® UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) GAS FIREPLACE OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Shown with optional cabinet mantel, hearth base, and trim accessories. THERMOSTATICALLY-CONTROLLED MODELS VSGF28NTE AND VSGF28PTE WITH SPLIT OAK LOGS 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.
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause injury or property damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation and operational procedures. For assistance or additional information consult a qualified installer, service agency, or the gas supplier. WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be provided.
SAFETY INFORMATION 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 fireplace. Improper use of this fireplace can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire, explosion, electrical shock, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
SAFETY INFORMATION Continued 3. 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 neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas supplierʼs instructions • if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department 4. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom. 5. Do not use this fireplace as a wood-burning fireplace.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Middle Log Rear Burner Rear Log Front Log 2. Locate two screws above top corners of the fireplace screen. Remove and discard these screws. Lift fireplace screen up and pull out to remove. 3. Remove protective packaging applied to logs, log base assembly, and fireplace. 4. Remove fireplace hood from carton insert. 5. Check all items for any shipping damage. If damaged, promptly inform dealer where you bought fireplace.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION WARNING: This heater 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. Todayʼs 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 If additional ventilation to adjoining room is supplied with grills or openings, add the volume of these rooms to the total volume of the space. 2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support. __________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maximum Btu/Hr the space can support) Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 = 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support) 3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued Ventilation Air From Outdoors Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the floor. Connect these items directly to the outdoors or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces include attics and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.
INSTALLATION Continued IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial, installing fireplace in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from too much moisture. See Air for Combustion and Ventilation, page 6. IMPORTANT: Make sure the fireplace is level. If fireplace is not level, log set will not work properly. CHECK GAS TYPE Use the correct gas type (natural or propane/LP). If your gas supply is not correct, do not install fireplace.
INSTALLATION Continued INSTALLATION CLEARANCES WARNING: Maintain the minimum clearances. If you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and adjoining wall. Carefully follow the instructions below. This will ensure safe installation. Minimum Clearances For Side Combustible Material, Side Wall, and Ceiling A. Clearances from the side of the fireplace cabinet to any combustible material and wall should follow diagram in Figure 8. Example: The face of a mantel, bookshelf, etc.
INSTALLATION Continued 9. If blower is installed, route blower electrical cord through access holes in either side of fireplace. Note: Bushing may be moved if necessary. Plug electrical cord into electrical outlet. 10. Carefully insert fireplace into cabinet mantel (Figure 12). Be careful not to scratch or damage hearth base, cabinet mantel, or any laminate trim on hearth base. Remove protective material from top of hearth base and from front of fireplace (if any).
INSTALLATION 8" 6" 2 1/2" 19" 21" 13" Minimum NonCombustible Material 16" 2. If using blower, install and properly ground GA3555, three-prong 120 volt electrical outlet, in fireplace. Follow instructions included in kit. 3. Install gas piping into fireplace location. This installation includes an approved flexible gas line (if allowed by local codes) after the equipment shutoff valve. The flexible gas line must be the last item installed on the gas piping.
INSTALLATION Continued Installation Items Needed Before installing fireplace, make sure you have the items listed below. • external regulator (supplied by installer) • piping (check local codes) • sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas) • equipment shutoff valve * • test gauge connection * • sediment trap (optional) • tee joint • pipe wrench * A CSA design-certified equipment shutoff valve with 1/8” NPT tap is an acceptable alternative to test gauge connection.
INSTALLATION Continued CONNECTING FIREPLACE TO GAS SUPPLY Installation Items Needed • 5/16" hex socket wrench or nut-driver • Phillips screwdriver • sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas, not provided) 1. Remove fireplace screen. Remove two screws that hold fireplace screen in place for shipping. These screws are located near top of screen. Discard screws. Lift fireplace screen up and pull out to remove. 2. Remove screws that attach log base assembly to fireplace (see Figure 19).
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. PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa) 1.
INSTALLATION Middle Log (#2) Continued INSTALLING LOGS Groove WARNING: Failure to position the parts in accordance with these diagrams or failure to use only parts specifically approved with this heater may result in property damage or personal injury. Each log is marked with a number. These numbers will help you identify the log when installing. It is very important to install these logs exactly as instructed. Do not modify logs. Only use logs supplied with heater. 1.
OPERATING FIREPLACE 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. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will settle on the floor.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued 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. • If control knob does not pop out when released, contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs. 8. Turn control knob counterclockwise to desired heating level. The burners should light.
INSPECTING BURNERS Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame patterns often. PILOT FLAME PATTERN Figure 30 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 31 shows an incorrect pilot flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is not touching the thermocouple. This will cause the thermocouple to cool. When the thermocouple cools, the fireplace will shut down.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE WARNING: Turn off fireplace and let cool before cleaning. CAUTION: You must keep control areas, burners, 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.
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. Piezo ignitor nut is loose 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 3. Equipment shutoff valve not fully open 4. Thermocouple connection loose at control valve 5. Pilot flame not touching thermocouple, which allows thermocouple to cool, causing pilot flame to go out.
TROUBLESHOOTING Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY Fireplace produces a whistling noise when burners are lit 1. Turning control knob to HI position when burners are cold 2. Air in gas line 1. Turn control knob to LO position and let warm up for a minute 2. Operate burners until air is removed from line. Have gas line checked by local natural or propane/LP gas company 3. Observe minimum installation clearances (see pages 10 through 12) 4.
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.
SPECIFICATIONS VSGF28NTE Btu (Low/High) 20,000/28,000 Type Gas Natural Gas Only Ignition Piezo Manifold Pressure 3.4" W.C. Inlet Gas Pressure (in. of water) Maximum 10.5" Minimum 5" Shipping Weight 100 lbs. CAUTION: Label all wires prior to disconnection when servicing controls. Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous operation. Verify proper operation after servicing. Off 1 2 Fan Switch (N.O.) Black On Blue Red 110/115 V.A.C. Black Green White 14" 11" 100 lbs.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN LOG BASE ASSEMBLY MODELS VSGF28NTE AND VSGF28PTE 3 2 1 26 6 18 12 7 8 9 5 7 11 10 7 15 25 5 13 5 4 19 5 17 5 27 14 20 28 18 23 12 24 16 21 26 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST LOG BASE ASSEMBLY This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual. KEY PART NUMBER NO.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN FIREPLACE MODELS VSGF28NTE AND VSGF28PTE 7 17 1 6 9 2 16 12 4 8 16 3 11 11 14 24 16 16 16 19 24 11 15 5 21 16 7 10 18 16 16 26 10 22 13 20 25 24 28 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST FIREPLACE MODELS VSGF28NTE AND VSGF28PTE This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual. KEY NO.
ACCESSORIES Purchase these fireplace accessories from your local dealer. If they can not supply these accessories, call DESA Heating Productsʼ Sales Department at 1-866-672-6040 for information. You can also write to the address listed on the back page of this manual. CORNER MANTEL EQUIPMENT SHUTOFF VALVE GA5010 For all models. Equipment shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap. Fits 1/2" NPT pipe.
ACCESSORIES PERIMETER TRIM ACCESSORY (Not Shown) PT32 - Black Finish PT32P - Platinum Finish PT32PB - Polished Brass Finish PT32B - Brushed Brass Finish Included with accessory mantels Continued HARDWOOD HEARTH BASE DUPLEX OUTLET KIT - GA3555 GC3333F Series- Walnut Finished GC3334U Series - Unfinished GC3335F Series - Oak Finished with Medium Stain G3004W Series - Off-White Paint The hearth base can be used with the cabinet mantels to create a handsome riser for the fireplace (cannot be used with corner
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.
