Desa VKC42N Series Quick start guide

DIRECT-VENT FIREPLACE
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
NATURAL GAS MODELS (V)KC42N SERIES
PROPANE/LP GAS MODELS (V)KC42P SERIES
Patent Pending
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
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.

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SAFETY
WARNING: Improper
installation, adjustment,
alteration, service or
maintenance can cause
injury or property dam-
age. Refer to this manual
for correct installation
and operational proce-
dures. For assistance or
additional information
consult a qualified in-
staller, service agency or
the gas supplier.
This appliance may be in-
stalled in an aftermarket,*
permanently located,
manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohib-
ited by local codes.
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, unless
a certied kit is used.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
State of Massachusetts:
The installation must be
made by a licensed plumber
or gas tter in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.
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 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!
This replace must be installed by a qualied
(certied or licensed) service person. It has
a sealed gas combustion chamber that uses
a coaxial pipe (pipe within a pipe and having
the same center) venting system. It brings in
fresh air for combustion through the outer pipe
and combustion gases are exhausted through
the inner pipe. If the glass door assembly and
venting pipe are not properly seated, con-
nected and sealed, carbon monoxide leakage
(spillage) can occur.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Product Identication ........................................... 4
Local Codes......................................................... 5
Product Features ................................................. 5
Pre-Installation Preparation ................................. 5
Location of Termination Cap ................................ 8
Venting Installation .............................................. 9
Fireplace Installation.......................................... 19
Operation ........................................................... 27
Inspecting Burners............................................. 30
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 31
Troubleshooting ................................................. 33
Specications .................................................... 37
Replacement Parts ............................................ 37
Service Hints ..................................................... 37
Technical Service............................................... 37
Parts .................................................................. 38
Accessories ....................................................... 42
Warranty ..............................................Back Cover

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116239-01K 3
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs
of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the
u, with headaches, dizziness or nausea. If
you have these signs, the replace may not
be working properly. Get fresh air at once!
Have replace 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 gas 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 replace.
WARNING: Any change to
this replace or it’s controls can
be dangerous. Do not modify
this replace under any circum-
stances. Any parts removed for
servicing must be replaced prior
to operating replace.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not
approved for use with this re-
place.
WARNING: 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 unless
a certied kit is used.
SAFETY
Continued
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the replace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
ame patterns.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects on the appliance.
Do not use this replace to cook
food or burn paper or other am-
mable material.
This replace reaches high tem-
peratures. Keep children and
adults away from hot surface to
avoid burns or clothing ignition.
Fireplace will remain hot for a
time after shutdown. Allow sur-
face to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with replace.
Keep the area around your
replace clear of combustible
materials, gasoline and other
ammable vapor or liquids. Do
not run replace where these
are used or stored.
1. For propane/LP replace, 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 lb. capacity.

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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 you gas supplier,
call the re department.
3. Never install the replace
• in a recreational vehicle
• in windy or drafty areas where curtains
or other combustible (flammable)
objects can make contact with the
replace front
• in high trafc areas
4. Turn fireplace off and let cool before
servicing, installing or repairing. Only a
qualied service person should install,
service or repair this replace. Have re-
place inspected annually by a qualied
service person.
5. You must keep control compartments,
burners and circulating air passages
clean. More frequent cleaning may be
needed due to excessive lint and dust
SAFETY
Continued
from carpeting, bedding material, etc.
Turn off the gas valve and pilot light before
cleaning replace.
6. Have venting system inspected annually by
a qualied service person. If needed, have
venting system cleaned or repaired. See
Cleaning and Maintenance, page 31.
7. Do not use any solid fuels (wood, coal,
paper, cardboard, etc.) in this replace.
Use only the gas type indicated on re-
place nameplate.
8. This appliance, when installed, must be
electrically 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.
9. Do not use replace if any part has been
exposed to or under water. Immediately
call a qualied service person to arrange
for replacement of the unit.
10. Do not operate replace if any log is
broken.
11. Do not operate replace with glass door
removed, cracked or broken.
12. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
Figure 1 - Direct-Vent Fireplace with Millivolt Ignition
Glass Door
Assembly
Switch Bracket for Optional
Remote and Blower
Control Valve
with Piezo Ignitor
Log Set
Lava Rock
Glowing
Embers
Upper Louver Panel
Lower
Louver
Panel
Flue Collar
Nailing Flange
Burner
Assembly
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

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116239-01K 5
PRODUCT FEATURES
Figure 2 - Common Fireplace Locations
Flush with a wall
Through exterior wall
enclosed in a chase
Corner
installation
Figure 3 - Fireplace Bottom Dimensions
D
RW
FW
23 1/4"
36 1/4"
48"
• Only the blower requires electricity if in-
stalled and if you plan to install the blower at
a later date, do not forget to wire the outlet at
the bottom of the replace when framing.
• A piezo ignitor and ceramic electrode cre-
ate spark to ignite the pilot light. It does not
require any matches, batteries or any other
sources of ignition to light the pilot.
• Each time you turn on your replace, you
may notice some amount of condensation
on the inside of the replace glass. This
is normal and will disappear after 10-20
minutes of operation.
• Your direct-vent gas fireplace system
(replace and venting) is a balanced and
sealed gas operating unit. It requires ap-
proximately 10-20 minutes of operating
time before the ame pattern stabilizes.
• Fireplaces with the sufx of -HA have been
designed to operate at altitudes of 4000
feet and above.
LOCAL CODES
These are a few facts that can help you under-
stand and enjoy your direct-vent replace:
• The venting system may be routed to the
outside of your home in several ways. It
may vent through the roof (vertical) or it
may vent to an outside/exterior wall (hori-
zontal). The vent pipe installation is very
important to allow for proper operation.
You must follow the venting instructions
very carefully for either vertical or horizontal
applications.
• This replace may be installed in any room
of your house provided all local codes and
these installation instructions are followed.
• This replace requires a wall switch, hand-
held remote or wall thermostat (millivolt) for
operation (see Accessories, page 42).
• This replace does not require electricity
to operate.
Install and use replace with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence to local codes,
use the current National Fuel Gas Code ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54* (USA) or the current CSA-
B149.1 Installation Code (Canada).
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION
LOCATION AND SPACE
REQUIREMENTS
Determine the safest and most efcient loca-
tion for your DESA Heating, LLC direct-vent
replace. Make sure that rafters and wall
studs are not in the way of the venting system.
Choose a location where the heat output is
not affected by drafts, air conditioning ducts,
windows or doors. Figure 2 shows some com-
mon locations. Be aware of all restrictions and
precautions before deciding the exact location
for your replace and termination cap.
When deciding the location of your replace,
follow these rules:
• Do not connect this replace venting to a
chimney ue serving a separate solid-fuel
burning replace or appliance.
• Due to high temperatures, do not locate this
replace in high trafc areas, windy or drafty
areas or near furniture or draperies.
• Proper clearances must be maintained.

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• If your replace is to be installed directly on
carpeting, vinyl tile or any combustible ma-
terial other than wood, it must be installed
on a metal or wood panel extending the full
width and depth of the replace. See Figure
3, page 5.
• Your replace is designed to be used in
zero clearance installations. Wall or framing
material can be placed directly against any
exterior surface on the back, sides or top of
your replace, except where standoff spac-
ers are integrally attached. If standoff spac-
ers are attached to your replace, these
spacers can be placed directly against wall
or framing material. See framing details on
page 6 and 7.
• If you plan on installing a television or
entertainment center recessed above
your replace, it is recommended that you
maintain a minimum 18" above top of louver
opening.
• When locating termination cap, it is impor-
tant to observe the minimum clearances
shown in Figure 7, page 8.
• If recessing into a wall, you can avoid extra
framing by positioning your replace against
an already existing framing member.
• Do not recess termination cap into a wall
or siding.
• You may paint the termination cap with
450º F (232º C) heat-resistant paint to
coordinate with the exterior nish.
• There must not be any obstruction such
as bushes, garden sheds, fences, decks
or utility buildings within 24" from the front
of the termination cap.
• Do not locate termination cap where exces-
sive snow or ice build up may occur. Be sure
to clear vent termination area after snow falls
to prevent accidental blockage of venting
system. When using snow blowers, do not
direct snow towards vent termination area.
• For horizontal installations above 2,000
feet, it is recommended that a 12" extension
pipe be added before starter elbow and a
round horizontal termination be used (see
High Altitude Installation, page 17).
PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION
Continued
CLEARANCES
Minimum clearances to combustibles for the
replace are as follows:
*Back and sides 0"
Perpendicular walls 6"
Floor 0"
Ceiling to louver opening 42"
Front 36"
Top of Standoffs 0"
Vent (See venting instruc-
tions for specic vent-
ing clearances.)
Combustible material with a maximum thick-
ness of 5/8" may be ush with the top front
of replace.
* For back and sides of replace, do not pack
with insulation or other materials. Zero inch
clearance to combustible materials are for
framing purpose only.
NOTICE: This replace is in-
tended for use as supplemental
heat. Use this replace along
with your primary heating sys-
tem. Do not install this replace
as your primary heat source.
If you have a central heating
system, you may run system’s
circulating blower while using
replace. This will help circulate
the heat throughout the house.
In the event of a power outage,
you can use this replace as a
heat source.
FRAMING AND FINISHING
Figure 4 shows typical framing of this replace.
Figure 5 shows framing for corner installation.
All minimum clearances must be met.
For available accessories for this replace,
see Accessories on page 42. If you are using
a separate combustible mantel piece, refer to
Figure 6 for proper installation height. You can
install noncombustible mantels at any height
above the replace.
Note: Noncombustible mantels may dis-
color!

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116239-01K 7
A
B
E
F
G
H
DC
Nailing Tabs
Figure 4 - Framing Clearances for
Installation Against an Exterior Wall
40 1/8"
48 1/4"
23" Horizontal Vent
26 1/2" Vertical Vent
C
B
A
DE
FG
T o p of Louver
Opening
3
2
1
4
5
6
7
Wall
Figure 5 - Framing Clearances for Corner
Installation
Ref.
Mantel
Depth Ref.
Mantel from
Top of Louver
Opening
1 14" A 16"
2 12" B 14"
3 10" C 12"
4 8" D 10"
5 6" E 8"
6 4" F 6"
7 2" G 4"
Figure 6 - Clearances for Combustible
Mantels
48"
48 1/4"
41 5/8"
21 5/8"58 1/2"
16 3/4"
81 1/2"
13 1/2"
PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION
Continued
Nailing
Tabs

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Fixed
Closed OpenableFixed
Closed
V
V
V
V
VV
V
V
X
X
VX
G
G
J
F
B
B
K
N
H
I
A
N
E
L
D
B
M
A
C
B
V
V
A
G
G
B
TERMINATION CAP AIR SUPPLY INLET GAS METERRESTRICTED AREA
(TERMINATION PROHIBITED)
A = clearance above grade, veranda, porch, deck, or
balcony [*12" (30.5 cm) minimum]
B = clearance to window or door that may be opened
[6" (15 cm) min. for 10,000 Btu or less; 9" (23 cm) in US
if between 10,000 and 50,000, 12" (30 cm) in Canada
if between 10,000 and 100,000; 12" (30 cm) in US if
greater than 50,000, 36" (91 cm) in Canada if greater
than 100,000]
C = clearance to permanently closed window
[minimum 12" (30.5 cm) recommended to prevent
condensation on window]
D = vertical clearance to ventilated soffit located above the
terminal within a horizontal distance of 24" (61 cm) from
the center-line of the terminal [18" (45.7 cm) minimum]
E = clearance to unventilated soffit [12" (30.5 cm) minimum]
F = clearance to outside corner (see below)
G = clearance to inside corner (see below)
H = *not to be installed above a meter/regulator assembly
within 36" (91.4 cm) horizontally from the center line
of the regulator
I = clearance to service regulator vent outlet [*72" (182.9 cm)
minimum]
J = clearance to non-mechanical air supply inlet to building
or the combustion air inlet to any other fireplace
[6" (15 cm) min. for 10,000 Btu or less; 9" (23 cm) in US
if between 10,000 and 50,000, 12" (30 cm) in Canada
if between 10,000 and 100,000; 12" (30 cm) in US if
greater than 50,000, 36" (91 cm) in Canada if greater
than 100,000]
K = clearance to a mechanical air supply inlet [*In Canada,
6 ft. (1.83m) minimum; In US 3 ft. (91 cm) above if within
10 ft. (3 m) horizontally]
L = † clearance above paved side-walk or a paved driveway
located on public property [*84" (213.3 cm) minimum]
M = clearance under veranda, porch, deck
[*12" (30.5 cm) minimum ‡]
N = clearance above a roof shall extend a minimum of
24" (61 cm) above the highest point when it passes
through the roof surface and any other obstruction within
a horizontal distance of 18" (45.7 cm)
† vent shall not terminate directly above a side-walk or paved driveway which is located between two
single family dwellings and serves both dwellings*
‡ only permitted if veranda, porch, deck or balconey is fully open on a minimum of 2 sides beneath the floor*
* as specified in CAN/CSA B149 (.1 or .2) Installation Codes (1991) for Canada and U.S.A.
Note: Local codes or regulations may require different clearances
A = 6" (15.2 cm)
Inside Corner
V
B
E
V
B = 6" (15.2 cm)
C = Maximum depth of 48" (121.9 cm)
for recessed location
D = Minimum width for back wall of
recessed location -
Combustible - 38" (965 mm)
Noncombustible - 24" (61 cm)
E = Clearance from corner in
recessed location-
Combustible - 6" (15.2 cm)
Noncombustible - 2" (5.1 cm)
Outside Corner Recessed Location
G
H
G = 12" (30.5 cm) minimum clearance
Balcony with No Side Wall
V
J
Combustible &
Noncombustible
H = 24" (61 cm)
J = 20" (50.8 cm)
Balcony with Perpendicular Side Wall
C
D
C
Termination Clearances for Buildings with Combustible and Noncombustible Exteriors
Openable
Figure 7 - Minimum Clearances for Termination Cap
LOCATION OF TERMINATION CAP

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116239-01K 9
VENTING INSTALLATION
NOTICE:Failuretofollow these in-
structions will void the warranty.
NOTICE: Do not seal termination
cap to vent pipe. Cap must be
removable for vent inspection
and maintenance.
INSTALLATION PRECAUTIONS
• Wear gloves and safety glasses for pro-
tection.
• Use extreme caution when using ladders
or when on roof tops.
• Be aware of electrical wiring locations in
walls and ceilings.
The following actions will void the warranty
on your venting system:
• Installation of any damaged venting com-
ponent.
• Unauthorized modication of the venting sys-
tem (Do not cut or alter vent components).
• Installation of any component part not
manufactured or approved by DESA Heat-
ing, LLC.
• Installation other than as instructed by
these instructions.
WARNING: This gas replace
and vent assembly must be
vented directly to the outside.
TheventingsystemmustNEVER
be attached to a chimney serv-
ing a separate solid fuel burning
appliance. Each direct-vent gas
appliance must use a separate
vent system. Do not use com-
mon vent systems.
WARNING: Vent pipe air
space clearances to combus-
tibles are 1" on all sides except
on the horizontal sections,
which require 2" clearances
from the top of the pipe. Where
the termination cap penetrates
a combustible wall, 1" air space
clearance is required.
NOTICE: Read these instruc-
tions completely before attempt-
ing installation.
These models are tested and approved for
use with DESA Heating, LLC (direct-vent) pipe
components and terminations.
The venting system must terminate on the out-
side of the structure and can not be attached
to a chimney or ue system serving a separate
solid fuel or gas burning appliance. A direct-vent
appliance must have its own venting system.
DO NOT common vent this appliance.
These models are approved to be vented
either horizontally through an outside wall or
vertically through a roof or chase enclosure
using the following guidelines:
• When venting system terminates horizon-
tally on an outside wall, you may install
a standoff if the termination cap is to be
installed directly on a combustible nish
such as vinyl, wood, stucco, etc.
• Never run the vent downward as this may
cause excessive temperatures which could
cause a re.
• Vent pipe air space clearances to com-
bustibles are 1" on all sides except on the
horizontal sections, which requires 2" clear-
ance from the top of the pipe. Where the
termination cap penetrates a combustible
wall, 1" air space clearance is required.
• Snorkel terminations are required when
minimum clearance to grade cannot be
met (see Figure 16 on page 13).
• Have replace and selected vent compo-
nents on hand to help determine the exact
measurements when elbowing or offsetting.
Always use wall restops when penetrating
walls and restops when penetrating ceil-
ings or attic spaces.
• If using a venting conguration of only
horizontal venting with no vertical run, a
1/4" rise for every 12" of run toward the
termination is required.
• For installation of replace at elevations of
4000 feet or greater, pay special attention
to venting requirement recommendations.
WARNING:Readallinstructions
completely and thoroughly before
attempting installation. Failure to
do so could result in serious injury,
property damage or loss of life.

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INSTALLATION PLANNING
There are two basic types of direct-vent
installation:
• Horizontal Termination
• Vertical Termination
Horizontal Termination Installation
IMPORTANT: Horizontal square terminations
require only inner portion of wall restop. Hori-
zontal installations using round termination
require exterior portion of wall restop (see
Figure 14, page 12).
1. Set replace in its desired location and
determine route your horizontal venting
will take. Do not secure replace until all
venting has been installed. Some instal-
lations require sliding replace in and out
of position to make nal venting connec-
tions. Figures 14 through 18 on pages 12
through 14 show different congurations
for venting with horizontal termination that
will help you decide which application best
suits your installation. Check to see if wall
studs or roof rafters are in the path of your
desired venting route. If they are, you may
want to adjust location of replace.
2. Direct vent pipe sections and components
are designed with special twist-lock con-
nections.
Twist-Lock Procedure: Female ends of
pipes have locking lugs (indentations).
These lugs will slide straight into match-
ing slots on male ends of adjacent pipes.
Push pipe sections together and twist
one section clockwise approximately
one-quarter turn until the sections are fully
locked (see Figure 8).
Note: Horizontal runs of vent must be sup-
ported every three feet. Use wall straps
for this purpose.
3. Use a 45° elbow to connect venting sys-
tem to replace ue collar. The elbow is
designed to be twist-locked onto ue collar
as described in step 2. IMPORTANT: Do
not attempt to alter conguration of elbow
by cutting, twisting, bending, etc.
4. Assemble desired combination of pipe
and elbows to replace ue collar. If there
are long portions of venting run, pre-as-
sembled pipe sections may be installed
as subassemblies for convenience.
VENTING INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 8 - Vent Pipe Connections
(Framing
Detail)
11
1
/ 2 "
11
1
/ 2 " Inside Framing
11
1
/ 2 "
8
1
/ 2 "
Vent
O
pening
Combustible Wall
Vent Opening
Noncombustible Wall
Figure 9 - Vent Opening Requirements
Center of
Hole
5. Carefully determine location where vent
pipe assembly will penetrate outside
wall. Center of hole should line up with
center line of horizontal vent pipe. Mark
wall for a 11 1/2" x 11 1/2" square hole.
Cut and frame square hole in exterior
wall where vent will be terminated. If wall
being penetrated is constructed of non-
combustible material, such as masonry
block or concrete, a 8 1/2" hole with zero
clearance is acceptable (see Figure 9).
Female Locking Lugs
Male
Slots