Empire Comfort Systems VFL20IN3 series User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
UNVENTED
GAS FIREPLACE
MODELS
VFL20IN3(0,1,2,3)10(N,P)-1
VFL20IN3(0,1,2,3)(N,P)-1
VFL20IN7(0,1,2,3)(N,P)-1
GAS-FIRED
WARNING: If not installed, operated and maintained
in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions,
this product could expose you to substances in fuel
or from fuel combustion which can cause death or
serious illness.
-
gen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided. Refer to page 11.
WATER VAPOR:ABY-PRODUCT OF UNVENTED
ROOM HEATERS
Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion. An
unvented room heaterproduces approximately one (1)
ounce (30ml) of water for every 1,000 BTU's (.3KW's)
of gas input per hour. Refer to page 11.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,
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 appliance is not
convertible for use with other gases.
Loft Vent Free Fireplace/Insert
 -
ble vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or
any other appliance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
  
  
use any phone in your building.
       
a neighbor’s phone. Follow the gas sup-
plier’s instructions.
  

— Installation and service must be performed

gas supplier.
WARNING: If the information in these in-
-
plosion may result causing property damage,
personal injury or loss of life.
Installer: Leave this manual with the appli-
ance.
Consumer: Retain this manual for future refer-
ence.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfor t Systems
Shown without required front.
Page 1

27407-2-0710Page 2
SECTION PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Important Safety Information .......................................................................................................................... 3
Safety Information for Users of LP-Gas.......................................................................................................... 4
Important Installation Guidelines .................................................................................................................... 5
Introduction...................................................................................................................................................... 6
Specications ................................................................................................................................................... 7
Installation in a Fireplace................................................................................................................................. 8
Fireplace Insert Dimensions ............................................................................................................................ 9
Built-In Fireplace Installation........................................................................................................................ 10
Water Vapor: A By-Product of Unvented Room Heaters............................................................................... 11
Provisions For Adequate Combustion & Ventilation Air....................................................................... 11 - 12
Gas Supply............................................................................................................................................. 13 - 14
Clearances...................................................................................................................................................... 14
Combustible Materials................................................................................................................................... 15
Alternate On/Off Switch Installation............................................................................................................. 16
Decorative Accessory Installation.................................................................................................................. 17
Millivolt Control Valve Lighting Instructions ............................................................................................... 18
10,000 BTU Millivolt Control Valve Lighting Instructions .......................................................................... 19
Intermittent Pilot Lighting Instructions ......................................................................................................... 20
Intermittent Pilot Operating Instructions ....................................................................................................... 21
Intermittent Pilot Remote Electronic Ignition and Control System....................................................... 22 - 25
Intermittent Pilot Wiring Diagram ................................................................................................................. 26
Operation Instructions/Flame Appearance..................................................................................................... 27
Pilot Flame Characteristics .................................................................................................................... 28 - 29
Cleaning and Servicing.................................................................................................................................. 29
Wiring ............................................................................................................................................................ 30
Maintenance................................................................................................................................................... 30
Troubleshooting: Symptoms, Possible Causes and Corrections.................................................................... 31
Parts List ........................................................................................................................................................ 32
Exploded View............................................................................................................................................... 33
Surround Fronts ..................................................................................................................................... 34 - 35
Master Parts Distributor List.......................................................................................................................... 36
How To Order Repair Parts............................................................................................................................ 36
Appliance Service History ..................................................................................................................... 37 - 39

27407-2-0710 Page 3
When used without adequate combustion and ventilation air,
heater may give off CARBON MONOXIDE, an odorless, poi-
sonous gas.
Do not install heater until all necessary provisions are
made for combustion and ventilation air. Consult the writ-
ten instructions provided with the heater for information
concerning combustion and ventilation air. In the absence
of instructions, refer to the National Fuel Gas Code,ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and Ventilation, or
applicable local codes.
This heater is equipped with a PILOT LIGHT SAFETY SYS-
TEM 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.
If heater keeps shutting off, have it serviced. Keep burner and
control compartment clean.
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING MAY LEAD TO
DEATH.
        
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.
Some people — pregnant women, persons with heart or lung

high altitudes — are more affected by carbon monoxide than
others.
The pilot light safety system senses the depletion of oxygen at its
location. If this heater is installed in a structure having a high
vertical dimension, the possibility exists that the oxygen supply
at the higher levels will be less than that at the heater. In this type
of application, a fan to circulate the structure air will minimize
this effect. The use of this fan will also improve the comfort level
in the structure. When a fan is used to circulate air, it should be

WARNING
 
6,000 Btu per hour shall not be installed in a bathroom
 
10,000 Btu per hour shall not be installed in a bedroom or
bathroom.
 

 
surface temperature and should stay away to avoid burns or
clothing ignition.
 
in the same room with the appliance.
 
the appliance.
 Installation and repair should be done by a QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSON. This appliance should be inspected
before use and at least annually by a professional service
person. More frequent cleaning may be required due to
excessive lint from carpeting, bedding materials, etc. It
is imperative that control compartments, burners and
circulating air passageways of the appliance be kept clean.
 use this room heater if any part has been under
       
inspect the room heaterand to replace any part of the control
system and any gas control which has been under water.
 
Do not close glass doors while operating heater.
 
operation.
   
components of this appliance are treated with certain oils,

but may produce annoying smoke and smells as they are
burned off during initial operation of the appliance. This is
a normal temporary occurrence.Awindow should be opened
during the initial bake out period.
        
location of the heater and annual cleaning are necessary to
avoid potential problems with sooting. Sooting, resulting
from improper installation or operation, can settle on
  
installation.
         
        
patterns.
 
or other accessory not approved for use with this heater.
 

sensor) which will shut down the heater if adequate fresh
air is not available. See troubleshooting section in the
instructions.
        
materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and
liquids.
        
of the burner(s) clean may result in sooting and property
damage.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

27407-2-0710Page 4
Some people cannot smell well. Some people cannot smell the

can smell the odorant in propane. 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
in the area mask the gas odor. People may not smell the gas 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, the
movement of the gas through soil can lter the odorant. Odorants
in LP-Gas also are subject to oxidation. This fading can 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-Gas may stratify in a closed area, and the odor intensity could
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.

and explosions. In its natural state, propane is odorless and
colorless. You may not know all the following safety precau-
tions which can protect both you and your family from an
accident. Read them carefully now, then review them point
by point with the members of your household. Someday when
there may not be a minute to lose, everyone's safety will depend
on knowing exactly what to do. If, after reading the following
information, you feel you still need more information, please
contact your gas supplier.
• Learn to recognize the odor of LP-gas. Your local LP-Gas
Dealer can give you a "Scratch and Sniff" pamphlet. Use it
to nd out what the propane odor smells like. If you suspect
that your LP-Gas has a weak or abnormal odor, call your
LP-Gas Dealer.
• If you are not qualied, do not light pilot lights, perform
service, or make adjustments to appliances on the LP-Gas
system. If you are qualied, consciously think about the odor
of LP-Gas prior to and while lighting pilot 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 lled and allowed to set too
long before relling. 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
think you should, assume you have a leak. Then take the same
immediate action recommended above for the occasion when
you do detect the odorized LP-Gas.
• If you experience a complete "gas out," (the container is un-
der no vapor pressure), turn the tank valve off immediately.
If the container valve is left on, the container may draw in
some air through openings such as pilot light orices. 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 turning it off
at the container before it goes completely empty or having it
relled before it is completely empty.
• Do not operate electric switches, light matches, use your
phone. Do not do anything that could ignite the gas.
• Get everyone out of the building, 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
reghters declare them to be safe.
• Use your neighbor's phone and call a trained LP-Gas service
person and the re department. Even though you may not
continue to smell gas, do not turn on the gas again. Do not
re-enter the building, vehicle, trailer, or area.
• Finally, let the service man and reghters 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

27407-2-0710 Page 5

For proper burner operation and ame appearance, the ow of
primary air into the venturi tube, located on the rear of the burner,
must not be reduced. This ow of air is reduced if dirt, lint or
other obstructions build-up around or inside the venturi. Any
obstruction in the venturi tube area must be removed. The ow of
air into the venturi is also reduced if the gas orice isn’t centered
in the venturi inlet and/or is not aligned with the venturi. Any
misalignment of the burner orice may be corrected by bending
the shutter cap holding the orice to the inlet of the venturi tube.
Ceiling Fans, Portable Fans or Logs Installed Near Cold Air
Returns
Ceiling fans or oscillating oor type fans need to be monitored
during the operation of vent-free logs. If the air blows directly
into the ame causing it to disrupt the ame, disrupt the ame, it
should be turned off or redirected. Ceiling fans could be reversed
to possibly eliminate ame impingement, and the oor fan could
be redirected. Upon installation, be aware of any cold air returns
or vents in the proximity of the log set. Any draft created around
a vent-free log set can cause the ame to impinge on the log and
create a sooting situation.
WARNING: Do not allow fans to blow directly into the replace.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner ame patterns.
WARNING: Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger insert or
other accessory not approved for use with this heater.
Candles
Avoid the use of scented or decorative candles while the log set
is in operation. Candles produce a residue in the air that creates a
soot like substance. Burning candles while the log set is operating
magnies the problem. It should be noted that candles, in general,
produce soot. The amount of time burned and the quantity of
candles burned will determine the amount of soot produced and
deposited.
IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

27407-2-0710Page 6
Notice: During initial ring of this unit, its paint will bake out, and
smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of smoke alarms, ventilate
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 ooring 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 re-proof base as
used on wood stoves. The protection is for rugs that are extremely
thick and light colored tile.
Solid-fuels shall not be burned in a masonry or UL 127 factory-
built replace in which an unvented room heater is installed.

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.
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 Sate 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.*
*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc. 1430 Broadway,
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/orice size.
Well Head Gas Installations
Some natural gas utilities use "well head" gas. This may affect the
Btu output of the unit. Contact the gas company for the heating
value. Contact the manufacturer or your gas company before
changing spud/orice size.
WARNING: This appliance is equipped for (natural gas or
propane) gas. Field conversion is not permitted.
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 unvented room heater.
3. Installer should show owner how to start and operate unvented
room heater.
Always consult your local Building Department regarding
regulations, 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: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from
the manufacturer.
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.
WARNING: ANY CHANGE TO THIS HEATER OR ITS
CONTROLS CAN BE DANGEROUS.
Improper installation or use of the heater can cause serious
        
monoxide poisoning.
This series is design certied in accordance with American
National Standard Z21.11.2 by the Canadian StandardsAssociation
Laboratories as an Unvented Room Heater and should be installed
according to these instructions.
Any alteration of the original design, installed other than as
shown in these instructions or use with a type of gas not shown on
the rating plate is the responsibility of the person and company
making the change.
Millivolt 3 Series 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 ame to
operate an additional one (1) to two (2) minutes before you turn the
gas control knob from the PILOT position to the ON position. This
time period allows the millivolts (electrical energy) to build-up to
a sufcient level allowing the gas control to operate properly.
Important
All correspondence should refer to complete Model Number, Serial
Number and type of gas.
INTRODUCTION

27407-2-0710 Page 7
SPECIFICATIONS
Accessories for VFL20IN3 (Millivolt) Models
Remote Control
Accessories
Description
FRBC Battery Operated Remote Control
FRBTC Battery Operated Remote Control with
Thermostat
FRBTP Battery Operated Programmable Remote
Control
FREC Electric Remote Control
FWS-1 Wall Switch
TRW Remote Wall Thermostat (Wireless)
TMV Wall Thermostat, Millivolt - Reed Switch
VFL20IN3* LP NAT
Input Btu/hr Maximum 20,000 20,000
Btu/hr Minimum 16,000 13,000
Orice #55 2.10 mm
Air Shutter Opening 3/16" Fully Closed
VFL20IN7* LP NAT
Input Btu/hr Maximum 20,000 20,000
Btu/hr Minimum 14,000 13,000
Orice #55 #48
Air Shutter Opening 3/16" Fully Closed
VFL20IN3*10 LP NAT
Input Btu/hr Maximum 10,000 10,000
Btu/hr Minimum 10,000 10,000
Orice #64 #53
Air Shutter Opening Fully Closed Fully Closed This unit requires the use of one of the following surrounds
Surround Kit Description
DF20GBL Decorative Front, Tempered Glass, Black
DF20MBL Decorative Front, Metal Frame, Black
DF20LBL Decorative Front, Louver, Glass Frame (In-
cludes 6 x 6 Surround)
Optional Accessories
Part Number Description
FBB7 Variable Speed Blower
DG18BKP Decorative Glass Black Polished
DG18BUC Decorative Glass Blue Clear
DG18CLF Decorative Glass Frost

27407-2-0710Page 8
INSTALLATION IN A FIREPLACE
1. Before beginning, check to make sure there is no hidden
damage to the unit. Take a minute and plan out the gas and
electrical route. It is best to start with the gas line rst, fol-
lowed by the electrical supply requirements.
2. Minimum replace opening requirements are shown in
Figure 2 of this installation manual. The rebrick (refrac-
tory), glass doors, screen rails, screen mesh and log grates
can be removed from a factory built replace in order to gain
minimum gas insert opening requirements prior to installing
the gas replace insert.
3. This insert requires no hearth extensions. Combustible ma-
terial on the oor may be installed up to the insert. Do not
obstruct the lower louver of the insert. The original replace
cannot be returned to solid fuel in this condition.
4. The metal oor of the solid fuel rebox may be removed to
facilitate the installation of the insert. The side walls and top
structure of the rebox may not be altered with the exception
of removable bafes and dampers. Smoke shields, shelves
and bafes may be removed if attached with mechanical fas-
teners. The original replace cannot be returned to solid fuel
in this condition.
5. The insert surround is tested and approved with this gas insert
and may cover existing air circulation vents or grills on the
solid fuel replace it is installed into. If the surround does
not cover the entire ventilation grill surface, the exposed grill
area should be left open.


Note: The following statement is also provided on a separate
label plate in the instruction packet. Prior to installation of


as required.
  
for use with gas only and cannot be used for burning wood
or solid fuels unless all original parts have been replaced
        
having jurisdiction.
See "Positioning, Leveling and Securing Insert" below.
6. Install the insert without the surround panels attached and
make all gas venting and electrical connections.

provided, an access hole of 1 1/2” diameter (37.5mm) or
less may be drilled through the lower sides or bottom of
        
access hole must be plugged with a non-combustible insu-
lation after the gas supply line has been installed.
7. The surround panel assembly is installed after the replace
has been installed with all the gas and electrical connections
completed. Refer to instructions included with the surround
panel kit.
Ensure there are no obstructions to side air passages of
decorative trim once installed on insert.
Positioning, Leveling and Securing Insert
1. Place the insert into position
Note: The front anges of the insert (without surround panels)
should be set at approximately 1" in front of the face of
the replace.
2. Level the insert from side to side and front to back.
3. If necessary, use the leveling bolts included in the instruction
pack. Screw the legs into the nuts installed in the bottom of
the insert. Turn legs in until insert is level.
NOTE: The best way to access the leveling bolt locations is
to remove the burner and rebox bottom.

27407-2-0710 Page 9
FIREPLACE INSERT DIMENSIONS
A
D
E
B
C
F
G
H
I
J
K
Figure 1
When planning a replace insert installation, it’s necessary to
determine:
• Gas supply piping.
• Electrical connections - for optional blower
• Whether optional accessories - devices such as a wall switch
or remote control - are desired.
• Electrical supply requirements for optional blower.
(120V, 60Hz, 1 Amp)
• Proper opening size of replace required for installation of
the replace insert.
A
D
C
B
Figure 2
VF FIREPLACE INSERT DIMENSIONS
MODEL A B C D E F G H I J K
VFL20IN 29 1/4" 19 3/4" 12 7/16" 25 5/8" 16 3/16" 13 9/16" 25 3/4" 18 1/8" 15/16" 13 1/2" 1 5/8"
Fireplace Opening Dimensional Information/Sizing
MINIMUM FIREPLACE OPENING DIMENSIONS
MODEL HEIGHT
A
FRONT
WIDTH B
DEPTH
C
REAR
WIDTH D
VFL20IN 19 1/4" 26 1/2" 12 3/4" 15 3/4"
NOTE: These are the minimum dimensions of a replace that
the replace insert will t into. It allows room for the
box and the replace surround to t onto the front of the
unit. It is not intended to be used for framing dimensions.
Refer to Figures 3 to 5 for framing dimensions.

27407-2-0710Page 10
In planning the installation for the replace, 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.
The replace 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. Four (4) corners of the replace so contact is made on all four
perimeter edges on the bottom of the unit.
(Example: Four (4) concrete masonry blocks.)
If the replace 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 replace is to be located. If this
has not been done, stop and consult your dealer for assistance with
this planning.
BUILT-IN FIREPLACE INSTALLATION
This unit is designed to be installed in a zero-clearance enclosure.
This means the combustible material can come in contact with
the rebox.
Built-In Fireplace Installation
Built-in installation of this replace involves installing the
replace into a framed-in enclosure. This makes the front of the
replace ush with a wall.
Frame in rough opening. Use dimensions show in Figure 3 for a
conventional rough opening. Use dimensions shown in Figure 4
for corner rough opening. Use Figure 5 for an elevated installa-
tion. Be sure to provided support to the bottom of the replace.
Be sure to provide gas line for replace and electrical power for
optional blower assembly.
1. Gas line connections must be made at this time. When
facing the appliance, the gas supply will enter on the right-
hand side. See "Gas Supply" page 13.
2. Insert replace into enclosure. Attach to wall with screws
through holes on cabinet sides.
3. Level rebox. See "Positioning, Leveling and Securing In-
sert" on Page 8.
4. Finished wall surface will be ush to the leading edge of re-
place top and sides.
5. If used, the surround panel assembly is installed after the re-
place has been installed with all the gas and electrical connec-
tion completed. See Page 16. Refer to instructions included
with the surround panel kit.
6. Installation of built-in replace is completed.
Rough Opening for Installing in Wall Rough Opening for Installing in Corner Rough Opening for Elevated Installation
FLUSH
INSTALLATION
PROJECTED
INSTALLATION
1” TO 6” FROM BACK
25mmTO 152mm
ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE
71/2” (190.5mm)
GASSUPPLY
B
C
A
D
25 5/8”
650.9mm
E
51 1/4” (1301.8mm)
FLUSH
INSTALLATION
PROJECTED
INSTALLATION
1” TO 6” FROM BACK
25mmTO 152mm
ELECTRICAL RECEPTACLE
71/2” (190.5mm)
GASSUPPLY
B
C
A
6” MINIMUM
Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5
A B C D E
VFL20IN 13 3/4"
(349.3 mm)
27 3/4"
(704.9 mm)
19 1/4"
(489 mm)
36 1/4"
(920.8 mm)
27 3/4"
(704.9 mm)