Operating instructions

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GENERAL FLUE VENTING INSTRUCTIONS
The Mendota Fireplace must be vented using the Mendota approved vent system components. Approved brands of vent
components include DuraVent, Amerivent, Selkirk and Security vent pipes and venting components. All warranties will be
voided and serious fire, health or other safety hazards may result from any of the following actions: Installation by unau-
thorized personnel; installation of any damaged component; unauthorized modification of vent system; installation of any
components not approved by Mendota; failure to meet all clearance requirements; failure to properly twist-lock and posi-
tively seal all components. Consult local building codes before beginning the installation.
WARNING
Always maintain required clearances (air spaces) to combustibles to prevent a fire hazard. Do not fill air spaces with insu-
lation. Check installation instructions for minimum clearance requirements between the outer walls of the vent pipe and
nearby combustible surfaces. Be sure to check the vent termination clearance requirements from decks, windows, soffit,
gas regulators, air supply inlets, and public walkways, as specified in these installation instructions and local building
codes.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS FOR THE INSTALLER: 1) Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection; 2) Exercise extreme
caution when using ladders or on rooftops; and 3) be aware of electrical wiring locations in walls and ceilings.
This gas appliance and vent system must be vented directly to the outside of the building, and never attached to a chim-
ney serving another solid fuel or gas burning appliance. Each direct vent gas appliance must have its own separate vent
system. Common vent systems are prohibited.
To assure proper venting performance of this high-performance Mendota Direct Vent Fireplace, it is critical that all brands
of vent pipe sections are sealed tightly and leak-proof. This means that all pipe sections must be carefully rotated into the
fully "twist-locked" position.
We strongly recommend that fixed length pipe sections be used in place of telescoping sections whenever possible.
Note: When using vent pipe and components that do not incorporate a fiberglass or graphite gasket at the inner exhaust
tube joints, you must use Milpak 1000F silicate stove sealant (#65-06-00909). Aluminum foil tape may be used on the
outer (air intake) pipe joint but is not mandatory. Local Codes may vary. Contact your dealer for proper materials.
Figure 8: Twist-Lock Piping
Do not separate telescoping sections. They must be used as complete assemblies.
COMPONENT "TWIST-LOCK" CONNECTION PROCEDURE
DuraVent and American Metals pipe and fittings are designed with special twist-lock connections. Twist-lock procedure is
as follows: four (4) indentations, located on the female ends of pipes and fittings are designed to slide straight in to the
male ends of the adjacent pipes and fittings, by orienting the four pipe indentations so that they match and slide into the
four entry slots on the male ends.
Push the pipe sections completely together then twist-lock one section clockwise, approximately ¼ turn until the two sec-
tions are fully locked. The female locking lugs will not be visible from the outside on the black pipe or fittings. They may
be located by examining inside of the female ends.
HIGH ALTITUDE INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Prior to installing at altitudes higher than 7500, please contact the Mendota technical service department for specific vent-
ing requirements and venting restrictions.