Desa The Aspen GL36STEP Quick start guide

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THE ASPEN
NATURAL GAS MODELS GL36ST AND GL36STE
PROPANE/LP GAS MODELS GL36STP AND GL36STEP
2-SIDED (SEE-THROUGH), VENTED DECORATIVE GAS APPLIANCE
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
FOR YOUR SAFETY
— Do not store or use gasoline or any other flammable
vapors or liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS :
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch;
• Do not use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neighbor’s
phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions is
not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or death.

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WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion, service or maintenance can cause injury or prop-
erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
NOT FOR USE WITH SOLID FUEL
CHECK LOCAL CODES PRIOR TO INSTALLATION
SAVE THIS BOOK
This book is valuable. In addition to instructing you on
how to install and maintain your appliance, it also con-
tains information that will enable you to obtain replace-
ment parts or optional accessory items when needed.
Keep it with your other important papers.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indi-
cated on the rating plate.
This appliance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 3
Dimensions .......................................................... 4
Introduction .......................................................... 5
Selecting Location ............................................... 5
Fireplace Installation ........................................... 6
Operating Fireplace ........................................... 13
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 15
Technical Service .............................................. 15
Specifications .................................................... 15
Wiring Diagrams ................................................ 16
Troubleshooting ................................................. 17
Replacement Parts and Accessories ................. 19
Limited 2-Year Warranty ....................... Back Page

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55173-F 3
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product
contains and/or generates
chemicals known to the State
of California to cause cancer or
birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate or service this fireplace.
Improper use of this fireplace
can cause serious injury or death
from burns, fire, explosions,
electrical shock and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
This fireplace is a vented product. This fireplace
will not produce any gas leakage into your home if
properly installed. This fireplace must be properly
installed by a qualified service person. If this unit is
not properly installed by a qualified service person,
gas leakage can occur.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of
carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with
headaches, dizziness or nausea. If you have these
signs, the fireplace may not have been installed
properly. Get fresh air at once! Have fireplace
inspected and serviced by a qualified service
person. Some people are more affected by carbon
monoxide than others. These include pregnant
women, people with heart or lung disease or
anemia, those under the influence of alcohol and
those at high altitudes.
Propane/LP gas and natural gas are both odorless.
An odor-making agent is added to each of these
gases. The odor helps you detect a gas leak. How-
ever, the odor added to these gases can fade. Gas
may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all warnings.
Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to
safe and proper operation of this fireplace.
WARNING: Any change to
this fireplace or its controls can
be dangerous.
1. This appliance is only for use with the type
of gas indicated on the rating plate. This ap-
pliance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
2. For propane/LP fireplace, do not place propane/
LP supply tank(s) inside any structure. Locate
propane/LP supply tank(s) outdoors. To prevent
performance problems, do not use propane/LP
fuel tank of less than 100 lbs. capacity.
3. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do not
use any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas supplier's
instructions
• if you cannot reach you gas supplier, call the
fire department.
4. Never install the fireplace
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing or other
flammable objects are less than 42" from
the front, top or sides of the fireplace
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. This fireplace reaches high temperatures. Keep
children and adults away from hot surfaces to
avoid burns or clothing ignition. Fireplace will
remain hot for a time after shutdown. Allow
surfaces to cool before touching.
6. Carefully supervise young children when they
are in the room with fireplace.
7. A hearth extension is not required with this
appliance. If one is installed, it is for aesthetic
purposes only and does not have to meet the
standard requirements.
8. Turn fireplace off and let cool before servicing
or repairing. Only a qualified service person
should install, service or repair this fireplace.
Have fireplace inspected annually by a quali-
fied service person.
9. You must keep control compartments, burn-
ers and circulating air passages clean. More
frequent cleaning may be needed due to ex-
cessive lint and dust from carpeting, bedding
material, etc. Turn off the gas valve and pilot
light before cleaning fireplace.
10. Have venting system inspected annually by a
qualified service person. If needed, have vent-
ing system cleaned or repaired. See Cleaning
and Maintenance, page 15.

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11. Keep the area around your fireplace clear of
combustible materials, gasoline and other
flammable vapor and liquids. Do not run fire-
place where these are used or stored. Do not
place items such as clothing or decorations on
or around fireplace.
12. Do not use this fireplace to cook food or burn
paper or other objects.
13. Do not use any solid fuels (wood, coal, paper,
cardboard, etc.) in this fireplace. Use only the
gas type indicated on fireplace nameplate.
14. This appliance, when installed, must be electri-
cally grounded in accordance with local codes
or, in the absence of local codes, with the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 or
the Canadian Electrical Code, CSA C22.1.
15. Do not obstruct the flow of combustion and
ventilation air in any way. Provide adequate
clearances around air openings into the combus-
tion chamber along with adequate accessibility
clearance for servicing and proper operation.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
16. Do not install fireplace directly on carpeting,
vinyl tile or any combustible material other
than wood. The fireplace must set on a metal
or wood panel extending the full width and
depth of the fireplace.
17. Do not use fireplace if any part has been ex-
posed to or under water. Immediately call a
qualified service person to arrange for replace-
ment of the unit.
18. Do not operate fireplace if any log is broken.
19. Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not approved for use
with this fireplace.
20. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
6" O.D.
36 1/2"
42 1/2"
20 1/2"
52 1/2"
24"
21 1/4"
42 1/2"
9 1/2"
19"
4 1/2"
12"
16"
9"
13"
5 1/2"
2 1/2"
6"(152 mm)
15 1/4"
37 1/2"
1 1/2"
8"(203 mm)
7 1/2"
(2 1/2")
(483 mm)
(114 mm)
(64mm)
(406 mm)
(305 mm)
(330 mm)
(229 mm) (140 mm)
(953 mm)
(38 mm)
(610 mm)
(927 mm)
(1080 mm)
(1334 mm)
(521 mm)
(191 mm)
(64 mm)
(540 mm) (387 mm)
(1080 mm)
(241 mm)
(152 mm)
SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW
TOP VIEW
DIMENSIONS

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55173-F 5
Figure 2 - Typical Two-Sided Fireplace
Installation
INTRODUCTION
Models GL36ST/P and GL36STE/EP are decora-
tive gas appliances that use a millivolt gas control
and piezo pilot or an electronic gas control valve
with an electronic ignition system respectively.
These systems require a 6", B-type venting system
for operation.
The 6" B-type vent is not supplied by DESA.
For installation guidelines, check your B-vent
instructions.
WARNING: This gas appli-
ance must not be connected to
a chimney flue servicing a solid
fuel burning appliance.
Models GL36ST and GL36STE are smooth face
units for natural gas only. The GL36STP and
GL36STEP are smooth face units for propane/LP
gas only. To determine which type of gas your unit
is approved and tested for, check the rating plate on
the lift-out plate located inside the firebox under
the access panel.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before beginning the installation of your appli-
ance, read these instructions through completely.
This DESA appliance and its approved compo-
nents are safe when installed according to this
installation manual and are operated as recom-
mended by DESA. Unless you use DESA approved
components tested for this appliance, YOU MAY
CAUSE A FIRE HAZARD!
The DESA warranty will be voided by and DESA dis-
claims any responsibility for the following actions :
A) Modification of the appliance or any of the
components manufactured by DESA unless
otherwise permitted by DESA.
B) Use of any component part not approved by
DESA in combination with this appliance.
C) Installation and/or operation in a manner other
than instructed in this manual.
D) The burning of anything other than the type of
gas approved for use in this gas appliance.
This appliance, when installed, must be electrically
grounded in accordance with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, with the National Electri-
cal Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1987 and the CSA C22.1
Canadian Electrical Code for Canada.
The installation must conform with local codes
or, in the absence of local codes, with the current
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54
or with the current CAN/CGA B149 Installation
Codes for Canada.
This appliance complies with ANSI Z21.50B-1990
and CAM/CGA-2.22-M89 as a Vented Gas Ap-
pliance and is listed and tested by the Omni Test
Laboratories.
WARNING: Installation of
this appliance should be done
by a qualified service person
well trained in the installation
of such appliances. You will
also need a building permit from
your local Building and Safety
Commissioner before installing
this appliance; otherwise your
insurance company may not
cover this appliance.
NOTICE: This appliance is not
intended to be used as a primary
source of heat.
SELECTING LOCATION
To determine the safest and most efficient location
for your appliance, you must take into consider-
ation the following guidelines:
1. The location must allow for proper clearances
(see Clearances, page 6). Note: This decora-
tive appliance is not designed for outdoor
installation.
2. The location should be in a place where drafts,
air conditioning ducts, windows or doors will
not affect fireplace heat output.
3. A location that avoids the cutting of joists
or roof rafters will make installation easier.
Figure 2 shows a typical two-sided fireplace
installation.
IMPORTANT: All fireplace openings must be
located at least 3 feet from facing wall or com-
bustible material.
Existing
Side
Wall
4" From Opening to
Perpendicular Wall
Projected
Wall

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Figure 3 - Clearances from Top View
Figure 4 - Clearances from Side View
MANTEL CLEARANCES
Woodwork, such as wood trims, mantels and other
combustible materials, should not be placed within
7" of the opening of this appliance (see Figure
5). Combustible material above the fireplace
projecting more than 1 1/2" from the applianceʼs
front face must not be less than 12" from the ap-
pliance opening.
Figure 5 - Mantel Clearances
FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
CLEARANCES
Minimum clearances to combustibles are:
• Fireplace flanges to studs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0"
• Fireplace back/sides . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1"
• Fireplace spacers to framing . . . . . . . . . . . . 0"
• Openings to perpendicular wall . . . . . . . . . 4"
• End glass to facing wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12"
• Side glass to facing wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36"
• Bottom of fireplace to floor or platform . . . 0"
• “B” vent surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1"
• Top of fireplace opening to ceiling . . . . . . 35"
See Figures 3 and 4.
CAUTION: Do not block
required air spaces with insu-
lation or any other material. Do
not obstruct effective opening
of appliance with any type of
facing material.
In selecting a location, the following precautions
must be observed:
1. Do not connect this appliance to a chimney
system used for a solid fuel burning fire-
place.
2. Install in an area providing ventilation and
adequate combustion air.
3. Due to high temperatures, do not locate this
appliance in high traffic areas or near furniture
and draperies.
4. Never obstruct the front opening of the appli-
ance or the flow of combustion and ventilation
air. Keep control compartments accessible.
5. DO NOT locate in the vicinity where gasoline
or other flammable liquids may be stored. The
appliance area must be kept clear and free
from these combustible materials.
SELECTING LOCATION
Continued
1" (22 mm) Minimum
Clearance to Combustibles
1" (22 mm) Minimum
Clearance from Pipes
to Combustibles
4" (102 mm) Min. from the Perpendicular
Side Wall to the Fireplace Opening (Typ.)
6" O.D.
(152 mm)
19"
(483 mm)
11 3/8"
(289 mm)
22 3/4"
(578 mm)
22 1/4"
(565 mm)
35" (889 mm) Min.
to Effective Opening
to Ceiling
Doublewall
6" B-Vent
1" (25 mm) Min. Clearance
from Pipes to Combustibles
Do Not Pack Space
Between Spacer with
Any Type of Insulation
0" to
Floor
Note: Mantel clearances apply
to both sides of the applliacne.
Header
Drywall
Fireplace Top
12 1/4"
(Ref.)
6" (Ref.)
33°
12" Min.
7" Min.
to Effective
Opening
3" Nom.
1 1/2" Max.
Combustible
Materials

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55173-F 7
FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Continued
FRAMING
Construct framing using dimensions shown if
Figures 6, 7 and 8. (Use the figure applicable to
your application.) Figure 6 shows the framing
dimensions prior to having the appliance in place.
Once the unit has been fitted, bring studs in against
nailing flanges located on the side of the appliance
making sure a 1" clearance is maintained as shown
in Figure 7.
If the fireplace is to be installed directly on carpet-
ing, tile (other than ceramic) or any combustible
material other than wood flooring the fireplace
must be installed upon a metal or wood panel
extending the full width and depth of the fireplace
(see Figure 8). The platform must be solid, flat and
fully supported.
Figure 6 - Framing Dimensions Prior to
Placing Appliance
Figure 7 - Securing Appliance with
Nailing Flanges
Figure 8 - Appliance Must Be Installed
on a Wood or Metal Panel if Being
Installed on Any Combustible Material
Other Than Wood
52 3/4"
(1340 mm)
Min.
46"
(11688 mm)
22 3/4"
(578 mm)
VENT PIPE INSTALLATION
A 6", B-1 type gas vent pipe is a double-wall, vent-
ing system (not supplied) which must be installed
during rough framing of the appliance. Any B-1
type gas vent system may be used for proper vent-
ing as long as the vent system is installed per the
vent manufacturerʼs recommendations.
DESA supplies this appliance with a tapered starter
pipe for a snug fit. Slide B-1 type vent pipe over
this starter pipe until vent pipe is fully seated.
Secure this first section of B-vent pipe by strap-
ping the connector around the vent pipe and then
tightening the strap with any 1/8" nut and bolt (see
Figure 9). Note: Visually inspect for proper vent
connection by looking inside top of appliance. If
connection does not appear to be correct, contact
your local service technician.
Figure 9 - Installing B-Vent Pipe
Nailing Flanges
1" Min. to Combustibles
Prepared Framing
Nails or Screws
As Required by Design as
Long as Ceiling Clearances
are Maintained
49" Minimum
(Diagonal)
B-1 Type
Vent (Not
Supplied)
Strap
(Fasten with
#6 Screw or
Bolt)

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FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Continued
OPTIONAL OUTSIDE AIR KIT
(MODEL AK-4)
The installation of an outside air kit should be
completed during the rough framing of the fire-
place due to the nature of it's location. Outside
combustion air is accessed through a vented
crawl space.
CAUTION: Air inlet ducts
must not be terminated in an
attic space.
Avoid installing outside air eyebrow in areas where
inlet opening may be blocked by snow, bushes or
other obstacles (see Figure 10).
The maximum height for the air inlet termination
cannot exceed 3 feet below the B-vent termination
exhaust height.
Figure 10 - Outside Air Kit
Secure to Collars with Duct Tape or
Screws
Air Inlet
Location
Must Allow
For Bushes
or Snow
Vent Hood
Required for
Wall Installation
Air Inlet
Eyebrow
Vented Crawl Space
(Check Local Codes
Before Installing in a
Vented Crawl Space)
MILLIVOLT MODELS (GL36ST/STP)
The installation of a wall switch in this millivolt
control appliance allows you to activate the gas
control valve without the use of normal current.
CAUTION: Do not connect
this millivolt system wall switch
to a regular 120v power source!
Gas valve will be damaged be-
yond repair.
Wall Switch Installation
1. Remove the J-box cover plate from side of
applianceʼs outer surround.
2. Using the 18 ga. millivolt wire and wall switch
(both supplied), connect wiring per wiring
diagram (see Figure 11). For more detail, see
Wiring Diagrams on page 16.
Note: If any of the original 10 feet supplied wire
must be replaced, use Thermostat Millivolt Wire
18 AWG Type CL2-105 C or equivalent only.
IMPORTANT: Do not hook up to standard 120
VAC household wiring.
Figure 11 - Wall Switch Installation
O
F
P
I
L
O
T
ON
F
T
O
I
P
L
7
TPTHTP TH
Wall Switch
(Supplied)
Back View
To Thermopile
Route Millivolt Wires
(Supplied) Through
Electrical Conduit Bushing
ELECTRONIC MODELS (GL36STE/EP)
This appliance must be properly wired to standard
120v household current through the DESA-pro-
vided wall switch before its remote control unit
can be used to activate the automatic pilot ignition
(turn fireplace flames ON).
Wall Switch Installation
1. Remove the J-box cover plate from side of
applianceʼs outer surround.
2. Using the 18 ga. wires coming through strain
relief grommet on side of applianceʼs outer
wall to standard household 120 VAC current
through the wall switch provided, as shown in
Figure 12, page 9. For more detail, see Wiring
Diagrams, page 16.
Note: If any of the original 10 feet supplied wire
must be replaced, use 20 AWG electrical wire or
equivalent only.

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55173-F 9
FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Continued
GAS SUPPLY TESTING
Note: This section is intended as a guide for quali-
fied technicians installing gas to this appliance.
CAUTION: Do not connect
appliance before pressure test-
ing gas piping. Damage to gas
valve may result and an unsafe
condition may be caused.
The appliance and its individual shut-off valve
must be disconnected from the gas supply piping
system during any pressure testing of that system at
test pressures in excess of 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
The appliance must be isolated from the gas sup-
ply piping system by closing its individual manual
shut-off valve during any pressure testing of the
gas supply piping system at test pressures equal
to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
This unit has been tested for installation at high
altitude in accordance with Canadian test stan-
dard CAN/CGA-2.17. Higher altitudes affect the
atmospheric pressure and heat valve of gaseous
fuels. When installing this unit at high altitudes,
the rated input will be lower than at sea level. The
lowered oxygen content in the air and the lowered
gas density require installation of a different size
orifice in order to achieve clean combustion of
the unit. Consult the unit data plate for the proper
high-altitude orifice size. Fill out the information
sticker attached to the unit when field converting.
See Specifications, page 15, when derating.
The gas control valve is secured to the burner pan
assembly underneath the front ledge. A 1/8" NPT
plugged tapping is provided on the gas control
valve for a test gauge connection immediately
upstream of the gas supply connection to the ap-
pliance (see Figures 13 and 14).
Figure 12 - Wiring Through Outer Surround
Figure 13 - Millivolt Control Valve
Figure 14 - Electronic Control Valve
ON/OFF
Knob
Pilot
Adjustment
Cap
Pilot Gas Line
Do Not Kink
Inlet
Pressure
Outlet
Pressure
To Main
Burner
To Pilot
Burner
EA
From
Gas
Supply
To
Main
Burner
Inlet
Pressure
Outlet
Pressure
GAS LINE HOOK-UP
WARNING: Gas line hookup
should be done by your gas
supplier or a qualified service
person.
WARNING: Before you pro-
ceed, make sure your gas supply
is OFF.
A manual shutoff valve has been included in the
applianceʼs gas supply system. You may consider
installing an extra gas shutoff valve outside the ap-
plianceʼs enclosure (check with local codes) where
it can be accessed more conveniently with a key
through a wall as shown in Figure 15, page 10.
A 30" long, 1/2" NPT SCHD 40 flexible gas line
(supplied) may be used between the incoming 1/2"
NPT black iron gas line and the fireplace regulator
(located inside the firebox, under the access plate).
The incoming gas line may be routed toward the
appliance from either the left or right hand side of
fireplace outer surround.
Common
Ground Wire
Strain Relief
Grommet

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To install:
1. Remove gas line cover plate from applianceʼs
outer surround at the location to be used.
2. Remove insulation from inside the gas line
conduit sleeve.
3. Run gas line through sleeve.
4. Prepare incoming black iron gas line with
Teflon tape or pipe joint compound. (Check
local codes as to the use of Teflon tape.)
CAUTION: Compounds used
on threaded joints of gas piping
shall be resistant to the action
of Liquefied Petroleum (LP or
propane) and should be applied
lightly to ensure excess sealant
does not enter the gas line.
5. Connect incoming gas line to regulator. Secure
all joints tightly with wrench, but do not over
tighten. If a flexible gas line is used, take care
not to kink the connector.
6. Re-pack insulation in and around the conduit
sleeve and flexible gas line.
WARNING: All gas piping
and connections must be tested
for leaks after the installation is
completed.
After ensuring that the gas valve
is on, apply a commercial leak
detection solution to all con-
nections and joints. If bubbles
appear, leaks can be detected
and corrected.
Do not use an open flame for leak
testing and do not operate any
appliance if a leak is detected.
Typical Exterior Wall Gas
Shutoff Installation
Key
Extension
Shutoff
Valve
FIREPLACE
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 15 - Typical Exterior Wall Gas
Shut-Off Installation
LOG SET PLACEMENT
Carefully remove log set from packaging. Place
the two bottom logs over grate and align with pins.
Place three loose logs, or twigs, onto alignment
pins on two bottom logs (see Figure 16).
Figure 16 - Log Placement
FIREPLACE FACING
Any non-combustible material may be used for
facing (glass, tile, brick, etc.) as long as the proper
clearances are adhered to and the fireplace open-
ings are not blocked or obstructed in any way. See
Clearances, page 6, and Figure 17 on page 11.
Use only heat-resistant, noncombustible mortar
or adhesive when securing facing material to the
front of the fireplace.
Bottom Logs
Top Logs (Twigs)