RAIS MALTA SERIESUSER’S MANUALRAIS Malta
RAIS Bando
RAIS Bora

RAIS A/S
Industrivej 20
9900 Frederikshavn
Denmark
Tel.: +45 98 47 90 33
Fax: +45 98 47 92 91

Tested& Listed by:

Beaverton
Oregon USA
C

OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc.

TABLE OF CONTENTSINTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................3
Safety and Environmental Testing .................................................................................3
Features and Items Included .........................................................................................3
INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................3
Precautions and Specifications......................................................................................3
Specifications.................................................................................................................5
Assembly Instructions ....................................................................................................5
Chimney.........................................................................................................................6
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS............................................................................................7
First Fire.........................................................................................................................7
Building the Fire .............................................................................................................8
Check for a Proper Burn ................................................................................................9
Cooking..........................................................................................................................9
FIREWOOD .........................................................................................................................9
Specifications.................................................................................................................9
Burning value of wood .................................................................................................10
A Few Reminders ........................................................................................................10
Fuel Caution ................................................................................................................10
CARE AND MAINTENANCE ............................................................................................10
Creosote – Formation and Need for Removal .............................................................11
Surfaces.......................................................................................................................11
Glass Doors .................................................................................................................11
Removing the Ashes....................................................................................................11
Cleaning the Smoke Box/Baffle System ......................................................................12
Firebox Lining ..............................................................................................................12
Gaskets........................................................................................................................12
TROUBLE SHOOTING .....................................................................................................13
WARRANTY......................................................................................................................13

Revision 1
October 12, 2006

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Congratulations on your new RAIS wood burning stove. As a product of award
winning design and superior quality, we wish you many years of warmth and pleasure.

INTRODUCTION
We are asking you to:
PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE MANUAL BEFORE YOU INSTALL AND USE YOUR NEW RAIS STOVE.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PROPERTY DAMAGE, BODILY INJURY, OR EVEN
DEATH. KEEP IT HANDY FOR EASY REFERRAL.
Safety and Environmental Testing
The RAIS Malta Series stoves have been tested by OMNI-Test Laboratories, Inc. of
Beaverton, Oregon and are listed to UL 1482 and ULC S627. They are also EPA certified
and have met the more stringent WA State Environmental standards.
Features and Items IncludedYour RAIS has a built in convection system, so the sides do not get very hot. It also
creates air circulation in the room, to spread the heat faster and more evenly.
The stove is equipped with a "cool" handle - a specialty from RAIS, which enables you tooperate it without the use of a glove (however, always use caution when touching areas
where HOT surfaces are located).
Included with the RAIS stove (in the firebox) are:
• Flue collar with 3 bolts/nuts (to connect to stove/pipe)• An oven mitt
• A box of RAIS starter matches• A can of touch-up paint (Remove from the stove!)

Installation
Precautions and Specifications
IF THIS STOVE IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY, A HOME FIRE MAY RESULT. TO REDUCE THE RISK,PLEASE CAREFULLY FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS FOR INSTALLATION.
Consult your local Building Inspector or Fire Marshall before installation todetermine the need to obtain a permit. Also inquire about restrictions andinstallation inspection requirements in your area.
If utilizing an existing chimney, it is suggested that you have a professional mason or stove
installer do a complete check-up of your chimney, liner, and flue.

3In order for the stove to work and draw properly, sufficient air is important! Be especiallyaware of any mechanical fans (e.g. kitchen or bathroom) that may affect the proper draw.
In addition, make sure that the floor and sub-flooring is designed to carry the extra weightof the stove. The floor protector or plate must be made of a non-combustible material.
The floor plate must cover under the stove and extend 16” (40.6cm) (18” (45.7cm) in
Canada) in front of the stove door, 8” (20.3cm) beyond the sides of the fuel-loading door,
and under the pipe and 2” (5cm) beyond for back venting.
When installing the stove, the heat distribution to other rooms should be taken into
consideration. The RAIS Malta Series stoves have a heating capacity of approximately
1,076 ft² (100m²) based on a standard ceiling height.

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Specifications
Single wall connector stove pipe – 6” (15cm) diameter
Chimney pipe – Class A, UL-103 HT, 6” (15cm) diameter
Optimal Thermal Output – 23,900 BTU (7 kW);
range is 6,800 - 27,300 BTU (2 - 8 kW)
Minimum stove draft pressure at above output – 0.06” WC (16 Pascals)
Efficiency – 74% based on DS standard
Tested EPA emission particulate rate – 4.18 grams/hour
Minimum distance to non-combustible material – 2” (5cm)
Note: Non-combustible must be solid cement or block (not brick or tile overcombustible material).
Minimum distances to combustible material – as shown:

Wall View

Corner View
F

D
B
E

C,I

A I
F

H

H
G

C,I
G

#

Description

RAIS Malta

A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H

Distance to combustible side wall
Distance to combustible back wall
Corner distance to side walls
Connector pipe to side wall
Connector pipe to back wall
Corner pipe to side walls
Distance to furniture
Front floor protection- US- Canada
Side floor protection
Ceiling to top of stove
Ceiling to connector pipe13”(33cm)
6”(15cm)
6”(15cm)
5.5”(14cm)
5”(13cm)
20.5”(52cm)
21”(53cm) 20.5”(52cm)
10” (25cm)
13” (33cm)
36” (91cm)
16” (41cm) from door opening18” (46cm)
8” (20cm) from door opening36” (91cm)
18” (46cm)

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Note:

RAIS
Bando

RAIS Bora

A heat shield or protective wall may be used to reduce clearances if it meets the

Assembly Instructions
The RAIS Malta and the RAIS Bora stoves come assembled. To add the Soapstone top
plate on the RAIS Malta, remove the steel top plate and replace with the Soapstone top
plate and the 2 bushings that are supplied. You may also just place the Soapstone top
plate directly on top of the steel plate. CAUTION: Soapstone is fragile, so please handle
with care.
The RAIS Bando soapstone panels come detached. To assemble, first check that all thesoapstone is in good condition. Then, attach the metal frames to the 2 soapstone sidepanels, using the screws and washers that are included. Take care not to over-tighten.

5Lift and mount each side panel onto the sides of the stove. Attach the back to the stove,and place the soapstone top plate on the top of the stove. Refer to the picture next page.

Mount the special RAIS collar using the included hardware. When installing the first pieceof pipe (at the stove), place the pipe over the collar, which is designed so any moisture orcreosote will drip back into the stove and burn away. If using a crimped pipe, cut that
section off at the bottom and place it over the collar. Install the remaining stovepipe
segments with the crimped end down whenever possible.
Chimney
The RAIS stoves must be installed using a Class A UL 103 HT
approved factory-built chimney system or a code-approved
masonry chimney with a flue liner. In Canada, the installationmust conform to CAN/CSA-B365.

A.
B.
C.

The chimney must extend through the roof at least 3’ (1m),
and 2’ (.6m) above any structure within 10’ (3m).
The condition of the chimney and height is very important. We
suggest a total minimum height of 10’ (3m).

D.
B.

E.

Do not connect this stove to a chimney flue serving
another appliance.
Reguired Installation Components
A. Chimney Cap
B. Insulated Chimney
C. Storm Collar
D. Roof Flashing
E. Ceiling Support Box or Joist Shield/Firestop Spacer
F. Chimney Connector Pipe

F.

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For venting vertically into a Class A chimney, single wall pipe (at least 24 gauge) may be
used in the room where the stove is installed. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions forthe connection to the listed chimney. The chimney/stove pipe must not be smaller than 6”(15cm) in diameter.
For venting directly into a masonry chimney or through a thimble, the top of the single wall
pipe must be at least 18” (46cm) below a combustible ceiling and conform to NFPA 211
guidelines and methods. See diagram below.
Chimney
Flue

Connector Pipe18” (46cm) below ceilingMin.
2” (5cm)

Insulated
ChimneyMin.
2” (5cm)

Masonry

For rear venting or other not listed configurations, consult the local building codes andfollow the NFPA 211 guidelines.
If the stovepipe is fitted with a baffle, it must be manually operated, visibly placed for easeof use, and must not close completely. Consult your chimney expert if you have any
questions. Important! Make sure that there is easy access to the chimney cleanout
door.

Operating instructionsFirst FireYour new RAIS should be broken in gently for top performance and to prevent paintdamage, cracks in the firebrick, and excessive wear and tear.
Start with a small fire (never overload the firebox) to allow the materials to get
accustomed to the higher temperatures, and then gradually increase the intensity. Use up
to a maximum of 2 logs.
For the first few fires you may detect a strange smell that comes from "heat treating" thepaint and materials. This is normal and will soon disappear. Just insure there is plenty offresh air in the room!

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Furthermore, during the initial heating up and cooling down, some "click-sounds" mayoccur from the metals being exposed to the large differences in temperature. This isnormal.
For wood to burn correctly, the right amount of air has to be supplied at the righttime and places.
Primary air is defined as combustion air for burning the “mass of wood" and stimulates
production of volatile gases.
Secondary air is used to burn off the gases at high temperatures (above 1,000°F (540°C))
and to keep the glass free of soot.
Basically, the primary air is used to start the fire, and the secondary air is used to maintainthe fire.
The RAIS Malta Series stoves are equipped with an air control handle on the right side justbelow the door. When the handle is pulled out all the way to Position 1, the primary air
and secondary air are both fully open.
When the handle is pushed in a notch to Position 2, the stove gets only the full secondary
air, and if the handle is pushed in further to Position 0, the air supply is reduced. At
Position 0, the stove will shut down.
The handle on the right side just behind the door controls the shaker grate. It simplifies thecleaning of the stove. You just shake the ashes through the grate into the ash pan.
Refer to Removing the Ashes in the CARE AND MAINTENANCE Section of theManual for detailed directions.
Firewood used should be seasoned, split wood with an adequate low degree of moisture(15 - 22%), and ideally about 12 - 14” (30 - 36cm) in length. In order to get “dry wood”, itshould be stored in a dry place under a roof with sufficient fresh airflow for at least one fullyear for softer woods and a minimum of two years for hardwoods.
Only use the wood fuel as described in the FIREWOOD Section of this manual!
Building the Fire
To start the fire lay a few pieces of kindling or dry twigs and paper at the back of thefirebox (enough for a small fire). Build the wood directly on the stove hearth, and do
not use a grate or elevate the fire.
Pull the air control handle out to Position 1. Light the fire, and during start up you can leave
the door slightly cracked (with supervision) until the kindling is burning well. Add 1 or 2 split
logs on the kindling fire and allow enough time for them to catch on fire (about 2 - 5
minutes). Now close the door completely, and push the air control handle to Position 2.

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Further adjustments to the air control may be made later on if necessary. Never reduce
the air intake to Position 0 while logs are still burning. This will cause incomplete
combustion (creosote), risk of explosion, and soot on the glass.
Once the door is closed and burning correctly, the stove does not require supervision.
The RAIS Malta Series was developed to an optimal thermal output of 23,900 BTU/hr (7 kW) with awater content of 18%, which corresponds to about 4½ lbs wood/hour. If the fire is fed more thanrecommended, there is a danger that the stove will be overloaded and might discolor. Over firing
is unnecessary and will void the warranty.

Check for a Proper Burn
For a proper burn, the inside of the firebox and the glass panel should be free of soot, andthe ashes in the bottom should be light gray (not black). To allow more air in to the heating
chamber, pull out the air control handle.
For normal operation the air control handle should be set at Position 2. However, if thewood is burning too quickly, you can adjust (push in) the air control handle.
To ensure a proper and safe combustion, there should be bright and lasting
flames/embers. Don't let the wood smolder. Do not close the air inlets completely
during normal usage.
Cooking
You can both cook and bake in your RAIS stove. Learning how to control the oven heat ina wood stove is a matter of trial and error. Your RAIS stove comes with an oventhermometer, which helps in the learning process.
For most baking needs, bring the temperature up to 300-400°F (150-200°C). If the oventemperature gets too high (above 425°F (220°C)), op en up the oven door for a few
minutes. Always protect the soapstone liner with foil.
Frozen dishes such as pizzas can be put directly in the preheated oven without first
defrosting.
The top portion directly above the oven can serve as a warming area for plates or coffee,
or even for rising dough.
Each cook will discover what works best for his or her particular stove.
Bon Appetit!

Firewood
Specifications
Only burn wood that has been seasoned for at least one full year (2 years is best!). If thewood has not been "seasoned" or dried, much of the energy of the fire will go into9

evaporating the water. Furthermore, condensation or creosote might occur in the stove
and pipe if you burn moist wood.
The log size should be about 2” (5cm) less than the width of the firebox.
Burning value of wood
Air-dried wood has less moisture (15 - 20%) than freshly cut timber (40%+), and typicallyyields 20% more available heat. Wet wood burns at a lower temperature and causes
incomplete combustion (soot and "creosote" formation, which in extreme cases, can leadto a chimney fire).
All types of wood heat up equally per pound (kilogram); however, the density of wood is
not the same, as shown in the following table:
Type of wood Dry Wood - Lbs/ft³ (Kg/m³)
Beech and Oak
36.2 (580)Ash35.6 (570)Maple
33.7 (540)Birch
31.8 (510)Mountain pine
30.0 (480)Fir
24.3 (390)
Poplar
23.7 (380)

Com pared to beech
100%
98%
93%
88%
83%
67%
65%

A Few Reminders• Store your wood cut and split (split logs dry faster).
• Keep the woodpile in a dry sunny place, protected from the rain. Don't cover the pilewith plastic, because that will prevent the wood from drying out properly.
• Stack the wood with enough space between the rows to ensure good air circulation!
Fuel Caution
Do not burn trash (plastics and other trash emit harmful gases), driftwood, treated wood,
artificial logs, or non-seasoned wood.
Never use gasoline, gasoline-type lantern fuel, kerosene, charcoal lighter fluid,
naphtha, engine oil, or similar liquids to start or “freshen up” a fire in this heater.
Keep all such liquids well away from the heater while it is in use.

CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Although your RAIS stove requires little day-to-day upkeep, it is important to maintain it foryour safety and enjoyment.

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IMPORTANT:YOU SHOULD HAVE YOUR CHIMNEY AND STOVE CHECKED ONCE EVERY 2 MONTHS DURING THE
HEATING SEASON OR AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR BY A PROFESSIONAL CHIMNEY SWEEP AND CLEANEDAS NEEDED.

Creosote – Formation and Need for Removal
When wood is burned slowly, it produces tar and other organic vapors, which combine withexpelled moisture to form creosote. The creosote vapors condense in the relatively coolchimney flue of a slow-burning fire. As a result, creosote residue accumulates on the fluelining. When ignited this creosote makes an extremely hot fire.
The chimney connector and chimney should be inspected once every two months during
the heating season to determine if a creosote buildup has occurred.
If creosote has accumulated it should be removed to reduce the risk of a chimney fire.
Surfaces
The outer surfaces can be wiped with a dry soft rag, and if needed, a small amount of mild
detergent, but try not to scrub!
Minor scratches and other surface damage can easily be touched up with the RAIS paint
supplied with each stove. Remove any dirt, tar, and rust, and make sure repairs are madeonly when the stove is cool (room temperature).
Soapstone stains can be cleaned with alcohol or it can be lightly sanded.
Glass Doors
The glass can be easily cleaned by wiping with a damp rag dipped in some of the ashes. A
good commercial glass cleaner can also be used.
If the glass should break, carefully lift off the door. Remove the 9 screws from the back,and remove the inner frame assembly. Then, remove all the loose pieces of glass andreplace only with a 4mm ceramic new glass panel and gasket available from an authorized
RAIS dealer. Assemble the inner frame, tighten screws evenly (star formation), and put
the door back on.
Removing the Ashes
Start by cleaning out the firebox. Use the shaker grate to remove the ashes through thegrate. A tray is in the ash drawer beneath the firebox.
Remember to leave some of the ashes in the firebox (about a 2”/5cm layer) for better
insulation! Be sure to put the tray back in the ash drawer, since it also serves as areflection shield.

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DISPOSAL OF ASHES:ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED IN A METAL CONTAINER WITH A TIGHT FITTING LID. THE CLOSEDCONTAINER OF ASHES SHOULD BE PLACED ON A NONCOMBUSTIBLE FLOOR OR ON THE GROUND,WELL AWAY FROM ALL COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS, PENDING FINAL DISPOSAL.
IF THE ASHES ARE DISPOSED OF BY BURIAL IN SOIL OR OTHERWISE LOCALLY DISPERSED, THEYSHOULD BE RETAINED IN THE CLOSED CONTAINER UNTIL ALL CINDERS HAVE THOROUGHLYCOOLED.

Cleaning the Smoke Box/Baffle System
1. Remove the baffle plate as follows:a. Push the baffle plate up towards the top of the stove and lift it off the side stones.
b. The baffle plate can now be turned at an angle and pulled out through the door
opening. Note: The baffle plate is made out of vermiculite, which is a porous
material and should be handled with care.
2. Now the smoke control plates can be removed:a. Raise the U-shaped steel smoke leader plate (back) and flip out the L-shaped
smoke stop plate (at the front).
b. Lift off the smoke leader plate from its pins in the back of the stove and pull it out
through the door opening.
3. Brush the smoke box and vacuum if necessary.
4. The cleaning plate and the baffle plate can be put back in reverse order. Make sure theplates are correctly in place and the top opening is fully closed.
Firebox Lining
The firebox bottom lining is made out of firebrick and the side lining is made out ofvermiculite slab insulation (skamol), which protects the outer steel plates from overheating.
With time small cracks might appear, and this is normal. If it breaks however, it must be
replaced. Vermiculite is a porous, high-insulating material and must therefore be handledwith care.
Gaskets
It is recommended to replace the door gaskets about every 2 years. When replacing the door
gasket, make sure the door glass is not pressed too hard against the gasket. The gasket aroundthe ash drawer can also be replaced as needed. Gaskets can be obtained from an authorized
RAIS dealer.

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TROUBLE SHOOTING
ProblemPossible Cause/Solution

Smokecoming out ofthe door
Soot on theglass
The stove isburning too
quickly
The stove isburning too
slowlyThere may not be enough draft in the chimney (<0.06” WC (<16
Pascals)). Check for an obstruction.
Take care that the stove is warmed up sufficiently before closing thedoor.
Check the door gaskets first and replace if needed. The chimney could
also be too high and thus create too much draft (>0.09” WC (>22
Pascals)). A damper may be needed.
It could be due to too little air getting to the stove. Check that you're notrunning exhaust fans (kitchen/bath), the chimney is not blocked, or there
is a leak between the chimney, the stovepipe, and the stove.

If the problem continues or other conditions, we recommend that you contact your chimney
sweep or your dealer.
If you should experience a chimney fire, quickly close all doors, dampers, vents, and callyou local fire department. Don't use water to extinguish the fire.

Warranty
We offer a 5-year warranty on your RAIS stove, which covers any defect in material orworkmanship. It does not cover damage from misuse or neglect. The glass, gaskets,
firebrick and vermiculite stone liners are not covered.

ENJOY YOUR NEW RAIS!

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