UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) GAS COMPACT CLASSIC HEARTH® DUAL BURNER FIREPLACE OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL Shown with Optional Cabinet Mantel/Hearth Base Accessory THERMOSTAT MODELS VDCFTNA AND VDCFTPA REMOTE-READY MODELS VDCFRPA AND VDCFRNA 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.
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 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. 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.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION Fireplace Cabinet Hood Screen 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 Z223.1/NFPA 54*. *Available from: American National Standards Institute, Inc. 1430 Broadway New York, NY 10018 National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
HOOD ASSEMBLY WARNING: Always have screen in place before operating fireplace. This prevents excessive temperatures on fireplace surfaces. Sheet Metal Screws Louver Firebox Top Hood WARNING: Failure to position the parts in accordance with these diagrams or failure to use only parts specifically approved with this fireplace may result in property damage or personal injury. Tools Required: • Phillips screwdriver • slotted screwdriver • 5/16" hex wrench • scissors 1.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued PROVIDING ADEQUATE VENTILATION The following are excerpts from National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation. All spaces in homes fall into one of the three following ventilation classifications: 1. Unusually Tight Construction 2. Unconfined Space 3. Confined Space The information on pages 6 through 8 will help you classify your space and provide adequate ventilation.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION Continued Example: 30,000 Gas water heater _________ Btu/Hr + _________ 10,000 Vent-free fireplace Btu/Hr = _________ 40,000 Total Btu/Hr 4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr used.
INSTALLATION NOTICE: This heater is intended for use as supplemental heat. Use this heater along with your primary heating system. Do not install this heater as your primary heat source. If you have a central heating system, you may run system’s circulating blower while using heater. This will help circulate the heat throughout the house. In the event of a power outage, you can use this heater as your primary heat source. WARNING: A qualified service person must install fireplace. Follow all local codes.
INSTALLATION Continued INSTALLATION ITEMS Before installing fireplace, make sure you have the items listed below. • external regulator (supplied by installer, for propane/LP units only) • piping (check local codes) • sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas) • equipment shutoff valve * • test gauge connection* • ground joint union • sediment trap • 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 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 trim kit accessory is available (see Accessories, page 40). Trim will extend past sides of fireplace approximately 1/2 inch. This will cover the rough edges of the wall opening. If installing a built-in mantel above the fireplace, you must follow the clearances shown in Figure 10, page 12.
WARNING: Never modify or cover the louvered slots on the front of the firebox. WARNING: Use only noncombustible mortar or adhesives when overlapping the front facing with noncombustible facing material. Mantel Clearances for Built-In Installation If placing mantel above built-in fireplace, you must meet minimum clearance between mantel shelf and top of fireplace opening. 23" 21" 18" Note: Refer to instructions provided with the mantel for assembly instructions.
INSTALLATION Continued 4. Place mantel around fireplace on base (see Figure 12). 5. Assemble perimeter trim kit. See Assembling Perimeter Trim. 6. Firmly snap perimeter trim kit on shoulder screws. Shoulder screws are located on fireplace cabinet (see Figure 12). 7. Align perimeter trim kit for flush fit around opening. 8. Center mantel left to right on base making sure mantel is flush against wall. 9. Use two 3" wood screws provided and attach base of fireplace to wooden mantel base (see Figure 12). 10.
INSTALLATION Continued 2. Remove 4 screws from upper louver (see Figure 11, page 12). Save these screws. 3. Pull upper louver straight out from the cabinet. Be careful not to scratch the paint. Set louver aside. 4. Open lower louver door by swinging door down (see Figure 11, page 12). Installing Blower Accessory CAUTION: Label all wires prior to disconnection when servicing controls. Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous operation. CAUTION: Verify proper operation after servicing.
INSTALLATION 5. Test to make sure blower is working properly. 6. Reinstall upper louver beginning with bottom screws (see Figure 11, page 12) and close lower louver. Continued For Built-In Installation WARNING: A licensed electrician must connect the wiring harness to electrical supply following all local codes. Electrician must provide a clamp on the box cover to secure the wiring. Wiring should be routed through the bushing in the hole on the outer casing of fireplace.
INSTALLATION Continued CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY WARNING: This appliance requires a 45° male flare fitting 5/8”-18 UNF (Unified National Fine Thread) inlet connection and the flexible gas line provided. WARNING: A qualified service person must connect fireplace to gas supply. Follow all local codes. WARNING: Never connect natural gas fireplace to private (non-utility) gas wells. This gas is commonly known as wellhead gas. IMPORTANT: For natural gas, check gas line pressure before connecting fireplace to gas line.
2. Route flexible gas line, included, from fireplace control to equipment shutoff valve through side access holes in outer casing. 3. Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male threads of gas connector attached to flexible gas line/ equipment shutoff valve (see Figure 22). CAUTION: Avoid damage to regulator. Hold gas regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping and/or fittings (Thermostat-Controlled Models Only). CAUTION: Avoid damage to gas control.
INSTALLATION Continued CAUTION: Make sure external regulator has been installed between propane/LP supply and fireplace. See guidelines under Connecting to Gas Supply, page 16. Pressure Testing Gas Supply Piping System Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa) 1. Disconnect appliance with its appliance main gas valve (control valve) and equipment shutoff valve from gas supply piping system. Pressures in excess of 1/2 psig will damage heater regulator. 2.
INSTALLATION Continued OPTIONAL WIRELESS HAND-HELD REMOTE CONTROL ACCESSORIES Remote-Ready Models Only ([C]GHRCB Series & [C]GHRCTB Series) Installing Receiver 1. Disconnect wires from the control valve (see Figure 26) . 2. Locate the battery clip mounted on the back of the receiver (see Figure 27). 3. Slide 9-volt battery (not included) through the clip. 4. Attach the terminal wires to the battery (see Figure 27). 5. Connect wires from remote receiver to control valve as shown in Figure 28. 6.
INSTALLATION Feed wires through rectangular slots Continued 2. Connect one terminal of 25 ft. wire to the “TH” terminal on the control valve. Connect the other terminal to the “THTP” terminal on the control valve. See Figure 31. 3. Route the 25 ft. wire to a convenient location to mount your thermostat (no outside wall). IMPORTANT: The wire may be shortened but must not be lengthened. The thermostat should be mounted 54" above the floor in a location where there is good air circulation.
INSTALLATION Continued IMPORTANT: The wire may be shortened but must not be lengthened. 4. Connect one bare wire end to each of the terminals of the provided wall switch. 5. Install the wall switch and cover in the wall. INSTALLING LOG SET AND SCREEN 1. Remove log packaging material and discard packaging. Gently place log over burner (see Figure 34). Do not allow log to contact flame. If flame contacts log, soot will be created. 2.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued Note: You may be running this fireplace for the first time after hooking up to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30 seconds or more. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system. • If control knob does not pop out when released, contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs. 6. With control knob pressed in, press and release ignitor button. This will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front burner.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued OPERATING BLOWER This blower has three settings: ON, OFF and AUTO. In the ON position, the blower will operate constantly. In the OFF position, the blower will not operate. In the AUTO position, the blower will start when the thermostat senses a sufficient increase in firebox temperature. Note: Your fireplace and thermostat blower will not turn on and off at the same time. The fireplace may run for several minutes before the blower turns on.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued 5. Press in and turn control knob counterclockwise to the PILOT position. Press in control knob for five (5) seconds (see Figure 39). Note: You may be running this fireplace for the first time after hooking up to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30 seconds or more. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system. 6. With control knob pressed in, press and release ignitor button. This will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front burner.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued OPTIONAL HAND-HELD REMOTE OPERATION Note: All remote control accessories must be purchased separately (see Accessories, page 40). Follow instructions included with the remote control. NOTICE: You must light the pilot before using the hand-held remote control unit. See Lighting Instructions on page 23. 1. After lighting, let pilot flame burn for about one minute. Turn control knob to ON position. Adjust flame adjustment knob anywhere between HI and LO.
OPERATING FIREPLACE Continued Note: Do not leave the hand-held remote in the AUTO mode close to the fireplace. The radiant heat from the fireplace will turn off the fireplace. Ideally, place the hand-held remote in the center of the room facing towards the fireplace. Note: Do not hold the hand-held remote for a long time. Body temperature will affect its operation in the AUTO mode.
INSPECTING BURNERS Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame patterns often. PILOT FLAME PATTERN Figure 46 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 47 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 Continued We also recommend that you keep the burner tube and pilot assembly clean and free of dust and dirt. To clean these parts we recommend using compressed air no greater than 30 PSI. Your local computer store, hardware store or home center may carry compressed air in a can. You can use a vacuum cleaner in the blow position. If using compressed air in a can, please follow the directions on the can. If you donʼt follow directions on the can, you could damage the pilot assembly.
TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Turn off and unplug fireplace and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should service and repair fireplace. CAUTION: Never use a wire, needle or similar object to clean ODS/pilot. This can damage ODS/pilot unit. Note: All troubles hooting 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.
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 3. Safety interlock system has been triggered 4. Equipment shutoff valve not fully open 5. Pilot flame not touching thermocouple, which allows thermocouple to cool, causing pilot flame to go out.
TROUBLESHOOTING Continued OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE REMEDY Slight smoke or odor during initial operation 1. Residues from manufacturing processes and log curing 2. Not enough air 1. Problem will stop after a few hours of operation 2. Check burner for dirt and debris. If found, clean burner (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 27) 3. Replace gas regulator 3. Gas regulator defective Fireplace produces a whistling noise when burner is lit 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.
SPECIFICATIONS Thermostat Models: VDCFTPA Btu/Hr 17/26,000 Type Gas Propane/LP Gas Only Ignition Piezo Manifold Pressure 8" W.C. Inlet Gas Pressure (in. of water) Maximum 14" Minimum* 11" Dimensions, inches (HxWxD) (including hood and screws) 25 7/8 x 26 13/16 x 15 5/16 * For purpose of input adjustment VDCFTNA 17/26,000 Natural Gas Only Piezo 3.5" W.C. 10.5" 5" 25 7/8 x 26 13/16 x 15 5/16 Remote-Ready Models: VDCFRPA Btu/Hr 17/26,000 Type Gas Propane/LP Gas Only Ignition Piezo Manifold Pressure 8" W.C.
10 9 10 34 10 13 10 8 11 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST FIREBOX MODELS VDC This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 42 of this manual. KEY NO.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN THERMOSTAT MODELS VDCFTPA AND VDCFTNA 9 4 2 1 3 6 5 7 9 8 10 21 9 17 12 11 14 16 13 6 20 15 19 18 36 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST THERMOSTAT MODELS This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 42 of this manual. KEY PART NUMBERS NO.
ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN REMOTE-READY MODELS VDCFRNA AND VDCFRPA 4 9 2 1 3 6 7 8 5 9 10 9 11 12 14 12 20 21 Natural Gas Only 22 15 9 16 16 H I 15 L O F O F N O ILOT 38 www.desatech.
PARTS LIST REMOTE-READY MODELS This list contains replaceable parts used in your fireplace. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 42 of this manual. KEY PART NUMBERS NO.
ACCESSORIES NOTICE: All accessories may not be available for all fireplace models. Purchase these fireplace accessories from your local dealer. If they can not supply these accessories, call DESA Heating Products at 1-866-672-6040 for referral information. You can also write to the address listed on the back page of this manual. THERMOSTAT-CONTROLLED BLOWER KIT - GA3450T For all models. Provides better heat distribution. Makes fireplace more efficient. Automatically turns off and on as needed.
ACCESSORIES Continued CLEANING KIT - GCK (Not Shown) For all models. Your vent-free gas appliance requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent performance problems. This kit gives you the tools and instructions to make it easy to clean all critical areas of your appliance. WALL-MOUNT THERMOSTAT SWITCH - GWMT1 (Not Shown) For all models. The desired comfort setting can be selected on the wall thermostat and the fireplace will automatically cycle from pilot to the heat setting selected.
REPLACEMENT PARTS SERVICE HINTS Note: Use only original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage for parts replaced under warranty. When Gas Pressure Is Too Low • pilot will not stay lit • burners will have delayed ignition • fireplace will not produce specified heat • for propane/LP units, propane/LP gas supply may be low You may feel your gas pressure is too low. If so, contact your local natural or propane/LP gas supplier.
NOTES _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ ___________________
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.
