Phurnacite,
Sunbrite Doubles,
Welsh Dry Steam Coal (Large Nuts).
On initial lighting, the fire may
smoke and give off an odour as the
silicon paint with which the firebox
is painted reacts to the heat. This is
normal and will cease after a short
time. In the meantime the room
should be kept well ventilated.
Approval does not cover the use of
other fuels either alone or mixed with
the above fuels, nor does it cover
instructions for the use of other fuels.
Air Inlet
Damper
The above fuels are all suitable for
use in smoke control areas. In
non-smoke control areas your
Fig. 1. Thermostat Control
Before relighting the fire, riddle,
remove any clinker from the firebed
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LA20i 3/99
not prevented from closing by spilled
fuel or ash.
Open
Care should be taken to ensure that
ash is cool before emptying it into
plastic liners or bins.
Secondary Air
Flap (shown
closed)
To make ash removal easier there is a
special Charnwood ash carrier
available. This may be purchased
from your supplier or, in case of
difficulty, from ourselves.
RIDDLING
Riddling twice a day is usually
sufficient.
Do Not Go Beyond
45° Position
When Riddling
The fire should be riddled with all
doors shut. Place the tool on the knob
and rotate between the horizontal and
the 45 degree position several times
as shown in Fig. 3.
Riddle Between
Horizontal &
45° Positions
Caution: when riddling the grate
using solid fuel do not go beyond the
45 degree position as this can cause
the grate to jam.
Fig. 2. Secondary Air Control
After Riddling
Move Tool
To Horizontal
Position
should be burnt with the secondary
air inlet open.
If jamming does occur then the fire
should be allowed to burn for
approximately half an hour before
riddling the grate again as described
above.
Fig. 3. Grate Operation
RUNNING THE FIRE
WITH THE DOORS
OPEN
Too much riddling can result in
emptying unburnt fuel into the
ashpan and should therefore be
avoided. Clinker should regularly be
removed from the firebed.
fire is burning well before filling with
fuel.
The fire may be run with the doors
open. This will result in a reduction
in efficiency and hence heat output.
The more reactive fuels, like
homefire, will burn better when the
doors are open than fuels like
Some experimentation may be
necessary to find the thermostat
setting most suitable for the
particular fuel used and the draw on
the chimney, but generally the
thermostat should be turned down to
the minimum setting overnight.
After riddling, the grate should be
put back into the solid fuel position
(the tool should be horizontal).
phurnacite, sunbrite and ancit.
For safety reasons, if the fire is to be
left unattended with the doors open
then use a spark guard which
complies with BS 3248.
REFUELLING
For overnight burning the fire doors
must be closed.
Keep the firebox well filled (the fuel
may be sloped up from the front
firebars), but do not allow fuel to
spill over the top of the front fire
bars. Take care that fuel does not
project over the front fire bars or
damage to the glass may be caused
when the doors are closed.
To revive the fire, empty the ashpan
if necessary, riddle, and turn the
thermostat control knob to maximum.
When the fire is burning well load on
more fuel as necessary and turn the
thermostat to the desired setting.
ASH CLEARANCE
The ashpan should be emptied
regularly before it becomes too full.
The most convenient time to remove
the ash is just before riddling the fire
since the ash will then be at it’s
coolest. Use the tool provided to
remove the ashpan.
THROAT PLATE AND
FLUEWAY CLEANING
OVERNIGHT
BURNING
It is important that the throat plate
and all the appliance flueways are
kept clean. When burning smokeless
fuels they should be cleaned monthly.
When burning other fuels they should
be cleaned at least once a week, and
Empty the ashpan, if necessary, and
then riddle the fire. If the fire is very
low then it may be necessary to add a
little fuel and turn the thermostat
control up for a brief period until the
Never allow the ash to accumulate in
the ashpan so that it comes in contact
with the underside of the grate as this
will seriously damage the grate bars.
Ensure that the air inlet damper is
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LA20i 3/99
more frequently if necessary.
appliance flueways should be cleaned
before lighting.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
The throat plate and flueways may be
cleaned with a low fire still burning.
Use the scraper tool to scrape any
sooty deposits to the front of the plate
until they fall off into the fire.
Door Seals
Fire Will Not Burn.
For the fire to operate correctly it is
important that the door seals are in
good condition. Check that they do
not become worn or frayed and
replace them when necessary.
Check that:
a) the air inlet is not obstructed in
any way,
b) that chimneys and flueways are
clear,
c) that a suitable fuel is being used,
d) that there is an adequate air supply
into the room,
More soot will be deposited on the
throat plate and in the flueways if the
appliance is run at low levels for long
periods. If this is the case then more
frequent cleaning will be necessary.
Servicing
It is recommended that the fire is
serviced once a year to keep it in first
class working order. After cleaning
out the firebox thoroughly, check that
all internal parts are in good working
order, replacing any parts that are
beginning to show signs of wear.
Check that the doors seals are in
good condition and that the doors
seal correctly. Check the operation of
the thermostat, both when cold and
hot. A servicing guide, TIS 48. is
available on request.
e) that an extractor fan is not fitted in
the same room as the fire.
MAINTENANCE
Cleaning
Fire Blazing Out Of Control.
The appliance is finished in vitreous
enamel. To clean the surfaces simply
wipe over with a dry cloth. Abrasive
pads and scouring cleaners must not
be used as these will damage the
finish. Care should be taken not to
knock the enamel with hard objects
as it will chip.
Check that:
a) the doors are tightly closed,
b) the thermostat knob is turned
down to the minimum setting,
c) the air inlet damper is closed (at
the bottom left of the appliance), and
that it is not prevented from closing
completely by a piece of ash,
d) a suitable fuel is being used,
e) the door seals are in good
condition.
CHIMNEY SWEEPING
Cleaning the Glass
The glass in the doors is a special
ceramic glass which is able to
withstand high temperatures. Before
cleaning the glass open the doors and
allow them to cool. Clean the glass
using a damp cloth and then wiping
over with a dry cloth. Any stubborn
deposits may be removed with a
proprietary stove glass cleaner or
ceramic hob cleaner. Some deposits
on the glass may be burnt off simply
by running the fire at a fast rate for a
few minutes. Do not use abrasive
cleaners or pads as these can scratch
the surface which will weaken the
glass and cause premature failure.
Aerosol spray cleaners should not be
used near the appliance whilst it is
under fire.
The chimney should be swept at least
twice a year. In most installations it
will be possible to sweep the chimney
through the appliance.
Over-Firing
First remove the front firebars and
the throat plate. Then sweep the
chimney ensuring that soot is
removed from all horizontal surfaces
after sweeping.
If the fire is over-fired it will cause
premature failure of the internal fire
parts. Overfiring is occurring when
any internal parts of the fire begin to
glow red. To prevent over-firing
ensure that:
a) the door seals are kept in good
condition, and that the doors are
sealing correctly,
In situations where it is not possible
to sweep through the appliance the
installer will have provided
alternative means, such as a soot
door. After sweeping the chimney the
appliance flue outlet and the flue pipe
connecting the appliance to the
chimney must be cleaned with a flue
brush.
b) the thermostat on the fire is
working correctly,
c) a suitable fuel is being used.
Fume Emission.
When not in use
Warning Note:
After clearing any soot from within
the fire, replace the throat plate and
the front firebars.
If the fire is going to be out of use for
a long period (for instance in the
summer) then to prevent condensa-
tion, and hence corrosion, the
thermostat should be left at the
maximum setting and the main doors
left ajar. It is also advisable to sweep
the chimney and clean out the fire.
Spraying the inside of the doors and
firebox with a light oil, such as
WD40, will also help to keep all
internal parts working well.
Properly installed and operated this
appliance will not emit fumes.
Occasional fume from de-ashing
and re-fuelling may occur.
Different types of sweep’s brushes are
available to suit different flueways.
For standard brick chimneys a wire
centre sweep’s brush fitted with a
guide wheel is recommended. For
prefabricated insulated chimneys the
manufacturers instructions with
regard to sweeping should be
consulted.
Persistent fume emission is
potentially dangerous and must not
be tolerated. If fume emission does
persist then the following
immediate actions should be taken:
A) Open doors and windows to
ventilate the room.
B) Let the fire out and safely
dispose of fuel from the appliance.
C) Check for flue or chimney
After long periods where the fire has
been out of use, the chimney and
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LA20i 3/99
blockage, and clean if required.
D) Do not attempt to relight fire
until cause of fume has been
identified, if necessary seek
professional advice.
fire if there is any possibility that any
parts of the system may be frozen.
be kept at the minimum setting until
the fire in the appliance has gone out.
The chimney and flueways should
then be cleaned. If the chimney fire
does not go out when the above
action is taken then the fire brigade
should be called immediately.
Chimney Fires.
If the chimney is thoroughly and
regularly swept, chimney fires should
not occur. However, if a chimney fire
does occur turn the control knob to
the minimum setting, and tightly
close the doors of the appliance. This
should cause the chimney fire to go
out in which case the control should
The most common cause of fume
emission is flueway or chimney
blockage. For your own safety these
must be kept clean.
After a chimney fire the chimney
should be carefully examined for any
damage. Expert advice should be
sought if necessary.
Freezing
If a boiler is fitted do not light the
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INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE
CHARNWOOD LA20i
These building regulations state that
HEALTH AND SAFETY
PRECAUTIONS
CHIMNEY
the hearth must extend in front of the
appliance by at least 300 mm (12
inches) and to the sides by at least
150 mm (6 inches). If in doubt as to
the positioning of the appliance
expert advice should be sought either
from the supplier or the local
In order for the appliance to perform
satisfactorily the chimney height
must not be less than 4 metres
WARNING
Please take care when installing the
appliance that the requirements of the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
are met.
measured vertically from the outlet of
the fire to the top of the chimney.
The chimney should preferably be
175 mm (7 inches) or 200mm (8
inches) internal diameter or square
with sides of 175mm or 200mm
internally and MUST NOT BE LESS
THAN 150mm (6 INCHES)
building inspector.
Some types of fire cement are caustic
and should not be allowed to come
into contact with the skin. In case of
contact wash with plenty of water.
PREPARATION OF
FIREPLACE
If there is a possibility of disturbing
any asbestos in the course of
installation then please use
INTERNAL DIAMETER OR 150 x
150mm INTERNAL SQUARE.
Before fitting the appliance into an
existing fireplace remove the fireback
and any loose in-fill material.
If an existing chimney is to be used it
must be swept and checked, it must
be in good condition, free from
cracks and blockages, and should not
have an excessive cross sectional area
(e.g. greater than 250mm x 250mm).
If you find that the chimney is in
poor condition then expert advice
should be sought regarding the
necessity of having the chimney
lined. If it is found necessary to line
the chimney then a lining suitable for
Solid Fuel must be used.
appropriate protective equipment.
The hearth, surround and opening for
the appliance must conform with
Figs. 4 and 5. The flat area around
the opening must be a minimum of
750 mm wide and 660 mm high.
Ensure that the hearth and the base
in the opening are flat, level, and at
right angles to the surround.
There must not be an extractor fan
fitted in the same room as the
appliance as this can cause the
appliance to emit fumes into the
room.
There must be an adequate air supply
into the room in which the appliance
is installed totalling at least 100
square cm. (16 square inches) to
provide combustion air. This is
particularly necessary if the room is
double glazed.
Make a hole in the front of the
chimney breast to give access for
infilling and fixing the flue pipe. If
the optional boiler is to be fitted it
will also be necessary to make a hole
in the side of the chimney breast to
give access for the pipework.
If there is no existing chimney then a
prefabricated block chimney or a twin
walled insulated stainless steel flue to
BS:4543 can be used either internally
or externally. These chimneys must
be fitted in accordance with the
manufacturers instructions and
Building Regulations.
In addition to these instructions the
requirements of BS:8303 and
BS:6461 Pt 1&2; 1984 must be
fulfilled. Local Authority Bylaws and
Building Regulations regarding the
installation of Solid Fuel burning
appliances, flues and chimneys must
also be observed.
FITTING THE FIRE
In some cases it may be necessary to
place the connecting flue pipe in the
chimney before fitting the fire into
the fireplace.
Single wall flue pipe is suitable for
connecting the appliance to the
chimney but is not suitable for using
for the complete chimney.
PERFORMANCE
Apply fire cement to the rear face of
the sealing flange on the appliance.
Fit the appliance into the opening
ensuring that it is central and that a
good seal is made between the
sealing flange and the face of the
surround.
The rated output for the LA20i is 5.4
kW (18800 btu/h) to the room.
If it is found that there is excessive
draw in the chimney then a draught
stabilizer should be fitted.
This is the output obtained burning
Sunbrite Doubles at a rate of 1.0
kg/hr with the doors closed over a 4
hourly re-fuelling interval.
HEARTH
Remove any excess fire cement from
around the sealing flange.
The appliance must be installed on a
fireproof hearth and must be situated
at least 300 mm (12 inches) from any
combustible material. The positioning
of the appliance and the size of the
hearth are governed by building
There is an optional add-in domestic
hot water boiler available with an
output of 2.0 kW (6800 btu/h). If this
is fitted then the output to the room
will be reduced by a corresponding
amount.
The appliance should be screwed to
the hearth through the holes at the
base of the sealing flange.
regulations for Class 1 appliances.
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cylinder to BS:1566 part 1 should be
used in most situations, unless the
appliance is to be fitted in a soft
water area in which case the stainless
steel boiler may be used with a direct
hot water cylinder.
plates and the firebricks. Knock out
the knock-outs for the boiler tappings
on the appropriate side of the firebox.
Remove the backnuts and fibre
washers from the boiler tappings and
fit the boiler into the appliance. Place
the fibre washers over the tappings
on the outside of the appliance and fit
the backnuts, ensuring that the boiler
is held tightly against the rear inside
face of the appliance and that the top
edge of the boiler is level or runs
uphill to the flow tapping.
All pipework in the primary circuit
must be 28mm diameter and the flow
pipe must rise continuously from the
boiler to the open vent.
This Dimension Is The
Minimum Level Area
Required To Enable The
Doors To Be Opened.
If an indirect cylinder is used then
the primary circuit should be filled
with a suitable inhibitor to prevent
the build up of scale and corrosion.
For Overall Sizes Of
Hearth See The
Section Titled "Hearth".
405 mm
When re-fitting the firebricks, note
that the short side firebrick supplied
with the boiler must be fitted on the
same side as the boiler tappings. One
of the original side firebricks is fitted
on the other side, and the rear
firebrick is discarded. The firebricks
must be fire cemented into position,
wetting the firebox will improve the
adhesion.
400 mm
Minimum
FITTING THE
OPTIONAL ADD-IN
BOILER
Fig. 4. Limiting Dimensions
Of Hearth
The boiler replaces the rear firebrick
and is reversible so that the 1’’
B.S.P. male tappings may come on
either the left or the right hand side
of the boiler.
The shaded area on the face of
the surround is the minimum flat
area required.
Replace the back fireplate, the side
fireplates, the front firebar and the
throat plate.
The boiler tappings protrude from the
sides of the appliance and it will
therefore be necessary to fit the boiler
into the appliance after positioning
the appliance in the fireplace if the
fire surround is already fitted.
Connect the boiler to the heating
system ensuring that the flow pipe
rises from the boiler. Fill the system
with water and check for leaks.
750 mm
B
660 mm
A
Before fitting the boiler, remove the
front firebars, the side and back fire
Dim. A:
Max. 470mm (18 - 1/2")
Min. 405mm (16")
22mm Open Vents
Feed and Expansion Tank
Dim. B:
Max. 575mm (22 - 2/3")
Min. 555mm (21 - 3/4")
Cold Water Tank
Overflow
Overflow
Fig. 5. Limiting Dimensions Of
Surround And Opening
Domestic Hot Water Draw Off
HOT WATER SYSTEM
Drain Cock
Indirect Hot Water Cylinder
The optional add-in boiler which may
be fitted in the appliance has an
output sufficient for domestic hot
water heating. If the boiler is fitted
then the room heating will be
reduced.
The hot water system should be a
gravity circuit and must be correctly
vented as shown in Fig. 6.
Drain Cock at Lowest Point
Fig. 6. Typical Gravity Hot Water System
The steel boiler in conjunction with a
double feed indirect hot water storage
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appliance and the structural
following points:
FLUE CONNECTION
AND INFILLING
brickwork with vermiculite (e.g.
micafil or similar) concrete. Ensure
that there are no air pockets. The
recommended mix is six volumes of
vermiculite granules to one volume of
Portland cement thoroughly mixed
together. Enough water should be
added so that no more than one or
two drops of water are released when
a handful of the mixture is squeezed.
1. The bottom grate bars must all be
fitted and should move freely and
easily when the riddling mechanism
is operated.
Make the flue connection with the
special 150°elbow part no.
010/AV12. Please note that this item
is ordered separately from the
appliance. The legs of the elbow may
be cut on site to suit the chimney.
Also note that the legs of the elbow
are different lengths to enable some
situations to be catered for by turning
the elbow around.
2. The plates round the sides and
back of the grate must be in position
and sitting correctly.
After filling with vermiculite concrete
flaunch the top of the flue connector
pipe to the chimney with lime
The end of the flue pipe must line up
with the centre-line of the chimney,
and must also extend to the point
where the chimney narrows to its
final size. Any large voids must be
filled and flaunched to the flue pipe
to ensure that all soot deposits can be
cleared when the appliance is swept,
and to prevent problems with the
operation of the appliance.
mortar. Ensure that the flue pipe is
well sealed to the chimney.
18mm
Make good the hole(s) in the
chimney breast making sure that it is
completely airtight. A typical
installation is shown in Fig. 7.
In most installations it will be
possible to sweep the chimney
through the appliance. If this is not
possible then some alternative means
(such as a soot door), must be
provided.
Ensure that the flue pipe is not
obstructed or restricted in any way
and that all joints are well sealed.
Locking Nut
Thermostat Flap
Before infilling cover the front of the
appliance to protect it. Ensure that
the flue pipe is central and then fill
the space between the body of the
The free inset method of installation
may be used instead of infilling.
Details are available on request.
Fig. 8. Thermostat Setting
THERMOSTAT
Before lighting the fire check the
cold setting distance of the
thermostat.
3. The throat plate must be fitted in
the roof of the appliance.
Flaunching
With the control knob at the
Take Flue Pipe
Up To Narrowest
Part Of Chimney.
COMMISSIONING
maximum setting the flap should be
18 mm from the air inlet as shown in
Fig. 8. To adjust the distance slacken
the locking nut and adjust as
necessary. When set correctly
re-tighten the locking nut. Ensure
that the flap opens and closes freely
as the knob is turned.
On completion of the installation and
after allowing a suitable period of
time for the fire cement and mortar
to dry out, the fire should be lit and
checked to ensure that smoke and
fumes are taken from the appliance
up the chimney and emitted safely.
Also check all joints and seals.
150° Elbow
Part No. 010/AV12
Vermiculite
Infill
150°
ASSEMBLY
On completion of the installation and
commissioning please leave the
operating instructions with the
customer and advise on the use of the
appliance.
2
4
Fit the side panels and hood onto the
appliance. Instructions for this are
enclosed with the panel pack.
Replace any internal parts previously
removed.
FREESTANDING KIT
Fig. 7. Typical Installation
PRE LIGHTING
CHECK
A freestanding kit is available.
Details of dimensions and outputs are
available on request.
Before initial lighting check the
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LA20i 3/99
CHARNWOOD LA20i
OVERALL DIMENSIONS
(All dimensions are in mm)
394
154
84
i/d
260
Add-In Boiler May Be Fitted With
Tappings Either Side.
FLUE
C
L
150°
1
619
3
5
0
547
506
405
265
200
260
554
120
164
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