UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) GAS FIREPLACE SYSTEM OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL MODELS VSGF36NTB, VSGF36PTB, VSGF36NRB and VSGF36PRB WARNING: If the information in this manual is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life. — Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. — WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS • Do not try to light any appliance.
Table of Contents Safety Information................................................ 2 Local Codes......................................................... 4 Product Identification............................................ 5 Unpacking............................................................ 5 Product Features.................................................. 5 Locating Firebox................................................... 6 Product Specifications..........................................
SAFETY INFORMATION Continued WARNING: This product contains and/or generates chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other reproductive harm. IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual carefully and completely before trying to assemble, operate or service this heater. Improper use of this heater can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire, explosion, electrical shock and carbon monoxide poisoning.
SAFETY INFORMATION Continued 1. This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate. This appliance is not convertible for use with other gases. 2. Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s) inside any structure. Locate propane/LP supply tank(s) outdoors (propane/LP units only). 3.
Product Identification Log Set Rear Burner Unpacking CAUTION: Do not remove the data plates attached to the heater base assembly. The data plates contain important warranty and safety information. 1. With utility knife, cut the carton all the way around above the staples on the bottom tray. Lift the carton off the heater. Remove packing. Note: The hood is located on top of fireplace in a carton. 2. Locate one screw above top left corner of the Front Optional fireplace screen. Remove and discard screw.
Locating Firebox Planning Plan where you will install the firebox. This will save time and money later when you install the firebox. Before installation, consider the following: 1. Where the firebox will be located. Allow for wall and ceiling clearances (see Installation Clearances, page 10). 2. Everything needed to complete installation. 3. These models CANNOT be installed in a bedroom unless the maximum Btu rating of the installed vent-free log set is less than 10,000 Btu/hr. 4.
Air For Combustion and Ventilation WARNING: This firebox shall not be installed in a confined space or unusually tight construction unless provisions are provided for adequate combustion and ventilation air. Read the following instructions to insure proper fresh air for this and other fuel-burning appliances in your home. Today’s homes are built more energy efficient than ever. New materials, increased insulation and new construction methods help reduce heat loss in homes.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space Use this work sheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space. Space: Includes the room in which you will install heater plus any adjoining rooms with doorless passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms. 1. 2. 3. Determine the volume of the space (length x width x height). Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued Ventilation Air From Inside Building This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to an adjoining unconfined space, you must provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the floor on the wall connecting the two spaces (see options 1 and 2, Figure 4). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 3). Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.
Installation INSTALLATION CLEARANCES Continued CAUTION: This fireplace creates warm air currents. These currents move heat to wall surfaces next to fireplace. Installing fireplace next to vinyl or cloth wall coverings or operating heater where impurities (such as, but not limited, to tobacco smoke, aromatic candles, cleaning fluids, oil or kerosene lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may discolor walls or cause odors. Note: Your fireplace is designed to be used in zero clearance installations.
Installation Continued Mantel Clearances for Built-In Installation If placing custom mantel above built-in firebox, you must meet the minimum allowable clearance between mantel shelf and top of firebox opening shown in Figure 7. These are the minimum allowable mantel clearances for a safe installation. Use larger clearances wherever possible to minimize the heating of objects and materials placed on the mantel.
Installation Continued 1. Frame in rough opening. The firebox framing should be constructed of 2 x 4 lumber or heavier. Use dimensions in Table 1 and rough opening layout in Figure 8. Adjust framing so that firebox flushes with finished wall surface. If installing in a corner, use dimensions in Figures 8 and 9 for rough opening. 2. Install gas piping to firebox location. See Installing Gas Piping to Fireplace Location on page 13 and Connecting Fireplace to Gas Supply, page 15.
Installation Mantel Continued Installing Firebox USING OPTIONAL ACCESSORY MANTELS WARNING: A qualified service person must install firebox. Follow all local codes. This firebox may be installed using the corner or cabinet mantel with hearth base accessories against a wall in your home. A trim kit is included with the mantel accessories (see Accessories, page 31). 1. Assemble cabinet mantel, hearth base, and trim accessories. Assembly instructions are included with each accessory. 2.
Installation Continued WARNING: Never connect natural gas fireplace to private (non-utility) gas wells. This gas is commonly known as wellhead gas. Installation Items Needed Before installing fireplace, make sure you have the items listed below.
Note: If adding the G8007 series brick liner accessory, install it now. Follow instructions in G8007 accessory kit. Installation Continued WARNING: Use pipe joint sealant that is resistant to liquid petroleum (LP) gas. We recommend that you install a sediment trap in supply line as shown in Figure 15, page 14. Locate sediment trap where it is within reach for cleaning. Install in piping system between fuel supply and fireplace. Locate sediment trap where trapped matter is not likely to freeze.
Installation Continued CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS WARNING: Test all gas piping and connections, internal and external to unit, for leaks after installing or servicing. Correct all leaks at once. WARNING: Never use an open flame to check for a leak. Apply a noncorrosive leak detection fluid to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak. Correct all leaks at once. CAUTION: Make sure external regulator has been installed between propane/LP supply and fireplace.
Installation Continued 4. Check all joints from equipment shutoff valve to gas control valve (see Figures 19 or 20, page 16). Apply noncorrosive leak detection fluid to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak. 5. Correct all leaks at once. 6. Light fireplace (see Operating Fireplace, page 19. Check all other internal joints for leaks. 7. Turn off fireplace (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, pages 20 or 22, depending on your model).
Installation INSTALLING FIREPLACE HOOD AND SCREEN Continued Hard-wiring Firebox NOTICE: A qualified electrician must connect electrical wiring to duplex outlet for built-in installation. Follow all local codes. In absence of local codes follow The National Electric Code ANSI/NFPA 70. The “Handy Box” with duplex outlet is provided in the firebox located in the lower right base area. 1. Remove screw holding duplex outlet cover to handy box. Remove duplex outlet. 2.
Operating Fireplace LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS Thermostat Models FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life. A. This appliance has a pilot which must be lighted by hand. When lighting the pilot, follow these instructions exactly. B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued Note: If pilot does not stay lit, contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs. Until repairs are made, light pilot with match. To light pilot with match, see Manual Lighting Procedure. 7. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 seconds after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds, release control knob. Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 3 through 7. This fireplace has a safety interlock system. Wait one (1) minute for system to reset before lighting pilot again.
Continued C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob. Never use tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a qualified service technician or gas supplier. Force or attempted repair may result in a fire or explosion. D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under water.
OPERATING FIREPLACE BLOWER OPERATION Continued WARNING: Make sure the selector switch is in the OFF position when you are away from home for long periods of time. Heater will come on automatically with selector switch in the ON position. Pilot Burner Ignitor Electrode Figure 29 - Pilot (Natural) Pilot Burner Ignitor Electrode Figure 30 - Pilot (Propane/LP) TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE Shutting Off Heater 1. Turn control knob clockwise to the OFF position. 2a.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued Flame Adjustment Knob F T ON LO PI L O Selector Switch in Remote Position (Optional HandHeld Remote Control) OF REMOTE OFF ON HI Control Knob in On Position Figure 31 - Setting the Selector Switch, Control Knob and Flame Adjustment Knob for Hand-Held Remote Operation On/Off Series (Model HRC100) Hold the control button on the hand-held remote until burner turns on. Hold the control button again until burner turns off (see Figure 32).
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued 2. The receiver continuously receives signals from the hand-held remote to control the room temperature. If the hand-held remote is misplaced, obstructed or for any reason cannot transmit to the receiver, the receiver will shut off the fireplace after 8 minutes. Key Pad Lock Feature This feature allows the user to lock/unlock the keypad on the hand-held remote in the MANU or AUTO mode to prevent inadvertent operation (i.e. children operating the hand-held remote control, etc.).
Cleaning and Maintenance WARNING: Turn off fireplace and let cool before cleaning. CAUTION: You must keep control areas, burner and circulating air passageways of fireplace clean. Inspect these areas of fireplace before each use. Have fireplace inspected yearly by a qualified service person. Fireplace may need more frequent cleaning due to excessive lint from carpeting, bedding material, pet hair, etc.
Wiring Diagram Note: For proper operation of optional accessories, the wires from the thermopile to the control must be connected exactly as shown. Replacement Parts Note: Use only original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage for parts replaced under warranty. Parts Under Warranty Thermopile Specifications Models VSGF36NTB and VSGF36NRB • Rating (Variable) 33,000/21,500 Btu/Hr • Type Gas Natural Gas • Ignition Piezo • Pressure Manifold 3.5" W.C. • Inlet Gas Pressure (in.
Troubleshooting WARNING: Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should service and repair heater. CAUTION: Never use a wire, needle or similar object to clean ODS/pilot. This can damage ODS/pilot unit. Note: All troubleshooting items are listed in order of operation. OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY When ignitor button is pressed, there is no spark at ODS/pilot 1. Ignitor electrode not connected to ignitor cable 2. Ignitor cable pinched or wet 1.
Troubleshooting Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when control knob is released 1. Control knob not fully pressed in 2. Control knob not pressed in long enough 1. Press in control knob fully 2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep control knob pressed in 30 seconds 3. Fully open equipment shutoff valve 4. A) Contact local natural or propane/LP gas company 3. Equipment shutoff valve not fully open 4.
Troubleshooting Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY Slight smoke or odor during initial operation 1. Not enough air 1. Check burner for dirt and debris. If found, clean burner (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 25) 2. Replace gas control 3. Problem will stop after a few hours of operation 2. Gas regulator defective 3. Residues from manufacturing processes and logs curing Moisture/condensation noticed on windows 1. Not enough combustion/ventilation air 1.
Troubleshooting Continued WARNING: If you smell gas Shut off gas supply. Do not try to light any appliance. Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any phone in your building. Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions. • If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department. • • • • IMPORTANT: Operating fireplace where impurities in air exist may create odors.
Accessories Notice: All accessories may not be available for all fireplace models. Purchase these firebox accessories from your local dealer. If they can not supply these accessories, call DESA’s Sales Department at 1-866-672-6040 for information. You can also write to the address listed on the back page of this manual. RECEIVER AND HAND-HELD THERMOSTAT REMOTE CONTROL KIT - HRC200 For all Remote-Ready Models. Allows the gas log heater to be operated in a manually or thermostatically controlled mode.
Illustrated Parts Breakdown Models VSGF36PTB, VSGF36NTB 30 32 29 28 27 2 31 1 3 7 8 4 25 26 10 11 5 12 9 14 13 24 23 18 12 14 15 16 17 32 19 20 21 22 www.desatech.
Parts List 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 PART NO.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN Models VSGF36PRB, VSGF36NRB 32 34 31 30 29 33 6 7 2 3 (NG Only) LPG 1 8 22 4 28 10 11 5 12 9 14 13 27 26 25 12 23 14 24 17 23 16 34 21 (NG Only) 18 15 20 (NG Only) 19 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST KEY NO. PART NO.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN Models VSGF36PTB, VSGF36NTB, VSGF36PRB and VSGF36NRB 16 15 14 13 17 11 28 29 12 10 9 27 18 20 5 30 6 4 7 19 26 25 8 21 22 23 3 24 2 1 36 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST Models VSGF36PTB, VSGF36NTB, VSGF36PRB and VSGF36NRB This list contains replaceable parts used in your firebox. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 26 of this manual. KEY NO. PART NO.
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Warranty Information KEEP THIS WARRANTY Model Serial No. Date Purchased Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating with the factory. We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without notice. The only warranty applicable is our standard written warranty. We make no other warranty, expressed or implied.