Desa EL36L Original instructions

For more information, visit www.desatech.com
ELECTRIC FIREPLACE/INSERT
SAFETY INFORMATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
Patent No. 7,219,456 B1
MODELS EL36L, EL36LD AND VE36LBHB
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING
AND USING APPLIANCE.
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed exactly, an electrical shock or re may result caus-
ing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
— Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable va-
pors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— Installation and service must be performed by a
qualied service agency.
This replace meets the construction and safety stan-
dards of H.U.D. for application in manufactured homes
when installed according to these instructions.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.

www.desatech.com 122663-01D2
SAFETY
WARNING: Improper installa-
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).
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
rebox. Never place any objects
on the replace.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with replace.
Fireplace becomes very hot
whenrunning.Keepchildrenand
adults away from hot surfaces to
avoid burns or clothing ignition.
Fireplace will remain hot for a
time after shutdown. Allow sur-
faces to cool before touching.
Do not install replace directly
on carpet or similar surface
which may restrict air circulation
beneath unit.
When using electrical heaters, basic precau-
tions 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 (0.9 m) from
front of heater.
3. This heater is hot when in use. To avoid
burns, do not let bare skin touch hot surfac-
es. The grill directly in front of heater outlet
becomes hot during heater operation.
4. Extreme caution is necessary when any
heater is used by or near children or inva-
lids and whenever heater is left operating
and unattended.
5. Always unplug heater when not in use.
6. Do not operate any heater with a damaged
cord or plug or if heater malfunctions or
has been dropped or damaged in any way.
Return heater to authorized service facility
for examination, electrical or mechanical
adjustment or repair.
7. Do not use outdoors.
8. This heater is not intended for use in
bathrooms, laundry areas and similar
indoor locations. Never locate heater
where it may fall into a bathtub or other
water container.
9. Do not run cord under carpeting. Do not
cover cord with throw rugs, runners or the
like. Arrange cord away from trafc area
and where it will not be tripped over.
10. To disconnect heater, turn controls to the
OFF before removing plug from outlet
(turn off power to unit).
11. 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.
12. To prevent possible re, do not block air
intakes in any manner. Do not use on soft
surfaces, like a bed, where openings may
become blocked.
13. Connect to properly grounded circuits only.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Listing Approvals ................................................. 3
Product Dimensions ............................................ 3
Product Identication........................................... 4
Unpacking and Testing ........................................ 4
Locating Fireplace ............................................... 4
Installation ........................................................... 6
Operation............................................................. 7
Accessory Installation.......................................... 8
Cleaning .............................................................. 9
Servicing.............................................................. 9
Wiring Diagram.................................................. 14
Troubleshooting................................................. 15
Replacement Parts ............................................ 16
Technical Service............................................... 16
Accessories ....................................................... 17
Parts .................................................................. 18
Warranty ..............................................Back Cover

www.desatech.com
122663-01D 3
SAFETY
Continued
14. A heater has hot and arcing or sparking
parts inside. Do not use it in areas where
gasoline, paint or ammable liquids or
vapors are used or stored.
15. Use this heater only as described in this
manual. Any other use not recommended
by the manufacturer may cause re, elec-
tric shock or injury to persons.
16. Avoid the use of an extension cord be-
cause 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.
17. Always use ground fault protection where
required by electrical codes.
Description: 36" Fireplace
Voltage: 120 / 240
Watts: 1500 / 3000
Amps: 15 Amp / 20 Amp
Grounded Circuit
PRODUCT DIMENSIONS
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 C22.1 as appropriate.
18. Always disconnect power before perform-
ing any cleaning, maintenance or reloca-
tion of heater.
19. To prevent a possible re, do not burn
wood or other materials in this heater.
20. To prevent electric shock or re, always
use a certified electrician should new
circuits or outlets be required.
21. When transporting or storing heater, keep
in a dry place.
22. Control panel door gets hot during heater
operation. To open control panel door,
gently pull on left and right outer edges.
Do not open from center of control panel
door.
LISTINg APPROVALS
This heater has been tested in accordance
with the CSA Standards for xed and loca-
tion-dedicated electric room heaters in the
United States. All components are UL or CSA
safety certied.
If you need assistance during installation,
please contact your local dealer or the DESA
Heating, LLC at 1-866-672-6040.
Please have the distributor’s model and serial
numbers when you call.
17 1/4"17 5/8"
24 1/4"
35"
8"
21"
37"
43"
42 1/8" To Nail Location
36 1/2"
31 7/8"
36 3/4" To Nail Location
41"
2 1/8"
5/8"
TOP
FRONT
LEFT SIDE RIGHT SIDE
361/8"
15 1/8"

www.desatech.com 122663-01D4
UNPACkINg AND TESTINg
LOCATINg FIREPLACE
Heater FlameEmber Backlight
Power
Figure 2 - Product Identication
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Heat Vents
(Behind Door)
ON/OFF
Power
Button
Log Set
Front Glass
Heater
Control
Flame Control
Ember Control
Control
Panel
Door
Carefully remove unit from box. Prior to per-
manently installing unit, test to make sure unit
operates properly. Unit does not come with a
power cord installed. Unit must be hard wired
to either a 120/60 or 240/60 volt supply.
CAUTION; The unit must
be connected to a properly
grounded and protected 120/240
volt circuits. Always use ground
fault protection where required
by the electrical 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.
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
heater where it may fall into a bath-
tub or other water container.
NOTICE:Minimum and maximum
clearances must be maintained at
all times.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
be installed against vapor barrier
or exposed insulation. Localized
overheating could occur and a
re could result.
Backlight
Control
Remote Hide
Magnetic
Catch

www.desatech.com
122663-01D 5
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.
Plan where to locate and frame replace.
Before installation consider the following:
1. Fireplace location must allow for wall and
ceiling clearances (see Installation Clear-
ances).
2. Fireplace screen should not be exposed
to direct sunlight from windows or doors.
3. Unit can be wired for either 120/60 (15
amp circuit) or 240/60 (20 amp circuit).
A dedicated circuit should be provided
to avoid circuit breaker trips or blown
fuses.
Flush Installations are recommended where
living space is limited or at a premium. Since
space required to enclose replace would
be located beyond an outside wall, this in-
stallation would require additional planning
and construction. Check local codes for any
restrictions.
Projected Installations can extend any dis-
tance into room. A projection may be ideal for
a new addition on an existing, nished wall.
Corner Installations make use of space
that may not normally be used and provides
a wider and more efcient viewing angle and
heat distribution.
Internal Wall Installations provide a discrete
option for room separation and can also be an
ideal addition to an existing wall.
LOCATINg FIREPLACE
Continued
Figure 3 - Possible Installation Locations
Internal Wall
Installation
Full Projection
Installation
Flush
Installation
Corner
Installation
Facing Material May
Be Noncombustible
Wall Treatments or
Combustible Wood
Combustible Wood
Mantels and Trims
May Extend Above
Profile Shown when
Maintained within
30° Parameter
Shown
Framed
Material
T o p of Cabinet
Note: All Mantel Clearances
are Measured from Top of
Fireplace Opening
30°
23"
12" Ref.
21"
4 1/2"
1 1/2"
15" Min.
17"
10 1/2"
Figure 4 - Mantel Clearances
To p View of Fireplace
5"
3"
30° 1 3/4" Max.
Minimum 10"
from Perpendicular
Side Wall
Edge of
Firebox
Opening
Combustible
Material Must
Not Overlap
Front Face
Safe Zone
Figure 5 - Mantel Side Clearances
INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
Minimum clearances to combustible construc-
tion are:
Top, Back and Sides of Recessed Cabinet 0" Min.
Drywall to Sides of Front Face 0" Min.
Framing at Nailing Flanges 0" Min.
Ceiling to Opening 36" Min.
Floor 0" Min.
Front 36" Min.
Perpendicular Side Wall 10" Min.
M antel Clearances
For mantel clearances see Figures 4 and 5.

www.desatech.com 122663-01D6
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE!
Wiring to power source must not
be pinched or against a sharp
edge.
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 where openings
may become blocked.
WARNING - RISK OF FIRE!
Do not blow or place insulation
against the rebox.
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.
A junction box is provided to hard wire unit to
either a 15 amp (120/60) or 20 amp (240/60),
120 Volt 60 Hz grounded circuit.
Tools and building supplies required for
installation:
• Saw • Square
• Pliers • Gloves
• Hammer • Level
• Phillips screwdriver • Surround
• Framing materials • Electric drill/bits
• Tape measure
• Wall-nishing materials
• Caulking material
CAUTION: Provide adequate
clearances around the air open-
ings and adequate accessibility
clearances for servicing and
proper operations.
WARNING: Control panel
door on this heater cannot, in
any way, be covered as it may
create a re hazard.
BUILT-IN INSTALLATION
Built-in installations require a framed enclo-
sure constructed of 2" x 4" or heavier lumber
and sized in accordance with Figure 6. This
allows unit to slide into opening and be nailed
to stud at sides and top nailing anges. These
anges accept 5/8" drywall or plywood board
to nish unit ush to face. Optional trim ac-
cessories are available that will extend 1/2"
over rough edge of wall opening (see Acces-
sories, page 17).
IMPORTANT: If installing a perimeter trim kit,
you must install shoulder screws before insert-
ing replace into opening. See instructions
included with trim kit. If installing a mantel,
you must follow clearance instructions (see
Installation Clearances, page 5).
41 1/4"
7 1/2"
36 1/2"
Platform/Subflooring
Figure 6 - Framing Dimensions
42 3/8"
29 3/8"
58 1/4"
11 5/8"
These Dimensions
Allow for 11 5/8" of
Clearance to Side
Wall of Fireplace
and 10' Clearance
to Perpendicular
Side Walls
Figure 7 - Corner Dimensions
INSTALLATION
Continued

www.desatech.com
122663-01D 7
A hearth extension is suggested for a more
pleasing appearance. The replace may be
raised on a wood or non-combustible platform
supporting its entire width and depth and
extending in front of the replace as long as
louvers are not obstructed.
Note: When installing replace in cold cli-
mates against a non-insulated exterior wall,
wall must be fully insulated in accordance with
local building code.
ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
WARNING: Any electrical re-
wiring of this appliance must be
done by a qualied electrician.
This wiring must be done in ac-
cordance with local codes and/or
in the U.S.A. with the current, N a -
tional Electrical CodeANSI/NFPA
No 70 and in Canada with CSA
C22.1 Canadian Electric code.
INSTALLATION
Continued
The controls (see Figure 8) are located behind
hinged control panel door. If using heater, con-
trol panel door will be hot during and imme-
diately after operation. Open door by pulling
control panel door on left and right side.
1. Connect replace to power source. Turn
on lighted power switch (see Figure 8).
2. Adjust Flame/Ember/Backlight/Heater
to desired settings using the control pad
on replace (Figure 8) or remote control
(Figure 9). Figure 10, page 8, shows re-
place settings available. Default settings
are circled. Press control pad or remote
control buttons once and release to adjust
settings.
Note: When on, ember bed will lighten
and darken automatically to simulate real
embers.
Heater Flame EmberBacklight
Power
Figure 8 - Controls For Electric Fireplace
Lighted Power Switch
Ember
Control
Heater
Control Flame
Control
Backlight
Control
This replace should be con-
nected to a dedicated 15 amp
(120/60) or 20 amp (240/60),
circuit as other appliances may
cause the circuit breaker to trip
or fuse to blow when replace
is in operation.
A junction box is provided to hard wire unit to
either a 15 amp (120/60) or 20 amp (240/60),
120 Volt 60 Hz grounded circuit.
OPERATION
Figure 9 - Remote Control For Electric
Fireplace

www.desatech.com 122663-01D8
The heater is pre-set to the following
temperatures:
HIGH will shut off when room reaches
approximately 86° F (30° C).
MEDIUM will shut off when room reaches
approximately 79° F (26° C).
LOW will shut off when room reaches
approximately 72° F (22° C).
Note: Fan on heater will continue to run for 5-7
seconds after heater has been turned off.
3. When using remote control, aim remote
at sensor located in center of unit just
above log set. IMPORTANT: This remote
control must remain within 20 feet (6 m)
of replace to be effective.
4. When power switch is turned off, replace
settings go back to default (see Figure 10).
Figure 10 - Fireplace Settings (Default
Settings are Circled)
OPERATION
Continued
HEATER Off Low Medium High
FLAME Off Low Medium High
EMBER Off Low Medium High
BACKLIGHT Off Low High
ACCESSORY INSTALLATION
Figure 11 - Installing/Removing Glass
Doors
Spring Clip
Press Spring Clip
to Release Pivot
Pin
Remove Pivot Pin
From Bottom Face
While Sliding Door
Out of Upper Track
Pivot Pin
Fold Bifold Door
After Releasing
Spring Clip to
Slide Door Out of
Upper Track
Figure 12 - Adjust Glass Door
Spring Clip
Partially
Opened
Door
Side Front
Face
OPTIONAL GLASS DOORS
(Model EL36L only. Doors are included
with models EL36LD and VE36LBHB)
Model EL36L will accept bifold glass doors
that are fully operable
Installing Bifold Glass Doors
Follow these steps to install left and right
operable panels:
1. With handle down, completely fold panel
on its hinges.
2. With handle facing center of rebox open-
ing insert lower pivot pin on door panel
into hole in bottom outer edge of rebox
opening (see Figure 11).
3. Keep folded door tilted and slide upper two
pins into guide track below upper facial
edge of rebox opening.
4. Tilt glass assembly fully vertical until outer
pivot pin snaps into mounting hole in up-
per spring clip.
5. Once top and bottom pins are secured,
unfold door into closed position.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for opposite
door assembly.
7. To adjust doors, slide partially open. Using
a Phillips screwdriver, loosen hold-down
screws on spring clips (see Figure 12).
8. Close both doors until evenly joined at
middle and note gap as measured to outer
edges of front face.
9. Reopen each door one at a time and
retighten the hold-down screw while pre-
serving noted gap at each edge.
10. Repeat process until both doors are even-
ly joined, spaced and working freely.

www.desatech.com
122663-01D 9
CLEANINg
WARNING: Always discon-
nect power and allow the heater
to cool before performing any
cleaning, maintenance or reloca-
tion of this heater. Turn controls
to OFF and remove plug from
outlet or turn off circuit breaker
to heater.
CLEANING FIREBOX
1. Open bi-fold doors and screens.
2. Using a brush vacuum attachment, gently
clean compartment.
3. Close screens and doors.
Removing Bifold Glass Doors
Bifold doors may be removed for replacing
or cleaning.
1. Partially open each door and press up on
upper spring clip with a screw driver until
outer top pivot pin is free of the clip.
ACCESSORY INSTALLATION
Continued
2. Fully fold frame assembly and slide upper
edge towards center of rebox opening
until the guide pins are free of the frame
rail (see Figure 11, page 8).
CLEANING BACK SCREEN (GLASS)
1. The glass is cleaned in the factory during
assembly. During shipment, installation,
handling, etc. glass surface may collect
dust particles. These can be removed
by bufng lightly with a clean damp cloth
(water only). Glass should be completely
dried with a lint free cloth or paper towel.
2. To access glass to clean, follow steps
1 through 5 under Service Preparation,
page 10.
3. Using gloves, gently remove glass panel
by sliding it toward you. There is a rubber
bumper on each corner of glass.
4. Clean glass as instructed in step 1.
5. Follow steps 8 through 13 under Service
Preparation, page 10.
SERVICINg
WARNING:Turnoffappliance
and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualied service per-
son should service and repair
heater.
For questions regarding replacing parts, see
page 13.
Note: All service procedures are performed
through front face opening of replace.
REPLACING LOG
1. Turn off power to unit (circuit breaker).
2. Open upper control panel door. Turn
power switch off.
3. Open bi-fold doors (if equipped) and
screens.
4. Remove screws securing each side of log
to brackets (see Figure 13).
5. Carefully remove old log.
6. Install new log.
7. Reinstall screws into brackets to secure
new log.
8. Close screens and doors.
Figure 13 - Removing Log and Ember LED
Log Ember LED Strip
with Standoffs
Screw

www.desatech.com 122663-01D10
REPLACING SCREENS
1. Open upper control panel door. Turn
power switch off.
2. Open bi-fold doors (if equipped).
3. Remove 2 screws securing screen rods
(see Figure 14).
4. Tilt rod down and remove from bracket.
5. Remove old screen from rod and discard.
Install new screen onto rod.
6. Reinstall rod into bracket and replace
screws.
7. Close doors.
SERVICINg
Continued
2. Open bi-fold doors (if equipped) and
screens.
3. Remove screws securing each side of log
to brackets (see Figure 13, page 9).
4. Carefully remove log.
5. Remove screws from back corners and
front of top panel (see Figure 15). Remove
top panel and set aside.
Note: For LED drum and motor, only
remove back screws. Top panel does not
have to be completely removed. Care-
fully push top panel up to remove screen
glass.
6. Using gloves, gently remove glass panel
by sliding it toward you. There is a rubber
bumper on each corner of glass. Set aside
in a safe location.
7. Follow instructions on pages 11 thru 13 to
replace part.
8. Using gloves, install glass by gently slid-
ing, smooth side toward replace front,
into brackets on either side that hold glass
in place.
9. Reinstall top panel. Pull top panel down
so that screen glass seats into glass
retainer.
10. Reinstall screws from step 5.
11. Reinstall log.
12. Reinstall screws into brackets to secure
log.
13. Close screens and doors.
14. Turn on power to unit (circuit breaker).
Figure 14 - Removing Screen/Rod Assembly
Screen
Rod
Retaining
Screw
Mounting
Holes
REPLACING EMBER STRIP
1. Follow steps 1 and 4 under Replacing Log,
page 9.
2. Locate ember LED strip (see Figure 13,
page 9). Disconnect wire (right side).
3. Remove ember LED strip by squeezing
top of standoffs and discard.
4. Being careful not to break LED strip, press
new ember LED strip onto standoffs.
5. Reconnect wire to LED strip.
6. Follow steps 5 through 7 under Replacing
Log, page 9.
SERVICE PREPARATION
Perform steps 1 through 4 below, then locate
part that needs replacing in the instructions
that follow.
1. Open control panel door. Turn off power
to unit (circuit breaker).
Figure 15 - Removing Screen Glass (all
parts not shown for clarity)
Screen Glass
Control
Panel
Door
Top Panel