I read the article about clearances ( https://www.hearth.com/talk/threads/wood-stove-wall-clearances-primer.147785/ ) which was informative about how clearances are determined. I begin to wonder, however, if certain manufacturers are more conservative than others when listing clearances and don't necessarily follow the method described in the article. Or do the designs make that big of a difference?
In my research for a low-clearance mid-size cast iron skirted steel firebox I 've done a lot of comparisons. For example, the Jotul F45 has corner clearance (double walled pipe) of 11 inches to combustibles. The PE Super Series/T5 have only 4 inches, yet have a higher max BTU ratings than the F45 (epa.gov). The Napoleon 1400 series (steel only and cast iron skirted) are both at 4 inches. The PE Summit Series is only 5 inches. The cast iron clad Blaze Kings (Ashford 20 & 30) also have lower max BTU ratings, yet wider clearances. The firebox volumes don't seem to explain it all.
I could easily believe either story: (1) It's purely design and identical lab methods were used to determine clearances; or, (2) all companies use such testing methods but then some add a fudge factor to play it extra safe.
This is just hypothetical thinking as I'll stick to what the stated clearances when seeing what fits. I would be curious, nonetheless, to know what makes such differences in their designs other than simply steel vs. cast iron.
Thinking too much....
In my research for a low-clearance mid-size cast iron skirted steel firebox I 've done a lot of comparisons. For example, the Jotul F45 has corner clearance (double walled pipe) of 11 inches to combustibles. The PE Super Series/T5 have only 4 inches, yet have a higher max BTU ratings than the F45 (epa.gov). The Napoleon 1400 series (steel only and cast iron skirted) are both at 4 inches. The PE Summit Series is only 5 inches. The cast iron clad Blaze Kings (Ashford 20 & 30) also have lower max BTU ratings, yet wider clearances. The firebox volumes don't seem to explain it all.
I could easily believe either story: (1) It's purely design and identical lab methods were used to determine clearances; or, (2) all companies use such testing methods but then some add a fudge factor to play it extra safe.
This is just hypothetical thinking as I'll stick to what the stated clearances when seeing what fits. I would be curious, nonetheless, to know what makes such differences in their designs other than simply steel vs. cast iron.
Thinking too much....