Desa Vanguard VMH10TP Quick start guide

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OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
VENT-FREE PROPANE/LP GAS
COMPACT CLASSIC HEARTHFIREPLACE
®
10,000 Btu/Hr with
Thermostat
®
Shown with Optional
Cabinet Mantel/Hearth
Base Accessory
VMH10TP
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home, where not prohibited by state
or local codes. This appliance may be installed in bedroom where not prohibited by state or local codes.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer. (I.E. Installation of this product is
permitted after the manufactured (mobile) home is sited)
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.
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed exactly, a fire or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable
vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s in-
structions.
• 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: Improper installation,
adjustment,alteration,service,or
maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this
manualforcorrectinstallationand
operational procedures. For as-
sistanceoradditionalinformation
consult a qualified installer, ser-
vice agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented
gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxy-
gen) from the room in which it is
installed.Provisionsforadequate
combustion and ventilation air
must be provided. Refer to Air for
Combustion and Ventilation sec-
tion on page 6 of this manual.

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103669
CONTENTS SECTION PAGE
Safety Information continues on next page
Safety Information...................................................................................2
Product Identification ..............................................................................4
Local Codes .............................................................................................4
Product Features ......................................................................................4
Unpacking................................................................................................4
Assembly .................................................................................................5
Air for Combustion and Ventilation........................................................6
Installation ...............................................................................................10
Connecting to Gas Supply .......................................................................16
Checking Gas Connections......................................................................18
Operating Fireplace .................................................................................20
Inspecting Burner ....................................................................................22
Cleaning and Maintenance ......................................................................24
Troubleshooting.......................................................................................24
Technical Service ....................................................................................28
Specifications ..........................................................................................28
Service Hints ...........................................................................................28
Replacement Parts ...................................................................................28
Illustrated Parts List.................................................................................30, 31
Accessories ..............................................................................................29
Warranty Information ..............................................................................32
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNINGS
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual carefully and completely
beforetryingtoassemble,operate,orservicethisfireplace.Improper
use of this fireplace can cause serious injury or death from burns,
fire, explosion, electrical shock, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING ICON G 001
DANGER
Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!
SAFETY
INFORMATION
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
resembletheflu,withheadaches,dizziness,ornausea.Ifyouhavethesesigns,the
fireplace may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have fireplace
serviced. Somepeoplearemoreaffectedbycarbonmonoxidethanothers.These
includepregnantwomen,peoplewithheartorlungdiseaseoranemia,thoseunder
the influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Propane/LP Gas: Propane/LP gas is odorless. An odor-making agent is added
to propane/LP gas. The odor helps you detect a propane/LP gas leak. However,
the odor added to propane/LP gas can fade. Propane/LP 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.

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103669
SAFETY
INFORMATION
Continued
WARNING ICON G001
WARNINGS Continued
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
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.
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 supplier’s instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department
4. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bathroom.
5. Never install the fireplace
• in a recreational vehicle.
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are less than 36
inches from the front, top, or sides of the fireplace.
• as a fireplace insert.
• in high traffic areas.
• in windy or drafty areas.
6. Do not use this fireplace as a wood-burning fireplace. Use only the logs provided with
the fireplace.
7. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such as pine cones, vermiculite, or rock wool.
Using these added items can cause sooting. Do not add lava rock around base. Rock
and debris could fall into the control area of fireplace.
8. You must operate this fireplace with the fireplace screen in place. Make sure fireplace
screen is in place before running fireplace.
9. This fireplace is designed to be smokeless. If logs ever appear to smoke, turn off
fireplace and call a qualified service person. Note: During initial operation, slight
smoking could occur due to log curing and fireplace burning manufacturing residues.
10. Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace. Avoid any drafts that alter burner
flame patterns. Ceiling fans can create drafts that alter burner flame patterns. Altered
burner patterns can cause sooting.
11. This fireplace needs fresh air ventilation to run properly. This fireplace has an oxygen
depletion sensor (ODS) pilot light safety system. The ODS shuts down the fireplace if
not enough fresh air is available. See Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 6
through 9. If fireplace keeps shutting off, see Troubleshooting, pages 24 through 27.
12. Do not run fireplace
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored.
• under dusty conditions.
13. Do not use this fireplace to cook food or burn paper or other objects.
14. Never place any objects in the fireplace or on logs.
15. Fireplace front and screen becomes very hot when running fireplace. Keep children
and adults away from hot surfaces to avoid burns or clothing ignition. Fireplace will
remain hot for a time after shut-down. Allow surfaces to cool before touching.
16. Carefully supervise young children when they are in same room with fireplace.
17. Do not use fireplace if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified
service technician to inspect the room fireplace and to replace any part of the control
system and any gas control which has been under water.
18. Turn off and unplug fireplace and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service
person should service and repair fireplace.
19. Operating fireplace above elevations of 4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
20. Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger insert, or other accessory not approved for
use with this fireplace.
21. Do not operate fireplace if any log is broken. Do not operate fireplace if a log is
chipped (dime-sized or larger).
22. To prevent performance problems, do not use propane fuel tank of less than 100 lbs. capacity.
.

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103669
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
LOCAL CODES Install and use fireplace with care. Follow all local codes. In the absence of local
codes, use the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223, also
known as 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
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Propane/LP Gas Compact Fireplace
UNPACKING 1. Remove log box and fireplace from carton. The hood is not attached.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to fireplace for shipment.
3. Make sure your fireplace includes one hardware packet.
4. Check fireplace for any shipping damage. If fireplace is damaged, promptly
inform dealer where you bought fireplace.
PRODUCT
FEATURES
Safety Pilot
This fireplace has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).
The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room fireplaces. The ODS/pilot
shuts off the fireplace if there is not enough fresh air.
Piezo Ignition System
This fireplace has a piezo ignitor. This system requires no matches, batteries, or
other sources to light fireplace.
Thermostatic Heat Control
This fireplace has a thermostat sensing bulb and a control valve.The thermostat will
automatically modulate the heat output to maintain a consistent room temperature.
This results in greater fireplace comfort. This can also result in lower gas bills.
Ignitor Button
Screen
Fireplace
Cabinet
Logs
Control Knob

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103669
ASSEMBLY
ASSEMBLING FIREPLACE
Tools Required: Phillips screwdriver, 5/16" hex wrench, and slotted screwdriver
Installing Log
1. Remove back log, branch, and hood from log box. Discard protective packaging.
2. Remove two shipping screws above screen (see Figure 2).
3. Lift screen up and pull out to remove.
4. An optional blower is available. See Accessories, page 29. Install optional
blower now. Follow installation instructions provided with blower.
5. Gently place back log on burner support (see Figure 2). The log should fit flat
against top of burner support. Place two #10 one-inch-long screws through burner
support into the log and tighten. Place branches on branch support (see Figure 2).
6. Reattach screen by placing the notches in the screen frame over the shoulder screws
and pushing down.
Figure 2 - Assembling Fireplace
WARNING ICON G001
WARNING
Always have branch support and screen in place before operating
fireplace.Thispreventsexcessivetemperaturesonfireplacesurfaces.
Back Log
Screen Branch
Burner
Support
Screw
Screw
Branch
Support
Screen Shipping Screw
Shoulder Screw
Assembling Hood
1. Locate four black phillips sheet metal screws from the hardware packet.
2. Place hood over top edge of firebox wrapper.
3. Attach screws (see Figure 3).
WARNING ICON G001
WARNING
Failure to position the parts in accordance with these diagrams or
failuretouseonlypartsspecificallyapprovedwiththisfireplacemay
result in property damage or personal injury
Figure 3 - Assembling Hood

6
103669
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
This heater shall not be installed in a confined space unless
provisions are provided for adequate combustion 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 efficient 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. During heating months, home owners want their homes as
airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy efficient, your home needs to breathe.
Fresh air must enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need fresh air for
proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, 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 appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE VENTILATION
The following is excerpts from National Fuel Gas Code. NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1,
Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.
The information on pages 6 through 9 will help you classify your space and provide
adequate 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 unusually tight construction,
you must provide additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is defined as construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continu-
ous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm (10-6 per-pa-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 floors, between wall-ceiling
joints, between wall panels, at penetrations for plumbing, electrical, and
gas lines, and at other openings.
If your home meets all of the three criteria above, you must provide addi-
tional fresh air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors , page 9 .
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, proceed to page 7.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code (ANSIZ223.1, 1992 Section 5.3) defines a confined
space as a space whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour
(4.8 m3per kw) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed in that space
and an unconfining space as a space whose volume is not less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3per 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 consid-
ered a part of the unconfined space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if there are doorless passageways or
ventilation grills between them.

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AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR FIREPLACE LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install fireplace 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 16 ft. (length) x 14 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =
1792 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 1000 Btu/Hr per 50 cubic feet to determine the maximum
Btu/Hr the space can support.
____________ (volume of space) x 1000 Btu/Hr = (Maximum Btu/Hr
the space can support)
Example: 1792cu.ft.(spacevolume)x1000Btu/Hr =35,840Btu/Hr.Thisisthemaximum
Btu/Hr the space can support.
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free fireplace ___________________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* ___________________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace ___________________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater ___________________ Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs ___________________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* +___________________ Btu/Hr
Total =___________________ Btu/Hr
Example: Gas water heater 30,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free fireplace +10,000 Btu/Hr
Total =40,000 Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support with the actual amount of Btu/Hr
used.
_________________ Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
_________________ Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
Example: 35,840 Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
40,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of Btu/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a confined space because the actual Btu/Hr used is more
than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support. 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 unconfined space, remove door to adjoining room or add ventilation grills between
rooms. See Ventilation Air From Inside Building, page 8.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 9.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr fireplace, if lower Btu/Hr size makes room unconfined.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the space
is an unconfined space. You will need no additional fresh air ventilation.
Continued
50 cu. ft.
50 cu. ft.

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103669
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building Shown with Optional Mantel
WARNING ICON G001
WARNING
If the area in which the heater may be operated is smaller than
that defined as an unconfined space, provide adequate combus-
tion and ventilation air by one of the methods described in the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, 1992, Section 5.3 or appli-
cable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to
anadjoiningunconfinedspace,youmustprovidetwopermanentopenings:onewithin
12"oftheceilingandonewithin12"ofthefloor onthewallconnectingthe twospaces
(see options 1 and 2, Figure 4). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see
option 3, Figure 4). Follow the National Fuel Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1,
Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for required size of ventilation grills
or ducts.
WARNING ICON G001
WARNING
Rework worksheet, adding the space of the adjoining unconfined
space. The combined spaces must have enough fresh air to supply all
appliances in both spaces.
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ventilation
Grills
into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1

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103669
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors Shown with Optional Mantel
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must provide two
permanent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the floor.
Connect these items directly to the outdoors or spaces open to the outdoors. These
spaces include attics and crawl spaces.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has
a thermostat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering the attic will activate the
power vent.
Outlet
Air Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic

10
103669
INSTALLATION
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only propane/LP gas. If your gas supply is not propane/LP, do not install fire-
place. Call the dealer where you bought your fireplace for the proper type fireplace.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing fireplace, make sure you have the items listed below.
NOTICE
Aqualifiedservicepersonmustinstallfireplace.Followalllocalcodes.
• external regulator (supplied by
installer, see page 16)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to
propane/LP gas)
• manual shutoff valve *
• ground joint union
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* AnA.G.A.design-certifiedmanualshutoffvalvewith1/8"NPTtapis anacceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessories, page 29.
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Never install the fireplace
• in a bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• wherecurtains,furniture,clothing,orotherflammableobjectsare
less than 36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the fireplace
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
LOCATING FIREPLACE
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Maintain the minimum clearances shown in Figures 6 and 7 (page 11). If
you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and joining wall.
Note: If desired, purchase a four-sided brass trim kit for built-in installations. See
Accessories, page 29.
IMPORTANT: If you install the fireplace in a bedroom, some building codes
require that the fireplace/mantel system be secured to (or within) a wall. You can
position fireplace in an optional cabinet or corner mantel. You can also recess
fireplace into the wall.
If your fireplace is to be used with an optional mantel, the installation instructions
included with your mantel shows an AGA approved method of attaching the
fireplace/mantel system to a wall.
IMPORTANT: Only use optional cabinet or
corner mantels specified in this manual. Purchase the optional mantel from your
dealer (see Accessories, page 29).
If your fireplace is to be recessed into the wall, see Built-In Fireplace Installation
section of this manual to secure your fireplace into the wall.