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27829-5-0115

Page 11

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.
Keep room area clear and free from combustible materials, gasoline 

and other flammable vapors and liquids.
Unvented gas heaters are a supplemental zone heater. they are not 

intended to be a primary heating appliance. Water vapor produced 

by an unvented heater can create moisture problems in a home 

when operated for extended periods of time.
During manufacturing, fabricating and shipping, various components 

of this appliance are treated with certain oils, films or bonding agents. 

These chemicals are not harmful but may produce annoying smoke 

and smells as they are burned off during the initial operation of the 

appliance; possibly causing headaches or eye or lung irritation. This 

is a normal and temporary occurrence.
The initial break-in operation should last 2-3 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.
This appliance must not be used with glass doors in the closed 

position. This can lead to pilot outages and severe sooting outside 

the fireplace. this appliance must be operated with the glass doors 

fully opened.
Do not use this room heater if any part has been under water. 

Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the room 

heater and replace any part of the control system and any gas 

control which has been under water.

 

wArNING

This appliance is equipped for (natural or propane) gas. field 

conversion is not permitted.

Before you get started

Carefully inspect the contents for shipping damage. If any parts are 

missing or damaged, immediately inform the dealer from whom you 

purchased the appliance. Do not attempt to install any part of the 

appliance unless you have all parts in good condition.

Handle the gas log burner assembly by the grate and legs only. 

do not pick the unit up by the burner.
Gloves are recommended when handling logs to prevent skin 

irritation. Logs are fragile - Handle with care.
Qualified Installing Agency

Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization equip

-

ment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment shall be 

performed only by a qualified agency. the term "qualified agency" 

means any individual, firm, corporation, or company that either in 

person or through a representative is engaged in and is respon-

sible for (a) the installation, testing, or replacement of gas piping 

or (b) the connection, installation, testing, repair, or servicing of  

equipment; that is experienced in such work; that is familiar with all  

precautions required, and that has complied with all the  

requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.

State  of  Massachusetts: 

The installation must be made 

by  a  licensed  plumber  or  gas  fitter  in  the  Commonwealth  of 

Massachusetts.

Sellers of unvented propane or natural gas-fired supplemental 

room heaters shall provide to each purchaser a copy of 527 

CMR-30 upon sale of the unit.

The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence 

of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.*

*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. 11 

West 42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10018.

High Altitudes: 

For altitudes/elevation above 2,000 feet ratings 

should be reduced at the rate of 4 percent for each 1,000 feet above 

sea level. Contact the manufacturer.

Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion. An unvented room 

heater produces approximately one (1) ounce (30ml) of water for 

every 1,000 BtU's (.3KW's) of gas input per hour. 

Unvented room heaters must be used as supplemental heat (a 

room) rather than a primary heat source (an entire house). In most 

supplemental heat applications, the water vapor does not create a 

problem. In most applications, the water vapor enhances the low 

humidity atmosphere experienced during cold weather. 
 

The following steps will help insure that water vapor does not 

become a problem.  

1.  Be sure the heater is sized properly for the application, including 

ample combustion air and circulation air.

2.  If high humidity is experienced, a dehumidifier may be used to 

help lower the water vapor content of the air.

3.  Do not use an unvented room heater as the primary heat source 

(an entire house).

GeNeRAL INfoRMATIoN

WATeR VAPoR: A By-PRoducT of uNVeNTed RooM HeATeRS

Summary of Contents for VFSM-18-3

Page 1: ...e is only for use with the type of gas indicated on the rating plate This appliance is not convertible for use with other gases Installer Leave this manual with the appliance Consumer Retain this manual for future reference WARNING If the information in these instructions are not followed exactly a fire or explosion may result causing property damage personal injury or loss of life Do not store or...

Page 2: ...CONTENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 VFSR SHOWN Items not shown to scale Index Number Description Quantity Supplied 1 Burner Assembly 1 2 Decorative Rocks 2 bags 3 Valve Shield VFSM models 1 4 Rock Wool 1 bag 5 Hardware Package 1 6 Log Switch 1 See Parts Lists on page 25 for ordering replacement parts Do not order batteries bolts screws washers or nuts They are standard hardware items and can be purchased at any ...

Page 3: ...TILATION AIR 12 CLEARANCES 13 14 COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL 15 FIREPLACE PREPARATION 15 INSTALLING AS A VENTED APPLIANCE 16 BEFORE FULLY INSTALLING THE APPLIANCE 16 GAS SUPPLY 17 PLACEMENT OF GLOWING EMBERS AND LAVA ROCK 18 OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS FLAME APPEARANCE 18 LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS VFSR 16 18 24 30 19 LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS VFSM 18 24 30 20 PILOT FLAME CHARACTERISTICS 21 CLEANING AND SERVICING 22 W...

Page 4: ...p to the level of openings in the burner top 10 Annual inspection and cleaning by your dealer or a qualified service technician is recommended to pre vent malfunction and or sooting 11 Install logs according to the installation instructions Do not alter log placement from the prescribed layout in this manual Only use Empire Logs specially made for this burner 12 Verify the venturi tube is not bent...

Page 5: ... 000 VFSM 18 Propane Manual 1 65mm 32 000 27 000 22 000 VFSR 24 Natural Millivolt 33 36 000 25 000 VFSR 24 Propane Millivolt 50 36 000 25 000 VFSM 24 Natural Manual 33 36 000 27 000 22 000 VFSM 24 Propane Manual 50 36 000 27 000 22 000 VFSR 30 Natural Millivolt 32 38 000 26 000 VFSR 30 Propane Millivolt 49 38 000 26 000 VFSM 30 Natural Manual 31 38 000 27 000 22 000 VFSM 30 Propane Manual 49 38 00...

Page 6: ...ur gas company before changing spud orifice size IMPORTANT Read all instructions carefully before starting installation Failure to follow these installation instructions may result in a possible fire hazard and will void the warranty Save this manual for future reference Please read this manual before installing and using the appliance Instructions to Installer 1 Installer must leave instruction m...

Page 7: ...at the oxygen supply at the higher levels will be less than that at the heater In this type of application a fan to circulate the structure air will minimize this effect The use of this fan will also improve the comfort level in the structure When a fan is used to circulate air it should be located so that the air flow is not directed at the burner DANGER The installer of this product is responsib...

Page 8: ...le or tobacco smoke and pet hair will be drawn toward the fireplace These can lead to soot build up on logs fireplace walls and even walls of the room To prevent malfunctions and sooting have your dealer perform an inspection and cleaning each year be fore the heating season If you have pets or excessive dust more frequent cleaning may be necessary See cleaning and service section in this manual U...

Page 9: ...ped gas can adsorb or absorb onto or into walls masonry and other materials and fabrics in a room That will take some of the odorant out of the gas reducing its odor intensity LP Gas may stratify in a closed area and the odor intensity could vary at different levels Since it is heavier than air there may be more odor at lower levels Always be sensitive to the slightest gas odor If you detect any o...

Page 10: ... supplied for use with the log set 6 Also refer to IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION on pages 7 and 9 of this manual WARNING DO NOT OPERATE THIS GAS LOG SET WITH GLASS DOORS CLOSED Clothing or other flammable material should not be placed on or near the appliance Do not place trash or other articles on the log set during operation During manufacturing fabricating and shipping various components of this...

Page 11: ...hen handling logs to prevent skin irritation Logs are fragile Handle with care Qualified Installing Agency Installation and replacement of gas piping gas utilization equip ment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment shall be performed only by a qualified agency The term qualified agency means any individual firm corporation or company that either in person or through a representative...

Page 12: ... of all appliances installed in that space Rooms communicating directly with the space in which the appliances are installed through openings not furnished with doors are considered a part of the unconfined space Unusually Tight Construction The air that leaks around doors and windows may provide enough fresh air for combustion and ventilation However in buildings of unusually tight construction y...

Page 13: ...e wall The ceiling must be at least 36 for the 16 burner and 41 for 18 24 and 30 burner from the fireplace opening Mantel Clearances Without Hood You must have non combustible materials above the fireplace opening Non combustible material must extend at least 12 above fireplace opening With sheet metal you must have non combustible material behind it Heat resistant materials such as slate and marb...

Page 14: ...ith sheet metal you must have non combustible material behind it Heat resistant materials such as slate and marble must be at least 1 2 thick Sheet metal should not be installed onto combustible material Example A mantel may project from the wall a maximum of 2 at a minimum of 8 above the opening and a maximum of 6 at a minimum of 15 above the opening LOFT BURNER IN FIREPLACE OR FIREBOX 8 14 25 15...

Page 15: ...bustible materials where indicated for the fireplace installation Non combustible materials do not ignite or burn as a result of using the fireplace These include metal brick ceramic concrete slate glass and plaster Adhesives must be rated for COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL FIREPLACE PREPARATION fireplace high temperature applications Any mechanical fas teners used to install materials must also be non comb...

Page 16: ...he fireplace firebox floor Drill two 2 5 32 diameter holes approximately 1 1 2 deep for masonry screws or 1 8 hole for sheet metal screws 3 Anchor the grate to the fireplace firebox floor using the screws provided Refer to Figure 13 Proper installation of the grate is essential to prevent any movement of the gas logs and controls during operation Figure 13 VFSR Shown INSTALLING AS A VENTED APPLIAN...

Page 17: ...pipe capped or plugged for pressure test Never pressure test with appliance connected control valve will sustain damage A gas valve and ground joint union should be installed in the gas line upstream of the gas control to aid in servicing It is required by the National Fuel Gas Code that a drip line be installed near the gas inlet This should consist of a vertical length of pipe tee connected into...

Page 18: ...well as the main flame should be visually checked as the log set is installed In normal operation at full rate after 10 to 15 minutes the flame appearance should be sets of yellow flames Notice All flames will be random by design flame height will go up and down Glowing embers rock wool can cover the pan burner in between the front and middle logs but very little is necessary to cover this area Ex...

Page 19: ...Wait 30 seconds before readjusting the heater when the control knob has been turned down to a lower setting HI LO REGULATOR CONTROL KNOB PIEZO IGNITOR FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING 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 floo...

Page 20: ...will not stay lit after several tries push and turn the gas control knob clockwise to OFF and wait 15 seconds Repeat steps 6 through 9 10 Push in control knob and turn to desired setting 1 2 3 The control knob must be set at either the low or high position and the control knob will pop out when positioned correctly Do not set the control knob at a position between pilot 1 2 3 1 Turn control knob c...

Page 21: ...ttern The incorrect pilot flame is not touching the thermocouple This will cause the thermocouple to cool When the thermocouple cools the heater will shut down VFSR Pilot Correct Pilot Flame Pattern Figure 20 Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern Figure 21 If pilot flame pattern is incorrect as shown in Figure 21 See Troubleshooting page 24 VFSM Pilot Correct Pilot Flame Pattern Figure 22 Incorrect Pilot ...

Page 22: ...h gently with soap and water Refer to manual for correct log placement PERIODIC CLEANING Refer to parts diagram for location of items discussed below Do not use cleaning fluid to clean logs or any part of heater Logs brush with soft bristle brush or vacuum with brush attachment Remove loose particles and dust from the burner areas controls piezo covers and grate Don t remove media from inside burn...

Page 23: ... you ignite the pilot the thermocouple produces millivolts electrical current which energizes the magnet in the gas valve After 30 seconds to 1 minute time period you can release the gas control knob and the pilot will stay ON Allow your pilot flame to operate an additional one 1 to two 2 minutes before you turn the gas control knob from the PILOT position to the ON position This time period allow...

Page 24: ...place ODS pilot assembly or get it serviced g Gas regulator setting is not correct Replace gas regulator 7 ODS pilot lights but flame goes out when control knob is released a Control knob not fully pressed in Press in control knob fully b Control knob not pressed in long enough After ODS pilot lights keep control knob pressed in 30 seconds c Manual Shutoff valve not fully open Fully open manual sh...

Page 25: ...an be ordered by your Service Person or Dealer Proof of purchase is required for warranty parts All parts listed in the Parts List have a Part Number When ordering parts first obtain the Model Number and Serial Number from the name plate on your equipment Then determine the Part Number not the Index Number and the Description of each part from the fol lowing illustration and part list Be sure to g...

Page 26: ...389 CERAMIC MEDIA NS R2809 DAMPER CLAMP INCLUDED IN HARDWARE PACKAGE NS 11788 DECORATIVE ROCK 2 REQ D NS 15998 ROCK WOOL VFS M R 16 NS 15999 ROCK WOOL VFS M R 18 NS 15970 ROCK WOOL VFS M R 24 30 MILLIVOLT SYSTEM 6 R3624 PILOT NAT 6 R3623 PILOT LP 8 R7063 PILOT REGULATOR NAT ONLY 10 26321 BURNER SUPPORT RIGHT 16 10 26291 BURNER SUPPORT RIGHT 18 24 30 11 20294 VALVE BRACKET 12 R10405 GAS VALVE NAT 1...

Page 27: ...27829 5 0115 Page 27 20 21 PARTS VIEW ...

Page 28: ...be kept to verify purchase date and establish warranty period Ready access to the appliance for service What Is Not Covered Damages that might result from the use misuse or improper installation of this appliance Travel diagnostic costs and freight charges on warranted parts to and from the factory Claims that do not involve defective workmanship or materials Unauthorized service or parts replacem...

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