Empire Comfort Systems VFP36SB2EL-3 User manual

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
Premium Vent-Free Universal
Fireboxes
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR ALTER THE
CONSTRUCTION OF THE FIREBOX OR ITS COMPO-
NENTS. ANY MODIFICATION OR ALTERATION OF
CONSTRUCTION MAY VOID THE WARRANTY OF
THIS FIREBOX.
CHILDREN AND ADULTS SHOULD BE ALERTED TO
THE HAZARDS OF HIGH SURFACE TEMPERATURE
AND SHOULD STAY AWAY TO AVOID BURNS OR
CLOTHING IGNITION.
YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE CAREFULLY SU-
PERVISED WHEN THEY ARE IN THE SAME ROOM AS
THE FIREBOX.
FOR USE ONLY WITH A LISTED GAS-FIRED UN-
VENTED DECORATIVE ROOM HEATER NOT TO
EXCEED 40,000 BTU/H.
DO NOT BUILD A WOOD FIRE.
UNIVERSAL FIREBOX FOR ALL
VENT-FREE LOG SETS
SEE-THROUGH FIREBOX MODELS:
VFP36SB2EL-3
VFP36SB2EF-3
PENINSULA FIREBOX MODELS:
VFP36PB2EL-3
VFP36PB2EF-3
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause injury or property dam-
age. Refer to this manual. For assistance or additional infor-
mation, consult a qualied installer, service agency or the
gas supplier.
Carefully review the instructions supplied with the decora-
tive type unvented room heater for the minimum replace
size requirement.
DO NOT INSTALL A VENT-FREE LOG SET IN THIS
FIREBOX, UNLESS THIS FIREBOX MEETS THE
MINIMUM DIMENSIONS REQUIRED FOR THE
INSTALLATION.
GAS-FIRED
ANSI Z21.91 Ventless Fireplace Enclosures for use with any
ANSI Z21.11.2 Gas Fired Decorative Type Unvented Room
Heaters
— Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appli-
ance.
— WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Do not touch any electrical switch; do not use any
phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a neigh-
bor’s phone. Follow the gas supplier’s instruc-
tions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the re
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
ed installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: If the information in these instructions are
not followed exactly, a re or explosion may result caus-
ing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Installer: Leave this manual with the appliance.
Consumer: Retain this manual for future reference.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfor t Systems
Page 1

27451-1-0810Page 2
SECTION PAGE
Important Safety Information ............................................................................................... 3
Introduction ........................................................................................................................... 3
Clearances ....................................................................................................................... 4 - 5
Firebox Installation Instructions....................................................................................... 6 - 8
Installing Hood................................................................................................................ 8 - 9
Gas Line Connection............................................................................................................. 9
Wiring Instructions for Installing a Dual Switch / Receptacle............................................ 10
LK2 Accent Light Accessory .............................................................................................. 10
Optional Single Speed Blower Installation Instructions ............................................. 11 - 13
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................ 13
Parts List.............................................................................................................................. 14
See-Through Firebox Parts View ........................................................................................ 15
Peninsula Firebox Parts View.............................................................................................. 16
Accessories.................................................................................................................. 17 - 18
Master Parts Distributor List ................................................................................................19
How To Order Repair Parts ..................................................................................................19
TABLE OF CONTENTS

27451-1-0810 Page 3
The installation must conform with local codes or, in
the absence of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1 (latest edition) and to the National
electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA70 (latest edition).
NOTE: Installation and repair should be done by a quali-
ed service person. The appliance should be inspected
before use and at least annually by a qualied service
person. More frequent cleaning may be required due to
excessive lint from carpeting, bedding material, etc. It
is imperative that control compartment, burners and
circulating air passageways of the appliance be kept
clean.
Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an
appliance must be replaced prior to operating the ap-
pliance. Provide adequate combustion and ventilation
air.
The ow of combustion and ventilation air MUST NOT
be obstructed.
Provide adequate clearance around air openings into
the combustion chamber and adequate accessibility
clearance for servicing and proper operation. NEVER
obstruct the front opening of the appliance.
This Empire Comfort Systems Inc. firebox and its
components have been tested and will operate safely when
installed in accordance with this installation manual.
Read all instructions before starting installation, then
follow these instructions carefully during installation
to maximize rebox benet and safety. Report to your
dealer any parts damaged in shipment.
The Empire Comfort Systems Inc. warranty will be
voided by, and Empire Comfort Systems Inc. disclaims
any responsibility for the following actions:
- Installation of any damaged rebox.
- Modication of the rebox or any of the components
parts thereof.
- Installation other than as instructed by Empire
Comfort Systems Inc.
- Installation and/or use of any component part or
accessory not approved by Empire Comfort Systems
Inc. in combination or assembly with a Empire
Comfort Systems Inc. rebox, not withstanding any
independent testing laboratory or other third party
approval of such component part or accessory.
Any such action may create a possible re hazard.
Consult your local building codes.
Firebox Screen.
The rebox screen must be in place when the rebox is
operating.
Instructions to Installer
1. Installer must leave instruction manual with owner after
installation.
2. Installer must have owner ll out and mail warranty card
suppliedwithrebox.
3. Installer should show owner how to start and operate log set
thatisinstalledintorebox.
Important
All correspondence should refer to complete Model Number,
Serial Number.
Notice:Duringinitialringofthisreboxwithalogsetinstalled,its
paint will bake out, and smoke will occur. To prevent triggering of
smoke alarms, ventilate the room in which the unit is installed.
Qualied Installing Agency
Installation and replacement of gas piping, gas utilization
equipment or accessories and repair and servicing of equipment
shallbeperformedonlybyaqualiedagency.Theterm"qualied
agency" means any individual, rm, corporation or company
which either in person or through a representative is engaged in
and is responsible for (a) the installation or replacement of gas
piping or (b) the connection, installation, repair or servicing of
equipment, who is experienced in such work, familiar with all
precautions required and has complied with all the requirements
of the authority having jurisdiction.
State of Massachusetts: The installation must be made
by a licensed plumber or gas tter in the Commonwealth
of Massachusetts. The state of Massachusetts requires that
a exible appliance connector cannot exceed three feet in
length.
Sellersofunventedpropaneornaturalgas-redsupplemental
room heaters shall provide to each purchaser a copy of 527
CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
In the State of Massachusetts, unvented propane and natural
gas-redspaceheatersshallbeprohibitedinbedroomsand
bathrooms.
The installation must conform with local codes or, in the absence
of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA 54.*
*Available from the American National Standards Institute, Inc., 11 West
42nd St., New York, N.Y. 10036.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
INTRODUCTION

27451-1-0810Page 4
Sidewall Clearances:Theclearancefromtheinsideofthereboxtoperpendicularcombustiblesidewallshouldnotbelessthan13/4".
See Figures 1a and 1b.
Combustible material clearance from front of rebox: 36" minimum
Firebox Side and Back Clearances:Thereboxoutercasingside(s)requireaminimum1/2"clearancetocombustibles.
Top Framing and Finishing:Combustibleframingmayrestontopofstandoffs.Combustiblenishingmaterialsmayextendtothetop
standoff screws on the front edge of the top outer wrap. See Figures 2a and 2b.
CLEARANCES
FIREBOX
STAND OFF
COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHED WALL
OR MANTEL
2X4
HEADER
TOP OUTER
WRAP
FINISH WITH TRIM KIT
OR NON-COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIAL AS DESIRED.
Figure 1a - See Through Firebox Clearances
Figure 2a - Louvered Models
36”
MIN.
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOFHOOD)
1 3/4”MIN.
PERPENDICULAR
COMBUSTIBLE
SIDEWALL
36”
MIN.
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOFHOOD)
1 3/4”MIN.
PERPENDICULAR
COMBUSTIBLE
SIDEWALL
Figure 1b - Peninsula Firebox Clearances
Figure 2b - Flush Models
FIREBOX
STAND OFF
COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHED WALL
OR MANTEL
2X4
HEADER
TOP OUTER
WRAP
FINISH WITH TRIM KIT
OR NON-COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIAL AS DESIRED.

27451-1-0810 Page 5
Figure 3a - Mantel Clearances with Standard Hood Figure 3b - Mantel Clearances with Optional Extended Hood
MANTEL
STANDARD
HOOD
17 ½”
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOF HOOD)
4½”
MIN.
FIREBOX
FACE
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOP EDGE
OF FIREBOX
8”
6½”
5”
3½”
1½”
0”
6½”
9”
11”
13”
15”
MANTEL
13”
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOF HOOD)
8”
MIN.
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
22”
8”
20”
6½”
18”
5”
16”
3½”
14 ½”
2½”
24 ½”
0”
FIREBOX
FACE
EXTENDED HOOD
(VB4H SERIES)
(NOT AVAILABLE ON
PENINSULA OPEN END)
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOP EDGE
OF FIREBOX
CLEARANCES
Ceiling Clearances:Theceilingheightshouldnotbelessthan42"fromthetopofthehood.See Figures 3a and 3b.
Mantel Clearances: Ventfreereboxmodelsmustusethehoodsuppliedwiththerebox,oroneoftheoptionalhoodkitsavailablefor
each model. If a combustible mantel is installed, it must meet the clearance requirements detailed below.
Grate Clearance: Theminimumclearancebetweenthefrontlegsofthegrateandthefrontedgesofthereboxis11/2".

27451-1-0810Page 6
Any vent-free Gas Log Heater must be “For use with approved
ANSI Z21.11.2 unvented room heater.”
Follow and complete the installation instructions of the gas log set
andtherequirementsofthisrebox.
Checkallttingsforleaksbeforelightingthegaslogset.
In planning the installation for the rebox, it is necessary to
determine where the unit is to be installed and whether optional
accessories are desired. Gas supply piping should also be planned
at this time.
A gas shut off must be in this line.
Thereboxcanbemountedonanyofthesesurfaces:
1. Aathardcombustibleornon-combustiblesurface.
2. A raised platform of combustible or non-combustible
material.
3. Recessedintotheoorasillustratedby Figure 4.
4. Supportedunderall(4)cornersofthereboxsothatcontact
is made on all four perimeter edges on the bottom of the unit
(Example: Four (4) concrete masonry blocks).
If the firebox is installed directly on carpeting, tile or other
combustiblematerialotherthanwoodooring,itshouldbeinstalled
on a metal or wood panel extending the full width and depth of
the unit.
At this point, you should have decided what components to include
inyourinstallation,andwherethereboxistobelocated.Ifthis
has not been done, stop and consult your dealer for assistance with
this planning.
Planning Your Installation
Accessory kits such as the FBB5 Blower kit, Trim kits, Mantles,
plus other Decorative Frame, Hood, and Door accessory kits may
beinstalledafterthereboxissecuredtotheframing.
Refer to the instructions provided with each of the optional
accessory kits for proper installation and operation.
Firebox Framing
Firebox framing can be built before or after the rebox is set
in place. Framing should be constructed to accommodate wall
Figure 4
Figure 5
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
FLUSH FACE LOUVERED
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALLOWED
Premium Vent-Free Firebox Framing Dimensions (in
inches)
"A" "B" "C"*
Model Framing
Height
Framing
Width
Framing
Depth
VFP36SB 411/2" 40" 23"*
VFP36PB 411/2" 39"** 23"*
Attention: Addheightofbaseto"A"Dimensionwhenelevat-
ingreboxifinstallingonanelevatedbase.
Framing dimension A incudes a three inch clearance for
standoffs on rebox.
*Dimension"C"assumesuseof1/2"wallboardushtoboth
front faces.
**Peninsulamodelframingwidthassumesuseof1/2"wall
boardushtotheendface.
A
B
C
A
B
C
Framing - Peninsula
Framing - See-Through
coveringandreboxfacingmaterial.Thereboxframingshould
be constructed of 2 x 4 lumber or heavier. The framing headers
mayrestonthetopofthereboxstandoffs.RefertoFigure 5 for
reboxframingdimensions.
Note: On Peninsula models, a maximum weight of 250 lbs. is
recommended when construction materials are supported by the
top standoff spacers.

27451-1-0810 Page 7
Figure 6
Firebox Dimensions
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
LOUVERED PANELS FLUSH PANELS
VFP36SB VFP36PB VFP36SB VFP36PB
A381/8" 381/8" 381/8" 381/8"
B39" 39" 39" 39"
C24" 24" 24" 24"
D251/2" 251/2" 251/2" 251/2"
E36" 36" 36" 36"
F341/4" 351/4" 341/4" 351/4"
G291/8" 291/8" 291/8" 291/8"
H411/8" 411/8" 411/8" 411/8"
I11/4" 11/4" 11/4" 11/4"
J61/8" 61/8" 61/8" 61/8"
K71/2" 71/2" 71/2" 71/2"
L6" 6" 6" 6"
M275/8" 275/8" 275/8" 275/8"
N367/8" 367/8" 367/8" 367/8"
O21/8" 21/8" 21/8" 21/8"
SEE THRU
LOUVERED
OR
FLUSH
PENINSULA
LOUVERED
OR
FLUSH
H
B
C
A
N
E
M
J
D
F
G
H
B
A
N
E
M
J
D
I
2 9/16”
2 9/16”
L
K
L
F
I
2 9/16”
O
K
O

27451-1-0810Page 8
Locating Firebox
Placereboxinframedopening.Attachtheframingbracketsto
thereboxandsecurereboxtoframing.Differentholelocations
canbeusedfornishingmaterialswiththicknessesof3/8",1/2"
and3/4".Securethebracketswithscrewsprovidedusingtwo(2)
per framing bracket. See Figure 7.
Framingbracketsshouldtdirectlyagainstframingmaterial.Use
at least one (1) nail or screw per bracket to secure in place.
IMPORTANT!Checksquarenessofthereboxpriortosecuring
to framed opening. See Figure 8.
Figure 7
Black hoods are furnished with each rebox (or the optional
hood(s))andMUSTbeinstalledbeforethereboxisused.Failure
todosomaycreateapossiblerehazard.Forshippingpurposes,
the hoods are located behind the upper louver(s), or inside the
reboxonushfaceunits.Ifbrass,stainlesssteel,orhammered
pewter hoods are desired, they can be purchased as an option.
Attachment is the same as the standard black hood.
Louvered Models
1. Removeupperlouver,orushpanel.
2. Placethetophoodangeontopoftheinnerreboxtop,then
install three screws through the rebox top from below and
screwintothepilotholesinthehoodange(B).
3. Install one (1) screw at each end of the hood as shown (C).
4. Re-installlouver(s)orushpanel(s).
Caution: All hoods must be installed prior to operation of
appliance. See Figure 9. Figure 9
FIREBOX OPENING
CHECK TO SEE
THAT BOX IS SQUARE
PRIOR TO ATTACHING TO
FRAMING
Figure 8
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
INSTALLING HOOD
B
C
INNER FIREBOX TOP
Louvered Models
ATTACH (4)
FRAMING BRACKETS
TO SIDE(S) OF FIREBOX
PRIORTO INSTALLING
UNIT TO FRAMED OPENING

27451-1-0810 Page 9
Thereboxisdesignedtoacceptagaslineforanapprovedvent-
freegaslogset.Havethelineinstalledbyaqualiedserviceperson
in accordance with all building codes. Consult local building codes
to properly size the gas supply line leading to the connection of the
logsetburner.ThestateofMassachusettsrequiresthataexible
appliance connector cannot exceed three feet in length.
Gas access holes are provided through the side panel(s) of
the firebox. See Figure 10. Carefully remove the indented
knockout in the ceramic brick panel using a drill or utility knife.
See Figure 11.
Check gas type. Use only the gas type indicated on the gas log
set rating plate. If the gas listed on the plate is not your type of
gas supply, DO NOT INSTALL. Contact your dealer for proper
model.
AlwaysuseanexternalregulatorforallLPreboxestoreducethe
supplytankpressuretoamaximumof14"w.c.Thisisinaddition
totheregulatorttedtothelogset.
WA R N I N G : C O N N E C T I O N D I R E C T LY TO A N
UNREGULATED L.P. TANK CAN CAUSE EXPLOSION.
InstallonlyaANSIZ21.11.2vent-freelogsetintothisrebox.
Figure 10
Extended Hoods
Ifyournon-combustiblefacingmaterialisover1"inthicknessandwillbeusedtonishthisrebox,extendedhoodsareavailablethat
willextendout2"fartherintotheroom.Extendedhoodsarenotavailableforthepeninsulaopenends.Contactyourlocaldealerfor
details.
Finishing
Alljoints(top,bottomandsides),wherethewallordecorativefacingmaterialmeetsthereboxsurroundshouldbesealedwithanon-
combustible material.
Hearthextensionsarerequiredforthesereboxes.
Flush panels, louvers, and decorative louver panels are interchangeable, and may be mixed and matched as desired (i.e. Flush panel on
bottom with louvered panel at top, or vice versa).
Extended Hoods
VB4H36BL Standard Black (1 each)
VB4H36BR Polished Brass (1 each)
VB4H36SS Stainless Steel (1 each)
VB4H36HP Hammered Pewter (1 each)
Figure 11
INSTALLING HOOD (continued)
GAS LINE CONNECTION
GAS LINE
ACCESS
HOLES

27451-1-0810Page 10
WIRING INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSTALLING A DUAL SWITCH / RECEPTACLE
In order to install both the optional Blower and Accent Light ac-
cessories, it will be necessary to install the junction box so that
the Duplex Receptacle wiring is split. This will allow each side of
the receptacle to operate independently off separate wall switches.
See diagram below.
Note: To operate the FBB5 Blower accessory with a variable
speed control, the SCV1 Variable Speed Control Kit should be in-
stalled to control the power to one side of the duplex receptacle.
#1
ACCENT LIGHT
WALL SWITCH
#2
BLOWER
WALL
SWITCH
REMOVE TABON HOT SIDE
OF DUPLEX RECEPTACLE
TO SPLIT LUGS
PLUG
FOR
CONTROLS
PLUG
FOR
BLOWER
FIREPLACE
CONTROL
COMPARTMENT
DUAL SWITCH ELECTRICAL WIRING TO FIREPLACE RECEPTACLE
RED
BLACK
WHITE
3-WIRE, GROUNDED
CONDUCTOR
(BY OTHERS)
DOUBLE SWITCH BOX
(INSTALLER PROVIDED)
BLACK
WHITE
GROUND
TO 120V
CIRCUIT
BREAKER
LK2 ACCENT LIGHT ACCESSORY
1. To wire Junction Box Receptacle, remove the tab on the side
of the receptacle (hot side) to split receptacle. This will be
required to separate blower and Accent Light circuits.
2. Power for switched and live sides of Duplex Receptacle must
come from the same power source. (One circuit breaker on
main panel must switch all power off.)
3. Fromthewallboxtothereplacea3-wire conductorwith
ground is recommended, however (2) two-wire conductors
with grounds may be used in place of a 3-wire conductor with
a ground if the black wires from the Accent Light and blower
accessoriesareidentied.
4. Two wall switches may be used to activate the two receptacle
plugs independently.
Note: WiringtotheJunctionBoxshouldberunthroughthe7/8"
diameteraccessholelocatedononeofthesidesofthereplace
outer wall. A Romex type connector is provided and should be
used to protect and restrain the wiring where it passes through
thereplaceouterwall.TheJunctionBoxshouldbepositionedin
thelowercompartmentofthereplace/reboxsothatitdoesnot
interfere with moving parts of the blower assembly. The Junction
Box incorporates magnets on the bottom side to retain and reduce
the chance of movement or vibration during blower operation.
Note: If only the blower option is to be installed, wiring may be
performed as described and illustrated in the following Blower
Installation section.
An Accent Light Kit model LK2 is available for installation in
thetopoftherebox.Providingthejunctionboxhasbeenpre-
wiredwithseparatecircuitsasdescribedinthe"Wiringforadual
switch/receptacle"section,theAccentLightkitmaybeinstalled
atanytimeonlouveredmodels,oronushpanelmodelspriorto
theupperpanelsbeingcoveredwithnishingmaterials.
Follow the instructions provided with the LK2 Accent Light kit
forproperinstallationinthereplace/rebox.