I currently have 6 inch insulated pipe on my VC Defiant. I was reading through a pdf that another member provided a link for. It stated the reccomended diameter is 8 for this stove. The stove is running nicely, good temps and draft. Is there a reason to pursue changing the pipe, other than the manual? By the way, I may have some nice 6 inch insulated stove pipe for sale. :sick:
Stove pipe diameters
- Thread starter mywaynow
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offroadaudio
New Member
If the stove is truly running well - I would say leave it alone. The three main things that would make me consider a change are:
1. smoke spilling into room when door is opened for reload
2. stove top not able to get above 500 when you want it to
3. creosote build up
If none of these things are happening, then don't waste the time and money. You would probably burn more wood with the larger flue as well.
1. smoke spilling into room when door is opened for reload
2. stove top not able to get above 500 when you want it to
3. creosote build up
If none of these things are happening, then don't waste the time and money. You would probably burn more wood with the larger flue as well.
Backwoods Savage
Minister of Fire
FyreBug
Minister of Fire
I have a slightly different take on this. Yes it might work and there may be no problems... but, manufacturers go through extensive safety, emission & efficiency testing in order to certify their products. Which includes what type of venting goes on their appliances.
If down the road you experience any issues keep that in mind and you may want to upgrade your venting at that time.
If down the road you experience any issues keep that in mind and you may want to upgrade your venting at that time.
It depends. The mfgs test under very controlled circumstances usually. But a stove in the real world gets exposed to more extremes at both ends of the draft spectrum. If a stove is connected to a very strong drafting flue, the choices are to restrict air intake more or restrict draft with a key or barometric damper. In the later case, downsizing the pipe a notch can be the equivalent of running with a key damper half-closed. I'd think that if the stove behaves well under a variety of outside temps, from mild to cold, then be happy and leave it alone.
Renovation
New Member
Agreed--I don't know of any significant safety risk with an under-width flue, and if it works, don't mess with it.
A refreshing answer, eh?
The most significant risk I've identified with an under-width flue is smoke roll out with the door open, since a 6' flue has half the flow of an otherwise identical 8" flue under those conditions. How is yours working? Do you get any roll out?
HTH, and happy burning.
A refreshing answer, eh?
The most significant risk I've identified with an under-width flue is smoke roll out with the door open, since a 6' flue has half the flow of an otherwise identical 8" flue under those conditions. How is yours working? Do you get any roll out?
HTH, and happy burning.
Hi,
The Defiant is certified for either an 8" or 6" chimney. They actually have a 8" oval to 6" adapter available. On page 5 and 6 in the manual it gives you charts for a safe installation. One thing it does state however is that the unit CANNOT be operated with the doors open if using 6" venting. There just isn't enough velocity to avoid spillage of gases or smoke into your home. The manual also states a minimum of 16' of venting. I hope this helps.
Heater Helper
The Defiant is certified for either an 8" or 6" chimney. They actually have a 8" oval to 6" adapter available. On page 5 and 6 in the manual it gives you charts for a safe installation. One thing it does state however is that the unit CANNOT be operated with the doors open if using 6" venting. There just isn't enough velocity to avoid spillage of gases or smoke into your home. The manual also states a minimum of 16' of venting. I hope this helps.
Heater Helper
Good info, thanks. I do have smoke rollout if I open the door to quickly. Typically, I creep it open and watch the smoke disappear before I continue to swing the door further. I do get good draft with the current pipe. I have to run the air 70% open regularly to keep the temps up. I don't mind that much, probably better to have good burning at a wider setting to avoid overfiring to easily. I will have to check the manual for that statement on 6 inch. I do recall reading that now that it was brought up. Maybe I don't have to sell the 6 inch system??
Renovation
New Member
Your experience with rollout matches what many report even with optimal flue width. For example, it's enough of an issue that Blaze King has a faq answer about how to avoid it--turn the stove up first, open the door sloooowly, etc.
I salute your safety consciousness.
I salute your safety consciousness.
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