Empire Comfort Systems VFH-33M-1 Quick start guide

Page 1VFH-33
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND
OWNER'S MANUAL
UNVENTED
GAS FIREPLACE
MODELS
VFH-33M-1
VFH-33R-1
VFH-33T-1
EFFECTIVE DATE
JULY, 2002
R-4974
WARNING:Iftheinformationinthismanual
isnotfollowedexactly,afireor explosion may
result causing property damage, personal in-
jury or loss of life.
— Do not store or use gasoline or other flam-
mable 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.
• Immediatelycallyourgassupplierfrom
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
byaqualifiedinstaller,serviceagencyorthe
gas supplier.
This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air
(oxygen) from the room in which it is installed.
Provisionsforadequatecombustionandventila-
tion air must be provided. Refer to page 6.
WARNING:Ifnotinstalled,operatedandmain-
tained in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions, this product could expose you to
substancesinfuelorfromfuelcombustionwhich
can cause death or serious illness.
WATER VAPOR: A BY-PRODUCT OF
UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS
Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion.
An unvented room heater produces
approximately one (1) ounce (30ml) of water for
every 1,000 BTU's (.3KW's) of gas input per
hour. Refer to page 6.
This appliance may be installed in an after-
market, permanently located, manufactured
(mobile) home, where not prohibited by local
codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of
gas indicated on the rating plate. This appli-
ance is not convertible for use with other
gases.

Page 2 VFH-33
SECTION PAGE
Important Safety Information .................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Information for Users of LP Gas..................................................................................................... 4
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Specifications ............................................................................................................................................. 6
Water Vapor: A By-Product of Unvented Room Heaters .......................................................................... 7
Provisions for Adequate Combustion and Ventilation Air.....................................................................7-8
Gas Supply.............................................................................................................................................9-10
Clearances................................................................................................................................................ 10
Combustible Material .............................................................................................................................. 11
Installation of Fireplace ....................................................................................................................... 11-13
Log Placement .......................................................................................................................................... 14
Placement of Glowing Embers (Rock Wool) ........................................................................................... 14
Operation Instructions/Flame Appearance ............................................................................................... 15
VFH-33M Lighting Instructions............................................................................................................... 16
VFH-33R Lighting Instructions ............................................................................................................... 17
VFH-33T Lighting Instructions................................................................................................................ 18
Pilot Flame Characteristics.................................................................................................................. 19-20
Main Burner Operation............................................................................................................................. 20
Wiring....................................................................................................................................................... 21
Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................................... 22
Parts View & Parts List (Firebox) ............................................................................................................ 23
Parts List ................................................................................................................................................... 24
Parts View ................................................................................................................................................ 25
How to Order Repair Parts ....................................................................................................................... 25
Optional Brick Liner Installation Instructions.......................................................................................... 26
Optional Blower Installation Instructions............................................................................................27-28
Accessory Parts List ................................................................................................................................. 29
Accessory Parts View............................................................................................................................... 30
Service Notes............................................................................................................................................ 31
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 3VFH-33
Whenusedwithoutadequatecombustionand ventilationair,
heater may give off CARBON MONOXIDE, an odorless,
poisonous gas.
Do not install heater until all necessary provisions are
made for combustion and ventilation air. Consult the
writteninstructionsprovidedwiththe heater for infor-
mation concerning combustion and ventilation air. In
the absence of instructions, refer to the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, Section 5.3 or applicable local
codes.
This heater is equipped with a PILOT LIGHT SAFETY
SYSTEM designed to turn off the heater if not enough fresh
air is available.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH PILOT LIGHT SAFETY
SYSTEM!
If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh air.
Ifheaterkeepsshuttingoff,haveitserviced.Keepburnerand
control compartment clean.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING MAY LEAD
TO DEATH.
Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu,
with headache, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have these
signs, heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at
once! Have heater serviced.
Somepeople— pregnantwomen,personswithheart orlung
disease,anemia,thoseundertheinfluenceofalcohol,thoseat
highaltitudes—aremoreaffectedbycarbonmonoxidethan
others.
Thepilotlight safetysystemsensesthedepletion ofoxygenat
its location. If this heater is installed in a structure having a
highverticaldimension,the possibility exists that the oxygen
supplyat the higher levels will be less than that at the heater.
In this type of application, a fan to circulate the structure air
willminimizethiseffect.Theuseofthisfanwillalsoimprove
the comfort level in the structure. When a fan is used to
circulate air, it should be located so that the air flow is not
directed at the burner.
WARNING
•An unvented room heater having an input rating of more
than6,000Btuperhourshallnotbeinstalledinabathroom.
•An unvented room heater having an input rating of more
than10,000Btuperhourshallnotbeinstalledinabedroom
or bathroom.
• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be located
out of traffic and away from furniture and draperies.
• Childrenandadultsshouldbealertedtothehazardofhigh
surface temperature and should stay away to avoid burns
or clothing ignition.
• Young children should be carefully supervised when they
are in the same room with the appliance.
• Do not place clothing or other flammable material on or
near the appliance.
• Installation and repair should be done by a QUALIFIED
SERVICEPERSON.Thisapplianceshouldbeinspected
beforeuseandatleastannuallybyaprofessionalservice
person. More frequent cleaning may be required due to
excessive lint from carpeting, bedding materials, etc. It is
imperative that control compartments, burners and
circulatingairpassagewaysof the appliance be kept clean.
• DO NOT use this room heater if any part has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified service technician to
inspect the room heater and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which has been under
water.
• You must operate heater with fireplace screen closed in
place. Do not close glass doors while operating heater.
• Do not place trash, logs or other articles on the log set
during operation.
• During manufacturing, fabricating and shipping, various
components of this appliance are treated with certain oils,
films or bonding agents. These bonding agents are not
harmful but may produce annoying smoke and smells as
theyareburnedoffduringinitialoperationoftheappliance.
This is a normal temporary occurrence. A window should
be opened during the initial bake out period.
• Correct installation of the ceramic fiber logs, proper
locationoftheheaterandannualcleaningarenecessaryto
avoid potential problems with sooting. Sooting, resulting
from improper installation or operation, can settle on
surfaces outside the fireplace. See instructions for proper
installation.
• WARNING: Do not allow fans to blow directly into the
fireplace.Avoidanydraftsthatalterburnerflamepatterns.
• WARNING: Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not approved for use with this
heater.
• WARNING! This fireplace needs fresh air for ventilation
torunproperly.ThisfireplacehasanODS(oxygendepletion
sensor) which will shut down the heater if adequate fresh
air is not available. See troubleshooting section in the
instructions.
• Keep appliance area clear and free from combustible
materials,gasolineandotherflammablevaporsandliquids.
THIS IS A HEATING APPLIANCE
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Page 4 VFH-33
Somepeoplecannotsmellwell.Somepeoplecannotsmellthe
odorofthechemicalputintothegas.Youmustfindoutifyou
cansmellthe odorantinpropane.Smoking can decrease your
ability to smell. Being around an odor for a time can affect your
sensitivity or ability to detect that odor. Sometimes other odors
inthe area maskthegas odor. Peoplemay not smellthegas odor
or their minds are on something else. Thinking about smelling a
gas odor can make it easier to smell.
The odorant in LP-gas is colorless, and it can fade under
some circumstances. For example, if there is an underground
leak,themovementofthe gasthroughsoilcanfiltertheodorant.
OdorantsinLP-Gasalsoaresubjecttooxidation.Thisfadingcan
by point with the members of your household. Someday
whentheremaynotbeaminutetolose,everyone'ssafetywill
depend on knowing exactly what to do. If, after reading the
followinginformation,youfeelyoustillneed more informa-
tion, please contact your gas supplier.
Propane (LP-Gas) is a flammable gas which can cause fires
and explosions. In its natural state, propane is odorless and
colorless.Youmay notknowallthefollowing safetyprecau-
tions which can protect both you and your family from an
accident. Read them carefully now, then review them point
occur if there is rust inside the storage tank or in iron gas pipes.
The odorant in escaped gas can adsorb or absorb onto or into
walls, masonry and other materials and fabrics in a room. That
will take some of the odorant out of the gas, reducing its odor
intensity.
LP-Gasmaystratifyinaclosedarea,andtheodorintensitycould
vary at different levels. Since it is heavier than air, there may be
more odor at lower levels. Always be sensitive to the slightest
gas odor. If you detect any odor, treat it as a serious leak.
Immediately go into action as instructed earlier.
•Learntorecognizetheodor of LP-gas. Your local LP-Gas
Dealercangive youa"ScratchandSniff"pamphlet.Useitto
findoutwhatthepropaneodorsmellslike.Ifyoususpectthat
yourLP-Gashasa weak or abnormal odor, call yourLP-Gas
Dealer.
• If you are not qualified, do not light pilot lights, perform
service, or make adjustments to appliances on the LP-Gas
system.Ifyouarequalified,consciouslythinkabouttheodor
ofLP-Gasprior to and whilelightingpilot lights or perform-
ing service or making adjustments.
• Sometimes a basement or a closed-up house has a musty
smell that can cover up the LP-Gas odor. Do not try to light
pilot lights, perform service, or make adjustments in an area
where the conditions are such that you may not detect the
odor if there has been a leak of LP-Gas.
• Odor fade, due to oxidation by rust or adsorption on walls of
new cylinders and tanks, is possible. Therefore, people
should be particularly alert and careful when new tanks or
cylinders are placed in service. Odor fade can occur in new
tanks, or reinstalled old tanks, if they are filled and allowed
to set too long before refilling. Cylinders and tanks which
have been out of service for a time may develop internal rust
which will cause odor fade. If such conditions are suspected
to exist, a periodic sniff test of the gas is advisable. If you
have any question about the gas odor, call your LP-gas
dealer. A periodic sniff test of the LP-gas is a good safety
measure under any condition.
• If, at any time, you do not smell the LP-Gas odorant and you
thinkyoushould,assumeyouhavealeak.Thentakethesame
immediateactionrecommendedabovefortheoccasionwhen
you do detect the odorized LP-Gas.
• If you experience a complete "gas out," (the container is
under no vapor pressure), turn the tank valve off immedi-
ately.Ifthecontainervalveislefton,thecontainermaydraw
in some air through openings such as pilot light orifices. If
this occurs, some new internal rusting could occur. If the
valve is left open, then treat the container as a new tank.
Always be sure your container is under vapor pressure by
turningitoffatthecontainerbeforeitgoescompletelyempty
or having it refilled before it is completely empty.
• Do not operate electric switches, light matches, use your
phone. Do not do anything that could ignite the gas.
• Geteveryoneout ofthebuilding, vehicle,trailer,or area.Do
that IMMEDIATELY.
• Close all gas tank or cylinder supply valves.
• LP-Gas is heavier than air and may settle in low areas such
as basements. When you have reason to suspect a gas leak,
keep out of basements and other low areas. Stay out until
firefighters declare them to be safe.
• Useyourneighbor'sphoneandcallatrainedLP-Gasservice
person and the fire department. Even though you may not
continuetosmellgas,donotturnonthegasagain.Donotre-
enter the building, vehicle, trailer, or area.
•Finally, let the service man and firefighters check for
escaped gas. Have them air out the area before you return.
Properly trained LP-Gas service people should repair the
leak, then check and relight the gas appliance for you.
SOME POINTS TO REMEMBER
NO ODOR DETECTED - ODOR FADE
LP-GAS WARNING ODOR
If a gas leak happens, you should be able to smell the gas because of the odorant put in the LP-Gas.
That's your signal to go into immediate action!
SAFETY INFORMATION FOR USERS OF LP-GAS

Page 5VFH-33
Instructions to Installer
1. Installer must leave instruction manual with owner after
installation.
2. Installer must have owner fill out and mail warranty card
supplied with unvented room heater.
3. Installershouldshow ownerhowto startandoperate unvented
room heater.
Always consult your local Building Department regarding regu-
lations, codes or ordinances which apply to the installation of an
unvented room heater.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured
(mobile) home, where not prohibited by state or local codes.
*Aftermarket: Completionofsale,notforpurposeofresale,from
the manufacturer.
Thisapplianceis only for usewiththe type ofgasindicated on the
rating plate. This appliance is not convertible for use with other
gases.
WARNING: ANY CHANGE TO THIS HEATER OR ITS
CONTROLS CAN BE DANGEROUS.
Improper installation or use of the heater can cause seri-
ous injury or death from fire, burns, explosion or carbon
monoxide poisoning.
General Information
This series is design certified in accordance with American
National Standard Z21.11.2-2000 by the Canadian Standards
Association as an Unvented Room Heater and should be installed
according to these instructions.
Any alteration of the original design, installed other than as
shownintheseinstructionsorusewithatypeofgasnotshown
on the rating plate is the responsibility of the person and
company making the change.
VFH-33R Only
750 Millivolt System
When you ignite the pilot, the thermocouple produces millivolts
(electrical current) which energizes the magnet in the gas valve.
After 30 seconds to 1 minute time period you can release the gas
control knob and the pilot will stay ON. Allow your pilot flame
tooperateanadditionalone(1)totwo(2)minutesbeforeyouturn
thegas controlknob fromthe PILOTposition tothe ONposition.
Thistimeperiodallowsthemillivolts(electricalcurrent)tobuild-
up to a sufficient level allowing the gas control to operate
properly.
INTRODUCTION
Important
All correspondence should refer to complete Model No., Serial
No. and type of gas.
Attention: Duringinitial use of ceramic log youwill detect an
odor as the ceramic log is cured. Also, during the curing
process the ceramic log will burn with a yellow flame.
Notice: Duringinitialfiringofthisunit,itspaintwillbakeout,and
smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of smoke alarms, venti-
late the room in which the unit is installed.
Installation on Rugs and Tile
If this appliance is installed directly on carpeting, tile or other
combustible material other than wood flooring the appliance
shall be installed on a metal or wood panel extending the full
width and depth of the appliance.
The base referred to above does not mean the fire-proof base as
usedonwoodstoves. Theprotectionisforrugsthatareextremely
thick and light colored tile.
Solid-fuelsshallnot beburnedinamasonryorUL127 factory-
built fireplace in which an unvented room heater is installed.
WARNING: Failure to keep the primary air opening(s) of the
burner(s) clean may result in sooting and property damage.
Qualified Installing Agency
Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization equip-
ment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment shall
be performed only by a qualified agency. The term "qualified
agency" means any individual, firm, 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.
The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence
of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.*
*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. 1430 Broad-
way, New York, N.Y. 10018.
High Altitudes
For altitudes/elevations above 2,000 feet (610m), ratings should
be reduced at the rate of 4 percent for each 1,000 feet (305m)
above sea level. Contact the manufacturer or your gas company
before changing spud/orifice size.
Well Head Gas Installations
Somenaturalgasutilitiesuse"wellhead"gas.Thismayaffectthe
Btu output of the unit. Contact the gas company for the heating
value. Contact the manufacturer or your gas company before
changing spud/orifice size.

Page 6 VFH-33
SPECIFICATIONS
Model VFH-33M VFH-33R/VFH-33T
Input Max. 25,000 25,000
Med. 20,000 ——
Min. 15,000 17,000
Minimum Firebox Opening
Height 30 3/4" 30 3/4"
Depth 16 7/8" 16 7/8"
Front Width 34 1/8" 34 1/8"
Rear Width 24 13/16" 24 13/16"
Gas Inlet 3/8" 3/8"
Accessories
EFB-2 Automatic Blower
EHL-1 Brick Liner
EK-1 Embers Kit
FBT-4 Black Firebox Frame Kit (for flush mantels & 3/4" thick materials)
FBT-2 Polished Brass Trim (attaches to firebox frames)
VFHL-33BR-1 Polished Brass Louvers
Accessories For VFH-33R Only
FRBC-1 Battery Operated Remote Control
FRBTC-1 Battery Operated Remote Control w/Thermostat
FREC-1 Electric Remote Control
FWS-1 Wall Switch
GWSG-T Wall Thermostat, Millivolt
Mantel Accessories
EHM33-U Mantel - Unfinished
EHM33-CF Mantel - Cherry
EHM33-OF Mantel - Oak
EHM33-CU Corner Mantel - Unfinished
EHM33-CCF Corner Mantel - Cherry
EHM33-COF Corner Mantel - Oak
EHB33-U Large Hearth Base - Unfinished
EHB33-CF Large Hearth Base - Cherry
EHB33-OF Large Hearth Base - Oak
EHB33-CU Corner Large Hearth Base - Unfinished
EHB33-CCF Corner Large Hearth Base - Cherry
EHB33-COF Corner Large Hearth Base - Oak
EHB33-SU Small Hearth Base - Unfinished
EHB33-SF Small Hearth Base - Cherry
EHB33-SOF Small Hearth Base - Oak
Laminate Trim
EMT33-1E Mantel - Emerald
EMT33-1P Mantel - Parchment
EMT33-1B Mantel - Black Marble
EMT33-2E Large Hearth Base - Emerald
EMT33-2P Large Hearth Base - Parchment
EMT33-2B Large Hearth Base - Black Marble
EMT33-3E Small Hearth Base - Emerald
EMT33-3P Small Hearth Base - Parchment
EMT33-3B Small Hearth Base - Black Marble
EMT33-4E Corner Hearth Base - Emerald
EMT33-4P Corner Hearth Base - Parchment
EMT33-4B Corner Hearth Base - Black Marble

Page 7VFH-33
WATER VAPOR:A BY-PRODUCT OF UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS
Watervaporisaby-productofgascombustion. Anunventedroom
heater produces approximately one (1) ounce (30ml) of water for
every 1,000 BTU's (.3KW's) of gas input per hour.
Unventedroomheaters are recommended assupplementalheat (a
room) rather than a primary heat source (an entire house). In most
supplemental heat applications, the water vapor does not create a
problem. In most applications, the water vapor enhances the low
humidity atmosphere experienced during cold weather.
The following steps will help insure that water vapor does not
become a problem.
1. Besuretheheaterissizedproperlyfortheapplication,including
ample combustion air and circulation air.
2. Ifhighhumidityisexperienced,adehumidifier maybeusedto
help lower the water vapor content of the air.
3. Donotuseanunventedroomheaterastheprimaryheatsource.
PROVISIONS FORADEQUATE COMBUSTION & VENTILATION AIR
This heater shall not be installed in a confined space or unusually
tightconstructionunless provisions areprovidedfor adequate com-
bustion and ventilation air.
The National Fuel Gas Code defines a confined space as a space
whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour
(4.8m3per kw) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances in-
stalled 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
m3per kw) of the aggregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space. Rooms communicating directly with the space in
which the appliances are installed, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the unconfined space.
Unusually Tight Construction
Theairthatleaksarounddoorsandwindowsmayprovideenough
freshairforcombustionandventilation.However,inbuildingsof
unusually tight construction, you must provide additional fresh
air.Unusually tight construction is defined as construction
where:
a. Wallsandceilingsexposedtotheoutsideatmospherehave
acontinuouswatervaporretarderwitharatingofoneperm
or less with openings gasketed or sealed, and
b. Weatherstripping 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,betweenwall-ceilingjoints,betweenwallpanels,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 8.
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or
unconfined space.
Space:Includestheroominwhichyouwillinstallheaterplusany
adjoining rooms with doorless 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 16 ft. (length) x 10 ft. (width) x 8 ft.
(ceiling height) = 1,280 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. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic feet to determine the
maximum BTU/Hr the space can support.
(volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = (maximum
BTU/Hr the space can support)
Example: 1,280 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷50 cu. ft. = 25.6 or
25,600 (maximum BTU/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater 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
Example: Vented gas heater 20,000 BTU/Hr
Vent-free heater + 18,000 BTU/Hr
Total = 38,000 BTU/Hr
*Donot includedirect-vent gasappliances. Directvent draws
combustion air from the outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
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:
25,600 BTU/Hr (maximum the space can support)
38,000 BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr used)

Page 8 VFH-33
Warning: If the area in which the heater may be operated is
smallerthanthatdefinedasanunconfinedspaceorifthebuilding
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, Section 5.3 or applicable
local codes.
The space in the above example is a confined space because the
actual BTU/Hr used is more than the maximum BTU/HR the
space can support. You must provide additional fresh air. Your
options are as follows:
A. Reworkworksheet, addingthe spaceof anadjoining room.If
theextraspaceprovidesanunconfinedspace,removedoorto
adjoining room or add ventilation grills between rooms. See
Ventilation Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air
From Outdoors.
C. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size makes
room unconfined.
If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the maximum BTU/Hr the
space can support, the space is an unconfined space. You will
need no additional fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: You must provide additional ventilation
air in a confined space.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building (Figure 1)
This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space.
When ventilating to an adjoining unconfined space, you must
provide two permanent 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 1). You can also remove door
intoadjoiningroom(seeoption3,Figure1).Eachventilationgrill
oropening shall havea minimum freearea of onesquare inchper
1,000 BTUH of the total input rating of the gas equipment in the
confined space.
Figure 1
WARNING: Rework worksheet, adding the space of the
adjoining unconfined space. The combined spaces must
have enough fresh air to supply all appliances in both
spaces.
Ventilation Air From Outdoors (Figure 2)
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You
must provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceilingand onewith 12"of thefloor. Connectthese itemsdirectly
to the outdoors or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces
include attics and crawl spaces. In most cases for direct
communicationwiththeoutdoorsordirectcommunicationthrough
a vertical duct a free area opening of one square inch per 4,000
BTUH of heater input rating for each grill. If a horizontal duct is
used, a grill free area or duct opening shall have a free area
openingofonesquareinchper2,000BTUHforeachgrill.Follow
the National Fuel Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, 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 2
PROVISIONS FOR ADEQUATE COMBUSTION & VENTILATION AIR (continued)

Page 9VFH-33
GAS SUPPLY
Checkalllocalcodesforrequirements,especiallyforthesizeand
type of gas supply line required.
Recommended Gas Pipe Diameter
Pipe Length Schedule 40 Pipe Tubing, Type L
(Feet) Inside Diameter Outside Diameter
Nat. L.P. Nat. L.P.
0-10 1/2" 3/8" 1/2" 3/8"
1.3 cm 1.0 cm 1.3 cm 1.0 cm
10-40 1/2" 1/2" 5/8" 1/2"
1.3 cm 1.3 cm 1.6 cm 1.3 cm
40-100 1/2" 1/2" 3/4" 1/2"
1.3 cm 1.3 cm 1.9 cm 1.3 cm
100-150 3/4" 1/2" 7/8" 3/4"
1.9 cm 1.3 cm 2.2 cm 1.9 cm
Note:Neveruseplasticpipe.Checktoconfirmwhetheryourlocal
codes allow copper tubing or galvanized.
Note:Since some municipalities have additional local codes, it is
always best to consult your local authority and installation code.
Installing a New Main Gas Cock
Each appliance should have its own manual gas cock.
A manual main gas cock should be located in the vicinity of the
unit. Where none exists, or where its size or location is not
adequate, contact your local authorized installer for installation
or relocation.
Compounds used on threaded joints of gas piping shall be
resistant to the action of liquefied petroleum gases. The gas lines
must be checked for leaks by the installer. This should be done
with a soap solution watching for bubbles on all exposed
connections, and if unexposed, a pressure test should be made.
Never use an exposed flame to check for leaks. Appliance
mustbedisconnectedfrompipingatinletofcontrolvalveand
pipe capped or plugged for pressure test. Never pressure test
withapplianceconnected;control valve willsustaindamage!
A gas valve and ground joint union should be installed in the gas
line upstream of the gas control to aid in servicing. It is required
bytheNationalFuelGasCodethatadriplinebeinstallednearthe
gas inlet. This should consist of a vertical length of pipe tee
connected into the gas line that is capped on the bottom in which
condensation and foreign particles may collect.
The use of the following gas connectors is recommended:
— ANS Z21.24 Appliance Connectors of Corrugated Metal
Tubing and Fittings
— ANS Z21.45 Assembled Flexible Appliance Connectors of
Other Than All-Metal Construction
The above connectors may be used if acceptable by the authority
having jurisdiction.
Figure 3
Pressure Testing of the Gas Supply System
1. To check the inlet pressure to the gas valve, a 1/8" (3mm)
N.P.T.pluggedtapping,accessiblefortestgaugeconnection,
must be placed immediately upstream of the gas supply
connection to the appliance.
2. The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be
disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of
1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
3. The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping
systemby closingits individualmanualshutoff valveduring
any pressure testing of the gas supply piping system at test
pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
Attention! If one of the above procedures results in pressures in

Page 10 VFH-33
excessof 1/2psig (14"w.c.) (3.5kPa) onthe appliancegasvalve,
it will result in a hazardous condition.
Checking Manifold Pressure
VFH-33R Natural gas will have a manifold pressure of
approximately 3.5" w.c. (.871kPa) for maximum input or 1.7"
w.c.(.423kPa) forminimum inputatthepressureregulatoroutlet
with the inlet pressure to the pressure regulator from a minimum
of 4.5" w.c. (1.120kPa) for the purpose of input adjustment to a
maximum of 10.5" w.c. (2.614kPa). VFH-33M and VFH-33T
Natural gas will have a manifold pressure of approximately 6.0"
w.c. (1.49kPa) at the pressure regulator outlet with the inlet
pressure to the pressure regulator from a minimum of 7.0" w.c.
GAS SUPPLY (continued)
CLEARANCES
Minimum Wall and Ceiling Clearances
Figure 4
Clearances
When facing the front of the appliance the minimum clearances
to combustible construction (material) are the following:
1. Clearances from the right side or left side of the fireplace
opening to any combustible wall or material should not be
less than 8 inches.
2. Clearances from the top of the fireplace opening to the
ceiling should not be less than 36 inches.
Mantel Clearances for Built-in Installation
Figure 5
If your installation does not meet the above minimum clearances
you must:
— raise the mantel to acceptable height or
— remove the mantel
(1.74kPa) for the purpose of input adjustment to a maximum of
10.5"w.c.(2.615kPa).VFH-33RPropanegaswillhaveamanifold
pressure approximately 10.0"w.c. (2.49kPa) for maximum input
or6.3"w.c.(1.568kPa)forminimuminputatthepressureregulator
outlet with the inlet pressure to the pressure regulator from a
minimum of 11.0"w.c. (2.739kPa) for the purpose of input
adjustment to a maximum of 13.0"w.c. (3.237kPa). VFH-33M
and VFH-33T Propane gas will have a manifold pressure
approximately 10.0"w.c. (2.49kPa) at the pressure regulator
outlet with the inlet pressure to the pressure regulator from a
minimum of 11.0"w.c. (2.739kPa) for the purpose of input
adjustment to a maximum of 13.0"w.c. (3.237kPa).
Atestgageconnectionislocateddownstreamofthegasappliance
pressure regulator for measuring gas pressure. The connection is
a 1/8 inch (3mm) N.P.T. plugged tapping.