Empire Comfort Systems VFP32BP series User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
UNVENTED
GAS FIREPLACE
MODELS
VFP32BP(20,21)L(N,P)-1
VFP32BP(30,31)L(N,P)-1
VFP36BP(20,21)L(N,P)-1
VFP36BP(30,31)L(N,P)-1
Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces
 -
       

— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
  
  

       
-

        

      


-
-
     

 
 
-







-

      -
     
      


WATER VAPOR: A BY-PRODUCT OF UNVENTED
ROOM HEATERS




EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfor t Systems
Page 1

28191-3-0611Page 2
SECTION PAGE
Important Safety Information................................................................................... 3
Safety Information for Users of LP Gas .................................................................. 4
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 5
 .......................................................................................................... 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 Materials........................................................................................... 11
Fireplace Dimensions............................................................................................ 12
Installing Hood and Trim Kit .................................................................................. 13
Planning Installation .............................................................................................. 13
Fireplace Framing and Installation ........................................................................ 14
Placement of Glowing Embers and Lava Rock..................................................... 15
Operation Instructions/Flame Appearance............................................................ 16
VFP(32,36)BP(30,31)L Lighting Instructions ........................................................ 17
VFP(32,36)BP(20,21)L Lighting Instructions ........................................................ 18
Pilot Flame Characteristics ............................................................................ 19 - 20
Wiring ................................................................................................................... 20
Maintenance.......................................................................................................... 20
Troubleshooting..................................................................................................... 21
Parts List ............................................................................................................... 22
Parts View ............................................................................................................ 23
Optional Variable Speed Blower Installation Instructions............................... 24 - 25
Junction Box Wiring Installation Instructions......................................................... 26
Optional Brick Liner Installation Instructions ......................................................... 26
Master Parts Distributor List.................................................................................. 27
How To Order Repair Parts ................................................................................... 27
TABLE OF CONTENTS

28191-3-0611 Page 3
   
-

  
-





PILOT LIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM
           

DO NOT TAMPER WITH PILOT LIGHT SAFETY SYS-
TEM!



     


 














WARNING
         


 


 

 


 

          

  QUALIFIED




      
       

 




 

 

 
       
       


 


        


       


         
        

 


 




        
      

 


IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

28191-3-0611Page 4


 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.

For example, if there is an underground leak, the

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.


-
       






 Your local LP-Gas
Dealer can give you a "Scratch and Sniff" pamphlet. Use it to

your LP-Gas has a weak or abnormal odor, call your LP-Gas
Dealer.
 
or make adjustments to appliances on the LP-Gas system. If

prior to and while lighting pilot lights or performing service or
making adjustments.
 
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.
 
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

       
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. 
LPA
LP

 
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.
 -
der no vapor pressure), turn the tank valve off immediately.
If the container valve is left on, the container may draw in

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

         
phone. Do not do anything that could ignite the gas.
 
that IMMEDIATELY.
 
 
as basements. When you have reason to suspect a gas leak,
keep out of basements and other low areas. Stay out until

 
  
continue to smell gas, do not turn on the gas again. Do not
re-enter the building, vehicle, trailer, or area.
 
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


SAFETY INFORMATION FOR USERS OF LP-GAS

28191-3-0611 Page 5

If this appliance is installed directly on carpeting, tile or other

shall be installed on a metal or wood panel extending the full
width and depth of the appliance.

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

is installed.

Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization
equipment or accessories and repair and servicing of

       
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

of Massachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural gas-fired
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
       
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.

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


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

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.
 
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.




National Standard Z21.11.2 by the Canadian Standards
Association Laboratories as an Unvented Room Heater and
should be installed according to these instructions.






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.

(2) minutes before you turn the gas control knob from the
PILOT position to the ON position. This time period allows

allowing the gas control to operate properly.

All correspondence should refer to complete Model Number,
Serial Number and type of gas.




Notice: 
and smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of smoke alarms,
ventilate the room in which the unit is installed.
INTRODUCTION

28191-3-0611Page 6
 VFP32BP VFP36BP
Input Maximum 32,000 36,000
Minimum 22,000 25,000

Height without standoff 32 3/4" 34 3/4"
Width 34” 39”
Depth 17 3/8" 17 3/8”
Gas Inlet 3/8” 3/8”
Accessories
EK-1 Embers Kit
PE-20 Platinum Embers
FBB4* Variable Speed Automatic Blower
VPP32A VFP32BP — Ceramic Aged Brick Liner
VPP36A VFP36BP — Ceramic Aged Brick Liner
Accessories For VFP(32,36)BP(30,31) Only
FRBC Battery Operated Remote Control
FRBTC Battery Operated Remote Control w/Thermostat
FREC Electric Remote Control
FWS Wall Switch
TMV Wall Thermostat, Millivolt - Reed Switch
TRW Remote Wall Thermostat
*FBB4 is standard (installed) on VFP(32,36)BP(21,31)

SPECIFICATIONS

28191-3-0611 Page 7
Water vapor is a by-product of gas combustion. An unvented room
heater produces approximately one (1) ounce (30ml) of water for

Unvented room heaters are recommended as supplemental heat (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. Be sure the heater is sized properly for the application, including
ample combustion air and circulation air.
 
help lower the water vapor content of the air.
3. Do not use an unvented room heater as the primary heat
source.

tight construction unless provisions are provided for adequate
combustion and ventilation air.

1,000 Btuh of the combined input rates of all appliances drawing
combustion air from that space. Small areas such as equipment

which supply heated air to areas outside the space must draw return
air from outside the space through tightly sealed return air ducts. A

air. One opening must be within 12 inches of the ceiling and the

these openings is determined by whether inside or outside air is
used to support combustion, the method by which the air is brought
to the space (vertical or horizontal duct) and by the total input rate
of all appliances in the space.

The air that leaks around doors and windows may provide enough
fresh air for combustion and ventilation. However, in buildings of
unusually tight construction, you must provide additional fresh air.
      

a. Walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have
a continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm
or less with openings gasketed or sealed, and
b. Weather-stripping 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

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  page
8.


space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will install heater plus any
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
 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
*Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct vent 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)
Warning: If the area in which the heater may be operated is smaller
     
unusually tight construction, provide adequate combustion and
ventilation air by one of the methods described in the National
Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation, or applicable local codes.
WATER VAPOR: A BY-PRODUCT OF UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS
PROVISIONS FOR ADEQUATE COMBUSTION & VENTILATION AIR

28191-3-0611Page 8

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. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoining room. If

to adjoining room or add ventilation grills between rooms. See

B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See V

C. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size makes room

If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the maximum BTU/Hr the

no additional fresh air ventilation.
WARNING:

Ventilation Air



permanent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and one within

1 and 2, Figure 1). You can also remove door into adjoining room
(see option 3, Figure 1). Each ventilation grill or opening shall have
a minimum free area of one square inch per 1,000 BTUH of the total

Figure 1
WARNING:       
 
         
spaces.

Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must
provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling and

or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces include attics and
crawl spaces. In most cases for direct communication with the
outdoors or direct communication through a vertical duct a free
area opening of one square inch per 4,000 BTU/Hr 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 opening of one square inch per
2,000 BTU/Hr for each grill. Follow the National Fuel Code ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA54, 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)

28191-3-0611 Page 9
Check all local codes for requirements, especially for the size and
type of gas supply line required.

Pipe Length Schedule 40 Pipe
Inside Diameter
Tubing, Type L
Outside Diameter
Nat. L.P. Nat. L.P.
0-10 feet
0-3 meters
1/2”
12.7mm
3/8”
9.5mm
1/2”
12.7mm
3/8”
9.5mm
10-40 feet
4-12 meters
1/2”
12.7mm
1/2”
12.7mm
5/8”
15.9mm
1/2”
12.7mm
40-100 feet
13-30 meters
1/2”
12.7mm
1/2”
12.7mm
3/4”
19mm
1/2”
12.7mm
100-150 feet
31-46 meters
3/4”
19mm
1/2”
12.7mm
7/8”
22.2mm
3/4”
19mm
Note:
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.

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

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.




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 by
the National Fuel Gas Code that a drip line be installed near the 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 Z21.24Appliance Connectors of Corrugated Metal Tubing
and Fittings
— ANS Z21.45Assembled FlexibleAppliance Connectors of Other
Than All-Metal Construction
The above connectors may be used if acceptable by the authority

appliance connector cannot exceed three feet in length.
Figure 3
GAS SUPPLY

28191-3-0611Page 10


to any combustible wall should not be less than 2".
   
sides and back have zero clearance to combustibles.
Ceiling Clearances: The ceiling height should not be less than 36"
from the top of the hood.


must meet the clearance requirements detailed above.

2”
36”
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
MANTEL
HOOD
2”
7”
4”
9 3/4”
4 1/4”
6”
12 ½”
8”
15 1/4”
18”
10”
12”



VFP(32,36)BP(30,31)LN (Natural gas) will have a manifold
pressure of approximately 3.5" w.c. (.871kPa) for maximum input or
1.7" w.c. (.423kPa) for minimum input at the pressure regulator outlet
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).
VFP(32,36)BP(20,21)LN (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. (1.74kPa) for the purpose of input adjustment to a maximum
of 10.5" w.c. (2.615kPa).
VFP(32,36)BP(30,31)LP (Propanegas)willhavea manifoldpressure
approximately 10.0"w.c. (2.49kPa) for maximum input or 4.9"w.c.
(1.220kPa) for minimum input 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).
VFP(32,36)BP(20,21)LP (Propanegas)willhavea manifoldpressure
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).
A test gage connection is located downstream of the gas appliance
pressure regulator for measuring gas pressure. The connection is
a 1/8 inch (3mm) N.P.T. plugged tapping.

The valve regulator controls the burner pressure which should be
checked at the pressure test point. Turn captured screw counter
clockwise 2 or 3 turns and then place tubing to pressure gauge over
test point (Use test point “A” closest to control knob). After taking

to re-seal. Do not over torque. Check for gas leaks.
GAS SUPPLY (continued)
CLEARANCES