Desa VSGF36NRA Quick start guide

For more information, visit www.desatech.com
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 instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
MODELS
VSGF36NTA, VSGF36PTA, VSGF36NRA AND VSGF36PRA
UNVENTED (VENT-FREE) GAS FIREPLACE SYSTEM
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.

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2
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion, service or maintenance can cause injury or prop-
erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi-
tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses
air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provi-
sions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must
be provided. Refer to Air for Combustion and Ventilation
section on page 7 of this manual.
WARNING: For use only with a listed decorative type
unvented room heater. Do not build a wood fire.
This firebox has been tested and approved by CSA Inter-
national under Z21.91-2001 for use with approved ANSI
Z21.11.2 decorative type unvented room heater.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket*, per-
manently located, manufactured (mobile) home, where
not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas indi-
cated on the rating plate. This appliance is not convert-
ible for use with other gases.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 3
Local Codes ........................................................ 4
Product Identification ........................................... 5
Unpacking ........................................................... 5
Product Features ................................................. 5
Locating Firebox .................................................. 6
Product Specifications ......................................... 6
Air For Combustion and Ventilation ..................... 7
Installation ........................................................... 9
Operating Fireplace ........................................... 19
Inspecting Burners ........................................... 24
Cleaning and Maintenance ................................ 25
Wiring Diagram .................................................. 26
Specifications .................................................... 26
Replacement Parts ............................................ 26
Technical Service .............................................. 26
Service Hints ..................................................... 26
Troubleshooting ................................................. 27
Accessories ....................................................... 31
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List ....... 32
Warranty Information ...........................Back Cover

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116746-01A 3
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING: This product con-
tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the state of California
to cause cancer or birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble,
operate or service this heater.
Improper use of this heater 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 flu, with
headaches, dizziness or nausea. If you have these
signs, the heater may not be working properly. Get
fresh air at once! Have heater 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 and Propane/LP Gas: Natural and pro-
pane/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 heater.
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not ap-
proved for use with this heater.
WARNING: 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.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of traffic and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects on the heater.
Fireplace front and screen be-
come very hot when running fire-
place. Keep children and adults
away from hot surfaces to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Fire-
place will remain hot for a time
after shutdown. Allow surfaces
to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with fireplace. When using the
optional hand-held remote ac-
cessory, keep selector switch
in the OFF position to prevent
children from turning on burners
with remote.
You must operate this fireplace
with the fireplace screen and
hood in place. Make sure fire-
place screen and hood are in
place before running heater.
Keep the appliance area clear
and free from combustible ma-
terials, gasoline and other flam-
mable vapors and liquids.

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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) in-
side any structure. Locate propane/LP supply
tank(s) outdoors (propane/LP units only).
3. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• do not try to light any appliance
• do not touch any electrical switch; do not use
any phone in your building
• immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas supplierʼs
instructions
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department
4. This fireplace shall not be installed in a bed-
room or bathroom.
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. To prevent the creation of soot, follow the
instructions in Cleaning and maintenance,
page 25.
8. Before using furniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner or similar products, turn heater off. If
heated, the vapors from these products may
create a white powder residue within burner
box or on adjacent walls or furniture.
9. This fireplace needs fresh air ventilation to run
properly. This fireplace has an Oxygen Deple-
tion Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The
ODS shuts down the fireplace if enough fresh
air is not available. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, page 7. If fireplace keeps
shutting off, see Troubleshooting, page 27.
10. Do not run fireplace
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used
or stored
• under dusty conditions
11. Do not use this fireplace to cook food or burn
paper or other objects.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Continued
12. 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.
13. Do not operate fireplace if any log is broken.
Do not operate fireplace if a log is chipped
(dime-sized or larger).
14. Turn fireplace off and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualified service person should service
and repair fireplace.
15. Operating fireplace above elevations of 4,500
feet could cause pilot outage.
16. To prevent performance problems in propane/LP
units, do not use propane/LP fuel tanks of less
than 100 lbs. capacity (propane/LP units only).
17. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
LOCAL CODES
Install and use fireplace with care. Follow all local
codes. In the absence of local codes, use the lat-
est 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
Note: Where listed vented decorative logs are
required, thermostat operation is not permitted.
State of Massachusetts: The installa-
tion must be made by a licensed plumber
or gas fitter in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural
gas-fired supplemental room heaters shall
provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for
bedroom and bathroom installation in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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116746-01A 5
Optional
Remote
Control
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 - Log Base Assembly
(VSGF36NRA Shown)
Log Set
Base
Assembly
Front
Burner
Piezo
Ignitor
Rear
Burner
Top Louver
Assembly
Fireplace
Hood
Bottom Louver
Assembly
Screen
Assembly
Top Outer
Casing
Figure 2 - Fireplace (VSGF36NRA Shown)
UNPACKING
CAUTION: Do not remove
the data plates attached to the
heater base assembly. The data
plates contain
1. With utility knife, cut the carton all the way
around above the staples on the bottom tray.
Lift the carton off the heater. Remove packing.
Note: The hood is located on top of fireplace
in a carton.
2.
Locate one screw above top left corner of the
fireplace screen. Remove and discard screw. 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.
PRODUCT FEATURES
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 backup heat.
SAFETY DEVICE
This fireplace has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion
Sensing (ODS) safety shutoff system. The ODS/
pilot is a required feature for vent-free room heat-
ers. The ODS/pilot 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.
OPTIONAL REMOTE CONTROL
ACCESSORY
There are four optional remote controls (not
included) that can be purchased separately for
this log heater:
• wall switch
• wall thermostat
• hand-held ON/OFF remote
• hand-held thermostat remote
See Accessories, page 31.

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LOCATING FIREBOX
PLANNING
Plan where you will install the firebox. This will save time and money later when you install the firebox.
Before installation, consider the following:
1. Where the firebox will be located. Allow for wall and ceiling clearances (see Installation Clear-
ances, page 10).
2. Everything needed to complete installation.
3. These models CANNOT be installed in a bedroom unless the maximum Btu rating of the installed
vent-free log set is less than 10,000 Btu/hr.
4. Proper air for combustion and ventilation (page 7).
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 3 - Firebox Dimensions
Firebox Top View
Front View
Right Side View
Left Side View

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116746-01A 7
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
WARNING: This firebox shall
not be installed in a confined
space or unusually tight con-
struction unless provisions are
provided for adequate combus-
tion and ventilation air. Read the
following instructions to insure
proper fresh air for this and
other fuel-burning appliances
in your home.
Todayʼs 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 effi-
cient, 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, fireboxes, 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 are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3,
Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three fol-
lowing ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconfined Space
3. Confined Space
The information on pages 7 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 out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of
one perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-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 additional fresh
air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors,
page 9.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow for Heater Location, page 8.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54 defines a confined space as a space whose
volume is less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu
per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input
rating of all appliances installed in that space and
an unconfined space as a space whose volume is
not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour
(4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input rating of
all appliances installed in that space. Rooms com-
municating directly with the space in which the
appliances are installed*, through openings not
furnished with doors, are considered 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 HEATER 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 heater plus any adjoining rooms with door-
less 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. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
__________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 3168 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 =
63,360 (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
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Di-
rect-vent draws combustion air from the outdoors
and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater __________ Btu/Hr
Vent-free fireplace + ________ Btu/Hr
Total = ________ Btu/Hr
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: 63,360 Btu/Hr (maximum the space
can support)
79,000 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 maxi-
mum 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 adjoin-
ing 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 9.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventila-
tion 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 maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support, the space is
an unconfined space. You will need no additional
fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in which
the heater may be operated is
smaller than that defined as
an unconfined space or if the
building is of unusually tight
construction, provide adequate
combustion and ventilation air
by one of the methods described
in the National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 Section 5.3
or applicable local codes.
40,000
39,000
79,000

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116746-01A 9
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining un-
confined space. When ventilating to an adjoining
unconfined space, you must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and
one within 12" of the floor on the wall connecting
the two spaces (see options 1 and 2, Figure 4). You
can also remove door into adjoining room (see
option 3, Figure 3). Follow the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Section 5.3, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation for required size of
ventilation grills or ducts.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION
AND VENTILATION
Continued
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. Follow the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54,
Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for
required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
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 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
Ventilation
Grills
Into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12"
12"
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
A
ir
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
INSTALLATION
NOTICE: This heater is intended
for use as supplemental heat.
Use this heater along with your
primary heating system. Do not
install this heater as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have a
central heating system, you may
run system’s circulating blower
while using heater. This will help
circulate the heat throughout the
house. In the event of a power
outage, you can use this heater
as your primary heat source.
WARNING: A qualified service
person must install fireplace.
Follow all local codes.
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 42 inches
from the front, top or sides of
the heater
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas

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CAUTION: This fireplace cre-
ates warm air currents. These
currents move heat to wall sur-
faces next to fireplace. Installing
fireplace next to vinyl or cloth
wall coverings or operating
heater where impurities (such
as, but not limited, to tobacco
smoke, aromatic candles, clean-
ing fluids, oil or kerosene lamps,
etc.) in the air exist, may discolor
walls or cause odors.
Note: Your fireplace is designed to be used in zero
clearance installations. Wall or framing material
can be placed directly against any exterior surface
on the rear, sides or top of your fireplace, except
where standoff spacers are integrally attached. If
standoff spacers are attached to your fireplace,
these spacers can be placed directly against wall
or framing materials.
Use the dimensions shown for rough openings to
create the easiest installation. See Built-In Fire-
place Installation, page 11.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to
the air. Although this is beneficial, installing fire-
place in rooms without enough ventilation air may
cause mildew to form from too much moisture. See
Air for Combustion and Ventilation, page 7.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the fireplace is level.
If fireplace is not level, log set will not work
properly.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use the correct gas type (natural or propane/LP)
for your fireplace. If your gas supply is not cor-
rect, do not install fireplace. Call dealer where you
bought fireplace for proper type fireplace.
WARNING: This appliance
is equipped for (natural or pro-
pane/LP) gas. Field conversion
is not permitted.
INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances. If you
can, provide greater clearances
from floor, ceiling and adjoining
wall.
Carefully follow the instructions below. This will
ensure safe installation.
Minimum Wall and Ceiling Clearances (see
Figure 6)
A. Clearances from the side of the fireplace
cabinet to any combustible material and wall
should follow diagram in Figure 6.
Example: The face of a mantel, bookshelf,
etc. is made of combustible material and
protrudes 3 1/2" from the wall. This combus-
tible material must be 4" from the side of the
fireplace cabinet (see Figure 6).
B. Clearances from the top of the firebox open-
ing to the ceiling should not be less than 42
inches.
C. When the firebox is installed on carpeting or
other combustible material, other than wood
flooring, the firebox should be installed on a
metal or wood panel extending the full width
and depth of the enclosure.
D. Clearances from the bottom of firebox to the
floor is 0 inches.
These fireboxes can be installed as freestanding
units against a wall with the approved, optional
cabinet mantels (see Accessories, page 31) or as a
built-in unit. The clearances are the same for either
installation method.
CAUTION: Do not install the
firebox directly on carpet or
vinyl.
*Minimum 16 inches from Side Wall
*
Example
Figure 6 - Minimum Clearance for
Combustible to Wall

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116746-01A 11
INSTALLATION
Continued
Mantel Clearances for Built-In
Installation
If placing custom mantel above built-in firebox,
you must meet the minimum allowable clearance
between mantel shelf and top of firebox opening
shown in Figure 7. These are the minimum allowable
mantel clearances for a safe installation. Use larger
clearances wherever possible to minimize the heat-
ing of objects and materials placed on the mantel.
CAUTION: Do not allow the
vent-free gas log heater to touch
or extend beyond the fireplace
screen.
NOTICE: Surface temperatures
of adjacent walls and mantels be-
come hot during operation. Walls
and mantels above the firebox
may become hot to the touch.
If installed properly, these tem-
peratures meet the requirement
of the national product standard.
Follow all minimum clearances
shown in this manual.
NOTICE: If your installation does
not meet the minimum clearances
shown, you must do one of the
following:
• raise the mantel to an accept-
able height
• remove the mantel
BUILT-IN FIREBOX INSTALLATION
Built-in installation of this firebox involves install-
ing firebox into a framed-in enclosure. This makes
the front of firebox flush with wall. Optional brass
trim accessories are available (see Accessories,
page 31). The brass trim will extend past sides of
firebox approximately 1/2 inch. This will cover
the rough edges of the wall opening. If installing
a mantel above the firebox, you must follow the
clearances shown in Figure 6, page 10. Follow
the instructions below to install the firebox in
this manner.
Figure 7 - Minimum Mantel Clearances for Built-In Installation
Supplied Firebox
Hood Must Be
Used at All Times
Wire-mesh
Screen
Firebox
Noncombustible
Material May
Project Off this
Surface above
the Firebox Hood
Mantel Shelf
Note: Any portion of the
mantel shelf must NOT
extend beyond this profile.
12" 16"
20"
11 /2"
63/4"
12"
Note: All vertical
measurements are
from top of fireplace
hood opening to
bottom of mantel shelf.
These minimum
clearances replace any
other recommended
clearances supplied with
your ANSI Z21.11.2
approved gas logs.
Wall board or facing
material (above
firebox) may be of
combustible material,
including decorative
mantel ornaments or
other similar projec-
tions off of the facing
material.
Framing
Material

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Rough Opening Dimensions for
Built-in Installation
Front Width
(Inside to Depth
Model Inside) Height (Minimum)
36" 41 1/2" 40 1/2" 20 3/4"
1. Frame in rough opening. The firebox framing
should be constructed of 2 x 4 lumber or heavier.
Use dimensions in Table 1 and rough opening
layout in Figure 8. Adjust framing so that firebox
flushes with finished wall surface. If installing
in a corner, use dimensions in Figures 8 and 9
for rough opening.
2. Install gas piping to firebox location. See Installing
Gas Piping to Fireplace Location on page 13 and
Connecting Fireplace to Gas Supply, page 15.
IMPORTANT: If installing blower accessory
(circulating models with louvers only), see Hard-
Wiring Firebox, page 18.
3. Carefully set firebox in front of rough open-
ing with back of firebox inside wall opening.
IMPORTANT: If installing a perimeter trim
kit, see instructions included with trim acces-
sory. You must install shoulder screws from
trim kit now.
4. Carefully insert firebox into rough opening.
5. Attach firebox to wall studs using nails or
wood screws through holes in nailing flange
(see Figure 10).
6. If using an optional perimeter trim kit, install
the trim after final finishing and/or painting
of wall. See instructions included with trim
accessory for attaching trim.
7. Install and properly test gas log heater. Fol-
low installation instructions included with
the vent-free gas log heater that is being
installed.
IMPORTANT: When finishing your firebox,
combustible materials such as wall board, gypsum
board, sheet rock, drywall, plywood, etc. may be
butted up next to the sides and top of the firebox.
Combustible materials should never overlap the
firebox front facing.
WARNING: Do not allow any
combustible materials to overlap
the firebox front facing.
IMPORTANT: Noncombustible materials such as
brick, tile, etc. may overlap the front facing, but
should never cover any necessary openings like
louvered slots.
WARNING: Do not allow non-
combustible materials to cover
any necessary openings like
louvered slots.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 8 - Rough Opening for Installing
in Wall
Depth
(Minimum)
Width
(Inside to Inside)
Height
37"
411/2"
5
211
/
32"
74"
TOP VIEW
FOR 36"
MODELS
Figure 9 - Rough Opening for Installing
in Corner Wall
WARNING: Use only noncom-
bustible mortar or adhesives
when overlapping the front fac-
ing with noncombustible facing
material.
Figure 10 - Attaching Firebox to Wall
Studs
Nailing
Flange
Nails or
Wood
Screws

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116746-01A 13
INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING FIREBOX USING
OPTIONAL ACCESSORY MANTELS
WARNING: A qualified service
person must install firebox. Fol-
low all local codes.
This firebox may be installed using the corner or
cabinet mantel with hearth base accessories against
a wall in your home. A trim kit is included with the
mantel accessories (see Accessories, page 31).
1. Assemble cabinet mantel, hearth base, and
trim accessories. Assembly instructions are
included with each accessory.
2. Install gas piping to firebox location. See
Installing Gas Piping to Fireplace Location.
You may have to cut a hole in the floor or wall
to run gas line to firebox. Make sure to locate
access hole so it is covered by mantel/base when
installed.
3. Place hearth base against wall at installation
location. Cut an access hole in hearth top to run
flexible gas line to firebox (see Figure 11). Make
sure to locate access hole so cabinet mantel will
cover it when installed. Note: You can secure
base to floor using wood screws. Countersink
screw heads and putty over.
4. Route flexible gas line through access hole in
hearth base.
5. Center cabinet mantel on hearth base (see Figure
12). Make sure mantel is flush against wall.
6. Install trim kit furnished with mantel. See
instruction sheet included with mantel.
7. Carefully insert firebox into cabinet mantel. Be
careful not to scratch firebox, mantel, base, etc.
when installing (see Figure 13).
Figure 12 - Center Mantel on Hearth Base
INSTALLING GAS PIPING TO
FIREPLACE LOCATION
WARNING: This appliance
requires a 1/2" NPT (National
Pipe Thread) inlet connection to
the pressure regulator.
WARNING: A qualified service
person must connect fireplace
to gas supply. Follow all local
codes.
CAUTION: Never connect pro-
pane/LP fireplace directly to the
propane/LP supply. This fireplace
requires an external regulator
(not supplied). Install the external
regulator between the fireplace
and propane/LP supply.
Mantel
Figure 11 - Placing Hearth Base
Accessory Against Wall
Hearth
Base
Gas Line
Access
Hole
Rigid Pipe and
Gas Shutoff
Valve
Figure 13 - Inserting Firebox Into
Cabinet Mantel (Model May Vary From
Illustration)
Hearth
Baase

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14
INSTALLATION
Continued
WARNING: Never connect
natural gas fireplace to private
(non-utility) gas wells. This
gas is commonly known as
wellhead gas.
Installation Items Needed
Before installing fireplace, make sure you have
the items listed below.
• external regulator for propane/LP unit only
(supplied by installer)
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• equipment shutoff valve *
• test gauge connection *
• sediment trap (optional)
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
• approved flexible gas line with gas connector
(if allowed by local codes) (not provided)
* A CSA design-certified equipment shutoff valve
with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable alternative to
test gauge connection. Purchase the optional CSA
design-certified equipment shutoff valve from your
dealer. See Accessories, page 31.
For propane/LP units, the installer must supply
an external regulator. The external regulator will
reduce incoming gas pressure. You must reduce
incoming gas pressure to between 11 and 14 inches
of water. If you do not reduce incoming gas pres-
sure, heater regulator damage could occur. Install
external regulator with the vent pointing down
as shown in Figure 14. Pointing the vent down
protects it from freezing rain or sleet.
* Purchase the optional CSA design-certified
equipment shutoff valve from your dealer. See
Accessories, page 31.
** Minimum inlet pressure for purpose of input
adjustment.
Figure 15 - Gas Connection
Sediment Trap
CSA Design-Certified
Equipment Shutoff Valve
With 1/8" NPT Tap*
3" Minimum
Cap Pipe Tee
Nipple Joint
Natural Gas
From Gas Meter
(5" W.C.** to 10.5"
W.C. Pressure)
Propane/LP
From External
Regulator
(11" W.C.** to 14"
W.C. Pressure)
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 fireplace.
If pipe is too small, undue loss
of volume will occur.
Installation must include an equipment shutoff
valve, union and plugged 1/8" NPT tap. Locate
NPT tap within reach for test gauge hook up.
NPT tap must be upstream from fireplace (see
Figure 15).
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.
Check your building codes for any special re-
quirements for locating equipment shutoff valve
to fireplaces.
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 clogged fireplace valves. Never use sealant on
flare threads.
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
External
Regulator
Figure 14 - External Regulator With Vent
Pointing Down
Vent
Pointing
Down

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116746-01A 15
Note: If adding the G8007 series brick liner acces-
sory, install it now. Follow instructions in G8007
accessory kit.
CAUTION: Do not pick up
log base assembly by burner.
This could damage burner. Only
handle base by grates.
3. Route gas line (provided by installer) from
equipment shutoff valve to fireplace. Route
flexible gas supply line through one of the
access holes.
NOTICE: Most building codes
do not permit concealed gas
connections. A flexible gas line
is provided to allow accessibility
from the fireplace (see Figure 17).
The flexible gas supply line con-
nection to the equipment shutoff
valve should be accessible.
4. Attach the flexible gas line to gas supply (see
Figure 17). Check tightness of flexible gas
line attached to gas regulator of fireplace (see
Figure 17).
5. Check all gas connections for leaks. See
Checking Gas Connections, page 16.
6. Replace log base assembly back into fireplace.
Feed flexible gas line into fireplace base area
while replacing log base assembly. Make sure
the entire flexible gas line is in fireplace base
area. Reattach log base assembly to fireplace
with screws removed in step 2.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 16 - Removing Log Base
Assembly From Fireplace
Figure 17 - Attaching Flexible Gas Lines
Together
Flexible Gas Line
from Fireplace
Gas Regulator
To Fireplace
Gas Regulator
Equipment
Shutoff Valve
Provided by
Installer
Propane/LP
To External
Regulator
Natural Gas
To Gas Meter
WARNING: Use pipe joint
sealant that is resistant to liquid
petroleum (LP) gas.
We recommend that you install a sediment trap in
supply line as shown in Figure 15, page 14. Locate
sediment trap where it is within reach for clean-
ing. Install in piping system between fuel supply
and fireplace. Locate sediment trap where trapped
matter is not likely to freeze. A sediment trap traps
moisture and contaminants. This keeps them from
going into fireplace gas controls. If sediment trap
is not installed or is installed wrong, fireplace may
not run properly.
CONNECTING FIREPLACE TO GAS
SUPPLY
Installation Items Needed
• 5/16" hex socket wrench or nut-driver
• Phillips screwdriver
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas, not pro-
vided)
1. Remove fireplace screen. Remove one screw
that holds fireplace screen in place for ship-
ping. This screw is located near top left side
of screen. Discard screw. Lift fireplace screen
up and pull out to remove.
2. Remove screws that attach log base assembly
to fireplace (see Figure 16). Carefully lift up
log base assembly and remove from fireplace
(see Figure 16).

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16
CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Test all gas pip-
ing and connections, internal
and external to unit, for leaks
after installing or servicing. Cor-
rect all leaks at once.
WARNING: Never use an
open flame to check for a leak.
Apply a noncorrosive leak
detection fluid to all joints.
Bubbles forming show a leak.
Correct all leaks at once.
CAUTION: Make sure exter-
nal regulator has been installed
between propane/LP supply and
fireplace. See guidelines under
Connecting Fireplace to Gas
Supply, page 15.
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY
PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
(3.5 kPa)
1. Disconnect fireplace with its main gas valve
(control valve) and equipment shutoff valve
from gas supply piping system. Pressures
in excess of 1/2 psig will damage fireplace
regulator.
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where equipment
shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either
opening propane/LP supply tank valve for
propane/LP gas or opening main gas valve
located on or near gas meter for natural gas
or using compressed air.
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system.
Apply noncorrosive leak detection fluid to all
joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Reconnect fireplace and equipment shutoff
valve to gas supply. Check reconnected fittings
for leaks.
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than
1/2 PSIG (3.5 kPa)
1. Close equipment shutoff valve (see Figure 18).
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 18 - Equipment Shutoff Valve
Open
Closed
Equipment
Shutoff Valve
Figure 20 - Checking Gas Joints for
Propane/LP Gas
Propane/LP
Supply Tank
Equipment
Shutoff
Valve
Gas Control Valve
Gas Meter
Figure 19 - Checking Gas Joints for
Natural Gas
Gas Control Valve
Equipment Shutoff Valve
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either
opening propane/LP supply tank valve for
propane/LP gas or opening main gas valve
located on or near gas meter for natural gas
or using compressed air.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to equipment
shutoff valve for natural gas or propane/LP
supply to equipment shutoff valve for propane/
LP (see Figures 19 and 20). Apply noncorro-
sive leak detection fluid to all joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
PRESSURE TESTING FIREPLACE GAS
CONNECTIONS
1. Open equipment shutoff valve (see Figure 18).
2. Open main gas valve located on or near gas
meter for natural gas or open propane/LP
supply tank valve.
3. Make sure control knob of fireplace is in the
OFF position.

www.desatech.com
116746-01A 17
INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING LOGS
(MODELS VSGF36NTA, VSGF36PTA,
VSGF36NRA AND VSGF36PRA)
WARNING: Failure to posi-
tion the parts in accordance
with these diagrams or failure
to use only parts specifically
approved with this heater may
result in property damage or
personal injury.
CAUTION: Do not remove
the data plates attached to the
heater base assembly. The data
plates contain important safety
and warranty information.
It is very important to install these logs exactly
as instructed. Do not modify logs. Only use logs
supplied with heater.
1. Place front log on top of the grate. Make sure
the notches in the bottom of the log fit over
the grate prongs (see Figure 21). Push back
of logs flush with metal grate bars.
2. Rest middle log behind metal posts on grate as-
sembly. Make sure the grooves in the bottom of
the log fit over the grate. Bring the log forward
next to the metal posts (see Figure 22).
3. Slide the grooves in the back of the rear log
against the rear grate prongs. Make sure the log
fits securely over the prongs (see Figure 23).
Make sure log is completely vertical and not
leaning in toward burner where the flame will
touch the log.
WARNING: You must operate
this fireplace with the fireplace
screen in place. Make sure fire-
place screen is in place before
running fireplace.
Figure 21 - Installing Front Log
Figure 23 - Installing Rear Log
Figure 22 - Installing Middle Log
Front Log
Grate
Prongs
Metal
Grate
Bars
Notch
Middle Log
Metal Post Grate
Groove
Groove
Rear Log
Grate
Prong
Groove
in Back
of Log
Groove in
Back of Log
Grate
Prong
4. Check all joints from equipment shutoff valve
to gas control valve (see Figures 19 or 20, page
16). Apply noncorrosive leak detection fluid
to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light fireplace (see Operating Fireplace, page
19. Check all other internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off fireplace (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, pages 20 or 22, depending on your
model).

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18
INSTALLATION
Continued
INSTALLING FIREPLACE HOOD
AND SCREEN
1. Loosen screws inside top edge of firebox.
Slide notches in hood over screws and tighten
screws (see Figure 25).
2. Install fireplace screen by slipping notches
of fireplace screen over screws on front of
fireplace (see Figure 26).
Figure 25 - Hood Placement
(Model May Vary From Illustration)
HARD-WIRING FIREBOX
NOTICE: A qualified electrician
must connect electrical wiring to
duplex outlet for built-in instal-
lation. Follow all local codes.
In absence of local codes fol-
low The National Electric Code
ANSI/NFPA 70.
The “Handy Box” with duplex outlet is provided in
the firebox located in the lower right base area.
1. Remove screw holding duplex outlet cover to
handy box. Remove duplex outlet.
2. Route electrical cable through strain relief and
handy box (see Figure 24). Tighten screws on
strain relief.
3. Connect electrical cable to duplex outlet.
Match wire colors to those on duplex outlet.
Be sure to connect the ground wire.
4. Place duplex outlet back into handy box and
secure with screws. Replace outlet cover.
Strain Relief
Duplex Box/
Handy Box
Figure 24 - Hard-Wiring Firebox
Screw
Hood
Figure 26 - Screen Placement
(Model May Vary From Illustration)
Screw
Screen
Screws

www.desatech.com
116746-01A 19
OPERATING FIREPLACE
THERMOSTAT MODELS
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly,
a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or loss of life.
A. This appliance has a pilot which must be
lighted by hand. When lighting the pilot,
follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the
appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next
to the floor because some gas is heavier than
air and will settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electric switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from
a neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas
supplierʼs instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the
gas control knob. Never use tools. If the
knob will not push in or turn by hand, donʼt
try to repair it, call a qualified service tech-
nician or gas supplier. Force or attempted
repair may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has
been under water. Immediately call a
qualified service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which
has been under water.
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING: You must operate
this fireplace with the fireplace
screen in place. Make sure fire-
place screen is installed before
running fireplace.
NOTICE: During initial operation
of new fireplace, burning logs
will give off a paper-burning
smell. Orange flame will also be
present. Open window to vent
smell. Operate fireplace on HI
position to burn off odor. This
will only last a few hours.
1. STOP! Read the safety information, column 1.
2. Make sure equipment shutoff valve is fully
open.
3. Turn control knob clockwise to the
OFF position (see Figure 27).
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas.
Then smell for gas, including near the floor.
If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B” in the
safety information, column 1. If you donʼt
smell gas, go to the next step.
5. Turn control knob counterclockwise
to the PILOT position. Press in control
knob for five (5) seconds (see Figure 27).
Note: If running fireplace for first time,
there will be air in gas line. You may need
to press in control knob for 30 seconds or
longer. This will allow air to bleed from the
gas system.
6. Continue pressing control knob in. Press
and release ignitor button. This will light
pilot. The pilot is attached to the front
burner. If needed, keep pressing ignitor
button until pilot lights.
Figure 27 - Control Knob and Ignitor
Button Location
Ignitor Button
Control Knob

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20
OPERATING FIREPLACE
Continued
Note: If pilot does not stay lit, contact a
qualified service person or gas supplier for
repairs. Until repairs are made, light pilot
with match. To light pilot with match, see
Manual Lighting Procedure.
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 seconds
after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds, release
control knob.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 3
through 7. This fireplace has a safety inter-
lock system. Wait one (1) minute for system
to reset before lighting pilot again.
• If control knob does not pop out when
released, contact a qualified service person
or gas supplier for repairs.
8. Turn control knob counterclockwise
to desired heating level. The burners should
light. Set control knob to any heat level
between HI and LO.
CAUTION: Do not try to ad-
just heating levels by using the
equipment shutoff valve.
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Fireplace
Turn control knob clockwise to the OFF
position.
Shutting Off Burners Only (pilot stays lit)
Turn control knob clockwise to the
PILOT position.
Figure 28 - Pilot
Ignitor Electrode Pilot Burner
THERMOSTAT CONTROL
OPERATION
You can set the thermostat control knob to any
comfort level between HI and LO. The thermo-
stat will gradually modulate the heat output
and flame height from higher to lower settings
or pilot, in order to maintain the comfort level
you select. The ideal comfort setting will vary
by household depending upon the amount of
space to be heated, the output of the central
heating system, etc.
Note: Selecting the HI setting will cause the
burner to remain on without modulating down
in most cases.
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
1. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Lighting
Instructions, page 19.
2. Depress control knob and light pilot with
match.
3. Keep control knob pressed in for 30 seconds
after lighting pilot. After 30 seconds, release
control knob. Now follow step 8 under
Lighting Instructions, column 1.
REMOTE CONTROL MODELS
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not fol-
low these instructions exactly,
a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, per-
sonal injury or loss of life.
A. This appliance has a pilot which must be
lighted by hand. When lighting the pilot,
follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the
appliance area for gas. Be sure to smell next
to the floor because some gas is heavier than
air and will settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electric switch; do not
use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from
a neighborʼs phone. Follow the gas
supplierʼs instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call
the fire department.