Desa Design Dynamics HCA-18-RFN Quick start guide

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WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed 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.
• 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.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
VENTED DECORATIVE GAS LOG HEATER
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
HARDWOOD ORIGINAL CALIFORNIA MAPLE KENTUCKY ELM
HCA-18-RFN HCM-18-RFN HKE-18-RFN
HCA-24-RFN HCM-24-RFN HKE-24-RFN
HCA-18-RFP HCM-18-RFP HKE-18-RFP
HCA-24-RFP HCM-24-RFP HKE-24-RFP

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2
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion, service or maintenance can cause injury or prop-
erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This appliance is for installation only in
a solid-fuel burning masonry or UL127 factory-built
fireplace, constructed of noncombstible material and
connected to a working flue. (See page 6 for minimum
flue opening.
WARNING: This is a gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxy-
gen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided. Refer to the National Fuel Gas Codes, ANSI
Z233.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,* per-
manently located, manufactured (mobile) home, where
not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indi-
cated on the rating plate. This appliance is not convert-
ible for use with other gases.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made
by a licensed plumber or gas fitter in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 3
Product Identification ........................................... 4
Local Codes ........................................................ 4
Unpacking ........................................................... 5
General Information ............................................. 5
Installation ........................................................... 5
Operating Appliance ............................................ 9
Inspecting Burners .............................................11
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 12
Technical Service .............................................. 12
Replacement Parts ............................................ 12
Troubleshooting ................................................. 13
Specifications .................................................... 15
Wiring Diagram .................................................. 15
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List ....... 16
Accessories ....................................................... 18
Warranty Information .............................Back Page

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115481-01A 3
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product con-
tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer or birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
WARNING: Keep flue open
when operating unit.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, operate
or service this log set. Improper use
of this log set can cause serious
injury or death from burns, fire,
explosion, electrical shock and
carbon monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon
monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with head-
aches, dizziness or nausea. If you have these signs,
the log set may not be working properly. Get fresh
air at once! Have log set serviced. Some people
are more affected by carbon monoxide than others.
These include pregnant women, people with heart
or lung disease or anemia, those under the influence
of alcohol and those at high altitudes.
Natural & LP Gas: Natural & LP gas are odorless.
An odor-making agent is added to the gas. The
odor helps you detect a gas leak. However, the
odor added to the gas can fade. Gas may be present
even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all warnings.
Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to
safe and proper operation of this log set.
WARNING: Any change to
this log set or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use a blow-
er insert, heat exchanger insert or
other accessory not approved for
use with this appliance.
WARNING: This appliance
is equipped for (natural or pro-
pane/LP) gas. Field conversion
is not permitted.
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the fireplace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
flame patterns.
WARNING: Installed decora-
tive glass door enclosures must
be fully opened when operating
this gas appliance.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of traffic and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects on the heater.
Heater assembly becomes very
hot when running heater. Keep
children and adults away from hot
surface to avoid burns or clothing
ignition. Heater will remain hot
for a time after shutdown. Allow
surface to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with appliance.
You must operate this heater
with a fireplace screen in place.
Make sure fireplace screen is
closed before running heater.
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible ma-
terials, gasoline and other flam-
mable vapors and liquids.

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Children and adults should be
alerted to the hazard of high tem-
perature and should stay away to
avoid burns or clothing ignition.
1. This appliance, as supplied, 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) in-
side the structure. Locate propane/LP supply
tank(s) outdoors (propane/LP units only).
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. Follow the gas supplierʼs
instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department
4. Never install the log set
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing or other
flammable objects are less than 42 inches
from the front, top or sides of the log set.
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Before installing in a solid fuel burning fireplace,
the chimney flue and firebox must be cleaned of
soot, creosote, ashes and loose paint by a qualified
chimney cleaner. Creosote will ignite if highly
heated. Inspect chimney flue for damage. If dam-
aged, repair flue before operating appliance.
6. If fireplace has glass doors, never operate with
glass doors closed, If you operate heater with
doors closed, heat buildup inside fireplace will
cause glass to burst. Also if fireplace opening
has vents at the bottom, you must open the
vents before operating heater.
7. To reduce the creation of soot, follow the instruc-
tions in Cleaning and Maintenance, page 12.
8. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used
or stored
• under dusty conditions
9. Do not burn solid fuel in the fireplace after
installing the log set. Do not use this log set
to cook food or burn paper or other objects.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
10. Log set becomes very hot when in use. Keep
children and adults away from hot surface to
avoid burns or clothing ignition. Log set will
remain hot for a time after shutdown. Allow
surface to cool before touching.
11. Carefully supervise young children when they
are in the room with the log set.
12. Do not use heater if any part has been exposed
to or under water. Immediately call a qualified
service technician to inspect the room heater
and to replace any part of the control system and
any gas control which has been under water.
13. Turn log set off and let cool before servicing,
installing or repairing. Only a qualified service
person should install, service or repair log set.
14. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
LOCAL CODES
Install and use log set with care. Follow all local
codes. In the absence of local codes, use the lat-
est 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.
Battery march park
Quincy, MA 02269
Hardwood Series gas log sets are certified by Omni
Test Laboratories to Z21.60A-2000/CGA 2.26A-
2000 as a vented decorative gas log set.
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 - Product Identification
Log Set
Assembly
Floor
Media Kit

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115481-01A 5
UNPACKING
CAUTION: Do not remove the
data plates from the grate as-
sembly. The data plates contain
important warranty and safety
information.
1. Remove log set assembly from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to log
set for shipment.
3. Check all items for any shipping damage. If
damaged, promptly inform dealer where you
bought appliance.
GENERAL INFORMATION
These vented decorative gas log sets incorporate
uni-body constructed ceramic fiber logs and ember
bed burner which glow realistically when the ap-
pliance is in operation.
These units are remote controlled-decorative rated
and are equipped with millivolt gas valves. The
remote control allows for flame height adjustment,
timer and on/off control.
A spark ignition system (piezo) allows the gas
pilot to be lit without the use of matches or bat-
teries and permits operation of the heater during
a power outage.
These log sets come with a Floor Media Kit in-
cluded. This kit is used to blend the floor and the
log set together for a more natural look.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: A qualified ser-
vice person must install heater.
Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Before installing
in a solid fuel burning fireplace,
the chimney flue and firebox
must be cleaned of soot, creo-
sote, ashes and loose paint by a
qualified chimney cleaner. Creo-
sote will ignite if highly heated. A
dirty chimney flue may create and
distribute soot within the house.
Inspect chimney flue for damage.
If damaged, repair flue damper
before operating appliance.
CAUTION: This heater creates
warm air currents. These currents
move heat to wall surfaces next
to heater. Installing heater next
to vinyl or cloth wall coverings or
operating heater where impurities
(such as, but not limited to, to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning fluids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.
WARNING: Special care is
required if you are installing the
unit into a sunken fireplace. You
must raise the fireplace floor to
allow access to gas log controls.
This will insure adequate air
flow and guard against sooting.
Raise the fireplace floor using
noncombustible material.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use the correct gas type (natural or propane/LP) for
your unit. If your gas supply is not correct, do not
instal in fireplace. Call dealer where you bought
the appliance for proper type of appliance.
WARNING: This appliance
is equipped for (natural or pro-
pane/LP) gas. Field conversion
is not permitted.
FLUE OPENING SPECIFICATIONS
Note: This vented appliance must be installed only
in a solid-fuel burning fireplace with a working
flue and constructed of noncombustible material.
The fireplace chimney must have a permanent vent
opening to outside of not less than 29 square inches
or as determined from manufacturer's installation
instructions.
LOG SIZING REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM FIREBOX SIZE
LOG FRONT REAR
SIZE HEIGHT DEPTH WIDTH WIDTH
18" 14" 16" 30" 20"
24" 18" 18" 34" 24"

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PLACEMENT OF APPLIANCE
Center the appliance in the fireplace. Make certain
the grate front feet sit inside the front edge of
the fireplace and that there is adequate clearance
around the appliance for access and operation.
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY
WARNING: A qualified service
person must connect heater to gas
supply. Follow all local codes.
Installation Items Needed
Before installing heater, make sure you have the
items listed below.
• external regulator (propane/LP models only)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve
• test gauge connection
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
For propane/LP units, the installer must supply
an external regulator. The external regulator will
reduce incoming gas pressure. You must reduce
incoming gas pressure to between 11 and 14 inches
of water. If you do not reduce incoming gas pres-
sure, heater regulator damage could occur. Install
external regulator with the vent pointing down as
shown in Figure 3. Pointing the vent down protects
it from freezing rain or sleet.
WARNING: Connecting
directly to an unregulated pro-
pane/LP tank may cause an
explosion.
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
External
Regulator
Vent
Pointing
Down
Figure 3 - External Regulator with Vent
Pointing Down
Figure 2 - Attaching Damper Clamp
Manufactured
Fireplace
Masonry
Fireplace
Damper
Damper
Clamp
Damper
Damper
Clamp
Damper
VENTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR
INSTALLATION
The fireplace chimney flue and vent must be draft-
ing properly. To check the vent for proper drafting:
Light a tightly rolled newspaper on one end and
place it at the inside front edge of the fireplace.
Observe the smoke and be sure the vent is properly
drawing it up the chimney. If the smoke spills out
into the room, extinguish the flame and remove any
obstruction until proper venting is achieved.
The chimney flue damper must be fixed open to
provide a minimum of 29 square inch flue opein-
ing at all times during operation of the log set. A
damper clamp can be used to secure the damper
(see Accessories, page 18). See the National Fuel
Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 6.6 for
details about minimum flue size.
INSTALLING DAMPER CLAMP
Secure the damper stop clam to the edge of the
damper as shown in Figure 2. If for any reason this
clamp doesn't work on your fireplace, another suit-
able clamp or permanent stop must be iinstalled, or
the damper blade must be cut or removed.
INSTALLATION
Continued

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115481-01A 7
INSTALLATION
Continued
The appliance gas inlet connection is 3/8" NPT at
the regulator, located at the rear of the appliance.
IMPORTANT: Hold appliance regulator with a
wrench to prevent movement when connecting
to inlet piping.
CAUTION: Use only new,
black iron or steel pipe. Inter-
nally-tinned copper tubing may
be used in certain areas. Check
your local codes. Use pipe of
1/2" diameter or greater to allow
proper gas volume to heater. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
volume will occur.
Installation must include an equipment shutoff
valve, union and plugged 1/8" NPT tap. Locate NPT
tap within reach for test gauge hook up. NPT tap
must be upstream from log set (see Figure 4).
IMPORTANT: Install equipment shutoff valve in an
accessible location. The equipment shutoff valve is for
turning on or shutting off the gas to the appliance.
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male NPT
threads. This will prevent excess sealant from
going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could result
in clogged heater valves.
WARNING: Use pipe joint
sealant that is resistant to liquid
petroleum (LP) gas.
Install a sediment trap where it is within reach for
cleaning. Install in piping system between fuel
supply and heater. Locate sediment trap where
trapped matter is not likely to freeze. A sediment
trap traps moisture and contaminants. This keeps
them from going into heater controls. If sediment
trap is not installed or is installed wrong, heater
may not run properly.
Figure 4 - Gas Connection
* Purchase the optional CSA design-certified shutoff
valve from your dealer. See Accessories, page 18.
** Minimum inlet pressure for purpose of input
adjustment.
Approved Flexible
Gas Hose (If
allowed by local
codes)
CSA Design-Certified
Equipment Shutoff Valve
with 1/8" NPT Tap*
Natural
From Gas
Meter (5" W.C.**
to 10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
Propane/LP
From External
Regulator (11"
W.C.** to 14"
W.C. Pressure)
3" Minimum
Pipe Cap Tee
Nipple Joint
CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Test all gas piping
and connections for leaks after
installing or servicing. Correct
all leaks at once.
WARNING: Never use an
open flame to check for a leak.
Apply a noncorrosive leak detec-
tion fluid to all joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak. Correct all
leaks at once.
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. Cap off open end of gas pipe where equipment
shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either
opening propane/LP supply tank valve for
propane/LP gas or opening main gas valve
located on or near gas meter for natural gas
or using compressed air.

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8
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 5 - Equipment Shutoff Valve
Equipment
Shutoff
Valve
Open
Closed
Figure 7 - Checking Gas Joints
(Natural Gas Only)
Control Valve
Location
Equipment
Shutoff Valve
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
Equipment
Shutoff Valve
Gas Meter
Figure 6 - Checking Gas Joints
(Propane/LP Gas Only)
Control Valve
Location
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system.
Apply noncorrosive leak detection fluid to all
joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Reconnect heater and equipment shutoff
valve to gas supply. Check reconnected fit-
tings for leaks.
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than
1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa)
1. Close equipment shutoff valve (see Figure 5).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either
opening propane/LP supply tank valve for
propane/LP gas or opening main gas valve
located on or near gas meter for natural gas
or using compressed air.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to equipment
shutoff valve for natural gas or propane/LP
supply to equipment shutoff valve for propane/
LP (see Figure 6 or 7). Apply noncorrosive
leak detection fluid to all joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
Gas Pressure Check
The appliance regulator controls the burner pres-
sure which should be checked at the pressure test
point (1/8" NPT plugged tap) located near the on
the control valve identified OUT for the manifold
side and IN for inlet pressure. Make sure operating
pressures are within the limits shown in Specifica-
tions, page 15.
The pressure should be checked with the unit
burning and set to High. Replace test point plug
or tighten test screw after pressure measurement
ensuring no gas leaks.
PLACEMENT OF FLOOR MEDIA
WARNING: Do not add ex-
tra logs or ornaments such as
pine cones, vermiculite or rock
wool. Using these added items
can cause sooting. Use only the
material included in the kits.
WARNING: Do not place lava
rock, embers or fiber log pieces on
logs or burners. This may cause
sooting. Place floor media material
only on the fireplace floor.
1. Place lava rock around base of unit making sure
the burner ports and valve access are not blocked
(see Figure 8, page 9). Retain a small amount of
lava rock to be used in step 4, page 9.
2. Place ember material around front and sides
of unit close to (but NOT on) the burner (see
Figure 9, page 9). Embers will "glow" when
heated to enhance the realistic look of your
log set.

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115481-01A 9
3. Place fiber log pieces randomly on lava rock and
ember material around unit (see Figure 10).
4. Use remaining lava rock to blend the floor
media together. Your finished effect should
resemble Figure 11.
WARNING: Failure to posi-
tion the floor media as shown in
Figures 8 through 11 or failure
to use only parts specifically
approved with this appliance
may result in property damage
or personal injury.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 8 - Placing Lava Rock
Figure 9 - Placing Ember Material
Figure 10 - Placing Fiber Log Pieces
Figure 11 - Floor Media Kits Installed
OPERATING APPLIANCE
The RF Millivolt valve control used on these appli-
ances allows you to turn the gas log set on or off; use
a timer to automatically operate the log set; increase
or decrease flame height, fan speed or timing. An
easy-to-read display gives you information about
room temperature, set temperature, flame height
level, fan speed level and a countdown timer, as
well as a low battery indication. Figure 12 shows
the location of the controls and indicators for the
transmitter (remote) and the receiver (valve).
Note: Fan operations are not applicable to these
Hardwood Series.
Figure 12 - RF Millivolt Valve Controls
with Transmitter/Remote
Display
TRANSMITTER/REMOTE
Up Arrow
Down Arrow
Mode
Button
Timer
Button
RECEIVER/VALVE
Piezo
PilotStat
Knob
Manual
Switch
LED

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10
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: Keep flue open
when operating unit.
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly,
a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or loss of life.
A. This appliance has a pilot which must be
lighted with a piezo ignitor. When lightning
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.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electric switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from
a neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas
supplierʼs instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn gas
control knob. Never use tools. If the knob
will not push in or turn by hand, do not try
to repair it, call a qualified technician. Force
or attempted repair may result in a fire.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has
been under water. Immediately call a
qualified service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which
has been under water.
OPERATING HEATER
Continued
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
NOTICE: During initial operation
the appliance will emit a slight
odor for an hour or two. This is
due to the "burn-in" of the inter-
nal paints and lubricants used
in manufacturing. For the first
few hours, operate the appliance
with doors and windows open to
encourage dissipation of odor.
1. STOP! Read the safety information, col-
umn 1.
2. Make sure equipment shutoff valve is fully
open.
3. Set switch in the Local position.
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. If
you then smell gas STOP! Follow the safety
information above. If you don't smell gas,
go on to the next step.
5. Turn PilotStat knob to PILOT. Push in on
PilotStat knob and press Piezo button
until the pilot is lit.
6. Continue to hold PilotStat knob in until
LED blinks (one brief blink every two
seconds) then release knob. Note: You
will need to hold the knob in for about one
minute.
7. Turn PilotStat knob to ON See Figure 12,
page 9.
WARNING: Moving the Lo-
cal/Remote switch can cause
the main burner to come on
immediately. Stand away from
the main burner when moving
the local/remote switch to avoid
possible injury.
USING TRANSMITTER/
REMOTE
1. Move switch to REMOTE position (see
Figure 12, page 9).
2. Press FAN or FLAME key within
30 seconds.
3. Make sure LED turns on for one second.