VFC Vent Free Fireplace System Installation & Operating Instructions Models: VFC24C, VFC24L, VFC32C & VFC32L 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.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System CONTENTS Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of a Vermont Castings Group Fireplace. PLEASE READ THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE. IMPORTANT: Read all instructions and warnings carefully before starting installation. Failure to follow these instructions may result in a possible fire hazard and will void the warranty. Important Safety Information ..................................... 3 Codes ....................................
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION INSTALLER OWNER Please leave these instructions with the appliance. Please retain these instructions for future reference. WARNING: • Any change to this heater or its controls can be dangerous. • Improper installation or use of the heater can cause serious injury or death from fire, burns, explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. • Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace. Avoid any drafts that alter burner flame patterns.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System 21. 22. 23. 24. 25. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION The initial break-in operation should last six hours with the burner at the highest setting. Provide maximum ventilation by opening windows or doors to allow odors to dissipate. Any odors remaining after this initial break-in period will be slight and will disappear with continued use. Input ratings are shown in BTU per hour and are for elevations up to 2,000 feet.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System PRODUCT FEATURES GAS SPECIFICATIONS AND ORIFICE SIZES MODEL Fireplace Screen On/Off Switch Piezo Ignition Control Knobs Figure 1 VFC Shown with Control Access Door Open OPERATION This unvented gas heater requires no outside venting and burns cleanly with excellent heating efficiency. As a zero-clearance appliance, it can be installed against (or recessed into) any wall that is accessible to a gas line.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System COLD CLIMATE OPTION (IPI Models Only) NOTE: If you live in a cold climate, seal all cracks around your appliance and wherever cold air could enter the room, with noncombustible material. It is especially important to insulate the outside chase cavity between the studs and under the floor on which the appliance rests, if the floor is above ground level. Your fireplace is equipped with an intermittent pilot ignition (IPI) control.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FIREPLACE AND FRAMING DIMENSIONS D L S Min. Rough Opening Depth R H 1/2” or 5/8” S P M O - Min. Rough Opening Width Min. Rough Opening Height Q J G N B E C I F A Figure 3 Fireplace and Framing Dimensions Ref.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System PRE-INSTALLATION INFORMATION WARNING—Do not install the heater: WARNING: • Gloves are recommended when handling refractory cement logs to prevent skin irritation from loose fibers. Logs are fragile — handle with care. • Where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are less than 42" from the front of the heater. • In high traffic areas. • In windy or drafty areas.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FIREPLACE INSTALLATION the space in which the appliances are installed, through openings not furnished with doors, are considered a part of a confined space. Unusually tight construction is defined as construction where: a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of 1 perm (6 x 1011 kg per pa/sec-m2) or less with openings gasketed or sealed, and b.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FIREPLACE INSTALLATION CLEARANCES 12” Ensure that minimum clearances shown in Figures 6 and 7 are maintained. Left and right clearances are determined when facing the front of the firebox. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe installation. Failure to follow these requirements may create a fire hazard.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FIREPLACE INSTALLATION Anchor fireplace to the side framing members using nailing flanges. SECURING HEATER TO FLOOR OR HEARTH 1. Bend out the nailing flanges located on each side of the firebox. 2. Slide the firebox into prepared framing or position firebox in its final position and frame later. 3. Level the firebox by checking the top edge of the firebox. Shim if necessary. 4. Anchor firebox to the side framing members using 8d nails or other suitable fasteners.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System GAS LINE & PRESSURE CONNECTING THE GAS LINE WARNING: Connecting directly to an unregulated propane/LPG tank can cause an explosion NOTICE: A qualified gas appliance installer must connect the heater to the gas supply. Consult all local codes. WARNING: Use new black iron or steel pipe. Internally tinned copper or copper tubing can be used per National Fuel Code, section 2.6.3, providing gas meets hydrogen sulfide limits, and where permitted by local codes.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FINAL INSTALLATION CHECK GAS PRESSURE – IPI REMOVE SCREEN 1. Check gas type. The gas supply must be the same as stated on the appliance’s rating decal. If the gas supply is different from the fireplace, STOP! Do not install the appliance. Contact your dealer immediately. 2. To facilitate easier installation, a 18" (610 mm) flex line with manual shut-off valve has been provided with this appliance. Install and attach 1/2" gas line onto shut-off valve. 3.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System ELECTRICAL WIRING — MILLIVOLT ODS Pilot On/Off Switch ODS Pilot Field Installed Optional Wall Switch or Remote Receiver Valve On/Off Switch Spade Terminal TH = 3 TP = 1 TP/TH = 2 Switch FP2112a Figure 16 Wiring Diagram WARNING: Label all wires prior to disconnection when servicing controls. Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous operation. Verify proper operation after servicing.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System ELECTRICAL WIRING — MILLIVOLT CONNECT REMOTE RECEIVER THESE INSTRUCTIONS SUPERCEDE THE SECTION ENTITLED “HEARTH MOUNT” IN THE MILLIVOLT HAND-HELD REMOTE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH THE REMOTE. Figure 17 1. Remove bottom control door. 2. Connect the remote connector wires located in the unit to the remote receiver. 3. Stick Velcro® pads with self-adhesive backing to bottom of remote receiver and to floor of compartment behind access panel. 4.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS—MILLIVOLT FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING WARNING: If you do not follow these instruction exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life. A. This appliance is equipped with a pilot which must be lit with built-in piezo ignitor while following these instructions exactly. B. BEFORE OPERATING smell all around the appliance area for gas.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS—MILLIVOLT LIGHTING PILOT FOR THE FIRST TIME APPROVED LEAK TESTING METHOD You may check for gas leaks with the following methods only: • Soap and water solution • An approved leak testing spray • Electronic sniffer NOTE: Remove any excessive pipe compound from the connections. Excessive pipe compound can set off electronic sniffers. WARNING: If using a soap and water solution to test for leaks, DO NOT spray solution onto control body.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – MILLIVOLT LIGHTING BURNER LIGHTING THE BURNER Depress and turn the knob counterclockwise to the “ON” position. It will take less than four (4) seconds for the burner to ignite. MAIN BURNER SWITCH This switch allows you to turn on and to turn off the main burner without using the gas valve knob. is in the “ON” position to light the main burner.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System CAUTION ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION — IPI Label all wires before disconnecting when servicing controls. Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous operation. WARNING: Electrical connections should only be performed by a qualified, licensed electrician. Main power must be off when connecting to main electrical power supply or performing service. All wiring shall be in compliance with all local, city and state codes.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION – IPI WALL SWITCH INSTALLATION The wall switch wire connection is located off the wire harness coming out of the IPI Control Board. The label is wired 'wall switch'. Connect the low voltage switch wires to the two (2) terminals labeled "wall switch" from the control board. Run wire to desired location on wall. Up to 50 feet of 18 gauge wire may be used if necessary. Attach wires to wall switch.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – IPI ® 2.0 OPERATIONS AND INDICATIONS CONTROL BOARD Cold Climate Switch Master Switch System Set Up Chart NOTE: When using ON/OFF wall switch, the master switch, located in bottom of fireplace must be in the ON position to perform all configuration setup operations. FUNCTION OPERATION DEFAULT SETTING Cold Climate Pilot On/Off Flip the toggle switch to ON.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS – IPI 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 lie. A. This appliance is equipped with an ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. Refer to the instructions. B. BEFORE OPERATING smell all around the appliance area for gas.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System ELECTRICAL WIRING – FAN WARNING: This fireplace has a threeprong, grounded electrical plug. This plug helps protect you against electrical shock. Only connect plug to a properly grounded, three-prong receptacle. Do not cut or remove the grounded prong from this plug. IMPORTANT: Always check local building codes. The installation must comply with local regulations as well as the national electric codes.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System LOG AND MEDIA PLACEMENT WARNING: The positioning of the logs is critical to the safe and clean operation of this heater. Sooting and other problems may result if the logs are not properly and firmly positioned in the appliance. Never add additional logs or embellishments such as pine cones, vermiculite or rock wool to the heater. Only use the logs and 2G-RW rock wool supplied with the unit.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System LOG AND MEDIA PLACEMENT Before you begin — This unit is supplied with six (6) refractory cement logs. Do not handle these logs with your bare hands. Always wear gloves. After handling the logs, wash your hands gently with soap and water. 1. Place bottom right front log #1 on right pin located on burner. Rear of log will make slight contact with the front grate slot bracket.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System LOG AND MEDIA PLACEMENT 5. Place the left middle log #5 with the C channel locking the front and middle log in place. Figure 27 7. Place the top center log #7 by aligning the notch from log #3 to the bottom. The front edge of the log #7 will rest on the front grate horizontal bar. Figure 29 Figure 27 Figure 29 6. Place the left rear log #6 by aligning the rear support bracket to the cut out on the rear of log #6.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FLAME APPEARANCE PILOT AND BURNER FLAME APPEARANCE CHECKING THE PILOT FLAME Flames from the pilot, front and rear burner should be visually checked as soon as the heater is installed. In addition, periodically check the flames visually during operation. The pilot flame must always be present when the heater is in operation. It should just touch the top of the thermocouple tip for natural. Refer to Figures 31 & 32 for correct pilot flame.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System FLAME APPEARANCE CHECKING BURNER FLAME OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS VFC24L/VFC32L MODELS In normal operation at full rate after 15 minutes, the following flame appearances should be observed: Burner will have a random pattern of yellow flames. Figure 32. There should be glowing embers in front of burner. NOTE: The front flames and embers will be an opaque orange color during the burn off time. Avoid any drafts that alter burner flame patterns.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING WARNING: If you do not follow these instruction exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life. A. This appliance is equipped with a piezo ignition device which automatically lights the pilot. If the piezo is not working properly see Match Lighting Instructions. B. BEFORE OPERATING smell all around the appliance area for gas.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MILLIVOLT/THERMOSTAT CONTROL LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS 1. STOP! Read the safety information label. 2. Make sure the manual shutoff valve is fully open. 3. This gas log set is equipped with an ignition device (piezo) which automatically lights the pilot. If piezo ignitor does not light the pilot, refer to instructions for Match Lighting Instructions on the following page. 4.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS MATCH LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS 1. Remove any items necessary for easy access to the pilot (for example: logs, screens, etc.). 2. Follow appropriate lighting instructions found previously. Instead of pushing and releasing the piezo button, light a match and hold the flame to the end of the pilot and ignite the pilot. 3. After control knob has been released and pilot stays lit, reinstall any items that were removed for pilot access. 4.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System CLEANING AND SERVICING WARNING: Turn off heater and allow to cool before cleaning. Disconnect electrical power before cleaning or servicing. ANNUAL CLEANING/INSPECTION PERIODIC CLEANING Refer to parts diagram for location of items discussed below. Refer to parts diagram for location of items discussed below. Annual inspection and cleaning by your dealer or qualified service technician is recommended to prevent malfunction and/or sooting.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FORCED AIR KIT If you are installing the forced air kit (Models BLO24T or BLOT), see the installation instructions provided with the kit for electrical wiring requirements or the blower installation section. Retainer Brackets Model VFC24 uses blower model BLO24T. Model VFC32 uses blower model BLOT. The firebox must be connected to main power supply at time of firebox installation.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System INSTALLING OPTIONAL PORCELAIN PANELS INSTALLING OPTIONAL BLACK MAGIC PANELS NOTE: Porcelain liner kits are approved for use with optional fireglass and log kits. These kits are designed to fit VFC vent free fireplace systems. Please verify the size and model number of your fireplace to be certain the kit you purchased is correct. NOTE: Black Magic glass liner kits are approved for use with optional fireglass and log kits.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System TROUBLESHOOTING WARNING: Turn appliance OFF and allow to cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should service and repair the heater. NOTE: All troubleshooting items are listed in order of operation. OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE When ignitor button is pressed, 1. Ignitor electrode positioned wrong. there is no spark at ODS/pilot. 2. Ignitor electrode is broken. 3. Ignitor electrode not connected to ignitor cable. 4. Ignitor cable pinched or wet.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System OBSERVED PROBLEM POSSIBLE CAUSE ODS/pilot lights, but flame 1. Control knob not fully pressed in. goes out when control knob is 2. Control knob not pressed in long released. enough. 3. Manual 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.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS IPI SYSTEM Flip the master switch to the ON position Press the wall switch to the ON position No beep or flashing green light in about 5 seconds Reinstall batteries correctly. Batteries low? Change batteries.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS VFC FIREBOX PARTS 1 3 4 5 2 6 REF. DESCRIPTION QTY VFC24 VFC32 1. CANOPY 1 20308038 20307978 2. SCREEN ASSEMBLY 1 20308061 20307979 3. LEFT FIREBRICK (OPTIONAL) 1 20308191 (CINNAMON) 20307935 (COLONIAL RED) 20307926 (CINNAMON) 20307929 (COLONIAL RED) 4. CENTER FIREBRICK (OPTIONAL) 1 20308190 (CINNAMON) 20307934 (COLONIAL RED) 20307925 (CINNAMON) 20307928 (COLONIAL RED) 5.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS VFC24 MILLIVOLT BURNER PARTS 1 4 3 2 5 9 10 6 7 8 11 REF DESCRIPTION QTY VFC24CNV VFC24CPV VFC24LNV VFC24LPV 1 On/Off Switch 1 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 2 Piezo Ignitor 1 14D0503 14D0503 14D0503 14D0503 3 ODS Pilot Assembly 1 14D0473 14D0477 14D0473 14D0477 4 Piezo Wire 1 00K0632 00K0632 00K0632 00K0632 5 Control Valve 1 14D0467 14D0468 14D0467 14D0468 6 Pilot Regulator 1 14D0469 N/A 14D0469 N/A
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS VFC24 IPI BURNER PARTS 1 2 5 4 3 6 10 12 7 9 8 11 REF DESCRIPTION QTY VFC24CNI VFC24CPI VFC24LNI VFC24LPI 95E0111 95E0111 95E0111 1 Cold Climate Switch 1 95E0111 2 On/Off Switch 1 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 3 Gas Valve 1 20307838 20307839 20307838 20307839 4 Control Box 1 95E0100 95E0100 95E0100 95E0100 5 ODS Module 1 20303179 20303179 20303179 20303179 6 ODS Pilot Assembly 1 26D2529 14D0476 26D2
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS VFC32 MILLIVOLT BURNER PARTS 1 4 3 2 5 9 10 6 7 8 11 REF DESCRIPTION QTY VFC32CNV VFC32CPV VFC32LNV VFC32LPV 1 On/Off Switch 1 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 2 Piezo Ignitor 1 14D0503 14D0503 14D0503 14D0503 3 ODS Pilot Assembly 1 14D0473 14D0477 14D0473 14D0477 4 Piezo Wire 1 00K0632 00K0632 00K0632 00K0632 5 Control Valve 1 14D0467 14D0468 14D0467 14D0468 6 Pilot Regulator 1 14D0469 N/A 14D0469 N/A
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS VFC32 IPI BURNER PARTS 1 2 5 4 3 6 10 12 7 9 8 11 REF DESCRIPTION QTY VFC32CNI VFC32CPI VFC32LNI VFC32LPI 95E0111 95E0111 95E0111 1 Cold Climate Switch 1 95E0111 2 On/Off Switch 1 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 32D0232 3 Gas Valve 1 20307838 20307839 20307838 20307839 4 Control Box 1 95E0100 95E0100 95E0100 95E0100 5 ODS Module 1 20303179 20303179 20303179 20303179 6 ODS Pilot Assembly 1 26D2529 14D0476 26D2
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System REPLACEMENT PARTS REPLACEMENT LOGS 6 3 2 5 7 4 1 REF QUANTITY VFC24 AND VFC32 REPLACEMENT PART NO. LOG # 1 1 20308256 LOG # 2 1 20308257 LOG # 3 1 20308258 LOG # 4 1 20308259 LOG # 5 1 20308260 LOG # 6 1 20308261 LOG # 7 1 20308262 WARNING: Failure to position the parts in accordance with these diagrams or failure to use only parts specifically approved with this appliance may result in property damage or personal injury.
VFC Vent Free Fireplace System LIMITED LIFETIME WARRANTY POLICY LIFETIME WARRANTY The following components are warranted for life to the original owner, subject to proof of purchase: Firebox, Combustion Chamber, Heat Exchanger, Grate and Stainless Steel Burners. FIVE YEAR WARRANTY The following components are warranted for 5 years to the original owner, subject of proof of purchase: Refractory cement Logs, Catalytic Filter and Aluminized Burners.
149 Cleveland Drive • Paris, Kentucky 40361 www.vermontcastingsgroup.