Safety with a Power Venter

How safe are automatic coal stoker stoves?
Has anyone ever heard of a house fire from one?
What is safer, a Chimney, or a Power Venter? (SWG mounted in a cement wall, with vacuum switch in stove)

Thanks

Mark

a chimney is the best , if you get the proper draft. on DV , the Keystoker set up has a saftey fume switch. if the gases are not vented , the switch will shut down the stove. i don't know about other stoves. i'm sure someone has better info.

Hello Markm4, welcome to the forum.

A stoker stove I would say is very safe. I can't imagine how it could cause a house fire. For that matter, any coal appliance that is of the designs that are currently available, are very safe.

Wood stoves have a deserved reputation of creating creostote fires in the chimney. Coal doesn't leave any burnable residue behind.

The only possible dangers from burning coal would be overfireing, which could create too hot of a stove, or a poor chimney draft and the fumes from the coal getting in the house.

A good Masonry chimney will last just about forever, and cannot melt or corrode. The other power venting devices require monthly maintenance and if negleted can clog up with fly ash.

A properly installed coal burning device, either hand fed or stoker fed into a good chimney, will safely provide a lot of suplemental heat at a very reasonable price.

Hope this helps answer your questions.

Greg L

Coal Stove Safety Tips to remember before and after your purchase…

-Coal Stoves should be installed by a qualified, licensed heating technician. Make sure that the technician you chose has experience installing Coal Stoves.

-The installation must comply with your local building codes for solid fuel devices (permits may be required).

- Check with your insurance company, they may require a professional installation to be covered. Some will not insure homes with wood stoves either.

-Install Coal Stoves in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications leaving sufficient space between the unit and furniture, other combustible materials, electrical cords and appliances. View the Owner's Manual for installation instructions. Coal Stoves should be operated in accordance with the instructions in the Coal Stove User's Manual.

- Coal Stove should be cleaned according to your Stove Owners Manual.

- Read your Stove Owners Manual to gain a total understanding of your
Coal Stove.

- Do not let people who are unfamiliar with your Coal Stove operate the stove.

- Never leave small children unattended in the room where the Coal Stove is located. Barriers can be erected to insure that small children and family pets do not come in contact with hot surfaces.

- Coal Stoves require that you always use a high quality carbon monoxide gas detector, either the one supplied with your or one of similar quality. Your carbon monoxide detector should either run on batteries or have a battery backup system to insure that the carbon monoxide detector continues to work if power is disrupted. Test the carbon monoxide detector for proper operation on a regular basis.
Batteries should be replaced at least semi annually. Many people replace the batteries in their carbon monoxide detector on the day clocks are changed for daylight savings time.

- Make sure you have a high quality smoke detector in your home. Make sure that the smoke detector either runs on batteries or that there is a battery backup to insure that the detector works if power is disrupted. Test the smoke detector on a regular basis. Replace the batteries in the smoke detector at least twice each year. Again consider changing the batteries on the day clocks are changed for daylight
savings time.

-Make sure your chimney or direct vent is clean, clear and in good repair.
Have your chimney inspected by a competent professional.

-Always use low sulfur, low ash Anthracite Coal of the quality specified in your Stove Owners Manual.

- Have a fire extinguisher nearby and handy and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use your extinguisher. Have the fire extinguisher checked annually by a qualified technician. Many times your local fire company provides this service.

- For further information on the safe operation of your stove please contact the National Fire Protection Association to obtain a copy of their publication Using Coal and Wood Stoves Safely NFPA No. HS-10-1978.