Desa VN20BTB Original instructions

MODELS VN20BTB, VP20BTB
VN30BTB AND VP30BTB
UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) BLUE FLAME GAS HEATER
SAFETY INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not
followed exactly, a re or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable va-
pors 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 re
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
ed installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.

www.desatech.com 121880-01B2
SAFETY
This appliance may be in-
stalled in an aftermarket,*
permanently located,
manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohib-
ited by local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
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.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble,
operate or service this heater.
Improper use of this heater 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
u, with headaches, dizziness or nausea. If
you have these signs, the heater may not be
working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have
heater serviced. Some people are more af-
fected by carbon monoxide than others. These
include pregnant women, people with heart or
lung disease or anemia, those under the inu-
ence of alcohol and those at high altitudes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Unpacking............................................................ 4
Product Identication ........................................... 4
Product Features ................................................. 4
Air For Combustion and Ventilation ..................... 5
Installation ........................................................... 7
Operation ........................................................... 14
Inspecting Heater .............................................. 15
Cleaning ............................................................ 16
Troubleshooting ................................................. 17
Specications .................................................... 21
Service Hints ..................................................... 21
Technical Service............................................... 21
Service Publications .......................................... 21
Replacement Parts ............................................ 21
Accessory .......................................................... 21
Parts .................................................................. 22
WARNING: Improper
installation, adjustment,
alteration, service or main-
tenance can cause injury
or property damage. Refer
to this manual for correct
installation and operation-
al procedures. For assis-
tance or additional infor-
mation consult a qualied
installer, service agency or
the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an
unvented gas-red heater.
It uses air (oxygen) from the
room in which it is installed.
Provisions for adequate
combustion and ventila-
tion air must be provided.
Referto Air for Combustion
and Ventilation section on
page 5 of this manual.
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.

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121880-01B 3
Natural and Propane/LP Gas: Natural and
propane/LP gases are fuel gases. Fuel gases
are odorless. An odor-making agent are add-
ed to fuel gases. The odor helps you detect
a fuel gas leak. However, the odor added to
fuel gas can fade. Fuel 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 heater.
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not ap-
proved for use with this heater.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects on the heater.
Surface of heater 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 shut-
down. Allow surface to cool
before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the same
room with heater.
Make sure grill guard is in place
before running heater.
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible ma-
terials, gasoline and other am-
mable vapors and liquids.
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 (propane/LP
models 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 neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas sup-
plier’s instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier,
call the re department
4. This heater shall not be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom.
5. This heater needs fresh, outside air ven-
tilation to run properly. This heater has an
Oxygen Depletion Sensing (ODS) safety
shutoff system. The ODS shuts down the
heater if not enough fresh air is available.
See Air for Combustion and Ventilation,
page 5.
6. Keep all air openings in front and bottom
of heater clear and free of debris. This will
insure enough air for proper combustion.
7. If heater shuts off, do not relight until you
provide fresh, outside air. If heater keeps
shutting off, have it serviced.
8. Do not run heater
• where ammable liquids or vapors are
used or stored
• under dusty conditions
9. Do not use heater if any part has been
under water. Immediately call a qualied
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.
10. Turn off and let cool before servicing. Only
a qualied service person should service
and repair heater.
11. Operating heater above elevations of
4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
SAFETY
Continued

www.desatech.com 121880-01B4
12. To prevent performance problems, do not
use propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100
lbs. capacity (propane/LP models only).
13. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner or similar products, turn heater off. If
heated, the vapors from these products may
create a white powder residue within burner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture.
14. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
LOCAL CODES
Install and use heater with care. Follow all lo-
cal codes. In the absence of local codes, use
the latest edition of 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.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
State of Massachusetts: The installation
must be made by a licensed plumber or
gas tter in the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural
gas-red supplemental room heaters shall
provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for
bedroom and bathroom installation in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
UNPACKING
1. Remove heater from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied
to heater for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage.
If heater is damaged, promptly return to
dealer where you bought heater or call
DESA Heating, LLC at 1-866-672-6040.
SAFETY
Continued
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Gas Heater
Ignitor
Button
Heater
Cabinet
Front Panel
Glass Panel
Grill Guard
Control
Knob
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
PRODUCT FEATURES
SAFETY DEvICE
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Deple-
tion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The
ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free
room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts off the
heater if there is not enough fresh air.
IGNITION SYSTEM
This heater has an electronic ignitor to light
heater fuel supply.
THERMOSTATIC HEAT CONTROL
Thermostat models have a thermostat sens-
ing bulb and a control valve. This results in the
greatest heater comfort. This can also result
in lower gas bills.

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121880-01B 5
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion
and ventilation. However, in buildings of un-
usually tight construction, you must provide
additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is dened as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside
atmosphere have a continuous water
vapor retarder with a rating of one perm
(6x10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) or less with
openings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been added on
openable windows and doors and
c. caulking or sealants are applied to areas
such as joints around window and door
frames, between sole plates and oors,
between wall-ceiling joints, between
wall panels, at penetrations for plumb-
ing, electrical and gas lines and at other
openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria
above, you must provide additional fresh air.
See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 7.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining Fresh-
Air Flow For Heater Location, page 6.
Conned and Unconned Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54 denes a conned space as a space
whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space and an unconned space as a
space whose volume is not less than 50 cubic
feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per kw)
of the aggregate input rating 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 un-
conned space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between them.
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installed in a conned
space or unusually tight con-
struction unless provisions are
provided for adequate combus-
tion and ventilation air. Read the
following instructions to insure
proper fresh air for this and
other fuel-burning appliances
in your home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efcient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation
and new construction methods help reduce
heat loss in homes. Home owners weather
strip and caulk around windows and doors to
keep the cold air out and the warm air in. Dur-
ing heating months, home owners want their
homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efcient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh
air must enter your home. All fuel-burning ap-
pliances need fresh air for proper combustion
and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, replaces, clothes dryers and
fuel burning appliances draw air from the
house to operate. You must provide adequate
fresh air for these appliances. This will insure
proper venting of vented fuel-burning appli-
ances.
PROvIDING ADEQUATE
vENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconned Space
3. Conned Space
The information on pages 5 through 7 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.

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AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Conned or
Unconned Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have a
conned or unconned space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install
heater plus any adjoining rooms with doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the
rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length
x width x height).
Length x Width x Height =__________cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2560 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining room
is supplied with grills or openings, add the
volume of these rooms to the total volume
of the space.
2. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
______ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maximum
Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20
= 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances
in the space.
Vent-free heater ____________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* ____________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace ____________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater ____________ Btu/Hr
Gas replace logs ____________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* + ___________ Btu/Hr
Total =___________ Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.
Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater ____________ Btu/Hr
Vent-free heater + ___________ Btu/Hr
Total = ___________ Btu/Hr
40,000
20,000
60,000
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space
can support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr
used.
________ Btu/Hr (maximum can support)
________ Btu/Hr (actual amount used)
Example:
51,200 Btu/Hr (maximum the space can
support)
60,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr
used)
The space in the above example is a conned
space because the actual Btu/Hr used is more
than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can sup-
port. You must provide additional fresh air. Your
options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an
adjoining room. If the extra space provides
an unconned space, remove door to adjoin-
ing room or add ventilation grills between
rooms. See Ventilation Air From Inside
Building, page 7.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 7.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr heater, if lower Btu/Hr
size makes room unconned.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maximum
Btu/Hr the space can support, the space is an
unconned space. You will need no additional
fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in
which the heater may be oper-
ated is smaller than that dened
as an unconned space or if the
building is of unusually tight
construction, provide adequate
combustion and ventilation air
by one of the methods described
in the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation or
applicable local codes.

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121880-01B 7
vENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconned space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconned space, you must provide
two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the oor on the
wall connecting the two spaces (see options
1 and 2, Figure 2). You can also remove door
into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2).
Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation for required size of ventilation
grills or ducts.
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
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 pri-
mary 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 qualied ser-
vice person must install heater.
Follow all local codes.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only the correct type of gas (natural or
propane/LP). If your gas supply is not the
correct gas type, do not install heater. Call
dealer where you bought heater for proper
type heater.
WARNING: This appliance is
equipped for either natural gas
or propane/LP gas but not both.
Gas type is indicated on the rat-
ing plate. Field conversion is not
permitted.
Outlet
Air
Ve ntilated
Attic
Outlet
A
ir
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ve ntilated
Crawl Space
T o
Crawl
Space
T o Attic
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ve ntilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ve ntilation
Grills into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling
and one within 12" of the oor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open
to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size
of ventilation grills or ducts.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for
inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermo-
stat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering
the attic will activate the power vent.

www.desatech.com 121880-01B8
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Heater
36"
2"
FLOOR
CEILING
Minimum
Minimum To
Top Surface
Of Carpeting,
Tile Or Other
Combustible
Material
6"
Left
Side
Right
Side
36"
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing heater, make sure you have
the items listed below.
• for propane/LP gas, external regulator
(supplied by installer)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve *
• ground joint union
• test gauge connection*
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* A CSA design-certied equipment shutoff
valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable alter-
native to test gauge connection. The optional
CSA design-certied equipment shutoff valve
can be purchased from your dealer. See Ac-
cessories, page 21.
LOCATING HEATER
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances shown
in Figure 4. If you can, provide
greater clearances from oor,
ceiling and joining wall.
You can locate heater on the oor, away from
a wall. A wall mounting bracket and oor base
stand are included with this heater. Determine
which method is best for your application.
INSTALLATION
Continued WARNING: Never install the
heater
• in a bedroom or bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing or other ammable
objects are less than 36" from
the front, top or sides of the
heater
• as a replace insert
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas
CAUTION: This heater cre-
ates warm air currents. These
currents move heat to wall sur-
faces next to heater. Installing
heater next to vinyl or cloth wall
coverings or operating heater
where impurities (such as, but
not limited to, tobacco smoke,
aromatic candles, cleaning u-
ids, oil or kerosene lamps, etc.) in
the air exist, may discolor walls
or cause odors.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture
to the air. Although this is benecial, installing
heater in rooms without enough ventilation
air may cause mildew to form from too much
moisture. See Air for Combustion and Ventila-
tion, page 5.
CAUTION: If you install the
heater in a home garage
• heater pilot and burner must
be at least 18" above oor
• locate heater where moving
vehicle will not hit it
For convenience and efciency, install heater
• where there is easy access for operation,
inspection and service
• in coldest part of room
An optional fan kit is available from your
dealer. See Accessories, page 21. If planning
to use fan, locate heater near an electrical
outlet.
Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As
Viewed From Front of Heater

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121880-01B 9
8"
(20.3
cm)
Min.
Adjoining Wall
Adjoining Wall
Only Insert Mounting
Screws Through Last
Hole On Each End
Only Insert Mounting
Screws Through Last
Hole On Each End
Floor Floor
14" (35.6 cm)
14" (35.6 cm)
18 3/4"
(47.6 cm)
Min.
18 3/4"
(47.6 cm)
Min.
12"
(30.4
cm)
Min.
30,000 Btu/hr Models
THERMOSTAT SENSING BULB
The thermostat sensing bulb has been placed
below the heater.
1. Place clamp on thermostat sensing bulb
as shown in Figure 5. Clamp is provided
in hardware package.
2. Snap clamp into upper mounting hole
as shown in Figure 5. Mounting hole is
located on lower left edge on back of
heater. Make sure the thermostat sensing
bulb is pointing up.
Figure 5 - Attaching Thermostat Sensing
Bulb
Clamp
Thermostat
Sensing Bulb
Figure 6 - Mounting Bracket
INSTALLING HEATER TO WALL
Mounting Bracket
Locate mounting bracket in heater carton. Re-
move mounting bracket from heater carton.
Figure 7 - Removing Front Panel Of Heater
Removing Front Panel Of Heater
1. Remove the four painted screws, two on
each side of front panel.
2. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then out.
3. Remove any remaining packaging mate-
rials.
Methods For Attaching Mounting Bracket
To Wall
Only use last hole on each end of mounting
bracket to attach bracket to wall. These two
holes are 14" apart from their centers. Attach
mounting bracket to wall in one of two ways:
1. Attaching to wall stud
2. Attaching to wall anchor
Attaching to Wall Stud: This method provides
the strongest hold. Insert mounting screws
through mounting bracket and into wall studs.
Attaching to Wall Anchor: This method al-
lows you to attach mounting bracket to hollow
walls (wall areas between studs) or to solid
walls (concrete or masonry).
Decide which method better suits your needs.
Either method will provide a secure hold for
the mounting bracket.
Marking Screw Locations
1. Tape mounting bracket to wall where heater
will be located. Make sure mounting bracket
is level.
WARNING:Maintainminimum
clearances shown in Figure 8. If
you can, provide greater clearanc-
es from oor and joining wall.
2. Mark screw locations on wall (see Figure 8).
Note: Only mark last hole on each end of
mounting bracket. Insert mounting screws
through these holes only.
3. Remove tape and mounting bracket from
wall.
Figure 8 - Mounting Bracket Clearances
8"
(20.3
cm)
Min.
Adjoining Wall
Adjoining Wall
Only Insert Mounting
Screws Through Last
Hole On Each End
Only Insert Mounting
Screws Through Last
Hole On Each End
Floor Floor
14" (35.6 cm)
14" (35.6 cm)
18
3
/ 4 "
(47.6 cm)
Min.
18
3
/ 4 "
(47.6 cm)
Min.
12"
(30.4
cm)
Min.
20,000 Btu/hr Models
INSTALLATION
Continued
Screw
Front Panel

www.desatech.com 121880-01B10
INSTALLATION
Continued
Attaching Mounting Bracket To Wall
Note: Wall anchors, mounting screws and
spacers are in hardware package. The hard-
ware package is provided with heater.
Attaching To Wall Stud Method
For attaching mounting bracket to wall studs
1. Drill holes at marked locations using 9/64"
drill bit.
2. Place mounting bracket onto wall. Line
up last hole on each end of bracket with
holes drilled in wall.
3. Insert mounting screws through bracket
and into wall studs.
4. Tighten screws until mounting bracket is
rmly fastened to wall studs.
Attaching To Wall Anchor Method
For attaching mounting bracket to hollow
walls (wall areas between studs) or solid walls
(concrete or masonry)
1. Drill holes at marked locations using
5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete or
masonry), drill at least 1" deep.
2. Fold wall anchor as shown in Figure 9.
3. Insert wall anchor (wings rst) into hole.
Tap anchor ush to wall.
4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red key
into wall anchor. Push red key to “pop”
open anchor wings (see Figure 10). IM-
PORTANT: Do not hammer key! For thick
walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid walls, do not
pop open wings.
5. Place mounting bracket onto wall. Line up
last hole on each end of bracket with wall
anchors.
Figure 9 - Folding Anchor
Figure 11 - Mounting Heater Onto
Mounting Bracket
Stand-
Out Tab
Figure 10 - Popping Open Anchor Wings
For Thin Walls
Mounting Bracket (attached to wall)
Horizontal Slots
6. Insert mounting screws through bracket
and into wall anchors.
7. Tighten screws until mounting bracket is
rmly fastened to wall.
Placing Heater On Mounting Bracket
1. Locate two horizontal slots on back panel
of heater.
2. Place heater onto mounting bracket. Slide
horizontal slots onto stand-out tabs on
mounting bracket.
Installing Bottom Mounting Screws
1. Locate two bottom mounting holes. These
holes are near bottom on back panel of
heater (see Figure 12).
2. Mark screw locations on wall.
3. Remove heater from mounting bracket.
Figure 12 - Installing Bottom Mounting
Screws
Side View
Front View
Wall
Spacer
Heater

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121880-01B 11
4. If installing bottom mounting screws into
hollow or solid wall, install wall anchors.
Follow steps 1 through 4 under Attaching
To Wall Anchor Method, page 10.
If installing bottom mounting screw into
wall stud, drill holes at marked locations
using 9/64" drill bit.
5. Replace heater onto mounting bracket.
6. Place spacers between bottom mounting
holes and wall anchor or drilled hole.
7. Hold spacer in place with one hand. With
other hand, insert mounting screw through
bottom mounting hole and spacer. Place
tip of screw in opening of wall anchor or
drilled hole.
8. Tighten both screws until heater is rmly
secured to wall. Do not over tighten.
Note: Do not replace front panel at this
time. Replace front panel after making
gas connections and checking for leaks
(see pages 11 through 14).
MOUNTING HEATER TO FLOOR
Mounting Base Feet to Heater
Note: A 90° elbow is required for mounting
this unit and must be installed BEFORE base
feet to provide proper clearance (see Figure
15, page 12).
1. Lay heater cabinet on its back on a table with
bottom of heater overhanging table edge.
2. Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male NPT
threads of elbow. Hold pressure regulator
with a wrench when connecting elbow.
Do not overtighten elbow to regulator.
Regulator body could be damaged.
2. Align holes in base foot with mounting holes
on bottom of cabinet (see Figure 13).
3. Secure base foot to heater using sheet
metal screws.
4. Repeat for other side.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 13 - Installing Base Feet
Sheet Metal Screw
Base Foot
Wood
Screw
Mounting Base Feet to Floor
1. Remove front cover (see Removing Front
Panel of Heater, page 9).
2. Position heater with base feet in desired
location. Mark holes for drilling. Remove
heater with base.
3. For carpeted oors, make a small cut with
a sharp knife at marked locations prior to
drilling. If mounting base to a wood oor,
drill 1/8" diameter hole, 3/4" deep. (Do not
use anchors in wood oors).
If mounting base to a concrete oor, drill
with 1/4" diameter concrete drill bit, 13/8" into
oor. Insert anchors completely into holes.
4. Reposition heater with base feet over
holes. Secure base to oor with wood
screws. See Figure 13.
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY
WARNING: This appliance
requires a 3/8" NPT (National
Pipe Thread) inlet connection to
the pressure regulator.
WARNING: A qualied service
person must connect heater to gas
supply. Follow all local codes.
WARNING: For natural
gas, never connect heater to
private (non-utility) gas wells.
This gas is commonly known
as wellhead gas.
IMPORTANT: For natural gas, check gas line
pressure before connecting heater to gas line.
Gas line pressure must be no greater than
10.5" of water. If gas line pressure is higher,
heater regulator damage could occur.
CAUTION: For propane/LP
gas, never connect heater di-
rectly to the propane/LP supply.
This heater requires an external
regulator (not supplied). Install
the external regulator between the
heater and propane/LP supply.

www.desatech.com 121880-01B12
Figure 14 - External Regulator With Vent
Pointing Down
External
Regulator
with Vent
Pointing
Down
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
INSTALLATION
Continued
* A CSA design-certied equipment shutoff valve
with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable alternative to
test gauge connection. Purchase the optional
CSA design-certied equipment shutoff valve
from your dealer. See Accessories, page 21.
Figure 15 - Gas Connection
Pressure
Regulator
Tee Joint
Reducer
Bushing
to 1/8"
NPT
1/8" NPT
Plug Tap
Tee
Joint
Pipe
Nipple
Cap
3/8" NPT
Pipe Nipple
Heater
Cabinet
Sediment Trap
Equipment
Shutoff
Valve *
3" Min.
Natural Gas
From Gas Meter
(4" W.C. to
10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
Propane/LP
From External Regulator
(11" W.C. to 14" W.C.
Pressure)
Ground Joint
Union
Note: Burner
bracket not
shown for clarity
Test Gauge Connection*
Install sediment trap in supply line as shown
in Figure 15. Locate sediment trap where it
is within reach for cleaning. 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.
IMPORTANT: Hold the pressure regulator
with wrench when connecting it to gas pip-
ing and/or ttings. Do not over tighten pipe
connection to regulator. The regulator body
could be damaged.
For propane/LP gas, 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"
of water. If you do not reduce incoming gas pres-
sure, heater regulator damage could occur. Install
the external regulator with the vent pointing down
as shown in Figure 14. Pointing the vent down
protects it from freezing rain or sleet.
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
large enough diameter to allow
proper gas volume to heater. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
volume will occur.
Typical Inlet Pipe Diameters
20,000 Btu/hr models - 3/8" or greater
30,000 Btu/hr models - 1/2" or greater
Installation must include 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 heater (see
Figure 15).
IMPORTANT: Install an equipment shutoff
valve in an accessible location. The equip-
ment 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.
Connection Using Flexline
3/8" NPT/ 1/2"
Flare 90° Elbow
Flexline
See
illustration
above for
detail
Refer to
connector's
instructions

www.desatech.com
121880-01B 13
INSTALLATION
Continued
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 ame to check for a leak.
Apply a noncorrosive leak detec-
tion uid to all joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak. Correct all
leaks at once.
CAUTION: For propane/LP
gas, make sure external regula-
tor has been installed between
propane/LP supply and heater.
See guidelines under Connect-
ing to Gas Supply, page 11.
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY
PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
(14" w.c.)
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 equip-
ment 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.
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system.
Apply a noncorrosive leak detection uid 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
ttings for leaks.
Figure 16 - Equipment Shutoff Valve
Equipment
Shutoff
Valve
Figure 18 - Checking Gas Joints for
Propane/LP Gas
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
Thermostat
Gas Valve
Figure 17 - Checking Gas Joints for
Natural Gas
Equipment Shutoff Valve
Gas
Meter
Thermostat Gas Valve
Open
Closed
Equipment Shutoff Valve
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than
1/2 PSIG (14" w.c.)
1. Close equipment shutoff valve (see Fig-
ure 16).
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 for natural
gas (see Figure 17) or propane/LP supply
tank for propane/LP gas, to equipment
shutoff valve (see Figure 18). Apply a non-
corrosive leak detection uid to all joints.
Bubbles forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
PRESSURE TESTING HEATER GAS
CONNECTIONS
1. Open equipment shutoff valve (see
Figure 16).
2. For natural gas open main gas valve locat-
ed on or near gas meter. For propane/LP
gas open propane/LP supply tank valve.

www.desatech.com 121880-01B14
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
1. STOP! Read the safety information, col-
umn 1.
2. Make sure equipment shutoff valve is fully
open.
3. Turn off any electric power to the appli-
ance if service is to be performed.
4. Turn control knob clockwise to the
OFF position.
5. Wait ve minutes to clear out any gas.
Then smell for gas, including near the
oor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B”
in the safety information, column 1. If you
don’t smell gas, go to the next step.
6. Turn control knob counterclockwise
to the PILOT position. Press in control knob
for ve (5) seconds.
7. With control knob pressed in, push down
and release ignitor button. This will light
pilot. The pilot is attached to the front of
burner. Note: You may be running this
heater for the rst time after hooking up to
gas supply. If so, you may need to press in
control knob for 30 seconds or more. This
will allow air to bleed from the gas system.
If needed, keep pressing ignitor button until
pilot lights. If ignitor does not light pilot, re-
fer to Troubleshooting, page 17 or contact a
qualied service person or gas supplier for
repairs. Until repairs are made, light pilot
with match. To light pilot with match, see
Manual Lighting Procedure, page 15.
8. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 sec-
onds after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds,
release control knob.
Figure 19 - Control Knob In The OFF
Position
T
Ignitor Button Control Knob
Figure 20 - Pilot (actual pilot may vary)
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in the
OFF position.
4. Check all joints from equipment shutoff
valve to thermostat gas valve (see Figure
17 or 18). Apply a noncorrosive leak de-
tection uid to all joints. Bubbles forming
show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operation). Check all
other internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, page 15).
8. Replace front panel.
OPERATION
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly,
a re or explosion may result
causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or loss of life.
A. This appliance has a pilot which must
be lighted by hand. When lighting the pi-
lot, follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around
the appliance area for gas. Be sure to
smell next to the oor because some
gas is heavier than air and will settle
on the oor.
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 neighbor’s phone. Follow the
gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier,
call the re department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn
the gas control knob. Never use tools.
If the knob will not push in or turn by
hand, don’t try to repair it, call a qualied
service technician. Force or attempted
repair may result in a re or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part
has been under water. Immediately call
a qualied service technician to inspect
the appliance and to replace any part of
the control system and any gas control
which has been under water.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Thermocouple Ignitor Electrode
Pilot Burner

www.desatech.com
121880-01B 15
OPERATION
Continued
• If control knob does not pop up when
released, contact a qualified service
person or gas supplier for repairs.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 4 thru
7. Wait one (1) minute before lighting pilot
again.
9. Turn control knob counterclockwise
to desired heating level. The main burner
should light.
10. To leave pilot lit and shut off burner only,
turn control knob clockwise to the
PILOT position.
CAUTION: Do not try to ad-
just heating levels by using the
equipment shutoff valve.
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Heater
1. Turn control knob clockwise to the
OFF position.
2. Turn off all electric power to the appliance
if service is to be performed.
3. Close equipment shutoff valve (see Figure
16, page 13).
THERMOSTAT
CONTROL OPERATION
The thermostatic control used on these
models differs from standard thermostats.
Standard thermostats simply turn on and off
the burner. The thermostat used on this heater
senses the room temperature. The thermostat
adjusts the amount of gas ow to the burner.
This increases or decreases the burner ame
height. At times the room may exceed the
set temperature. If so, the burner will shut
off. The burner will cycle back on when room
temperature drops below the set temperature.
The control knob can be set to any heat level
between 1 and 5. Selecting the 5 setting will
cause the burner to remain fully on without
modulating down in most cases.
Note: The thermostat sensing bulb mea-
sures the temperature of air near the heater
cabinet. This may not always agree with
room temperature (depending on housing
construction, installation location, room size,
open air temperatures, etc.). Frequent use of
your heater will let you determine your own
comfort levels.
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
1. Remove front panel (see Figure 7, page 9).
2. Follow steps 1 through 7 under Lighting
Instructions, page 14.
3. With control knob pressed in, strike match.
Hold match to pilot until pilot lights.
4. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 sec-
onds after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds,
release control knob. Now follow step 9,
under Lighting Instructions, page 14.
5. Replace front panel.
INSPECTING HEATER
Check pilot ame pattern and burner ame
pattern often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 21 shows a correct pilot ame pattern.
Figure 22 shows an incorrect pilot ame pat-
tern. The incorrect pilot ame is not touching
the thermocouple. This will cause the thermo-
couple to cool. When the thermocouple cools,
the heater will shut down.
If pilot ame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 22
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Ap-
pliance)
• see Troubleshooting, page 17
Note: The pilot ame on natural gas units will
have a slight curve, but ame should be blue
and have no yellow or orange color.
Figure 22 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
Figure 21 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern
Thermocouple
Pilot Burner
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
Blue Flame
Yellow Flame

www.desatech.com 121880-01B16
Figure 23 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern
Yellow
Tipping
Figure 24 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern
1/2 Glass
Height
Blue
Flame
1/2 Glass
Height
CLEANING
WARNING: Turn off heater
and let cool before cleaning.
CAUTION: You must keep con-
trol areas, burner and circulating
air passageways of heater clean.
Inspect these areas of heater
before each use. Have heater
inspected yearly by a qualied
service person. Heater may need
more frequent cleaning due to
excessive lint from carpeting,
bedding material, pet hair, etc.
Figure 25 - Pilot Inlet Air (Propane/LP
Pilot Shown)
Pilot Assembly
Pilot Air Inlet
WARNING: Failure to keep
the primary air opening(s) of
the burner(s) clean may result in
sooting and property damage.
ODS/PILOT AND BURNER
Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized air or
small, soft bristled brush to clean.
BURNER PILOT AIR INLET
The primary air inlet holes allow the proper
amount of air to mix with the gas. This pro-
vides a clean burning ame. Keep these holes
clear of dust, dirt and lint. Clean these air inlet
holes prior to each heating season. Blocked
air holes will create soot. We recommend that
you clean the unit every three months during
operation and have heater inspected yearly
by a qualied service person.
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. If using compressed air in a can, please
follow the directions on the can. If you don’t
follow directions on the can, you could dam-
age the pilot assembly.
1. Shut off the unit, including the pilot. Allow
the unit to cool for at least thirty minutes.
2. Inspect burner, pilot for dust and dirt.
3. Blow air through the ports/slots and holes
in the burner.
4. Never insert objects into the pilot tube.
Clean the pilot assembly also. A yellow tip on
the pilot ame indicates dust and dirt in the
pilot assembly. There is a small pilot air inlet
about 2" from where the pilot ame comes out
of the pilot assembly (see Figure 25). With
the unit off, lightly blow air through the air
inlet. You may blow through a drinking straw
if compressed air is not available.
INSPECTING HEATER
Continued
CABINET
Air Passageways
Use pressurized air to clean.
Exterior
Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and
water mixture. Wipe the cabinet to remove dust.
BURNER FLAME PATTERN
WARNING: If yellow tipping
occurs, your heater could pro-
duce increased levels of carbon
monoxide.
NOTICE: Do not mistake orange
ames with yellow tipping. Dirt
or other ne particles enter the
heater and burn causing brief
patches of orange ame.
Figure 23 shows a correct burner ame pattern.
Figure 24 shows an incorrect burner ame pat-
tern. The incorrect burner ame pattern shows
yellow tipping of the ame. It also shows the
ame higher than 1/2 the glass panel height.
If burner ame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 24
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas To
Appliance, page 15
• see Troubleshooting, page 17

www.desatech.com
121880-01B 17
TROUBLESHOOTING
WARNING: Turn off and unplug heater and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualied service person should service and repair heater.
CAUTION: Never use a wire, needle or similar object to clean
ODS/pilot. This can damage ODS/pilot unit.
Note: All troubleshooting items are listed in order of operation.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Ignitor electrode posi-
tioned wrong
2. Ignitor electrode broken
3. Ignitor electrode not con-
nected to ignitor cable
4. Ignitor cable pinched or
wet
5. Broken ignitor cable
6. Bad ignitor
7. Battery not installed, bat-
tery power low or battery
not installed correctly
1. Gas supply turned off or
equipment shutoff valve
closed
2. Control knob not in PILOT
position
3. Control knob not pressed
in while in PILOT position
4. Air in gas lines when in-
stalled
5. Depleted gas supply (pro-
pane/LP gas only)
6. ODS/pilot is clogged
7. Gas regulator setting is not
correct
OBSERvED PROBLEM
When ignitor button is pressed,
there is no spark at ODS/
pilot
When ignitor button is pressed,
there is spark at ODS/pilot but
no ignition
REMEDY
1. Replace pilot assembly
2. Replace pilot assembly
3. Reconnect ignitor cable
4. Free ignitor cable if pinched
by any metal or tubing.
Keep ignitor cable dry
5. Replace ignitor cable
6. Replace ignitor
7. Install new alkaline battery
in electronic ignitor. Verify
battery is installed correctly
1. Turn on gas supply or open
equipment shutoff valve
2. Turn control knob to PILOT
position
3. Press in control knob while
in PILOT position
4. Continue holding down
control knob. Repeat ignit-
ing operation until air is
removed
5. Contact local propane/LP
gas company
6. Clean ODS/pilot (see
Cleaning, page 16) or re-
place ODS/pilot assembly
7. Replace gas regulator

www.desatech.com 121880-01B18
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Control knob not fully
pressed in
2. Control knob not pressed
in long enough
3. Equipment shutoff valve
not fully open
4. Thermocouple connection
loose at control valve
5. Pilot flame not touching
thermocouple, which al-
lows thermocouple to cool,
causing pilot ame to go
out. This problem could be
caused by one or both of
the following:
A) Low gas pressure
B) Dirty or partially clogged
ODS/pilot
6. Thermocouple damaged
7. Control valve damaged
1. Burner orice is clogged
2. Inlet gas pressure is too
low
1. Manifold pressure is too
low
2. Burner orice is clogged
1. Burner orice is clogged or
damaged
2. Burner damaged
3. Gas regulator defective
OBSERvED PROBLEM
ODS/pilot lights but flame
goes out when control knob
is released
Burner does not light after
ODS/pilot is lit
Delayed ignition of burner
Burner backring during com-
bustion
REMEDY
1. Press in control knob fully
2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep
control knob pressed in 30
seconds
3. Fully open equipment shut-
off valve
4. Hand tighten until snug,
then tighten 1/4 turn more
5. A) Contact local natural or
propane/LP gas company
B) Clean ODS/pilot (see
Cleaning, page 16) or re-
place ODS/pilot assembly
6. Replace pilot assembly
7. Replace control valve
1. Clean burner (see Clean-
ing, page 16) or replace
burner orice
2. Contact local natural or
propane/LP gas company
1. Contact local natural or
propane/LP gas company
2. Clean burner (see Clean-
ing, page 16) or replace
burner orice
1. Clean burner (see Clean-
ing, page 16) or replace
burner orice
2. Replace burner
3. Replace gas regulator
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued

www.desatech.com
121880-01B 19
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Not enough air
2. Gas regulator defective
3. Clogged or dirty burner
1. Residues from manufac-
turing processes
1. Turning control knob to
position 5 when burner is
cold
2. Air in gas line
3. Air passageways on heat-
er blocked
4. Dirty or partially clogged
burner orice
1. When heated, vapors from
furniture polish, wax, car-
pet cleaner, etc., may turn
into white powder residue
1. Metal expanding while
heating or contracting
while cooling
1. Not enough fresh air is
available
2. Low line pressure
3. ODS/pilot is partially
clogged
OBSERvED PROBLEM
Yellow ame during burner
combustion
Slight smoke or odor during
initial operation
Heater produces a whistling
noise when burner is lit
White powder residue forming
within burner box or on adja-
cent walls or furniture
Heater produces a clicking/
ticking noise just after burner
is lit or shut off
Heater shuts off in use (ODS
operates)
REMEDY
1. Check burner for dirt and
debris. If found, clean burner
(see Cleaning, page 16)
2. Replace gas regulator
3. Clean burner (see Cleaning,
page 16)
1. Problem will stop after a few
hours of operation
1. Turn control knob to posi-
tion 1 and let warm up for
a minute
2. Operate burner until air is
removed from line. Have
gas line checked by local
natural or propane/LP gas
company
3. Observe minimum installa-
tion clearances (see Figure
4, page 8)
4. Clean burner (see Clean-
ing, page 16) or replace
burner orice
1. Turn heater off when us-
ing furniture polish, wax,
carpet cleaners or similar
products
1. This is normal with most
heaters. If noise is exces-
sive, contact qualied ser-
vice person
1. Open window and/or door
for ventilation
2. Contact local natural or
propane/LP gas company
3. Clean ODS/pilot (see
Cleaning, page 16)

www.desatech.com 121880-01B20
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Heater burning vapors
from paint, hair spray,
glues, etc. (see IMPOR-
TANT statement above)
2. Low fuel supply (propane/
LP gas only)
3. Gas leak. See Warning
statement above
1. Gas leak. See Warning
statement above
2. Control valve defective
1. Foreign matter between
control valve and burner
2. Gas leak. See Warning
statement above
1. Not enough combustion/
ventilation air
OBSERvED PROBLEM
Heater produces unwanted
odors
Gas odor even when control
knob is in OFF position
Gas odor during combustion
Moisture/condensation no-
ticed on windows
REMEDY
1. Ventilate room. Stop us-
ing odor causing products
while heater is running
2. Rell supply tank
3. Locate and correct all leaks
(see Checking Gas Con-
nections, page 13)
1. Locate and correct all leaks
(see Checking Gas Con-
nections, page 13)
2. Replace control valve
1. Take apart gas tubing and
remove foreign matter
2. Locate and correct all leaks
(see Checking Gas Con-
nections, page 13)
1. Refer to Air for Combustion
and Ventilation require-
ments (page 5)
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. Fol-
low the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the re department.
IMPORTANT: Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors. Cleaning sup-
plies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new carpet or textiles, etc.,
create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and create odors.