® VENT-FREE PROPANE/LP GAS COMPACT CLASSIC HEARTH FIREPLACE OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL ® Shown with Optional Cabinet Mantel/Hearth Base Accessory 14,000 to 26,000 Btu/Hr with Thermostat VMH26TP 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.
CONTENTS SECTION PAGE Safety Information ................................................................................... 2 Product Identification .............................................................................. 4 Local Codes ............................................................................................. 4 Product Features ...................................................................................... 4 Unpacking ......................................................
SAFETY INFORMATION Continued . WARNING ICON G 001 WARNINGS Continued WARNING: Any change to this fireplace or its controls can be dangerous. 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. 3.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Fireplace Cabinet Screen Logs Control Knob Ignitor Button Figure 1 - Vent-Free Propane/LP Gas Compact Fireplace LOCAL CODES Install and use fireplace with care. Follow all local codes. In the absence of local codes, use the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223, also known as NFPA 54*. *Available from: American National Standards Institute, Inc. 1430 Broadway New York, NY 10018 National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
ASSEMBLY WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING Always have branch support and screen in place before operating fireplace. This prevents excessive temperatures on fireplace surfaces. ASSEMBLING FIREPLACE Tools Required: Phillips screwdriver, 5/16" hex wrench, and slotted screwdriver Installing Log 1. Remove back log, branch, and hood from log box. Discard protective packaging. 2. Remove two shipping screws above screen (see Figure 2). 3. Lift screen up and pull out to remove. 4. An optional blower is available.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING This heater shall not be installed in a confined space 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 FIREPLACE LOCATION Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space. Space: Includes the room in which you will install fireplace plus any adjoining rooms with doorless passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms. 1. Determine the volume of the space (length x width x height). Length x Width x Height = ___________________ cu. ft.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING If the area in which the heater may be operated is smaller than that defined as an unconfined space, provide adequate combustion and ventilation air by one of the methods described in the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, 1992, Section 5.3 or applicable local codes. VENTILATION AIR Ventilation Air From Inside Building This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined 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. IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermostat-controlled power vent.
INSTALLATION NOTICE A qualified service person must install fireplace. Follow all local codes. CHECK GAS TYPE Use only propane/LP gas. If your gas supply is not propane/LP, do not install fireplace. Call dealer where you bought fireplace for proper type fireplace. INSTALLATION ITEMS Before installing fireplace, make sure you have the items listed below.
INSTALLATION WARNING ICON Continued G 001 CAUTION If you install the fireplace in a home garage • fireplace pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above floor. • locate fireplace where moving vehicle will not hit it. For convenience and efficiency, install fireplace • where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service. • in coldest part of room. An optional blower kit is available from your dealer. See Accessories, page 32.
INSTALLING Continued BUILT-IN FIREPLACE INSTALLATION Built-in installation of this fireplace involves installing fireplace into a framed-in enclosure. This makes the front of fireplace flush with wall. An optional brass trim kit accessory is available (see Accessories, page 32). Brass trim will extend past sides of fireplace approximately 1/2 inch. This will cover the rough edges of the wall opening.
INSTALLING Continued 6. Attach flexible gas line to fireplace gas regulator. See Connecting Fireplace to Gas Supply, page 17. 7. If the optional blower has been installed connect blower to electrical source. Option one: Route blower electrical cord through side or rear access door of fireplace. Plug electrical cord into electrical outlet. Option two: Have a licensed electrician connect blower to electrical source at junction box inside fireplace. 8.
INSTALLING Continued OPTIONAL MANTEL INSTALLATION Note: Refer to instructions provided with the mantel for assembly instructions. Refer to instructions below for system installation. Refer to instructions on page 5 for firebox assembly. Blower accessory should be installed if it is being used (see Accessories, page 32). 1. Unscrew four brass screws that attach top louver to fireplace. Remove louvre from fireplace and set aside. 2. Place fireplace on wood base. 3.
INSTALLING Continued Assembling Brass Trim (Brass trim shipped with mantel) 1. Remove packaging from three remaining pieces of brass trim. 2. Locate two adjusting plates with set screws, and two shims in the hardware packet. 3. Align shim under adjusting plate as shown in Figure 14. 4. Slide one end of adjusting plate/shim in slot on mitered edge of top brass trim (see Figure 14). 5. Slide other end of adjusting plate/shim in slot on mitered edge of side brass trim (see Figure 14). 6.
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY NOTICE A qualified service person must connect fireplace to gas supply. Follow all local codes. WARNING ICON G 001 CAUTION Never connect fireplace directly to the propane/LP supply. This fireplace requires an external regulator (not supplied). Install the external regulator between the fireplace and propane/LP supply. The installer must supply an external regulator. The external regulator will reduce incoming gas pressure.
A.G.A. Design-Certified Manual Shutoff Valve With 1/8" NPT Tap* CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY Continued Approved Flexible Gas Line 3" Minimum From External Regulator (11" W.C. to 14" W.C. Pressure) Tee Joint Sediment Trap Pipe Nipple Figure 17 - Gas Connection Cap * Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessories, page 32.
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY Continued 4. Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male threads of gas connector attached to flexible gas line (see Figure 18). Connect flexible gas line to flexible gas line attached to gas regulator of fireplace (see Figure 18). 5. Check all gas connections for leaks. See Checking Gas Connections, below. 6. Replace branch support back into fireplace. Feed flexible gas line into fireplace base area while replacing branch support.
CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS Continued Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG 1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 20). 2. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening propane/LP supply tank valve. 3. Check all joints from propane/LP supply tank to manual shutoff valve (see Figure 21). Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak. 4. Correct all leaks at once. PRESSURE TESTING FIREPLACE GAS CONNECTIONS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.
OPERATING FIREPLACE FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING WARNING ICON G 001 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 4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B” in the safety information at the top of page 20. If you don’t smell gas, go to the next step. Continued 5. Turn control knob counterclockwise to the PILOT position. Press in control knob for five (5) seconds (see Figure 22, page 20). Note: You may be running this fireplace for the first time after hooking up to gas supply.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE Shutting Off Fireplace 1. Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise to the OFF position. 2. Turn off all electric power to the appliance if service is to be performed. Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot stays lit) 1. Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise to the PILOT position. THERMOSTAT CONTROL OPERATION The thermostatic control used on this fireplace differs from standard thermostats. Standard thermostats simply turn on and off the burner.
INSPECTING BURNER Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame pattern often. PILOT FLAME PATTERN Figure 24 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 25 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.
INSPECTING BURNER Continued BURNER FLAME PATTERN Figure 26 shows a correct burner flame pattern. Figure 27 shows an incorrect burner flame pattern. The incorrect burner flame pattern shows yellow tipping of the flame. It also shows the flame higher than one inch above the log. Note: When using the fireplace the first time, the flame will be yellow for approxi- mately one hour until the log cures.
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE WARNING ICON G 001 WARNING Turn off fireplace and let cool before cleaning. WARNING ICON G 001 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, etc.
TROUBLESHOOTING Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE When ignitor button is pressed, there is spark at ODS/pilot but no ignition 1. Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff valve closed 2. Control knob not in PILOT position 3. Control knob not pressed in while in PILOT position 4. Air in gas lines when installed 5. Depleted gas supply 6. ODS/pilot is clogged 7. Gas regulator setting is not correct ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when control knob is released 1.
TROUBLESHOOTING Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE Burner does not light after ODS/pilot is lit 1. Burner orifice is clogged 2. Burner orifice diameter is too small 3. Inlet gas pressure is too low 1. Clean burner (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 25) or replace burner orifice 2. Replace burner orifice 3. Contact local propane/ LP gas company Delayed ignition of burner 1. Manifold pressure is too low 2. Burner orifice is clogged 1. Contact local propane/ LP gas company 2.
TROUBLESHOOTING Continued WARNING ICON G 001 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.
TECHNICAL SERVICE SPECIFICATIONS You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting. If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-5190. Btu (Variable) Type Gas Ignition Pressure Regulator Setting Inlet Gas Pressure (in. of water) * Maximum Minimum Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D) Fireplace (including hood and screws) Carton Weight, pounds Fireplace Shipping 14,000/26,000 Propane/LP Only Piezo 8" W.C.
3 1 9 30 7 8 8 4 17 10 35-1 7 2 33 11 17 14 20 23 24 29 25 12-1 13 32 35-2 34 39 19 5 37 26 25 28 12 24 6 18 38 36 15 27 12-1 12-2 22 21 40 16 31 VMH26TP 30 102886
PARTS LIST This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 29 of this manual. Model: VMH26TP KEY NO. VMH26TP PART NO.
ACCESSORIES Purchase these fireplace accessories from your local dealer. If they cannot supply these accessories call DESA International’s Sales Department at 1-800-458-2472 for referral information. You can also write to the address listed on the back page of this manual. MANUAL SHUTOFF VALVE - GA5010 Manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap. THERMOSTATICALLY CONTROLLED BLOWER KIT GA3400T Provides better heat distribution. Blower turns off and on automatically, as needed.
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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.