Desa Variable Manually-Controlled Models Quick start guide

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Shown with optional
cabinet mantel, hearth
base, and trim
accessories.
Save this manual for future reference.
®
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not
followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result caus-
ing 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
qualifiedinstaller,serviceagency,orthegassupplier.
WARNING:Improperinstallation,
adjustment, alteration, service,
ormaintenancecancauseinjury
orpropertydamage.Refertothis
manual for correct installation
andoperationalprocedures.For
assistance or additional infor-
mation consult a qualified in-
staller, service 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
mustbeprovided.Referto Airfor
CombustionandVentilation sec-
tion in this manual.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home,
where not prohibited by state or local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
DESA INTERNATIONAL
UNVENTED (VENT-FREE)
NATURAL GAS FIREPLACE
Variable
Manually-
Controlled
Models and
Thermostatically-
Controlled
“A” Models
with
Split Oak Logs

2
103281
CONTENTS SECTION PAGE
SAFETY
INFORMATION WARNINGICON G001 WARNINGS
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s manual carefully and completely before
trying to assemble, operate, or service this fireplace. Improper use of this
fireplace can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire, explosion,
electrical shock, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNINGICON G 001 DANGER
Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!
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 be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have fireplace serviced. 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.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is 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 fireplace.
Safety Information continues on next page
Safety Information................................................................................... 2
Product Identification .............................................................................. 4
Local Codes ............................................................................................. 5
Unpacking................................................................................................ 5
Product Features ...................................................................................... 5
Air for Combustion and Ventilation........................................................ 6
Installing .................................................................................................. 9
Check Gas Type ............................................................................... 9
Electrical Hookup............................................................................. 9
Assembling and Attaching Brass Trim ............................................ 10
Installation Clearances ..................................................................... 11
Conventional Fireplace Installation ................................................. 11
Built-In Fireplace Installation .......................................................... 14
Installing Gas Piping to Fireplace Location ..................................... 16
Connecting Fireplace to Gas Supply ................................................ 17
Checking Gas Connections .............................................................. 18
Installing Logs.................................................................................. 20
Operating Fireplace (Thermostat-Controlled Models) ............................ 22
Operating Fireplace (Manually-Controlled Models)............................... 24
Inspecting Burners................................................................................... 26
Cleaning and Maintenance ...................................................................... 28
Troubleshooting....................................................................................... 28
Technical Service .................................................................................... 32
Service Hints ........................................................................................... 32
Replacement Parts ................................................................................... 32
Specifications .......................................................................................... 33
Wiring Diagram....................................................................................... 33
Accessories .............................................................................................. 34
Illustrated Parts Lists ............................................................................... 36-41
Warranty Information .............................................................................. Back Cover

3
103281
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. 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
3. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom.
4. 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
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Do not use this fireplace as a wood-burning fireplace. Use only the logs provided with
the fireplace.
6. 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.
7. You must operate this fireplace with the fireplace screen in place. Make sure fireplace
screen is in place before running fireplace.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger insert or other accessory not approved for
use with this heater.
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 8. If fireplace keeps shutting off, see Troubleshooting, pages 28 through 31.
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 the room with fireplace.
17. Do not use fireplace if any part has been exposed to or under water. Immediately call a
qualified service technician to inspect the fireplace and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which has been under water.
18. Do not operate fireplace if any log is broken. Do not operate fireplace if a log is
chipped (dime-sized or larger).
19. Turn fireplace off and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should
service and repair fireplace.
20. Operating fireplace above elevations of 4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.

4
103281
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 - Log Base Assembly, Split Oak Set
Figure 2 - Fireplace
Top Louver
Assembly
Firebox
Hood
Bottom Louver
Assembly
Screen
Assembly
Top Outer
Casing
Firebox
Support
Side
Access
Door
Rear
Access
Door
Left
Front
Branch
Rear Log
Base Assembly
Front
Burner
Rear
Burner
Crossover Log
Top Middle Log
Bottom
Middle
Log
Right Front
Branch

5
103281
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
PRODUCT
FEATURES
UNPACKING 1. Place the carton containing the fireplace unit on its back. Hold fireplace and
pull the carton and pallet away. Remove trim kit from front of fireplace.
2. Locate two screws above top corners of the fireplace screen. Remove and
discard these screws. Lift fireplace screen up and pull out to remove.
3. Remove protective packaging applied to logs, log base assembly, and fireplace.
4. Check all items for any shipping damage. If damaged, promptly inform dealer
where you bought fireplace.
Operation
This vent-free fireplace is clean burning. It requires no outside venting. There is no
heat loss out a vent or up a chimney. Heat is generated by both realistic flames and
glowing embers. When used without the blower, the fireplace requires no electricity
making it ideal for emergency back-up heat.
Safety Device
This fireplace has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System
(ODS). The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room heaters. The ODS
system 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.
Blower Assembly
This fireplace has a blower assembly. The blower operates thermostatically or
manually. The blower circulates heated air from the fireplace into the room. Use of
blower is optional.
Thermostat Control Models (VSGF28NTA/CSGF28NTA)
These fireplaces have a thermostat sensing bulb and a control valve. The thermo-
stat controls the heat output and flame height. This maintains a consistent room
temperature. Even the lowest setting provides realistic flames and glowing embers
from two burners. Selecting higher comfort settings allows fireplace to run longer,
producing greater heat output. At lower comfort settings, the fireplace will run
less. This results in increased heating comfort. This can also result in lower
gas bills.
Variable Manual Control (VSGF28NV/CSGF28NV)
These fireplaces have a variable manual control valve which allows the user to
choose the heat setting that best suits his needs. Any setting between low and high
may be selected by simply turning the control knob.

6
103281
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
This heater shall not be installed in a confined space unless provi-
sions 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.
Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSIZ223.1, 1992, Section 5.3 defines uncon-
fined space as having a minimum air volume of 50 cubic feet (127 cubic cm) for
each 1000 Btu/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals
length x width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are
doorless passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.
Confined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSIZ223.1, 1992, Section 5.3 defines confined
space as having an air volume of less than 50 cubic feet (127 cubic cm) for each
1000 Btu/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length
x width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE VENTILATION
The following is exerpts 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 Contruction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.
The information on pages 6 through 8 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 or less with open-
ings 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 8 .
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, proceed to page 7.

7
103281
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
DETERMINING AIR FLOW FOR FIREPLACE LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this work sheet 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 22 ft. (length) x 18 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =
3168 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. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic feet to determine the maximum Btu/Hr the space
can support.
____________ (volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = (Maximum Btu/Hr
the space can support)
Example: 3168 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = 63.3 or 63,300 (maximum
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 40,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free fireplace +28,000 Btu/Hr
Total =68,000 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: 63,300 Btu/Hr (maximum the space can support)
68,000 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 work sheet, adding the space of an adjoining room. If the extra space pro-
vides 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 8.
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

8
103281
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
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.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to an
adjoiningunconfinedspace,youmustprovidetwopermanentopenings:onewithin12"ofthe
ceiling and one within 12" of the floor on the wall connecting the two spaces (see options 1
and 2, Figure 3). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 3).
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.
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
nent 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.
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building
Outlet
Air Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
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Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
Ventilation
Grills
Into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12"
12"

9
103281
INSTALLING
Continued
NOTICE
A qualified service person must install fireplace. Follow all local
codes.
WARNING ICON G001
WARNING
Never install the fireplace
• in a bedroom or bathroom
• 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
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
WARNING
This fireplace has a three-prong, grounded electrical plug. This
plug helps protect you against electrical shock. Only connect
plug to a properly grounded, three-prong receptacle. Do not cut
or remove the grounding prong from this plug.
WARNING ICON G001
CAUTION
This fireplace creates warm air currents. These currents move heat
towallsurfacesnext to fireplace. Installing fireplacenexttovinylor
cloth wall coverings or operating fireplace where impurities in the
air (such as tobacco smoke) exist, may discolor walls.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air.Although this is beneficial,
installing fireplace in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to
form from too much moisture. See Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 6
through 8.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the fireplace is level. If fireplace is not level, log set will
not work properly.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is not natural gas, do not install fireplace.
Call dealer where you bought fireplace for proper type fireplace.
ELECTRICAL HOOKUP
This fireplace has a blower assembly with an electrical cord. The electrical cord is
five feet in length. You must locate fireplace within reach of a 120 volt grounded
electrical outlet. If not, you must install an electrical outlet within reach of fire-
place power cord.

10
103281
INSTALLING
Continued
ASSEMBLING AND ATTACHING BRASS TRIM
IMPORTANT: Ifyouarerecessingthe firebox in awall,donotattach brass trim atthis
time. See page 13.
Note: The instructions below show assembling and attaching brass trim to fireplace.
1. Remove packaging from three pieces of brass trim.
2. Locate four brass screws, two adjusting plates with set screws, and two shims
in the hardware packet.
3. Align shim under adjusting plate as shown in Figure 5.
4. Slide one end of adjusting plate/shim in slot on mitered edge of top brass trim
(see Figure 5).
5. Slide other end of adjusting plate/shim in slot on mitered edge of side brass
trim (see Figure 5).
6. While firmly holding edges of brass trim together, tighten both set screws on
the adjusting plate with slotted screwdriver.
7. Repeat steps 1 through 6 for other side.
Side Brass Trim Top Brass Trim
Slot
Mitered Edge
Slot
Shim
Set Screws
Adjusting
Plate
Figure 5 - Assembling Brass Trim
Trim Hanging
Screws
Assembled
Brass Trim
8. Tighten trim hanging screws (#10 x 6.25 shoulder) into holes in cabinets.
Place the assembled trim onto fireplace cabinet. Align hanging notches on
trim with hanging screws on side of fireplace (see Figure 6). Push trim firmly
into place, sliding hanging notches over hanging screws.
Hanging
Notches on
Trim
Figure 6 - Attaching Brass Trim to Fireplace