Dimplex VFMQ User manual

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Dimplex Electric Thermal Storage (ETS)
Product Guide - Nova Scotia
1. Lower Space & Water Heating Bills and a Quick Return on Investment
Space & water heating account for more than 75% of the typical home’s energy bill. NS Power’s Time-Of-
Day (TOD) rates offer great savings for Off-Peak space and water heating through ETS.
• 50% less than the standard rate (6¢ vs 13¢)
• 60% less than the TOD peak rate (6¢ vs 16¢)
• Payback of 3 – 5 years resulting in a Return on Investment (ROI) of 20% - 30% for the homeowner.
2. Greater Comfort & Aesthetics
Combines (1) thermostat-controlled forced convection heat, with (2) radiant
heating that directly heats people and objects in the room. Attractive cabinet
design stores 20% more heat energy than competitive brands.
3. Environmentally Friendly
Renewable energy like wind power generates electricity around the clock but
not always when it’s needed. Storage heating stores extra capacity “Off-Peak”
energy, allowing more efficient overall generation. To meet this challenge,
Dimplex has been manufacturing storage heating since 1965.
4. Ease of Installation
No need to add duct work or piping. Most installations can be completed in a single day.
Dimplex Electric
Thermal Storage
(ETS) Heating
Product Guide
Model:
VFMQ
LI-926 2012/03
All information is subject to change
Key Homeowner Benefits

Storage heating uses less expensive Off-Peak electricity to store heat energy at night and then
release this heat as required to keep homeowners warm on even the coldest days.
The Dimplex DCP2010 automatic charge control system includes an outdoor temperature sensor
to determine how much heat to store for the next day and can be customized to meet each user’s
comfort needs while maximizing savings.
Heat energy is collected and stored within
the heater during Off-Peak periods when
rates are less expensive (6¢ per kWh).
During the day when energy rates are
expensive (16¢ per kWh), heat is
released into the room.
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
It is critical to do an accurate heat loss calculation on the area including all other energy efficiency
initiatives being considered to the area’s building envelope. The lower the room’s heat loss:
• the smaller the physical size of the storage heater
• the smaller the element amperage, wiring, breaker and impact on the home’s service capacity
• the better chance of using existing electrical wiring and the less expensive the installation
An online heat loss calculator can be found at http://www.dimplexheating.com/heat_loss_calculator.
The Importance of Accurate Heat Loss Calculations
• Keep all materials off the heater at least 4” (100mm) away from the top and sides, 12” (300mm)
from the front of the heater to allow the heat to properly circulate.
• We recommend that the area near the unit is cleaned periodically to reduce dust, dirt and pet
hair entering the heater.
Installation Clearances & Maintenance
What is Storage Heating and How Does it Work?
The Need to Control Water Heating under NSPi’s TOD Rate
NSPi's TOD rate is a whole-house rate and uncontrolled water heating will penalize your customer,
A typical home with 2 morning showers would use about 300 kWh per month for water heating and cost:
• $36 under NSPi’s standard rate.
• $48 under the Peak rate or 33% more. Even if you take a shower at 6:30, your water heater will do
the vast majority of its heating after 7am during the expensive Peak rate period.
• $18 under the Off-Peak rate if controlled by the Dimplex DCP2010 control panel.
Even if the homeowner’s water heater is undersized for full-day control, it should be controlled during the
Peak period and allowed to reheat during the Mid-Peak standard rate period from 12pm - 4pm. This is
easily programmed through the Dimplex DCP2010 control panel.
• For new installations, an 80 gallon (300 litre) tank will store lots of low-cost hot water.
All information is subject to change

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Product Information & Maximum Maintainable Heat Loss
All information is subject to change
Complete Kit Separate Components
Complete
Storage Heater
Storage
Heater
Cabinet
Element
Kit Storage Brick Boxes (3)
VFMQ20-220 1 x VFMQ20 1 x HFI220 4 x KOLLI25
VFMQ50-550 1 x VFMQ50 1 x HFI550 10 x KOLLI25
VFMQ60-660 1 x VFMQ60 1 x HFI660 12 x KOLLI25
VFMQ70-770 1 x VFMQ70 1 x HFI770 14 x KOLLI25
VFMQ40-440 1 x VFMQ40 1 x HFI440 8 x KOLLI25
VFMQ30-330 1 x VFMQ30 1 x HFI330 6 x KOLLI25
Model Heating
Element
Maximum
Maintainable
Heat Loss
1
(kW)
Wire &
Breaker
Empty Cabinet
Weight for
Transporting
3
Dimensions – LxHxD
Auto
8+4 Manual 8+0
2
Sizing Approximate
Installed Weight
4
(mm – inches)
VFMQ20-
220 2 kW 1.1 - 1.4 0.8 - 0.9 #14/2 15 Amp 34 kg – 75 lbs. 98 kg – 216 lbs. 626 x 672 x 250 mm (24⅝x 26½ x 9⅞in)
VFMQ30-
330 3 kW 1.7 - 2.1 1.2 - 1.4 #12/2 20 Amp 40 kg – 88 lbs. 137 kg – 301 lbs. 776 x 672 x 250 mm (30½ x 26½ x 9⅞in)
VFMQ40-
440 4 kW 2.1 - 2.7 1.6 - 1.8 #10/2 30 Amp 46 kg – 101 lbs. 176 kg – 387 lbs. 926 x 672 x 250 mm (36½ x 26½ x 9⅞in)
VFMQ50-
550 5 kW 2.9 - 3.7 2.1 - 2.3 #10/2 30 Amp 52 kg – 114 lbs. 215 kg – 473 lbs. 1,076 x 672 x 250 mm (42⅜x 26½ x 9⅞in)
VFMQ60-
660 6 kW 3.4 - 4.3 2.5 - 2.7 #8/2 40 Amp 58 kg – 128 lbs. 254 kg – 559 lbs. 1,226 x 672 x 250 mm (48¼ x 26½ x 9⅞in)
VFMQ70-
770 7 kW 3.8 - 4.7 2.8 - 3.1 #8/2 40 Amp 64 kg – 141 lbs. 293 kg – 646 lbs. 1,376 x 672 x 250 mm (54¼ x 26½ x 9⅞in)
1
Maximum Maintainable Heat Loss refers to the maximum heat loss each storage heater can meet based
on NS Power’s Off-Peak charge schedule and utilizing the Mid-Peak standard rate period for charging on
the coldest days of the year.
2
The 8+0 value should be used for all manual control heater sizing or when no additional charging is used
during the Mid-Peak period and therefore controlled for 16 hours straight.
3
Empty Cabinet Weight for Transporting is the weight of the storage heater cabinet alone and packaging.
4
The Approximate Installed Weight includes all its components:
• the storage heater cabinet
• the element kit
• the bricks for the storage core that are three to a box

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Charge Control Options
All information is subject to change
Charge controllers perform two functions:
1. Ensure that the elements charge only during the Off-Peak period.
2. Manage the amount of charge to meet the next day’s heating requirements. This can be done
automatically or manually by the user selecting the charge amount on each heater.
Automatic charge control is better:
• for sites with more than one heater .
• when low user involvement is desired.
• includes 4 additional relays to individually control up to 4 additional loads like water heating.
• at using the Mid-Peak period to add heat on only the coldest days and reduce each heater’s size.
Manual charge control option is:
• recommended for single heater installations in areas that can handle temperature fluctuations like
basements, cottages and workshops for times that the charge level is over/under set.
Dimplex’s DCP2010 Charge Control Panel can control:
• 1 to 30 VFMQ storage heaters.
• 4 additional 30 Amp loads including an electric water heater,
electric in-floor heating, baseboard heaters in non-living areas
and any other loads on their own circuit.
The panel is connected to:
• the NS Power meter lead wire #113397 (extra).
• the external temperature sensor by a 2m (6½ ft) cable (included) that
can be extended to 30m (100 ft) by #16/2 wire.
• each storage heater wired in parallel with #14/2 wire.
Key Benefits of the Dimplex Charge Control System:
• Surge protection to surpass IEC 61000-4-5 requirements.
• 4 x 30 Amp relays initiated in sequence 5 minutes apart (or randomly over 8½ minutes) at the beginning
of each charging period to reduce the inrush current. Each circuit can be set to power on during the
Mid-Peak period and can be overridden by the user for 1-hour or until the next lower cost period.
• Includes internal logic to maximize the user’s savings by using the Mid-Peak period to top up the
storage heaters on only the coldest days.
• Includes a “Technician” mode to lock-down key configuration settings and reduce customer calls.
• Based on the average outdoor temperature over the last 24-hours, the panel estimates the amount of
heat required and ensures that the heaters are fully charged by 6am, 1-hour before the 7am end of the
Off-Peak period. For example, if the heaters require a 4-hour charge, the heaters will begin charging
5-hours before the end of the Off-Peak period at 2pm reducing strain on the home’s service capacity.
• Users can customize and maximize their savings based on their lifestyle by selecting the outdoor
temperature to begin charging the units for spring and fall.
• The NEMA type-1 indoor panel dimensions are 12“ x 9¼“ x 4“.
Automatic Charge Control - DCP2010 Charge Control Panel

Every Dimplex storage heater has manual charge control
functionality built in. To use this option instead of the
DCP2010 automatic charge control, the top plug must be
removed from the panel on the heater’s right-hand side
and the supplied knob must be installed.
The manual charge control option allows the homeowner
to manually decide how much heat energy to store during
the Off-Peak period.
No charge (off) is the zero setting (▼) while a full charge
for those coldest days in January and February would be a three (III). The typical winter setting is
two (II), spring and fall is typically set at one (I).
In this scenario, the storage heater is wired to the NS Power meter via a relay and transformer to
control the timing of the Off-Peak charging. Because the NS Power meter contact does not switch
during the Mid-Peak period, this period can not be used to add additional charging and therefore
the storage heater must be sized based on an 8+0 scenario.
For more detailed information, please contact Dimplex at [email protected] for an electronic copy of
Dimplex’s VFMQ ETS Control Options and Wiring Manual.
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Manual Charge Control Option (for single heater installations only)
ZHI Auxiliary Elements — Direct Acting for Seasonal Cold Snaps
For those infrequent cool days during the summer, spring
and fall when you don’t want to run your storage heating
system, Dimplex offers an auxiliary element that can be
added to the VFMQ heater for spot heating.
The element works like a traditional electric heating
element and requires the RTEV99 internal thermostat
option to function. The RTEV99 thermostat is shown on
the next page.
To power the auxiliary element, both buttons on the RTEV99 must
be turned on and when the RTEV99 thermostat sees a requirement
for heat, the VFMQ’s internal fan will blow air across the activated
element to heat the area. The auxiliary element can be activated at
any time including Peak periods.
As an operating cost savings feature, the element will only turn on
if the storage core is less than 25% of its full capacity.
Please Note. The amperage of the direct elements needs
to be added to the storage elements to find the correct
wire and breaker size.
Catalogue
Number Description
ZHI110E
1.1 kW Auxiliary
Element for VFMQ40-70
ZHI200E
2.0 kW Auxiliary
Element for VFMQ50-70
ZHI070E
700 W Auxiliary
Element for VFMQ30-70
ZHI050E
500 W Auxiliary
Element for VFMQ20
Note. The element is shown
without the grill for illustrative
purposes.
All information is subject to change

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
All information is subject to change
Internal Thermostat – RTEV99
Provides 4 inches (10cm) of
clearance and can be used in
areas with long shag carpets or
where there’s a benefit to
accessing or cleaning under the
heaters like in schools or
hospitals.
• Colour is birch-grey.
• Two feet to a BKOI25 set.
Base plates are available to
help protect uneven or delicate
vinyl flooring or carpeting.
They are sized based on the
heater and sit under the
heater.
Wall Thermostat - TS521W
VFMQ20 UPLI20
VFMQ30 UPLI30
VFMQ40 UPLI40
VFMQ50 UPLI50
VFMQ60 UPLI60
VFMQ70 UPLI70
Thermostats are extra to the VFMQ
heaters and two types are available:
• RTEV99 internal thermostat.
• TS521W wall thermostat and
must include an inline fuse (240
volts / 15 Amps ) on each leg.
An example from Littelfuse:
• 2 x #LFR250301S fuse
blocks that can connect #8 -
#14 gauge wire.
• 2 x #FLNR-015 fuses.
Thermostat Options
BKOI25 Riser Feet
EZ-ZW1 Optional Mounting Bracket
UPLI Base Plates
In circumstances such as:
• uneven floors;
• applications that require additional security;
Dimplex offers an optional mounting bracket that can be
attached to the left-hand side of the VFMQ storage heater.
This can be retrofitted to an installed heater assuming
some clearance.

The Dealer is:
• required to supply one-year labour warranty with all
installations and cost for this in their quote.
• responsible for all after-sales service related matters and
provide 24-hour service on all Dimplex storage heating
products.
• responsible for educating the customer about the correct
working of the equipment, controls’ operation with the NS
Power Time-Of-Day program and comfort concerns.
• required to:
• call NS Power to request a scope for the specified kW load at [phone].
• fill out NS Power’s “Residential Time-Of-Day Rate Application” and direct the customer to forward this
to NS Power ASAP. They are available online or through NS Power [phone].
• fill out the DCP2010 Control Settings for the customer’s files.
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Dealer Responsibilities and After-Sales Service
All information is subject to change
Dimplex’s limited warranty from the first purchase date is:
• 5 years for the VFMQ storage heater consisting of cabinet, elements and bricks.
• 3 years for the TOD Charge Control Panel and other storage heating accessories.
In addition to in-person and online training, Dimplex Dealers have access to Dimplex’s Technical
Support Team with direct escalation to our Solutions Manager for onsite questions to ensure the job
is completed right the first time without having to go back.
Technical Support Group: [phone]
Dimplex Warranty and Technical Support
1-800-428-6774
428-6774 (Halifax area)
Weekdays 8am to 8pm.
Saturdays 9am to 5pm.
Nova Scotia Power Customer Care Centre

Dimplex Sizing Template
All information is subject to change
Table 1 – Losses for Construction Type: Watts per ft
2
Excellent (R-2000) No Table 2 addition necessary except ceiling height 5
Good (Insulation 6” walls, 10” ceilings, double pane windows) 6
Average (Insulation 4” walls, 8” ceilings, double pane windows) 7
Below Average (Insulation 4” walls, 6” ceilings, double pane windows) 8
Poor (Insulation 4” walls, 6” ceilings, single pane windows) 9
Table 2 – Select Losses for Ventilators / Air Exchangers Watts per ft
2
No Ventilator 0
Ventilator, with heat recovery 1
Ventilator, no heat recovery 2
• This quick method for heater selection is for a typical family home.
• Sizing for a home with an unusual amount of glass area should be done
using a calculated heat loss.
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
1. Room Name: Basement 1. Room Name:
2. Room Length: 25 feet 2. Room Length:
3. Room Width: 20 feet 3. Room Width:
4. Ceiling Height: 8 feet 4. Ceiling Height:
5. Area Square Footage: 500 sq. ft.
(Multiply line 2 x line 3) 5. Area Square Footage: (Multiply line 2 x line 3):
6. Select watts per ft
2
from Table 1: 7 (Avg) 6. Select watts per ft
2
from Table 1:
7. Select watts per ft
2
from Table 2: 0 (No Vent) 7. Select watts per ft
2
from Table 2:
8. Add lines 6 & 7: 7 (7 + 0) 8. Add lines 6 & 7:
9. Multiply line 5 x line 8: 3,500 (500 x 7) 9. Multiply line 5 x line 8:
10. Ceiling Height from Table 3: 1 (8’) 10. Ceiling Height from Table 3:
11. Heat Loss in Watts: 3,500 (3,500 x 1)
(Multiply line 9 x line 10) 11. Heat Loss in Watts: (Multiply line 9 x line 10)
12. Select Heater from Table 4: VFMQ50 12. Select Heater from Table 4:
Heater Sizing Example
Table 3 – Ceiling Height
Ceiling
Height Heat Loss Multiplier Heater Model Automatic Charge Control NSPi (8+4) Manual Charge Control (8+0)
VFMQ20 1.1 - 1.4 0.8 - 0.9
8” 1.0 VFMQ30 1.7 - 2.1 1.2 - 1.4
10’ 1.25 VFMQ40 2.1 - 2.7 1.6 - 1.8
12’ 1.5 VFMQ50 2.8 - 3.7 2.1 - 2.3
14’ 1.75 VFMQ60 3.4 - 4.3 2.5 - 2.7
16’ 2.0 VFMQ70 3.8 - 4.7 2.8 - 3.1
Table 4 - Choosing the Heater based on the
Maximum Maintainable Heat Loss (kW)