Empire Comfort Systems VFD32FB0L-2 Quick start guide

Page 1
UNIVERSAL FIREBOX FOR
ALL VENT-FREE LOG SETS
MODELS
VFD32FB0L-2 VFD36FB0L-2 VFD42FB0L-2
VFD32FB2CL-2 VFD36FB2CL-2 VFD42FB2CL-2
VFD32FB2DL-2 VFD36FB2DL-2 VFD42FB2DL-2
VFD32FB2ML-4 VFD36FB2ML-4 VFD42FB2ML-4
VFD32FB0F-2 VFD36FB0F-2 VFD42FB0F-2
VFD32FB2CF-2 VFD36FB2CF-2 VFD42FB2CF-2
VFD32FB2DF-2 VFD36FB2DF-2 VFD42FB2DF-2
VFD32FB2MF-4 VFD36FB2MF-4 VFD42FB2MF-4
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
Deluxe Vent-Free Universal Fireboxes
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR ALTER THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIREBOX OR ITS COMPO-
NENTS. ANY MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION OF
CONSTRUCTION MAY VOID THE WARRANTY OF
THIS FIREBOX.
CHILDREN AND ADULTS SHOULD BE ALERTED TO
THE HAZARDS OF HIGH SURFACE TEMPERATURE
AND SHOULD STAY AWAY TO AVOID BURNS OR
CLOTHING IGNITION.
YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE CAREFULLY SU-
PERVISED WHEN THEY ARE IN THE SAME ROOM
AS THE FIREBOX.
ANSI Z21.91 Ventless Fireplace Enclosures for Gas Fired
Decorative Type Unvented Room Heaters
— Donotstoreorusegasolineorotherammablevapors
and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appli-
ance.
— 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neigh-
bor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instruc-
tions.
 • 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.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions are
notfollowedexactly,areorexplosionmayresultcaus-
ingpropertydamage,personalinjuryorlossoflife.
Carefullyreviewtheinstructionssuppliedwiththedecorative
typeunventedroomheaterfortheminimumreplacesize
requirement.
DO NOT INSTALL A VENT-FREE LOG SET IN THIS
FIREBOX, UNLESSTHIS FIREBOX MEETS THE
MINIMUM DIMENSIONS REQUIRED FOR THE
INSTALLATION.
WARNING:Improperinstallation,adjustment,alteration,
serviceormaintenancecancauseinjuryorpropertydamage.
Refer to this manual. For assistance or additional informa-
tion,consultaqualiedinstaller,serviceagencyorthegas
supplier.
FOR USE ONLY WITH A LISTED GAS-FIRED
UNVENTED DECORATIVE ROOM HEATER NOT TO
EXCEED40,000BTU/H.
DO NOT BUILD A WOOD FIRE.
Installer: Leavethismanualwiththeappliance.
Consumer: Retain this manual for future reference.
GAS-FIRED
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfort Systems

25476-3-1011Page 2
SECTION PAGE
Important Safety Information.................................................................................................3
Introduction ............................................................................................................................3
Clearances .......................................................................................................................... 4-5
Firebox Installation Instructions......................................................................................... 6-8
Installing Hood................................................................................................................... 8-9
Gas Line Connection .............................................................................................................9
Optional Fresh Air Kit Installation Instructions ............................................................. 10-12
Optional Single Speed Blower Installations Instructions............................................... 13-15
Junction Box Wiring Installation Instructions......................................................................16
Maintenance .........................................................................................................................16
Parts List .............................................................................................................................17
Parts View.............................................................................................................................18
Accessories..................................................................................................................... 19-20
Master Parts Distributor List ................................................................................................21
How To Order Repair Parts ..................................................................................................21
Appliance Service History.............................................................................................. 22-23
TABLE OF CONTENTS

25476-3-1011 Page 3
The installation must conform with local codes or, in
theabsenceoflocalcodes,withtheNationalFuelGas
Code,ANSIZ223.1(latestedition)andtotheNational
electricalCode,ANSI/NFPA70(latestedition).
NOTE:Installationandrepairshouldbedonebyaquali-
edserviceperson.Theapplianceshouldbeinspected
beforeuseandatleastannuallybyaqualiedservice
person.Morefrequentcleaningmayberequireddueto
excessivelintfromcarpeting,beddingmaterial,etc.It
isimperativethatcontrolcompartment, burners and
circulating air passageways of the appliance be kept
clean.
Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an
appliancemustbereplacedpriortooperatingtheap-
pliance.Provideadequatecombustionandventilation
air.
TheowofcombustionandventilationairMUSTNOT
beobstructed.
Provide adequate clearance around air openings into
the combustion chamber and adequate accessibility
clearance for servicing and proper operation. NEVER
obstructthefrontopeningoftheappliance.
This Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. rebox and its
componentshavebeentestedandwilloperatesafelywhen
installed in accordance with this installation manual.
Readallinstructionsbeforestartinginstallation,then
follow these instructions carefully during installation
tomaximizereboxbenetandsafety.Reporttoyour
dealer any parts damaged in shipment.
The Empire ComfortSystems, Inc. warranty will be
voidedby,andEmpireComfortSystems,Inc.disclaims
anyresponsibilityforthefollowingactions:
- Installationofanydamagedrebox.
- Modicationofthereboxoranyofthecomponents
parts thereof.
- Installation other than as instructed by Empire
ComfortSystems,Inc.
- Installation and/or use of any component part or
accessorynotapprovedbyEmpireComfortSystems,
Inc. in combination or assembly with a Empire
ComfortSystems,Inc.rebox,notwithstandingany
independenttestinglaboratoryorotherthirdparty
approval of such component part or accessory.
Anysuchactionmaycreateapossiblerehazard.
Consultyourlocalbuildingcodes.
FireboxScreen.
Thereboxscreenmustbeinplacewhenthereboxis
operating.
Instructions to Installer
1. Installer must leave instruction manual with owner after
installation.
2. Installer must have owner ll out and mail warranty card
suppliedwithrebox.
3. Installer should show owner how to start and operate log set
thatisinstalledintorebox.
Important
All correspondence should refer to complete Model Number,
Serial Number.
Notice:Duringinitialringofthisreboxwithalogsetinstalled,its
paint will bake out, and smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of
smoke alarms, ventilate the room in which the unit is installed.
QualiedInstallingAgency
Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization
equipment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment
shallbeperformedonlybyaqualiedagency.Theterm"qualied
agency" means any individual, rm, corporation or company
which either in person or through a representative is engaged in
and is responsible for (a) the installation or replacement of gas
piping or (b) the connection, installation, repair or servicing of
equipment, who is experienced in such work, familiar with all
precautions required and has complied with all the requirements
of the authority having jurisdiction.
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made by
a licensed plumber or gas tter in the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts. The state of Massachusetts requires that a
exible appliance connector cannot exceed three feet in
length.
Sellersofunventedpropaneornaturalgas-redsupplemental
room heaters shall provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
In the State of Massachusetts, unvented propane and natural
gas-redspaceheatersshallbeprohibitedinbedroomsand
bathrooms.
The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence
of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54.*
*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West
42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION

25476-3-1011Page 4
STAND OFF
2 X 4
HEADER
COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHED WALL
OR MANTEL
FINISHED WITH TRIM KITOR
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
AS DESIRED.
STAND OFF
2 X 4
HEADER
COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHED WALL
OR MANTEL
FINISHED WITH TRIM KITOR
NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL
AS DESIRED.
SidewallClearances:Theclearancefromtheinsideoftherebox
to perpendicular combustible side wall should not be less than
6".See Figure 1.
FireboxSideandBackClearances:Thereboxoutercasingside
andbackangesarezeroclearancetocombustibles.
Top Framing and Finishing: Combustible framing may rest on
topofstandoffs.Combustiblenishingmaterialsmayextend
to the top standoff screws on the front edge of the outer wrap.
See Figure 2.
CLEARANCES
45°
6”
3”
MAX.
PERPENDICULAR
SIDE WALL
FRONT FACE (SIDE)
FIREBOX
(TOP VIEW)
COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS ALLOWED
IN SHADED AREAS
Figure 1
Figure 2a - Louvered Models
Figure2b-FlushModels

25476-3-1011 Page 5
Ceiling Clearances:Theceilingheightshouldnotbelessthan42"
from the top of the hood. SeeFigures3aand3b.
Mantel Clearances: Ventfreereboxmodelsmustusethehood
supplied with the rebox, or one of the optional hood kits
available for each model. If a combustible mantel is installed,
it must meet the clearance requirements detailed below.
Grate Clearance: The minimum clearance between the front legs
ofthegrateandfrontedgeofthereboxis2".
Leaveatleast36"clearancefromthefrontoftherebox.
Clearancestocombustibles
Figure3a-MantelClearanceswithStandardHood Figure3b-MantelClearanceswithOptionalExtendedHood
CLEARANCES
MANTEL
HOOD
13”
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOP OF HOOD)
8”
MIN.
FIREBOX
FACE
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOPEDGE
OF FIREBOX
T
10”
18 1/2”
8”
16 1/2”
6 ½”
14 1/2”
5”
12 1/2”
3 ½”
10 1/2”
2”
9”
3/4”
21”
0”
MANTEL
EXTENDED HOOD
(VB4H SERIES)
16 ”½
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOP OF HOOD)
8”
MIN.
FIREBOX
FACE
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOP EDGE
OF FIREBOX
T
10”
22”
8”
20”
6 ½”
18”
5”
16”
3 ½”
14 ”½
2”½
24 ½”
0”

25476-3-1011Page 6
DeluxeVent-FreeFireboxFramingDimensions(ininches)
"A" "B" "C"
Model Framing Height Framing Width Framing Depth
VFD32FB 361/8" 35" 17"
VFD36FB 381/8" 40" 193/8"
VFD42FB 381/8" 44" 193/8"
Attention:Add3-3/4"to"A"Dimensionwhenusingushmantelbase.
FramingdimensionAincludesathreeinchclearanceforstandoffsonrebox.
Any vent-free Gas Log Heater must be “For use with approved
ANSI Z21.11.2 unvented room heater.”
Follow and complete the installation instructions of the gas log set
andtherequirementsofthisrebox.
Checkallttingsforleaksbeforelightingthegaslogset.
In planning the installation for the rebox, it is necessary to
determine where the unit is to be installed and whether optional
accessories are desired. Gas supply piping should also be planned
at this time.
Agasshutoffmustbeinthisline.
Thereboxcanbemountedonanyofthesesurfaces:
1. Aathardcombustibleornon-combustiblesurface.
2. A raised platform of combustible or non-combustible
material.
3. Recessedintotheoorasillustratedby Figure 4(ushface),
and Figure 5 (louvered models).
4. Supportedunderall(4)cornersofthereboxsothatcontact
is made on all four perimeter edges on the bottom of the unit
(Example: Four (4) concrete masonry blocks).
If the firebox is installed directly on carpeting, tile or other
combustiblematerialotherthanwoodooring,itshouldbeinstalled
on a metal or wood panel extending the full width and depth of
the unit.
At this point, you should have decided what components to include
inyourinstallation,andwherethereboxistobelocated.Ifthis
has not been done, stop and consult your dealer for assistance with
this planning.
Planning Your Installation
Please note that the optional BVA1 Fresh Air kit available for use
with the Vent Free Firebox must be installed at the time of the initial
installation. Refer to pages 10, 11 and 12 for detailed instructions
for the air kit.
Accessory kits such as the FBB5 Blower kit, Trim kits, Mantles,
Full Cabinet Mantels, plus other Decorative Frame, Hood, and
Dooraccessorykitsmaybeinstalledafterthereboxissecured
to the framed opening.
Refer to the instructions provided with each of the optional
accessory kits for proper installation and operation.
FireboxFraming
Firebox framing can be built before or after the rebox is set
in place. Framing should be positioned to accommodate wall
coveringandreboxfacingmaterial.Thereboxframingshould
be constructed of 2 x 4 lumber or heavier. The framing headers may
restonthetopofthereboxstandoffs.RefertoFigures6and7
forreboxframingdimensions.
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
NON-COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHING MATERIAL
TO FIREBOX OPENING
FLUSH FACE
FIREBOX
MODELS
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALLOWED
LOUVERED
FIREBOX
MODELS
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALLOWED

25476-3-1011 Page 7
Figure7
Firebox Dimensions
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
DELUXE
REFERENCE
LETTER
LOUVERED FLUSH
VFD32 VFD36 VFD42 VFD32 VFD36 VFD42
A355/8" 375/8" 375/8" 355/8" 375/8" 375/8"
B341/2" 391/2" 431/2" 341/2" 391/2" 431/2"
C177/16" 1913/16" 1913/16" 177/16" 1913/16" 1913/16"
D29" 33" 37" 29" 33" 37"
E33" 35" 35" 33" 35" 35"
F31" 36" 40" 31" 36" 40"
G223/8" 243/8" 243/8" 223/8" 243/8" 243/8"
H11/4" 11/4" 11/4" 61/8" 61/8" 61/8"
I311/2" 331/2" 331/2" 289/16" 309/16" 309/16"
J83/8" 83/8" 83/8" 83/8" 83/8" 83/8"
K53/4" 53/4" 53/4" 53/4" 53/4" 53/4"
L3113/16" 363/16" 383/16" 3113/16" 363/16" 383/16"
M633/8" 723/8" 763/8" 633/8" 723/8" 763/8"
N211/16" 211/16" 211/16" 211/16" 211/16" 211/16"
O89/16" 89/16" 89/16" 89/16" 89/16" 89/16"
D
L
M
GIA
E
H
F
B
N
J
K
DELUXE
LOUVERED
GIA
E
H
F
B
O
K
N
C
J
DELUXE
FLUSH

25476-3-1011Page 8
LocatingFirebox
Placereboxinframingopening.Usethefour(4)framingbrackets
providedonthereboxtoattachreboxtoframing.Differenthole
locationscanbeusedfornishingmaterialswiththicknessesof
3/8",1/2"and3/4".Attachthesematerialswithscrewsprovided,
two (2) per framing bracket. See Figure 8.
Framingbracketsshouldtdirectlyagainstframingmaterial.Use
at least one (1) nail per bracket to secure in place.
Checksquarenessofthereboxpriortosecuringtoframedopening.
See Figure 9.
Figure 8
Ablackhoodthatisfurnishedwitheachrebox(oroptionalhood)
MUSTbeinstalledbeforethereboxisused.Failuretodosomay
create a possible re hazard. The hood is located behind upper
louver,orinsidethereboxonushfaceunits.Ifbrass,stainless
steel, or hammered pewter hoods are desired, they can be purchased
as an option. Attachment is the same as the standard black hood.
Flush Face Models
1. Onushfacemodels,loosenthetwoscrews(A)holdingrebox
toptofacepanel,thenslidethehoodangebetweentherebox
top and face panel and re-tighten the screws.
2. Install one (1) screw at each end of the hood as shown (C).
Louvered Models
1. If you have a louvered model, remove upper louver.
2. Placethetophoodangeontopoftherebox,theninstallthree
screwsthroughthereboxtopfrombelowandscrewintothe
pilotholesinthehoodange(B).
3. Install one (1) screw at each end of the hood as shown (C).
4. Re-install louver.
Caution: The hood must be installed prior to operation of appliance.
See Figure 10
Flush Face Models
Figure 10
FIREBOX OPENING
CHECK TO SEE
THAT BOX IS SQUARE
PRIOR TO ATTACHING TO
FRAMING
Figure 9
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
INSTALLING HOOD
B
C
INNER FIREBOX TOP
Louvered Models
ATTACH (4)
FRAMING BRACKETS
TO SIDES OF FIREBOX
PRIOR TO INSTALLING
UNIT TO FRAMED OPENING
ACAC

25476-3-1011 Page 9
Thereboxisdesignedtoaccepta3/8-inchgaslineforanapproved
vent-freegaslogset.Havethelineinstalledbyaqualiedservice
person in accordance with all building codes. Consult local building
codes to properly size the gas supply line leading to the 3/8-inch
hook-up at the unit. The state of Massachusetts requires that a
exibleapplianceconnectorcannotexceedthreefeetinlength.
Gasaccessholesareprovided onbothsidesoftherebox.See
Figure 11. On models with refractory brick panels installed,
carefully remove the knockout in the refractory brick panel using
a large standard screwdriver and hammer. First, place screwdriver
in groove next to plug and pry sideways to pop out main plug.
Then remove the remaining concrete in hole with gentle tapping
with ball peen hammer and/or screwdriver. A masonry drill and
bit may also be used to create a clean hole for the gas line to pass
through. See Figure 12.
When installing optional ceramic ber side panels into rebox,
laypanelonaatsurface.Removethegaslineknockout(round
depression) in the appropriate side panel using a drill or utility
knife.
Afterthebrickpanelknockoutisremoved,thereboxwrapmay
have a round metal knockout that must be removed also. Use a
screwdriver to punch out the metal knockout.
Check gas type. Use only the gas type indicated on the gas log
set rating plate. If the gas listed on the plate is not your type of
gas supply, DO NOT INSTALL. Contact your dealer for proper
model.
AlwaysuseanexternalregulatorforallLPreboxestoreducethe
supplytankpressuretoamaximumof14"w.c.Thisisinaddition
totheregulatorttedtothelogset.
WARNING: CONNECTION DIRECTLY TO AN
UNREGULATED L.P. TANK CAN CAUSE EXPLOSION.
InstallonlyaANSIZ21.11.2vent-freelogsetintothisrebox.
Figure 11
ExtendedHoods
Ifyournon-combustiblefacingmaterialisover1"inthicknessthatwillbeusedtonishthisrebox,anextendedhoodisavailablethat
willextendout2"fartheroutintotheroom.Contactyourlocaldealerfordetails.
Finishing
Alljoints(top,bottomandsides),wherethewallordecorativefacingmaterialmeetsthereboxsurroundshouldbesealedwithanon-
combustible material.
Hearthextensionsarerecommended,butnotrequiredforthesereboxes.
VB4H32BL Standard Black VB4H36BL Standard Black VB4H42BL Standard Black
VB4H32BR Polished Brass VB4H36BR Polished Brass VB4H42BR Polished Brass
VB4H32SS Stainless Steel VB4H36SS Stainless Steel VB4H42SS Stainless Steel
VB4H32HP Hammered Pewter VB4H36HP Hammered Pewter VB4H42HP Hammered Pewter
CeramicFiberPanel
INSTALLING HOOD (continued)
GAS LINE CONNECTION
RefactoryBrickPanel
Figure 12
GAS ACCESS HOLES

25476-3-1011Page 10
OPTIONAL FRESH AIR KIT INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FOR DELUXE AND PREMIUM FIREBOXES
4. Next, with the vise grip attached, feed the long control rod
through the small rectangular opening at the left side of the
reboxface.Carefullypositiontherodandbracketsothat
thebracketcanbesecuredtotheinsideopeningoftherebox
with two screws. See Figure 16. Do not remove vise grips at
this time.
5. Working from the side cutout opening, place the slightly
opened air door assembly into the cutout opening as shown
in Figure17.
6. While holding the door assembly in your left hand, grasp the
vise grip (attached to the long control rod). Rotate and move
The optional BVA1 Fresh Air Kit is designed to introduce outside
airtothereplaceorreboxasdesired.
Itmustbeinstalledpriorto,oratthetimeofreplaceorrebox
installation to framing.
The Fresh Air kit must be installed prior to the installation of wall-
boardorothernishingmaterialsaroundtheunit.
Tools needed: Gloves, Metal snips, Vise-Grip, ¼” Nut Driver,
Standard Screwdriver
Caution: Sharp edges
Air Door Installation for Vent Free Firebox Models:
VFD(32,36,42)FB
1. Begin by removing the rectangular cutout located on the left
sideoftherebox.Useglovesandsheetmetalsnipstocre-
ate the opening for the Air Door assembly to install into. See
Figures 13 and 14.
2. Movethelefthandcurtainscreentothecenteroftherebox
opening.
3. Grasp the long control rod lever with control bracket (items 7
and 8 in Fresh Air Kit Parts List) securely with a vise grips
as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 13
Figure 15
Figure 16
Figure17
Figure 14