New Lopi Declaration

[Nice-N-Warm]

Hi Gang,
Just pulled the trigger on a new Lopi Decathalon with the Wilmington Face, full liner... etc. Just waiting for a cleaning and then installation should happen a few days later....After that, we're off and running! Can't wait to git 'er goin'. I'll be sure to post some pictures once the install is complete!

This forum has been a GREAT source of information and really helped in making the decision. Given the room/houes dimensions, firebox size, hearth depth and mantle config., this unit really fits the bill. Thanks so much! I'm sure I'll be back with a question or two once it's time to fire this thing up for the season.

-Dave

 

[begreen]

That's a beautiful looking insert. Please take some pictures during the installation if possible and post them here. Happy heating!

 

[budman]

You picked a good stove and i am sure it will keep you very warm
this winter.It really dose a good job. :coolgrin:

 

[Nice-N-Warm]

Just got a call from the dealer, our Lopi Declaration is in and ready for delivery/install on 9/22!! Have a chimney cleaning lined up for the 15th, so I think we're all set!! I'll be sure to post some before and after pix. Can't wait!!

 

[jbroich]

Awesome. Congratulations. I'll be getting mine in c. 3-4 weeks.

 

[Nice-N-Warm]

Thanks! Good luck to you with your install in a few weeks.
Can't wait for Monday!! (It's starting to get a little chilly overnight here in the NorthEast, so we should be able to get a few break in fires going and be ready for when it gets really cold!)

 

[jbroich]

I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures.

You can work n your wood stash to make the time go faster!

You wouldn't happen to be doing the hardwiring kit, would you? I'm not sure exactly what to do. Have a junction box ready when the installers come, I guess. I guess heat isn't too bad in there?

 

[CT-Mike]

NiceNWarm,

Who did you buy the Declaration from, and would you mind PM'ing me with the price. I called a Lopi dealer in RI and they want $3K for the stove, surround, blower, etc all extra. Because of this I am looking at the Jotul 450 instead.

Thanks,

Mike

 

[jbroich]

3191 for insert and blower, etc. A little more for the hardwiring kit. More if you want a fancier door (which I did not). You go up from there for quality liner and insulation. Not cheap, but this is a sturdy, high-tech appliance that has a good track record.
Pretty simple math when the alternative is record-high fossil fuel prices. And on top of all that it's a carbon neutral heat source.

 

[CT-Mike]

Thanks for the response. Obviously prices are higher here in New England.

 

[Nice-N-Warm]

I didn't get the hardwiring kit, but may order it once I've lived with the stove for a bit.... Can't quite visualize how it gets installed....

 

[jbroich]

Re: hard-wiring option.
My dealer/installer said that I should just have a junction box ready and waiting in the firebox. Disadvantage: can't easily plug blower into an inverter in case of a power outage. I assume that I can pull the insert out and replace the standard plug and then plug it into an inverter in that case, though. On the other hand, maybe a couple of strategically-placed battery-operated fans would suffice in that situation.

 

[rfalk]

I just installed a Declaration myself. Pictures coming soon as we did a custom (blacksmith) face and surround for our unit. You don't need the wiring kit. A normal cord with three pronged plug comes out the side of the stove. All you need is to provide a plug receptacle (I ran Romex up through the old ash chute from the basement and wired on a box w/receptacle and then insulated the wire with mineral wool. All code legal, just not standard. bob

 

[jbroich]

Very interesting, rfalk. I'm interested in your opinion--and the opinion of others--about the temperature to which that receptacle will be subjected.

 

[rfalk]

The wire from my ash chute came up behind the stove and not knowing at the time how hot the outside of the insert would get, I decided to insulate with about 1" of mineral wool. Just wrapped around the wire along its length and tied....now that I have burned, it appears that it doesn't get too, too hot on the outside of the box.....probably was overkill using insulation, but I didn't want to have to tear out my whole install because the wire shorted. Just being extra careful to avoid more work later on. bob

 

[rfalk]

Regarding wiring to an inverter, why not hardwire back from the stove and junction where your inverter is accessible?