HEATING WITH WOOD

Wood Boiler
Planning Guide

• Boiler Planning
• Plumbing Layouts
• Thermal Storage
• Clearances
• Wiring

1-800-782-9927
www.woodboilers.com
2 www.tarmbiomass.com
 Wood Abundant - Renewable - Local

Wood Boiler
Planning Guide
Introduction ..................................3
Planning your installation .............4
Design and chimney information....5
Boiler clearances............................7
Plumbing schematics .....................8
System design ..............................14
Wiring .........................................17
Appendix ....................................19

Tarm Biomass®-Improving the way you live!

Dear Valued Tarm Biomass® Customer

We at Tarm Biomass® want to make your installation go as smooth as possible. About

This document includes important design criteria including clearances, chimney
requirements, thermal storage sizing, system concept diagrams, and wiring.
Tarm Biomass®
Tarm Biomass®, is a third-
The system concepts shown in this guide are only examples and they should not generation, family-owned business
substitute for complete system planning. that has pioneered the sales and
service of high efficiency biomass
We reserve the right to make technical changes without prior notice. boilers in North America for over
30 years.
For final specifications, please see product owner's manuals which supercede all
Tarm Biomass’® primary objective
guidance in this document.
is to offer innovative heating
solutions, paired with a significant
If more information is needed, please contact your local Tarm Biomass® dealer or call
commitment to consumer
us directly at 1-800-782-9927.
education and environmental
awareness. Exclusive partnerships
Thank You,
with ISO 9001 certified
manufacturers allows Tarm
Tarm Biomass®
Biomass® to offer products with
reliability and very high over-all
efficiency, all while promoting the
utilization of carbon-cycle
biomass that is critical to the
lowering of net greenhouse gas
emissions.

© 2015 Tarm Biomass®

www.tarmbiomass.com 3
Planning your installation
Boiler Sizing
Sizing a boiler properly is critical for ensuring a problem-free installation. A boiler must not only be large enough to meet the
heating needs of the building, but also meet the demands of those who tend it. A boiler that is too small may not keep up with
a heating load or even if it can keep up, may still demand too much tending and too many fillings. A boiler that supplies more
heat than the heating load demands will require a larger thermal storage tank to perform properly. While proper sizing of a
boiler requires the heat loss analysis of a skilled installer, there are rules of thumb and other information that can help guide
a sizing decision such as historical fuel usage, building size, type of heating system, any new or future building improvements,
and/or the number of linear feet of radiant tubing or baseboard radiators. Installation of thermal storage significantly improves
the liklihood that an over-sized wood boiler will meet heating loads while not operating inefficiently or in a way that will
damage the boiler. The installer bears responsibility for proper boiler sizing.

Thermal Storage Tank Sizing

All wood boilers benefit from thermal storage. The most advanced and efficient wood boilers available are designed for
use with thermal storage and will not perform to their design capability without thermal storage. Fot that reason all Tarm
Biomass® wood boilers require thermal storage and it is important to size the storage tanks properly. A volume of 75-85
gallons of thermal storage per 10,000 Btu's of boiler output is ideal, though sometimes smaller volumes provide perfectly
satisfactory operation. More thermal storage volume is almost always better. Added storage volume increases the number of
hours or days between re-firing a boiler while allowing for less discretion about how much wood to load in the firebox each
firing. Other factors to consider are boiler combustion chamber size, house characteristics, summer/shoulder season use, and
lifestyle. At Tarm Biomass® we prefer pressurized thermal storage, but offer pressurized and unpressurized thermal storage
options. For your convenience, there is a chart below that can be used to determine proper thermal storage sizing.

Tank Sizing
(Minimum-Ideal)
Boiler Model Volume (gals)
Fröling S3 Turbo 30 400-850
Fröling S3 Turbo 50 600-1500

Domestic Hot Water Production

Domestic hot water can be produced at the same time that building heat is provided by using an indirect hot water heater.
A smaller tank than those used for thermal storage, an indirect hot water heater, is connected to your heating system like a
heating zone. The wood boiler system or your back-up boiler heats potable water through a heat exchanger within the tank.
This is a very energy efficient and effective way of producing hot water using renewable energy. At Tarm Biomass® we offer
indirect hot water heating options with very large heat exchangers. These heaters provide instantaneous potable hot water at
lower boiler water or thermal storage tank temperatures.

Domestic Hot Water Example with Energy Tank

Boiler Boiler
Return Supply

1 3
Tap Connections
T

4
To Zone or Boiler Control

Key:
1 Circulator
2 Check Valve Cold water Supply
2
3 DHW Aquastat
DHW Tank
4 Thermostatic Mixing Valve

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 Design and chimney information
The Chimney
The chimney is one of the most critical factors in the successful operation of any wood boiler. A good chimney will provide a
continuous and dependable draft to pull the exhaust gasses out of the appliance.

Flue gas exhaust temperature can be low enough to cause condensation in chimneys. Condensation will over time, damage a
masonry chimney. Accordingly, installation of a stainless steel chimney liner (made with 304, 316, or 321 alloys) inside the
chimney flue is worth considering. Chimneys located outside the warm envelope of a building are especially susceptible to
down-drafting and condensation. "Outside" chimneys often benefit greatly from insulated stainless steel chimney liners.

The chimney draft must be stable. The top of the chimney must be 3 feet above the roof and 2 feet above any structure within
10 feet measured horizontally. Please refer to NFPA 211.

Boiler Data for Planning the Flue Gas System

Chimney Data Boiler Model
Description Unit S3 Turbo 30 S3 Turbo 50
Flue Gas Temperature at Nominal Load °F 300-340 300-340
Minimum Draft inches WC .03 .03
Maximum Draft inches WC .10 .10
Flue Pipe Diameter inches 6* 6*
Distance to center of flue inches 63⅜-67½** 67⅜-71½**
*flue collar adaptor required. **measurement is based on type of flue connection used (refer to page 6).

Chimney Connection
The smoke pipe connecting the boiler to the chimney flue must be black or stainless steel, have a minimum thickness of 24
gauge, and rise a minimum of ¼" per foot of run toward the chimney. Smoke pipe sections must be attached to one another
with a minimum of three sheet metal screws and sealed with a high-temperature sealant such as high temperature silicone. The
smoke pipe should not contain more than two 90° elbows (45° elbows are preferred over 90° elbows).

A barometric draft regulator is installed only when there is the presence of excessive or irregular draft. A strong natural
draft can cause the boiler to continue burning when the draft fan is off. This is highly unlikely with boilers connected to a
thermal storage system because the draft fan should rarely be off. If however, an irregular draft is present a barometric draft
regulator can be installed. Boilers with an induced draft fan must have a sealed chimney connection to prevent ash and dust
from penetrating into the room. A barometric draft regulator should be installed in postion 1 as shown in the images below.
With the barometric draft regulator installed below the flue connection it is not in the air flow path of the boiler and is on the
negative pressure side of the connection.
18" Clearance from smoke
pipe to all combustibles Straight vertical connection 18" Clearance from smoke
0-4' 0-4' pipe to all combustibles
not recommended. Moisture
and creosote will drain back
into boiler causing possible Min. ¼" rise /ft.
0-4'
damage to fan and sensors.
Cleanout Tee
30°-45° 30°-45°
18" Min.

1 1 1

Optional down tube

extension for
barometric damper
and clean-out.

Boiler connected to chimney with Boiler connected to manufactured Boiler connected to chimney with
connecting flue at 30-45° to help chimney. minimum ¼" rise per foot. A cleanout tee
prevent ash build-up in flue. is recommended for easy ash cleanout.

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Planning your installation
Smoke Pipe Connection Options
90° Adjustable Elbow Double Wall Pipe
Clean-out

Flue Collar Adaptor Flue Collar Adaptor

Stainless Steel Tee Tarm Biomass Part# FCA150MM6INCH
Tarm Biomass Part# FCA150MM6INCH

C
Tarm Biomass Part# FCATEE6150

B
A

Floor Floor Floor

Option A Option B Option C

Height to Center of Flue Connection Boiler Model
Measurement Units S3 Turbo 30 S3 Turbo 50
Option A inches 63⅜ 67⅜
Option B inches 667⁄8 707⁄8
Option C inches 67½ 71½

Outside Combustion Air

Provision for outside combustion air may be neccessary to ensure that the wood burning appliance does not discharge products
of combustion into the building. Guidelines to determine the need for additional combustion air may not be adequate for every
situation. If in doubt, it is advisable to provide additional air. The Canadian ANSI/NFPA requirement is 1 in2, per 1,000 Btu/
hr. The European öNORM H 5170 standard states that all fan-assisted boilers need a supply cross section of 2 cm2 per kW
(.3 in2 per 3412 Btu/hr) of rated output. Please follow all applicable local codes.

Electrical Connection
The Fröling S3 Turbo requires a 240 VAC, 4-wire power supply. The electrical connection should be from a dedicated 15
amp circuit breaker.

Wood Fuel
Preparing firewood properly is very important. A common mistake is acquiring firewood too late to allow adequate time for
proper drying. A drying time of one to two years is required to properly dry firewood, especially for dense wood species like
oak and maple. Tarm Biomass® wood boilers are designed to burn clean, dry cord wood. They can burn any species that is
cut and split into pieces not larger than 4-6" thick with lengths between 18-20". Oak ideally is not burned as the only source
of wood for long periods because of its high tannic acid content. When oak is the predominant species available, try to mix
it with other species. The wood must be dry, with a moisture content between 15-25% (15-18% being ideal). In addition to
increasing the likelihood of generating creosote in the boiler and chimney, burning wet wood uses a substantial amount of
available energy in the wood to evaporate the water present in the wood, reducing the available energy for heat (see the chart
below). Properly preparing, stacking, and covering firewood will result in much less labor in the long run.
100

90

80

70

60
Btu/Lb

50

40

30

20

10

0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Moisture %

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 Boiler clearances
Locating the Boiler and Boiler Clearances
The boiler must be installed with the minimum installation clearances to combustible materials outlined below. Clearances
may only be reduced by means approved by the regulatory authorities.

• The boiler is not suitable for outdoor installation. It must be located in a weather-tight protected space. Conditioned
spaces are recommended.
• The boiler must be placed on a level, non combustible floor, such as a concrete slab on earth. If the boiler is placed
8" above the floor it may be easier to load and clean the boiler.
• If the boiler is placed near inhabited rooms, so that flue gas can penetrate into these rooms, a carbon monoxide alarm
must be installed.
• Chimney flue clearances may supercede boiler clearances.

F D

A C E

Clearances to Combustibles Boiler Model

Measurement Units S3 Turbo 30 S3 Turbo 50
A-Backwall to Appliance inches 14 14
B-Sidewall to Appliance* inches 9 9
C-Boiler Depth inches 45½ 50¼
D-Boiler Width inches 22½ 27
E-Distance in Front of Boiler inches 36 36
F-Ceiling to Appliance inches 24 24

*Minimum clearance to combustibles are shown. Additional clearance may be desireable for service and maintenance.

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8
This is only a concept drawing. Final design, 17 Heating Load Wood System Example 1
installation and code compliance details are the
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system.
16

15 3
7
3
3
14
s

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13
3 2
s 1
Plumbing schematics

2 3
a
3

11

1 Wood Boiler o m
9

10
3 B i Back-up Boiler

3
12

r m 2 9
3 3
6
Ta
Feed
3 4 5 3 8 Thermal Storage Tanks
DHW Tank

Key: 6 LK 810 Loading Unit* 12 Aquastat-DHW Control*

1 Pressure Relief Valve 7 Smart Comfort Mixing Valve* 13 Emergency Gravity Loop Drawing Name: PT5
2 Check Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 14 AutoMag Zone Valve* Drawn by: TSP Date: 08-23-2016

3 Isolation Valve 9 Circulator* 15 Grundfos Alpha Circulator* Notes: *Items available at Tarm Biomass.
4 Pressure Reducing Valve 10 Aquastat-Overheat* 16 Typical Zone Valve
5 Back-flow Preventer 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* 17 Typical Zone Valve Control
 This is only a concept drawing. Final design, Heating Load
Wood System Example 2
installation and code compliance details are the 15 14
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system. 2
2

9 Swing Check Valve

7 9 3 2

13
12 2
3
11 s 1

2 3 3
a s
1 Wood Boiler

9
Back-up Boiler
10
3
o m
3
B i
3 3
6m
Feed
a r
3 4 5 3 Thermal Storage Tanks
8
Key:

1 Pressure Relief Valve 6

T
LK 810 Loading Unit* 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* Drawing Name: PT6
Drawn by: TSP Date: 08-23-2016
2 Check Valve 7 Smart Comfort Mixing Valve* 12 Emergency Gravity Loop
3 Isolation Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 13 AutoMag Zone Valve* Notes: 1 Must be a swing check valve.

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2
4 Back-flow Preventer 9 Circulator* 14 Typical Zone Control Check Valves Shown Vertically (Conceptual).
Plumbing schematics

5 Pressure Reducing Valve 10 Aquastat-Overheat* 15 Typical Single Zone Relay *Items Available at Tarm Biomass

9
10
This is only a concept drawing. Final design, Wood System Example 3
installation and code compliance details are the
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system.

2 s

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14 9
13
s
Plumbing schematics

Back-up Boiler
a 7 9 2 3

3 11 3

Wood Boiler 3
m
3 Heating Load
1
i o
2
3
10
B 9

m 12
r 2
3
Ta 6

3
Feed
3 4 5 3 8
Thermal Storage Tank DHW Tank
Key: 5 Pressure Reducing Valve 10 Aquastat-Overheat* Drawing Name: PT8
1 Pressure Relief Valve 6 LK 810 Loading Unit* 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* Drawn by: TSP Date: 10-20-2014
2 Check Valve 7 Smart Comfort Mixing Valve* 12 Aquastat-DHW Control* Notes: *Available at Tarm Biomass
3 Isolation Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 13 Emergency Gravity Loop
4 Back-flow Preventer 9 Circulator* 14 AutoMag Zone Valve*
 This is only a concept drawing. Final design, Heating Load Wood System Example 4
installation and code compliance details are the 2
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system.
2
16

15 9 Swing Check Valve

End switch from Zone Relay 1

End switch to Back-up Boiler Control
14 9 3 3 2

T
7
13
12
3 s s
11 a
3 3

1 Wood Boiler o m
10
3 B i
1

r m 2
3 3
6
Ta
Feed
3 4 5 3 8 Thermal Storage Tanks Back-up Boiler

Key: 6 LK 810 Loading Unit* 12 Emergency Gravity Loop

1 Pressure Relief Valve 7 LK 821 Diverter Valve* 13 AutoMag Zone Valve* Drawing Name: PT3
2 Check Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 14 ZV-1 Full Port Zone Valve* Drawn by: TSP Date: 10-20-2014
3 Isolation Valve 9 Circulator* 15 Tarm BLT Switch Control* 1
Notes: Must be a swing check valve.

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4 Back-flow Preventer 10 Aquastat-Overheat* 16 Typical Zone Control 2
Check Valves Shown Vertically (Conceptual).
Plumbing schematics

5 Pressure Reducing Valve 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* *Items Available at Tarm Biomass

11
12
This is only a concept drawing. Final design,
Wood System Example 5
installation and code compliance details are the
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system.

9 2 3 Heating Load

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7
12
13
3
3
s
Plumbing schematics

s
1
3 2
a9
m 11

Wood Boiler 3
1
i o
10 Back-up Boiler
B
3 2

12
r m
3
6 2 9
Ta DHW Tank
Feed
3 4 5 3 8
Thermal Storage Tank

Key: 5 Pressure Reducing Valve* 10 Aquastat-Overheat* Drawing Name: PT7

1 Pressure Relief Valve 6 LK 810 Loading Unit* 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* Drawn by: TSP Date: 10-20-2014

2 Check Valve 7 Smart Comfort Mixing Valve* 12 Emergency Gravity Loop Notes: *Items available at Tarm Biomass

3 Isolation Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 13 AutoMag Zone Valve*

4 Back-flow Preventer 9 Circulator*
 This is only a concept drawing. Final design, Wood System Example 6
installation and code compliance details are the
responsibility of the designer/installer of the system. 2
2

16 Swing Check Valve

9
End switch from Zone Relay
End switch to Back-up Boiler Control 1
15 9
Closely
C losely Spaced Tees 3 2

T
7 3
14
13
s s 3
11 a 2

3 3 9
12

1 Wood Boiler
o m
10
3 B i
DHW Tank
1

r m 3 3
2 9
a 6

Feed
T
3 4 5 3
8
Back-up Boiler
Thermal Storage Tanks
Key: 6 LK 810 Loading Unit* 12 Aquastat-DHW Control*
1 Pressure Relief Valve 7 LK 821 Diverter Valve* 13 Emergency Gravity Loop Drawing Name: PT6

2 Check Valve 8 Expansion Tank* 14 AutoMag Zone Valve* Drawn by: TSP Date: 10-20-2014

3 Isolation Valve 9 Circulator* 15 ZV-1 Full Port Zone Valve* Notes: 1 Must be a swing check valve.

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2
4 Back-flow Preventer 10 Aquastat-Overheat* 16 Tarm BLT Switch Control* Check Valves Shown Vertically (Conceptual).
Plumbing schematics

5 Pressure Reducing Valve 11 Aquastat-Back-up Control* *Items Available at Tarm Biomass

13
System design
Thermostatic Loading Valve/Unit
A thermostatic loading valve/unit must be incorporated into every wood/pellet storage tank installation. The loading valve/
unit is installed to ensure optimal temperature stratification in the thermal storage system and a high return temperature back
to the boiler. This increases the efficiency of the boiler system and prevents condensation and creosote within the boiler, which
helps prolong the life of the boiler.

Installation and Function

The thermostatic element in the loading valve/unit prevents return of cold return water to the boiler. When the boiler reaches
operating temperature, return flow from the system is allowed. As the boiler reaches temperatures above 160° F, the valve/
loading unit gradually opens, blending hot boiler water with the cold return water. Once system temperature equalizes
(approximately 176° F), the Termovar opens fully to allow flow to and from the heating load (the building and/ or storage
tank system).

Two Solutions Available

LK 823 ThermoVar Mixing Valve

Unlike the LK 820, the LK 823 regulates two ports. A balancing valve is
not required. When the valve exceeds the nominal opening temperature
by 10° C the supply port closes ensuring optimal flow rate through the
valve. A circulator (B) must be installed controlled by the boiler or by
temperature with an aquastat.
B

LK 810 ThermoMat Loading Unit

The easiest to install option. The LK 810 loading unit combines all the
features of the LK 823 with the boiler's circulator. It saves time and
space with installation and also includes insulation and temperature
gauges on all three ports.

Pipe Sizing
It is crucial to install the proper size pipe between the wood boiler and the thermal storage tank system. Most residential
systems are designed for a 20° F temperature drop. In a wood system the temperature drop between the supply and return can
range between 10-40° F based on the temperature of the thermal storage tank. The thermostatic mixing valve will guarentee at
least a return temperature of 135° F. As the thermal storage tank temperature gets closer to boiler operating temperature the
the temperature drop will decrease. Use the chart below to properly size the pipe size.

Pipe Flow Rates (Based on Copper Piping)

Pipe Size Maximum Flow Rate Maximum BTU/Hr at a Temperature Drop of:
(inches) (GPM) 10° F 20° F 30° F 40° F
1" 9 45,000 90,000 135,000 180,000
1¼" 15 75,000 150,000 225,000 300,000
1½" 20 100,000 200,000 300,000 400,000
2" 35 175,000 350,000 525,000 700,000

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 System design
Pipe Connections at the Thermal Storage Tank

Single Tank Connections

To Heating Load
To Heating Load

Boiler Supply
This connection
This connection can also be used
can also be used

Boiler Supply

Boiler Return Boiler Return

Example A Example B

The above examples represent the best ways to pipe to a single pressurized thermal storage tank. Example A is piped to two
connections on the tank. Supply and return connections to the heating load are pulled off before the tank. In example B, the
wood boiler is piped to one side of the tank and the heating load is piped on the other side. The tank now acts as a large
hydraulic seperator. The advantage of this design is that each side of the tank works independently.

Multiple Tank Connections

To Heating Load To Heating Load

These connections These connections

Boiler Supply Boiler Supply can also be used
can also be used

X A X A

Boiler Return Boiler Return

A A

X X

Note: "A" distance must be equal Note: "A" distance must be equal
Example C Example D
The above examples show multiple tank connections. The tanks are manifolded together. To guarantee equal flow through the
tanks, it is important to use approximately the same pipe length to the tanks. This is accomplished by connecting to the tanks
diagonally (X-X). When piped this way the tanks act as one. Sometimes this is called reverse return piping.

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System design
Overheat Loop with Loss of Power
The piping and controls must be connected to the boiler in such a way that in the event of a power failure there is at least one
loop of radiation available for gravity circulation. This loop must not be obstructed by any valves or other fittings which could
prevent gravity circulation during a power failure. The piping is plumbed in such a way that excessive pressure will not be
developed in any portion of the boiler or system. The loop must be large enough to dissipate 10-20% of the boiler's maximum
rated heat output, assuming an ambient temperature temperature of 65° F (18° C) and a mean water boiler temperature of
180° F (82° C).

The minimum pipe size for this loop is ¾" (1"is recommended) and if possible, the loop should be located and pitched to
maximize natural thermal convection of the water. The loop must be positioned above the boiler. The design of the loop must
be such that it can be made inoperative only in a deliberate manual action. If large enough, an existing heating radiation zone
may be used for the over-heat loop. The loop must be equipped with a zone valve which will open automatically during a
power failure. We recommend AutoMag Zone Valves for this application (offered as an accessory).

A
3
A 1
2
1
2 Option 2

Option 1

2
3

Typical Piping

Option 1: A seperate zone (1) above the boiler usually in the ceiling or
on the wall of the boiler room. One Automag zone valve (2) mounted
horizontally on the supply or return line.
Option 2: Utilizing an existing heating zone in the house that is above the
boiler that is large enough to dissipate 10-20% of the boiler's maximum
rated heat output. This must be a high temperature zone (180° F (82°
C). Two Automag zone valves (2) are required one each on the supply
and return line. This is to prevent ghost flow during normal operation.
Supply and Return connnections to the zone must be connected after
Wood Boiler any restrictive components like check valves and circulators (3).

Suggested Minimum Baseboard Length

Boiler Output A
30kW (100,000 BTU/Hr) 20*
50kW (172,000 BTU/Hr) 30*
* These are only suggested lengths, the installer is responsible for final specifications. The overheat loop should be
tested periodically, especially if the system has been serviced.

16 www.tarmbiomass.com
 Wiring
Overheat Aquastat Wiring Connections
All wood boiler installations require the control of a heating zone in the event of aboiler overheating. The zone must be able to
take hot water and must not be controlled by a mixing valve (i.e. radiant floor zone). A HONEYWELL L4008b close-on-rise
or equivalent aquastat installed in one of the wells on the woodboiler, must be wired in parallel with the thermostat on the
zone with the most heating capacity in the main living area (dump zone). Upon reaching the aquastat set point (200° F), the
dump zone will be activated, pulling heat away from the boiler. The home owner is alerted to a potential problem with the
boiler by an overly warm living space. Use the wiring diagram below for a typical installation.

Honeywell L4008B
(Overheat Control)
Set to 200° F

Heat/Overheat
Zone
Circulator
Largest Heat
Zone
Typical Circulator or
Thermostat
Zone Valve Controller

Boiler Circulator Wiring Connections

A wood boiler requires a circulator installed to properly remove heat away from the boiler. For the HS Tarm Bonus Plus, Solo
Plus, and older boiler models, use the wiring examples below.

Option 1
This option is for HS Tarm wood boilers with a control panel. The circulator is controlled by the boiler's control panel and
will shut-off as soon as the boiler's lo-limit aquastat indicates the boiler is out of fuel. The HONEYWELL L6006A dual acting
(SPDT) aquastat or equivalent must be installed in case of a power failure or increase in boiler temperature, after the lo-limit
aquastat has dropped out. This aquastat is set to 200° F.

Bonus Plus or N
Solo Plus Boiler
Control 4 Wood Boiler
B R Circulator
Honeywell L6006A
or equivalent
Set to 200° F

W
Incoming Power L
120 VAC N
Option 2
For older boilers without a control panel or if a dual acting aquaststat is not available, the example below can be used. A
HONEYWELL L4006B close-on-rise aquastat or equivalent can be used to turn on and off the wood boiler circulator. The
aquastat is installed in either a well on the boiler or in a tee on the supply line within 6" to the boiler. A strap-on type aquastat
could also be used. The recommended aquastat setting is 160° F.

Honeywell L4006B
or equivalent
Set to 160° F

Incoming Power L Wood Boiler

120 VAC N Circulator

Note:
Wood boilers like the Fröling FHG, S3, and the HS Tarm Solo Innova have the boiler circulator wired directly to the boiler's
control system.

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System Design
Understanding System Integration Options
It is important to have the correct system integration components to have an efficient and seamless operating wood boiler
system. We offer two options that will work with any existing heating system.
Boiler Tank Control System
This is the perfect option for integrating into an existing heating system or for heating systems that require high temperature
water like heat exchangers used in forced hot air systems. The heart of the system is the BLT Switch control with three mode
operation: automatic back-up, back-up only, or wood only modes.
How it works:
The BLT Switch control (1) takes input from a zone relay control (thermostat call) (2) and determines based on thermal storage
tank temperature (tank aquastat) (3) whether to pull heat from the storage tank system/woodboiler or the back-up boiler (6).
Return water passes into the bottom of the thermal storage tank and exits the top of the tank, re-heated by the thermal storage
tank system, and moves to the supply manifold. If the wood boiler is heating, the return water is re-heated by the boiler. If
however, upon a call for heat, the temperature in the thermal storage tank is below the tank aquastat set point, the circulator
(4) will cease operation. The zone valve (5) will close. The back-up boiler will be energized through the BLT Switch control to
meet the heat demand (8).
The diverter valve (7). Port 3 of the valve receives water from the return manifold. Port 1 is connected to the supply manifold
and Port 2 is connected to the return of the boiler and the thermal storage tank system. When the thermostatic valve senses
water above 165° F and above, it shunts water from Port 2 to Port 1. The result is both the heating zones and the thermal
storage tank receive hot water from the boiler. This prevents short-cycling of the boiler and an overall more efficient system
and responsive heating system. Refer to Appendix A for wiring options.

2
BLT Switch Control Tank Aquastat Thermal Storage Tank

3
1

To Back-Up Boiler 6

From Wood System To Heating System 8

5 4
1 3
From Heating System
T

2
To Wood System 7

Smart Comfort Control System

Smart Comfort is a simple, patent pending, energy efficient option that replaces the diverter valve with a mixing valve and
an active temperature controller (1) with outdoor reset capabilities. The Smart Comfort valve responds to outdoor or indoor
temperature to send the proper water temperature to the heating zones. Minimum and maximum temperatures along a curve
can be set. An energy efficient circulator (2) can also be utilized providing the correct flow. The Smart Comfort extends the
energy capacity of the thermal storage tank system while making the house more comfortable. An aquastat (3) responding to
tank temperature can be used to control a back-up boiler (4). Refer to Appendix B for wiring options.
Tank Aquastat Thermal Storage Tank

4 To Back-Up Boiler
3

Outside Temperature

From Wood System To Heating System

1 2
To Wood System From Heating System

18 www.tarmbiomass.com
 Appendix
Appendix A. Tarm BLTCONTROL Wiring

120 Volt Terminal Strip (In Panel)

C-1 C-N L-1 L-2 G

G
Incoming Power
L 120 VAC 60HZ
From 15 AMP Circuit
N Breaker or Fuse

C-1 Circulator
120 Volt

Low Voltage Connections (Outside of Box)

Available auxillary 24 VAC

1 power for items such as zone
valve for emergency overheat
2 loop (28VA MAX)

2 Multizone Relay panel

End Switch

for a zone valve system

3 or circulator sysyem

2 ZV-1 Zone Valve

24 VAC .32A
4
Motor

Note:
5 Tank Aquastat All wiring must comply with current National
(open on Rise) Electrical Code and any other applicable codes.
6
Refer to schematic included with panel. 120 volt line
voltage wiring shall be a code-approved type 14 gauge
7 T Dry contact for minimum. Low voltage wiring shall be 18 or 20 gauge
back-up burner
8 T control thermostat wire.

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Appendix
Appendix B. Smart Comfort Control System Integration Wiring Options

Below are wiring options for systems using the Smart Comfort Control System.

Typical Zone Control

End Switch
X X

Typical Open Typical Open

on Rise Aquastat T T on Rise Aquastat
Typical Zone Controller
End Switch Typical
X X Single Zone Relay Tank
Tank
Aquastat Aquastat

N H 3 NO NC NC NO 5

Back-up Boiler Back-up Boiler

Burner Control Burner Control
120 VAC
120 VAC Incoming
Incoming
Power Power
Alpha Circulator Circulator

Below are wiring options utilizing the Burner Relay contacts on the S3 Core Module. Please refer to Lambdatronic Manual
for parameter options.

Typical Zone Control

End Switch
X X

Typical Zone Controller

End Switch
X X T T
Burner Relay

Typical
Single Zone Relay
S3 Core Module
Burner Relay

N H 3 NO NC NC NO 5

S3 Core Module
Back-up Boiler
Burner Control
Back-up Boiler
120 VAC 120 VAC
Incoming Incoming Burner Control
Power Power
Alpha Circulator Circulator

20 www.tarmbiomass.com
 Appendix
Appendix C. Fröling S3 Turbo Boiler Specifications

H6
Dimensions Units S3 Turbo 30 S3 Turbo 50
L Length of Boiler inches 45⅝ 49¹/4
L1 Total Length Including Draft Fan inches 49⅝ 53¹⁄8

B Width of Boiler inches 22½ 26³⁄8

B1 Width of Boiler Including Side Cleaning Door inches 26³⁄4 30³⁄4
H Height of Boiler inches 577⁄8 61³⁄4
H1 Height of Boiler Including Flue Collar inches 60¹/4 64¹⁄8
H2 Height, Flue Gas Connection (center) inches 687⁄8 727⁄8
H3 Height of Supply Connection inches 50³⁄8 54³⁄8
H4 Height of Return Connection inches 5½ 5½
H5 Height of Cooling Coil Connection (not used) inches 35 38¹/4
H6 Height of Drain Connection inches 4³⁄4 4³⁄4
Flue Collar Diameter inches 6* 6*

*flue collar adaptor required.

Measurements
Weight-Empty lbs 1179 1366
Water Contents gals 32 50
Loading Door inches 13X14½ 13X14½
Combustion Chamber Volume cubic ft. 5 7.4
Recommended Wood Length inches 18-21 18-21
Operating Data
Operating Temperature-Water °F 180-194 180-194
Nominal Output BTU/Hr 102,500 163,783
Electrical Data
Boiler Power Requirement - 240V-60Hz/15A 240V-60Hz/15A
Electrical consumption W 180 180
Piping Data
Boiler Test Pressure psi 65 65
Boiler Relief Valve Setting psi 30 30
Supply and Return Pipe Stub Size inches 1½ 1½
Minimum Boiler Loop Size inches 1¼ 1¼
Fill/Drain Valve Size inches ½ ½
Minimum Return Water Temperature °F 131 131

www.tarmbiomass.com 21
 Please visit WWW.TARMBIOMASS.COM for more information on our boiler systems
and links to our blog, Facebook, and You Tube pages.

19 Archertown Rd | P.O. Box 322 | Orford, NH 03777

Toll Free: 800.782.9927 | Tel: 603.795.9100
[email protected] | WWW.TARMBIOMASS.COM

August 2016