Desa Vanguard VVSA18R Operation manual

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ANSI Z21.60
CSA 2.26
APPROVED
Convertible from Natural Gas to Propane/LP Gas
VANGUARD MODELS: VVSA18R, VVSA24R, VVDA18R,
VVDA24R AND VVDA30R
For Use with Log Set Models:
VSLR18, VSLR24, VDLCR18, VDLCR24 (Shown) and VDLCR30
FMI MODELS: FVSA18R, FVSA24R, FVDA18R, FVDA24R
AND FVDA30R
For Use with Log Set Models:
FSLR18, FSLR24, FDLCR18, FDLCR24 and FDLCR30
GAS LOG REMOTE READY VENTED DECORATIVE APPLIANCE
OWNER'S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not
followed exactly, a re or explosion may result causing
property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable 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 instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the re
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
ed installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
PFS
®
US

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SAFETY
WARNING: Improper instal-
lation, adjustment, alteration,
service, or maintenance can
cause injury or property damage.
Refer to this manual for correct
installation and operational
procedures. For assistance or
additional information consult
a qualified installer, service
agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This appliance
is for installation only in a
solid-fuel burning masonry or
UL127 factory-built replace,
constructed of noncombustible
material, and connected to a
working ue. (See page 5 for
minimum ue opening.)
WARNING: This is a gas-red
appliance. It uses air (oxygen)
from the room in which it is in-
stalled. Provisions for adequate
combustion and ventilation air
must be provided. Refer to the
National Fuel Gas Codes, ANSI
Z233.1/NFPA 54,Air for Combus-
tion and Ventilation.
WARNING: This product
contains chemicals known to
the State of California to cause
cancer or birth defects, or other
reproductive harm.
WARNING: Keep ue open
when operating unit.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate, or service this log set.
Improper use of this log set can
cause serious injury or death
from burns, fire, explosion,
electrical shock, and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs
of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the
u, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If
you have these signs, the log set may not
be working properly. Get fresh air at once!
Have log set serviced. Some people are
more affected by carbon monoxide than oth-
ers. These include pregnant women, people
with heart or lung disease or anemia, those
under the inuence of alcohol, and those at
high altitudes.
Natural and Propane/LP Gas: Natural
and propane/LP gases are odorless. An odor-
making agent is added to the gas. The odor
helps you detect a gas leak. However, the
odor added to the gas 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 log set.
WARNING: Any change to
this log set or its controls can
be dangerous.
1. This appliance, as supplied, is only for
use with the type of gas indicated on the
rating plate. This appliance is convertible
for use with propane/LP.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Product Identication ........................................... 3
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Unpacking............................................................ 4
Product Feature ................................................... 4
Operation ............................................................11
Inspecting Burners ............................................ 13
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 14
Service Hints ..................................................... 14
Technical Service............................................... 14
Troubleshooting ................................................. 15
Parts .................................................................. 18
Replacement Parts ............................................ 22
Accessories ....................................................... 22
Warranty ..............................................Back Cover

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901273-01H 3
2. 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 re department
3. Never install the log set
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other
ammable objects are less than 42" from
the front, top, or sides of the log set
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas
4. Before installing in a solid fuel burning re-
place, the chimney ue and rebox must
be cleaned of soot, creosote, ashes and
loose paint by a qualied chimney cleaner.
Creosote will ignite if highly heated. Inspect
chimney ue for damage.
5. You must operate this log set with replace
doors or screens in place and fully closed.
Unless provided by other means, replace
doors or screens shall have openings for
introduction of combustion air.
6. This log set is designed to be smokeless.
If logs ever appear to smoke, turn off appli-
ance and call a qualied service person.
Note: During initial operation, slight smoking
could occur due to log curing and the burning
of manufacturing residues. You may wish to
add more ventilation by opening a window.
7. To reduce the creation of soot, follow the
instructions in Cleaning and Maintenance,
page 14.
8. Do not allow fans to blow directly into the
replace. Avoid any drafts that alter burner
SAFETY
Continued
ame patterns. Ceiling fans can create drafts
that alter burner ame patterns. Altered
burner patterns can increase sooting.
9. Do not use a blower insert, heat exchang-
er insert or other accessory not approved
for use with this log set.
10. The installation and provisions for combustion
and ventilation air must conform with the Na-
tional Fuel Gas Codes, ANSI Z233.1/NFPA
54, Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
11. Do not run log set
• where combustible materials, gasoline
and other ammable vapors and liquids
are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
12. Do not burn solid fuel in the replace after in-
stalling the log set. Do not use this log set to
cook food or burn paper or other objects.
13. Log set becomes very hot when in use. Keep
children and adults away from hot surface to
avoid burns or clothing ignition. Log set will
remain hot for a time after shut-down. Allow
surface to cool before touching.
14. Carefully supervise young children when
they are in the room with log set.
15. Do not use this appliance if any part has
been under water. Immediately call a
qualied service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which
has been under water.
16. To help prevent breakage, new logs must
be broken-in (see Curing Logs, page 13).
17. Turn log set off and let cool before servic-
ing, installing, or repairing. Only a qualied
service person should install, service, or
repair log set.
18. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Hearth Kit Model ______________
Serial Number ________________
Log Set Model ________________
Figure 1 - Product Identication (FVDA24R Shown)
Grate
Burner
Pan
Burner Manifold
Burner Clamp
Grate
Steps

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LOCAL CODES
Install and use log set with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of The National Fuel
Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
PRODUCT FEATURE
INSTALLATION
UNPACKING
CAUTION: Do not remove the
metal dataplatesfromtheburner
pan. The data plates contain
important warranty and safety
information.
1. Remove logs, hearth kit, pan materials,
and hardware from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied
to logs and base for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage. If
heater is damaged call DESA Heating, LLC
at 1-866-672-6040 for replacement parts
before returning to dealer.
REMOTE READY SAFETY VALVE/
PILOT
This unit is provided with a milivolt remote ready
control valve which may be connected to option-
al remote accessories for wall switch or wireless
operation (see Accessories, page 22).
Unit is tested and approved to ANSI Z21.60
and CSA 2.26 as a vented decorative appli-
ance. It is supplied with the parts and instruc-
tions to convert to propane/LP gas use.
WARNING: The Massachu-
setts State Board requires all
installations be performed by
a Licensed Plumber or Gas Fit-
ter. Massachusetts state code
requires all vent dampers be
welded open or removed.
CAUTION: Do not remove
the data plates attached to the
burner pan. The data plates
contain important warranty and
safety information.
WARNING: Before installing in
a solid fuel burning replace, the
chimney ue and rebox must be
cleaned of soot, creosote, ashes
and loose paint by a qualied
chimney cleaner. Creosote will ig-
nite if highly heated. A dirty chim-
ney ue may create and distribute
soot within the house. Inspect
chimney ue for damage.
NOTICE:Installation,service,and
repair of this appliance must be
performed by a qualied installer,
service agency, company or
gas supplier experienced with
this type of gas appliance. Only
factory authorized components
listed in these instructions may
be used in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions and
all codes and requirements of
the authority having jurisdiction.
Any modications to this kit, or
use ofunauthorizedcomponents
or accessory items will void the
manufacturer’s warranty, and may
result in a hazardous condition.
FLUE OPENING SPECIFICATIONS
Note: This vented appliance must be installed
only in a solid-fuel burning replace with a
working ue and constructed of noncombus-
tible material.

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901273-01H 5
Figure 2 - Technical Information Charts
INSTALLATION
Continued
The charts in Figure 2 indicate technical
information regarding the installation of your
gas log set. Please make sure that all of the
specications shown are applicable before
installation is attempted.
The replace must include a working ue and
venting system with the minimum openings
shown in the Figure 2.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is
not natural gas, you must convert the appli-
ance to propane/LP. Follow the instructions
on page 8.
If the replace does not have a gas supply
shutoff valve, one must be installed.
VENTING SPECIFICATIONS FOR
INSTALLATION
The replace chimney ue and vent must be
drafting properly. To check the vent for proper
drafting: Light a tightly rolled newspaper on
one end and place it at the inside front edge
of the replace. Observe the smoke and be
sure the vent is properly drawing it up the
chimney. If the smoke spills out into the room,
extinguish the ame and remove any obstruc-
tion until proper venting is achieved.
BURNER ORIFICE
LOG
SIZE
NATURAL PROPANE/LP
In. Num. CLR. In. Num. CLR.
18" SA/DA 0.129 30 Green 0.073 49 Red
24" SA 0.141 28 Yellow 0.086 44 Orange
24" DA 0.136 29 White/Yellow 0.086 44 Orange
30" SA/DA 0.157 22 Yellow/Blue 0.089 43 Black
FUEL PRESSURE
SPECIFICATIONS (W.C.)
Inlet Manifold*
NG 5.5"-10.5" 3.5"
LP 11"-13" 10"
* ± .2"
MINIMUM FIREBOX SIZES
LOG
SIZE
FRONT
WIDTH
BACK
WIDTH* DEPTH HEIGHT
MINIMUM
FLUE SIZE
18" 34" 16" 14" 18" 8" dia.
24" 35 3/4" 17" 15 1/2" 18" 8" dia.
30" 42" 27" 18" 18" 9" dia.
* At depth indicated
DESCRIPTION
Btu\Hr Input
Natural Gas
Btu\Hr Input
Propane Gas
18" Single Burner 50,000 40,000
24" Single Burner 60,000 50,000
18" Dual Burner 55,000 45,000
24" Dual Burner 65,000 55,000
30" Dual Burner 70,000 60,000
The chimney ue damper must be xed open
to provide a minimum of 81 sq. in. of free air
opening during operation of this log set. A
multipurpose damper clamp is provided to x
the damper in position.
The minimum ue sizes shown in Figure 2
are based on a 6' chimney height using round
pipe. Your minimum ue size will vary based
on input rate and chimney height. Refer to the
National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54, Section 6.6, for details.

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INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING DAMPER CLAMP
Secure the damper stop clamp provided to
the leading edge of the damper as shown in
Figure 3. If for any reason this clamp doesn't
work on your replace, another suitable clamp
or permanent stop must be installed, or the
damper blade must be cut or removed.
Figure 3 - Attaching Damper Clamp
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY
WARNING: A qualied ser-
vice person must connect log
set to gas supply. Follow all
local codes.
Installation Items Needed
Before installing log set, make sure you have
the items listed below.
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve
• adjustable (crescent) wrench or pliers
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
CAUTION: Use only new,
black iron or steel pipe. Inter-
nally-tinned copper tubing may
be used in certain areas. Check
your local codes. Use pipe of
1/2" diameter or greater to allow
proper gas volume to log set. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
volume will occur.
Figure 4 - Gas Connection
* Purchase the optional CSA design-certied
equipment shutoff valve from your dealer.
** Minimum inlet pressure for purpose of input
adjustment.
3" Minimum
From Gas
Meter (5"
W.C.** to
10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
CSA Design-Certied
Equipment Shutoff Valve
With 1/8" NPT Tap*
Approved Flexible
Gas Hose (no longer
than 36" if required by
local codes)
Damper
Damper
Clamp
Damper
Manufactured FireplaceMasonry Fireplace
Damper
Clamp
Damper
Installation must include an equipment shutoff
valve with "T" style handle, gas union and, for
propane/LP gas only, a plugged 1/8" NPT tap.
Locate NPT tap within reach for test gauge
hook up. NPT tap must be upstream from log
set (see Figure 4).
IMPORTANT: Install equipment shutoff valve
in an accessible location. The equipment
shutoff valve is for turning on or shutting off
the gas to the appliance.
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male NPT
threads. This will prevent excess sealant from
going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could
result in a clogged burner injector.
WARNING: Use pipe joint
sealant that is resistant to liquid
petroleum (LP) gas.
We recommend that you install a sediment
trap in the supply line as shown in Figure 4.
Locate sediment trap where it is within reach
for cleaning. Install in piping system between
fuel supply and heater. Locate sediment
trap where trapped matter is not likely to
freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture and
contaminants. This keeps them from going
into log set controls. If sediment trap is not
installed or is installed wrong, log set may
not run properly.
Tee Pipe Cap
Joint Nipple
Sediment Trap

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901273-01H 7
INSTALLATION
Continued
CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Test all gas piping
and connections, internal and
external to unit, for leaks after
installing or servicing. Correct
all leaks at once.
WARNING: Never use an
open ame to check for a leak.
Apply a noncorrosive leak detec-
tion uid to all joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak. Correct all
leaks at once.
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY
PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
(3.5 kPa)
1. Disconnect log set and its individual equip-
ment shutoff valve from gas supply piping
system.
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where equip-
ment shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either
using compressed air or opening main gas
valve located on or near gas meter.
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping sys-
tem. Apply a noncorrosive leak detection
uid to all joints. Bubbles forming show a
leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Reconnect log set and equipment shutoff
valve to gas supply. Check reconnected
ttings for leaks.
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than
1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa)
1. Close equipment shutoff valve (see
Figure 5).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either
using compressed air or opening main gas
valve located on or near gas meter.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to equip-
ment shutoff valve (see Figure 5). Apply
a noncorrosive leak detection uid to all
joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
Figure 5 - Checking Gas Joints
Gas Meter
Equipment
Shutoff Valve
HEARTH PAN INSTALLATION
If using propane/LP gas, see Propane/LP
Gas Conversion, page 8, before installing
hearth pan.
1. Place the burner pan assembly in the
center of the replace oor. Make sure
the front of pan faces forward.
2. Thread the gas supply tting to the re-
place gas supply pipe. Adjust to most
convenient position.
3. Install the gas connector tube to the gas
supply adapter. Carefully shape tube and
attach to gas inlet tting (see Figure 6).
Be careful not to cause kinks in tube.
4. Test for leaks following instructions under
Testing Burner for Leaks, page 10.
5. Retighten and adjust the location of
the gas control as necessary. The gas
control should be level, with the control
rod to the front.
Figure 6 - Installing Inlet Fitting and Gas
Connector Tube (Valve Cover Removed
for Clarity)
Gas
Control
Valve
Gas
Inlet
Fitting
Gas
Connector
Tube
Inlet Opening

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INSTALLATION
Continued
Propane/LP Gas Conversion
To convert to propane/LP gas, the regulator
pressure must be reset. Also, burner inlet
tting and pilot orice must be replaced. The
propane/LP burner inlet tting is supplied with
the orice installed for your log set.
Burner Inlet Fitting
1. Remove pilot assembly from valve cover
by removing two screws on bracket (see
Figure 7).
2. Unscrew and remove piezo ignitor and
ignitor cover from valve cover.
3. Remove two (2) screws on burner pan
and remaining screw on rear of the control
valve to remove valve cover.
4. Unthread control valve and burner inlet
tting from burner tube by turning valve
counter-clockwise (see Figure 8) .
5. Remove natural gas inlet tting from con-
trol valve and discard (see Figure 8). DO
NOT remove orice from this tting. The
propane/LP burner inlet tting is included
in the hardware kit (see Figure 9).
6. Be sure to use the correct orice for your
appliance. The orice kit included with this
appliance contains an orice installed in
an air mixer tting.
Figure 7 - Removing/Installing
Thermocouple, Pilot, and Piezo Ignitor
Cover
Figure 8 - Remove Burner Inlet Fitting
Burner Inlet Fitting
for Natural Gas
Burner Pan
7. Using thread sealant (resistant to the ac-
tion of propane/LP gas) on smaller end
of tting, screw the burner inlet tting into
outlet side of gas control. Tighten using a
wrench.
8 . Rethread valve and tting assembly into
burner tube until fully threaded and level
with burner pan. Reattach valve cover
with three (3) screws previously removed
in step 3.
Figure 9 - Burner Inlet Fittings with
Injectors
I
L
Piezo Ignitor
Screw
Valve
Cover
Thermopile
Ignitor
Pilot
Piezo
Ignitor
Cover
Machine
Screw
NATURAL
GAS
FITTING
PROPANE/LP
GAS FITTING
Injector for
Natural Gas
Injector for
Propane/LP Gas
GAS CONTROL VALVE CONVERSION
Convert gas control valve by changing out
valve regulator portion of the gas valve.
1. Using a TORX T20 or slotted screw-
driver, remove and discard three mount-
ing screws, pressure regulator tower
and diaphragm/spring components (see
Figure 10, page 9).
2. Insure that rubber gasket is properly
positioned on new pressure regulator
assembly. Install new pressure regulator
assembly to valve using new mounting
screws supplied with kit. Tighten screws
securely (approximately 25 in-lbs.) See
Figure 11, page 9.

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901273-01H 9
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 10 - Removing Mounting
Screws, Pressure Regulator Tower and
Diaphragm/Spring Components
O
F
F
P
I
L
O
T
O
N
Mounting
Screws
Pressure
Regulator
Tower
Diaphragm/
Spring
Components
Figure 11 - Installing Pressure Regulator
Assembly
O
F
F
P
I
L
O
T
O
N
Mounting
Screws
Rubber
Gasket
Identication
Label
Changing Pilot Orice
The pilot is provided with a natural gas ori-
ce installed. For propane/LP gas you must
remove it and replace it with a propane/LP
orice. The hardware kit contains an pro-
pane/LP orice with a red stripe for converting
the pilot.
1. Gently loosen and remove pilot line connec-
tion from bracket (see Figure 12).
2. Replace orice (see Figure 12) with pro-
pane/LP pilot orice with red stripe.
3. Replace and tighten pilot line to bracket.
4. Reattach pilot and piezo ignitor assembly to
valve cover with screws previouly removed
(see Figure 7, page 8).
Note: Follow instructions under section, Test-
ing Burner for Leaks, page 10.
O
F
F
P
I
L
O
T
O
N
Figure 12 - Installing Propane/LP Pilot
Orice
Pilot Orice
3. Install identication label enclosed with
gas valve regulator to valve body where
it can easily be seen (see Figure 11).
REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS
HRC100
If you are using HRC100 remote control option,
you must rst connect leads of receiver to ter-
minal block on gas control (see Figure 13).
1. Connect leads to male fast-on terminals
marked TH and TPTH.
2. Install a 9V battery (refer to instructions
included with HRC100).
3. Install a 9V battery into hand-held trans-
mitter.
Figure 13 - Connecting Wire Terminals
Control
Valve
Fast-On
Terminals

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ADDING PAN MATERIAL
1. Open bag of ash bed material (vermicu-
lite) and spread it evenly across burner
pan to the top. You may overow front
and sides of pan to cover entire pan. Do
not cover valve.
2. Open glowing embers and evenly cover
ash bed material (vermiculite) in burner
pan.
INSTALLING GRATE AND LOGS
1. Place grate over burner pan where two
outer horizontal supports on grate t into
two pan positioning notches in rear vertical
edge of pan.
2. Slide two rear log grate steps over two
outer horizontal supports on grate as
shown in Figure 14.
3. Place back log on grate onto grate steps
(see Figure 15, page 11).
4. Place front log(s) on grate and slide
forward against front bars on grate (see
Figure 15, page 11).
5. Place smaller top logs onto bottom logs (see
Figure 16, page 11). Leave as much open
space between logs as possible to minimize
ame impingement and sooting.
Note: Logs may chip if they are handled
roughly or if hit together while being
placed.
4. Insert receiver into simulated log control
cover, with raised cylinder tting into the
hole in cover.
5. The cover may be moved aside when
operation of gas control is necessary.
GWMS2
When installing GWMS2 remote wall switch
option, follow all instructions included with ac-
cessory. Connect wires as shown in Figure 13.
You will need to route wiring away from gas
control and log set in a way which prevents
direct radiant heat on wires.
No Optional Accessories
If you choose no remote accessories at this
time, provided jumper wire must be installed to
terminal block on gas control. Connect lead to
fast-on terminals marked TH and TPTH.
TESTING BURNER FOR LEAKS
1. Generously apply soapy solution to all
connections.
WARNING: Never check for
gas leaks with open ame.
2. Light burner with shutoff valve no more
than half open and holding a match
slightly in front of pan (see Lighting In-
structions, page 12).
3. Inspect all connections for bubbles, raw
gas odor, or ame from any area other than
the burner (leaks). If leaks are detected,
shut off gas valve immediately. Tighten, or
reassemble loose connection(s) using pipe
joint compound until burner system is leak
free.
4. When burner is tested and leak free,
observe individual tongues of ame on
burner.
Note: Burner design includes more
ports on outside of bar. Make sure that
all ports are clear and producing ame
evenly across burner. If any ports appear
blocked, clear them by removing burner
manifold and reaming ports with a modi-
ed paper clip or other suitable tool.
5. When nished testing, turn gas shutoff
valve OFF to extinguish all ames.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 14 - Installing Grate (Pan Material
Not Shown)
Grate Grate Steps