Dimplex VFMQ User manual

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Dimplex Electric Thermal Storage (ETS)
Product Guide - USA
1. Lower Heating Bills and a Quick Return on Investment
Lower heating costs through the use of less-expensive Off-Peak electricity rates for space and water
heating.
• Typical Off-Peak rates are in the 4¢ to 5¢ per kWh range.
• Standard electricity rates are in the 8¢ to 12¢ per kWh range.
• Potential savings of approximately 50% for electric space and water heating.
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-927 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 (4¢ to 5¢ per kWh).
During the day when energy rates are
expensive (8¢ to 12¢ per kWh), heat is
released into the room.
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
All information is subject to change
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” away from the top and sides, 12” 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?
Do I Need to Control my Electric Water Heating?
It depends on your utility’s program.
• Under a whole-house Time-Of-Use rate, you will be penalized if you do not control the water heater and
spend more money. Why? Even if you take your showers at 6:30, your water heater will do the vast ma-
jority of its heating after 7am when the more expensive Peak rate period typically starts.
• If your home has a second Off-Peak meter. The downside is that you will noy be able to take advantage
of the less-expenive Off-Peak power rates.
NOTE. Space and Water Heating account for about 75% of your energy bills and water heating accounts
for about 25% of that, so controlling your water heating will save you money every month. When changing
your next water heater, we recommend an 80 gallon version so you have plenty of low-cost hot water.

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Ordering Information
All information is subject to change
Complete Kit Separate Components
Complete
Storage Heater
Storage
Heater
Cabinet
Element
Kit Storage Brick Boxes (3)
VFMQ40-440 1 x VFMQ40 1 x HFI440 8 x KOLLI25
VFMQ60-676 1 x VFMQ60 1 x HFI676 12 x KOLLI25
VFMQ70-770 1 x VFMQ60 1 x HFI700 14 x KOLLI25
VFMQ70-790 1 x VFMQ70 1 x HFI790 14 x KOLLI25
VFMQ30-330 1 x VFMQ30 1 x HFI330 6 x KOLLI25
VFMQ20-220 1 x VFMQ20 1 x HFI220 4 x KOLLI25
VFMQ50-550 1 x VFMQ50 1 x HFI550 10 x KOLLI25
VFMQ50-564 1 x VFMQ50 1 x HFI564 10 x KOLLI25
VFMQ60-660 1 x VFMQ60 1 x HFI660 12 x KOLLI25
Model Heating
Element Empty Cabinet Weight for
Transporting
1
Dimensions – LxHxD
(total) Approximate
Installed Weight
2
(inches)
VFMQ40-440 4.0 kW 101 lbs.
387 lbs. 36½ x 26½ x 9⅞in
VFMQ50
-550/564 5.0 or 6.4 kW 114 lbs. 473 lbs. 42⅜x 26½ x 9⅞in
VFMQ60
-660/676 6.0 or 7.6 kW 128 lbs. 559 lbs. 48¼ x 26½ x 9⅞in
VFMQ70
-770/790 7.0 or 9.0 kW 141 lbs. 645 lbs. 54¼ x 26½ x 9⅞in
VFMQ20-220 2.0 kW 75 lbs.
216 lbs. 24⅝x 26½ x 9⅞in
VFMQ30-330 3.0 kW 88 lbs.
301 lbs. 30½ x 26½ x 9⅞in
1
The Empty Cabinet Weight for Transporting is the weight of the storage heater cabinet alone and
its associated packaging.
2
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
Shipping Information

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 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.
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 external temperature sensor by a 6½ ft cable (included) that
can be extended to 100 ft by #16/2 wire.
• each storage heater wired in parallel with #14/2 wire.
• the utility-supplied relay, contactor or meter lead.
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 relay can be overridden by
the user for 1-hour or until the next Off-Peak period.
• 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 1-hour before the 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 reducing strain on the home’s service capacity. Other options
are forward charging to start at the beginning of the Off-Peak period or middle charging.
• 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.
Manual charge control is only recommended for single
heater installations that are in areas that can handle
temperature fluctuations like basements, cottages and
workshops for times that the charge level is over/under
set.
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).
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
All information is subject to change
Manual Charge Control Option (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. 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.
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 / breaker size.
• The direct elements can be wired to work on the same
circuit as the storage elements or isolated to work on the
non-utility controlled fan circuit. Please check with the
Utility for their preferred method.
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.

Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
All information is subject to change
Internal Thermostat – RTEV99
Provides 4 inches 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 should cost this into 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
Utility’s Off-Peak program and comfort concerns.
• responsible for assisting the customer to complete the:
• Off-Peak rate application for the utility.
• DCP2010 Control Settings sheet from the VFMQ ETS Control Options and Wiring Manual.
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

Dimplex Heater Sizing Chart
All information is subject to change
Dimplex North America Limited • 1367 Industrial Road • Cambridge, ON N1R 7G8
Model Heating
Elements Maximum Maintainable Heat Loss
1
kW (BTU/Hr) Wire
Size
2
Breaker
Size
3
(total) 8+0 10+0 12+0 (AWG) (Amps)
VFMQ40
-440 4.0 kW 1.8 kW
(6,150) 1.9 kW
(6,490) 2.1 kW (7,150) #10/2 30
VFMQ50
-550/564 5,0 or 6.4 kW 2.3 kW
(7,850) 2.6 kW
(8,900) 2.8 kW (9,550) #10/2 #8/2 30/40
VFMQ60
-660/676 6.0 or 7.6 kW 2.7 kW
(9,200) 3.0 kW
(10,250) 3.3 kW (11,250) #8/2 40
VFMQ70-
770/790 7.0 or 9.0 kW 3.1 kW
(10,600) 3.4 kW
(11,600) 3.7 kW (12,600) #8/2 #6/2 40/50
VFMQ30
-330 3.0 kW 1.3 kW
(4,440) 1.5 kW
(5,120) 1.7 kW (5,800) #12/2 20
VFMQ20
-220 2.0 kW 0.9 kW
(3,070) 1.0 kW
(3,410) 1.1 kW (3,750) #14/2 15
To properly size a heater installation and ensure that the homeowner is comfortable and
never runs out of stored heat, two variables must always be taken into account:
1) the heat loss of the room on the coldest day of the year;
2) the length of the Utility’s Off-Peak period.
As an example, let’s assume that your room has a heat loss of 2 kW (7,000 BTU/Hr) and your Off-
Peak period has a duration of 8 hours, overnight from 11pm to 7am. Looking at the column below
under “8 hours”, the VFMQ40-440 storage heater can meet a maximum maintainable heat loss of
1.8 kW, while the next larger size can meet 2.3 kW, so the VFMQ50-550 is the correct choice.
Steffes Simple Cross Reference
1
Maximum Maintainable Heat Loss refers to the maximum heat loss each storage heater can meet
based on the local electrical utility’s charging schedule.
2
Wire and Breaker sizes should be confirmed based on the local electrical code.
• This table is a simple cross-reference for Steffes
room units.
• Please note that these tables do not replace the need
for a proper heat loss.
www.renewables.dimplex.com
Steffes Dimplex
2103 VFMQ40
2104 VFMQ50
2105 VFMQ60
2106 VFMQ70
2102 VFMQ30