5
10007176
A 15 amp, 120 Volt, 60 Hz circuit with a properly
grounded outlet is required. Preferably, the fireplace
will be on a dedicated circuit as other appliances on
the same circuit may cause the circuit breaker to trip or
the fuse to blow when the heater is in operation. The
unit comes standard with a 6 ft. (1.8 m) long three wire
cord, exiting the right side of the fireplace. Plan the
installation to avoid the use of an extension cord. If an
extension cord must be used, it must be a minimum 14
ga, three wire with grounding type plug and connector
and rated not less than 2025 Watts. The extension
cord shall not be more than 20 ft. (6m) in length.
Electrical Connection
Electrical outlet wiring must comply with
local building codes and other applicable
regulations to reduce the risk of fire,
electrical shock and injury to persons.
Do not use this fireplace if any part of it
has been under water. Immediately call a
qualified service technician to inspect the
fireplace and replace any part of the elec-
trical system which has been under
water.
WARNING:This procedure must be conducted by a
qualified electrician, in accordance with National and
local codes. In the U.S.A., the installation must con-
form to the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA No.
70. In Canada, the installation must conform to the
current CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code.
WARNING: Make sure the power to the unit is off, and
the power cord is unplugged from the wall outlet
before proceeding with this conversion. Failure to do
so may result in property damage, personal injury or
loss of life.
This instruction is intended as a guide for replacing the
power cord supplied with Models VCEF26/33/36 elec-
tric fireplace with direct (hard) wiring.
NOTE: When direct wiring this appliance, it must be
connected to a 15 Amp dedicated circuit breaker or
fuse in the electrical panel of the dwelling. The cable
between the circuit/fuse panel and the fireplace must
meet all local and national codes, and in no case shall
the wires be less than 14 gauge.
1. Make sure the power to the unit has been turned
off, the power cord is unplugged from the wall outlet
and the unit has cooled down if it has been operat-
ing.
2. Follow Steps 3 through 6 in “Replacing Light Bulbs”
section, Page 7, to gain access to control panel
behind the touchpad controls.
3. Locate where the power cord enters the control
compartment on the right hand side of the unit.
Using wire cutters, cut the power cord within three
Direct (Hard) Wiring Electric Fireplace
inches (75mm) of the point where it exits the cabi-
net.
4. Carefully separate the three (3) wires of the power
cord into separate wires by gently pulling them
apart. DO NOT use a knife, as this may expose
bare conductor. The hot wire is connected on the
right hand side and is terminated with a 90° termi-
nal (marked as “power” on the control board). The
neutral wire is connected on the left hand side and
is terminated with a straight terminal marked as
“Neutral” on the control board. The green ground
wire is attached to a ground stud.
5. Using wire strippers, strip approximately 5/8"
(15mm) from the ends of the hot and neutral wires.
6. Using a wrench, remove the #6-32 hex nut from the
ground stud where the green wire from the power
cord is attached. Remove and discard the green
wire. Reinstall the nut but do not tighten yet.
7. While standing on the right side of the unit, locate
the power cord where it exits the cabinet. Using pli-
ers, gently cut and remove the power cord. Dispose
of the power cord.
8. Using a slotted screwdriver, remove the 7/8"
(22mm) diameter knockout from the right hand side
of the cabinet above where the strain relief was
located.
9. Route the electrical cable from the breaker/fuse
panel through the 7/8" (22mm) diameter hole and
secure to the cabinet using an approved clamp. The
power wires should extend approximately 6"
(152mm) into the control compartment.
WARNING: Make sure the power to the power cable
has been turned off at the breaker/fuse panel of the
residence before proceeding.
10. Connect the ground wire from the power cable by
wrapping it around the ground stud of the unit and
securing it using the #6-32 nut.
11. Using a wire nut, connect the hot lead (black), of
the power cable to the power cord wire that ends in
90° terminal (on the control board side, it ends on
your right hand side). Similarly, connect the neutral
wire (white), of the power cable to the power cord
ending with the straight terminal (on the control
board side, it ends on your left hand side) using a
wire nut. It is recommended that the wire nuts be
taped to the wires, using electrical tape, as an extra
safety measure.
12.Visually check that none of the wires in the control
compartment have been dislodged from the con-
trols. If they have, use the wiring diagram on the
unit or in the instruction manual to replace them in
their proper location.
13. Turn the power to the unit on at the breaker/fuse
panel. Place the unit into operation and check to
make sure that all of the systems are working prop-
erly.
