Desa CGEF21A Original instructions

Read these instructions completely before beginning
installation. Failure to follow them could cause a heater
malfunction resulting in serious injury and/or property
damage.
WARNING: All electric heaters have hot and arcing or
sparking parts inside. Do not use it in areas where gaso-
line, paint or ammable liquids are or are stored.
WARNING: This heater is tested and listed for use only
with the optional accessories listed in these instruc-
tions. Use of optional accessories not specically
tested for this heater could void the heater warranty
and/or result in a safety hazard.
This replace meets the construction and safety stan-
dards of H.U.D. for application in manufactured housing
when installed according to these instructions.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
Keep this manual for future reference.
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
ELECTRIC FIREPLACE/INSERT
SAFETY INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR MODELS CGEF21A AND VEF21A

www.desatech.com 119719-01A2
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING:Improperinstalla-
tion, adjustment, alteration, ser-
vice or maintenance can cause
injury or property damage. Refer
to this manual. For assistance or
additional information, consult
a qualied installer.
CAUTION: Do not expose the
heater to the elements (such as
rain, etc).
Due to high temperatures, the
rebox should be located out of
trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
rebox. Never place any objects
on the replace.
Fireplace becomes very hot
when running. Keep children
and adults away from hot sur-
faces to avoid burns or clothing
ignition. Fireplace will remain
hot for a time after shutdown.
Allow surfaces to cool before
touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with replace.
When using electrical heaters, basic precautions
should always be followed to reduce the risk of
re, electric shock and injury to persons, including
the following:
1. Read all instructions before using this
heater.
2. Keep combustible materials, such as furniture,
pillows, bedding, papers, clothes and curtains
at least 3 feet from front of heater and keep
them away from sides and rear.
3. Always unplug heater when not in use.
4. Do not operate any heater with a damaged cord
or plug or after heater malfunctions, has been
dropped or damaged in any way.
5. Do not use outdoors.
6. This heater is not intended for use in bath-
rooms, laundry areas and similar indoor
locations. Never locate heater where it may
fall into a bathtub or other water container.
7. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not cover
cord with throw rugs, runners or similar items.
Arrange cord away from trafc area and where
it will not be tripped over.
8. To disconnect heater, turn controls to "OFF"
before removing plug from outlet.
9. Do not insert or allow foreign objects to enter
any ventilation or exhaust opening as this may
cause an electric shock or re or damage the
heater.
10. To prevent possible fire, do not block air
intakes in any manner.
11. A heater has hot and arcing or sparking parts
inside. Do not use it in areas where gaso-
line, paint or ammable liquids are used or
stored.
12. Use this heater only as described in this
manual. Any other use not recommended
by the manufacturer may cause re, electric
shock or injury to persons.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 2
Listing Approvals ................................................. 3
Product Dimension Specications....................... 3
Locating Fireplace ............................................... 4
Unpacking and Testing Fireplace ........................ 4
Installation ........................................................... 5
Finishing .............................................................. 7
Specications ...................................................... 7
Operating Instructions ......................................... 7
Cleaning and Maintenance.................................. 8
Technical Service............................................... 10
Replacement Parts............................................ 10
Accessory.......................................................... 10
Troubleshooting..................................................11
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List........ 12
Warranty Information ...........................Back Cover

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119719-01A 3
22 1/4"
17 1/2"
9"
24 3/8"
20 1/2"
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
13. Avoid the use of an extension cord because
the extension cord may overheat and cause
a risk of re. However, if you have to use an
extension cord, the cord should be No. 14
AWG minimum size and rated not less than
1875 WATTS.
14. Always use properly grounded fused and
polarized outlets.
15. Always use ground fault protection where
required by electrical codes.
16. Always disconnect power before performing
any cleaning, maintenance or relocation of
heater.
17. To prevent a possible re, do not burn wood
or other materials in this heater.
18 To prevent electric shock or re, always use
a certied electrician should new circuits or
outlets be required.
19. When transporting or storing heater, keep in
a dry place free from excessive vibration and
store as to avoid damage.
LISTING APPROVALS
This heater has been tested in accordance with the
CSA Standards for xed and location-dedicated
electric room heaters in the United States. All
components are UL or CSA safety certied.
If you need assistance during installation, please con-
tact your local dealer or the DESA Heating Products
Technical Services Department at 1-866-672-6040.
Description: 21" Fireplace/Insert
Voltage/Hz: 120/60
Watts: 1500
Amps: 15 Amp
Grounded Circuit
PRODUCT DIMENSION
SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 1 - Heater Dimensions
Note: This heater must be electrically wired and
grounded in accordance with local codes or, in
the absence of local codes, with National Electric
Code ANSI/NFPA 70-latest edition or the Cana-
dian Electric Code, CSA C2.1 as appropriate.
Note: Recommended clearance for ease of
installation is approximately 1" from edge of
unit to edge of mantel front.

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LOCATING FIREPLACE
WARNING: Due to high tem-
peratures, this heater should
be located out of trafc. Keep
combustible materials such
as furniture, pillows, bedding,
papers, clothes and curtains at
least 3 feet (0.9 m) from the front
of the heater.
WARNING: Never locate this
heaterwhereitmayfallintoabath-
tub or other water container.
NOTICE:Minimumandmaximum
clearancesmustbemaintainedat
alltimes.Illustrationsthroughout
these instructions reect typical
installations and are for design
purposes only. Actual installa-
tions may vary slightly due to
individual preferences.
WARNING: To prevent
contact with sagging or loose
insulation, the heater must not
beinstalledagainstvapor barrier
or exposed insulation. Localized
overheating could occur and a
re could result.
CAUTION: Do not expose the
heater to the elements (such as
rain, etc.)
CAUTION: Wear gloves and
safety glasses for protection
during installation and main-
tenance.
Figure 2 - Heater Locations
Figure 2 illustrates a variety of ways the heater may
be located in a room. The heater may be installed
directly on the oor, carpet or raised on a hearth.
UNPACKING AND
TESTING FIREPLACE
Carefully remove the unit from the box. Prior
to permanently installing the unit, test to make
sure the unit operates properly. To do this, plug
the unit's power supply cord into a conveniently
located 120-volt grounded outlet.
CAUTION; The unit's power
supply cord must be connected
to a properly grounded and pro-
tected 120-volt outlet. Always
use ground fault protection
where required by the electri-
cal code.
WARNING: Do not operate
the unit if it is damaged or has
malfunctioned. If you suspect
the unit is damaged, return the
unit to an authorized service
facility for examination, electri-
cal or mechanical adjustment
or repair.

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119719-01A 5
FRAMING
Figure 3 shows a typical framing of this heater us-
ing combustible materials. All required clearances
to combustibles must be adhered to. Header height
is measured from the base of the heater.
Tools and building supplies required for
installation:
• Saw • Square
• Pliers • Gloves
• Hammer • Level
• Phillips screwdriver • Framing materials
• Tape measure • Surround
• Wall-nishing materials • Caulking material
• Electric drill/bits
LOCATING FIREPLACE
Continued
CAUTION: Provide adequate
clearances around the air open-
ings and adequate accessibility
clearances for servicing and
proper operations.
Figure 3 - Framing Heater for New
Construction/Renovation
23 1/2"
Header
Height
3/4" - 1/2"
19 1/2"
9 3/4"
Note: The height that a combustible mantel is
tted above the heater is dependent on the height
of the front selected. The minimum height is 1"
above the front.
INSTALLATION
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE!
The power cord must not be
pinched or against a sharp edge.
Secure cord to avoid tripping or
snagging to reduce the risk of re,
electric shock or personal injury.
Do not run cord under carpeting.
Do not cover cord with throw
rugs, runners or similar items.
Arrange cord away from trafc
areas and where it will not be
tripped over.
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE!
To prevent a possible re, do
not block air intake or exhaust in
any manner. Do not use on soft
surfaces (like a bed) where open-
ings may become blocked.
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE!
Do not blow or place insulation
against the rebox.
WARNING: This heater is
tested and listed for use only
with the approved optional ac-
cessories. Use of optional ac-
cessories not specically tested
for this heater could void the
heater warranty and/or result in
a safety hazard.

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WARNING: If the informa-
tion in these instructions is
not followed exactly, a re or
explosion may result causing
property damage, personal in-
jury or death.
Do not store or use gasoline or
other ammable vapors in the vi-
cinity of this or any other heater.
INSTALLING AS A FIREPLACE
Select a suitable location that is not susceptible to
moisture and is away from drapes, furniture and
high trafc areas. Note: Follow all national and
local electrical codes. This insert can be installed
into either an existing replace or as new construc-
tion/renovation.
NOTICE: Never pick unit up by
louvers. Louvers will bend.
Existing Fireplace Installation
1. Thoroughly clean out the existing replace
and hearth area.
2. Seal all drafts, vents or ash clean-outs with ber-
glass insulation. Seal the ue. Once sealed, close
damper to stop debris from falling onto unit.
3. If existing re box is susceptible to moisture, cap
the top of the chimney ue to prevent inltration
of water. Note: It is strongly advised that you
hire a qualied professional to undertake this
step in order to prevent personal injury. Once the
ue is capped, the chimney is no longer suitable
for wood burning. Note: Do not install this unit
into a replace that is prone to dampness; the
area of installation must be dry.
4. Plan the power supply. If an existing grounded
outlet is near the replace, the power cord can
run along the front of the replace. If the cord is
not long enough to reach the outlet, a grounded
extension cord minimumAWG No. 14 and rated
to a minimum of 1875 watts, may be used. If you
plan to cut or drill a hole in the existing replace
for wiring, it is best to hire a professional to do
this step in order to prevent personal injury. To
reduce the risk of re, do not run the power cord
under rugs, carpets, etc.Arrange the power sup-
ply cord away from high trafc areas where it
may cause a tripping hazard.
WARNING: Thesolidfuel/gas
replace has been converted for
use with an electric insert and
cannot be used for original fuels
unless all original parts have
been replaced and the replace
has been reapproved by the au-
thority having jurisdiction.
New Construction or Renovation
1. Select a location that is not prone to moisture
and is located at least 3 ft. (9.9 m) away from
combustible materials such as curtains or
drapes, furniture, bedding, paper, etc.
2. Place unit in selected location to mark place-
ment.
3. Mark the desired location on the oor and store
unit in a safe, dry and dust free location.
4. Frame in an opening leaving at least 1/4"
(6 mm) around the edge of the unit. Any
new wiring must be done in compliance with
local and national codes and other applicable
regulations in order to reduce the risk of re,
electric shock or other injuries. Therefore, it
strongly recommended that you hire a profes-
sional to complete any such work.
5. Plan you power supply. See step 4 of Existing
Fireplace Installation, column 1.
Installing Insert
Once the site has been prepared, the replace insert
can be installed.
1. Install the trim onto the front of the unit.
2. Make sure switch is in the OFF position.
3. Plug replace into a 15 amp/120 volt, ground-
ed outlet.
4. Push replace insert so that the trim is against
the nished mantle or wall surface.
NOTICE: When the front is
installed it will cover the gap
between the heater and framing,
cabinet, nishing materials or
existing replace.
INSTALLATION
Continued

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119719-01A 7
FINISHING
Combustible Finishing Material : Materials
made of or surfaced with wood, compressed paper,
plant bers, plastics or any material capable of
igniting and burning, whether ame proofed or not,
plastered or unplastered (this includes drywall).
Noncombustible Finishing Material : Mate-
rials which will not ignite and burn. Such materials
are those consisting entirely of steel, iron, brick,
tile, concrete, slate, glass or plasters or combina-
tions thereof, or have a re rating of zero.
WARNING: Louvers on this
heater cannot, in any way, be
covered as it may create a re
hazard.
FINISHING CHECKLIST
• Power supply service must be completed prior
to nishing to avoid reconstruction.
• Louvers and air openings cannot be covered in
any circumstances.
Note: The heater is a zero clearance replace and
may be nished with combustible or noncombus-
tible nishing materials.
When using paint or lacquer to nish the mantel, they
must be heat resistant to prevent discoloration.
SPECIFICATIONS
Power Supply: 120V; 15-Amp Grounded Plug
Frequency: 60 Hz
BTU Output: 5000 BTU
Heater Power: 1500 W
Net Weight: 44 lbs
Figure 4 - Controls For Electric Fireplace
FL
ON/OFF
Power Button Receiver
Flame Control Power
Heater
Temperature
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Controls (see Figure 4) are located behind the
top louver panel and can be accessed by pulling
louver panel from the top, forward and down.
1. Pluginyourelectricreplace.
2. Main ON/OFF Power Switch and LED:
This switch is located on the far left side
opposite the control panel. The power LED
will light up when the unit is on (see Figure
4). When unit is on, the default settings for
the replace is low background lighting
and high ember bed and ame and the
heater is off.
3. Temperature Control Button and LED:
This button is located to the right of the
Remote Control Receiver (see Figure 4). The
LED is located to the right of the Flame But-
ton. Push button to cycle through settings.
When this button is pushed the LED will
come on. When heater is on heat will emit
through vents located in the middle of the
top louver panel.
The heater has a built-in thermostat so
it will shut off automatically once the set
temperature is reached. It will also turn
on automatically if the room temperature
drops below the set temperature.
Note: When the heater is turned on for the
rsttime,it mayreleasea slight,harmless
odor. This odor is a normal occurrence caused
by the initial heating of the internal heating
elements and should not occur again after
initial burn off. (This odor may occur again
if dust or debris has been trapped.)
4. Flame Control Button: This button is
located to the right of the Temperature
Button (see Figure 5). After power is on,
push the Flame Control Button to adjust
ameandemberbedbrightness.Pressand
release the Flame Control Button to cycle
through settings.

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FLAME
ON/OFF
+-
+-
HEATER
LAMP
Indicator
Light
Infrared Ray Exit
Figure 5 - Remote Control For Electric
Fireplace
OPERATING BY REMOTE CONTROL
1. Pluginyourelectricreplace.
2. Push the ON/OFF Power Button to turn
unit on. Power LED will light.
3. When operating the remote control, it must
be pointed at the sensor behind the louver.
Note:Makesure yourbatteriesarefully
charged and installed correctly in your
remote control.
4. The ON/OFF button at the top left of the
remote is the main ON/OFF power button.
Pressing this button activates the power to
the unit.
5. To adjust the ember bed lighting, press the
"-" or "+" LAMP buttons. There are four
levels of brightness.
6. The HEATER button activates the heater,
The heater is pre-set to the following
temperatures:
HI will shut off when room reaches approxi-
mately 86° F (30° C). The LED will be red.
MED will shut off when room reaches ap-
proximately 75° F (24° C). The LED will be
orange.
LO will shut off when room reaches ap-
proximately 64° F (18° C). The LED will
be green.
7. ToadjustthebackamesusetheFLAME
button.Toincreaseordecreaseame,press
the "-" or "+" buttons to cycle through the
fouramesettings.
OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS
Continued
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:Alwaysdisconnect
powerandallowtheheatertocool
before performing any cleaning,
maintenance or relocation of this
heater. Turn controls to OFF and
remove plug from outlet or turn
off circuit breaker to heater.
Turn off heater and circuit breaker to heater before
performing any cleaning and/or maintenance. Al-
low heater to cool completely.
BACK GLASS
1. The glass is cleaned in the factory during
assembly. During shipment, installation, han-
dling, etc. the glass surface may collect dust
particles. These can be removed by bufng
lightly with a clean dry cloth.
2. To remove ngerprints or other marks, the
glass can be cleaned with a damp cloth using
a good quality household glass cleaner. The
glass should be completely dried with a lint
free cloth or paper towel.
3. In the event of glass breakage, vacuum all re-
maining glass pieces with a shop vac. DO NOT
VACUUM WHILE PIECES ARE HOT. Replace
glass only with replacement part specically for
this heater. Never substitute material. Only fully
tempered soda lime safety glass may be used on
this heater.
8. Toturnoffthereplace,presstheON/OFF
buttononce.Whenyourestartthereplace
with the remote control, all of the features
you had set will remain in effect.
NOTICE: This remote control must remain
within26ft. (8m) ofthereplacetobe
effective.

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119719-01A 9
BULB REPLACEMENT
WARNING: The halogen light
bulbs in your unit can become
extremely hot. Allow at least 10
minutes between turning off the
heater and removing the light
bulbs to avoid accidental burns.
There are a total of 6 halogen light bulbs (type
GX6.35 rated 120 volts, 20 watts or 35 watts)
in your unit.
• 2 bulbs provide illumination for the ember bed
beneath the log set
• 2 bulbs provide illumination for the flame
generation assembly
• 2 bulbs for replacement
WARNING: Do not install
replacement bulbs that exceed
specied maximum watts.
Your replace unit must be opened in order to replace
the light bulbs. To reduce the number of times you
need to open the unit, replace all bulbs at the same
time. If the unit has been running, turn off power and
let replace cool before changing bulb.
Ember Bed Bulbs
1. Remove front face by removing screws. Screws
are located on the back side of the front face
around the outer edge (see Figure 7).
2. From the bottom, gently pull forward and lift
up log set ember bed until front edge clears
the front of the unit (do not pull up on logs).
3. Remove spring clip. Hold socket and pull out
the old bulb.
4. Hold socket and push in new bulb (DO NOT
exceed wattage).
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with second bulb. Recon-
nect spring.
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
Continued
Figure 6 - Ember Bed Bulb Location
Bulbs
Figure 7 - Glass Bracket and Front Face
Screw Locations
Flame Cylinder Drum
Glass Holder
Bracket Screw
Locations
Figure 8 - Flame Generation Cylinder
Drum
Spring Clip
Front Face
Screw Locations
Front Face
Screw Locations
6. Gently push ember bed down until rear edge
is resting against rear ledge of unit.
7. Replace front face.
Flame Generation Bulbs
1. Remove front face by removing screws. Screws
are located on the back side of the front face
around the outer edge (see Figure 7).
2. Remove screws from glass holder brackets.
The brackets are located on the inside of the
replace and the screws to be removed are on
the outside (see Figure 7 for screw and glass
location).
3. With gloves on, lift up on bottom of glass
and pull forward. Place glass on smooth, soft
surface to avoid breakage.
4. Locate ame generation cylindrical drum,
Figure 8.
5. Squeeze half of drum cylinder until it's top
edge clears the top drum track. Remove bot-
tom edge of cylinder drum from bottom drum
track. This will give you access to the light
bulbs. Note: Do not exert excessive pressure
on drum cylinder as this may cause damage.
6. Remove spring clip. Hold socket and pull out
old bulb.

www.desatech.com 119719-01A10
7. Hold socket and push in new bulb (DO NOT
exceed wattage).
8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 for second bulb. Recon-
nect spring.
9. Insert bottom edge of removed cylinder half
into bottom drum track. Squeeze drum cylin-
der until it's top edge ts into top drum rack.
10. With gloves, carefully replace glass.
11. Install glass holder brackets with screws
removed in step 2.
12. Replace front face.
TECHNICAL SERVICE
You may have further questions about installation,
operation or troubleshooting. If so, contact DESA
Heating Products’ Technical Service Department
at 1-866-672-6040. When calling please have your
model and serial numbers of your heater ready.
You can also visit DESA Heating Products’ techni-
cal services web site at www.desatech.com.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Note: Use only original replacement parts. This
will protect your warranty coverage for parts
replaced under warranty.
PARTS UNDER WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If they
can’t supply original replacement part(s), call
DESA Heating Products’ Technical Service De-
partment at 1-866-672-6040. Halogen light bulbs
used in replace are not included in warranty.
When calling DESA Heating Products, have
ready
• your name
• your address
• model and serial numbers of your heater
• how heater was malfunctioning
• purchase date
Usually, we will ask you to return the part to the
factory.
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
Continued
PARTS NOT UNDER WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If they
can’t supply original replacement part(s), call
DESA Heating Products at 1-866-672-6040 for
referral information.
When calling DESA Heating Products, have
ready
• model number of your heater
• the replacement part number
ACCESSORY
Purchase this accessory from your local dealer. If
they can not supply these accessories, call DESA
Heating Products at 1-866-672-6040 for informa-
tion. You can also write to the address listed on the
back page of this manual.
MANTEL WITH BASE
W21AP - Wall Cabinet Mantel with Base,
Painted White
W21AOS - Wall Cabinet Mantel with Base,
Oak Finished
C21AP - Corner Cabinet Mantel with Base,
Painted White
C21AOS - Corner Cabinet Mantel with
Base, Oak Finished