Empire Comfort Systems VFS32FB0F-4 Installation instructions

Page 1
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
AND OWNER'S MANUAL
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO MODIFY OR ALTER THE CONSTRUC-
TION OF THE FIREBOX OR ITS COMPONENTS. ANY MODI-
FICATION 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 IG-
NITION.
YOUNG CHILDREN SHOULD BE CAREFULLY SUPERVISED
WHEN THEY ARE IN THE SAME ROOM AS THE FIREBOX.
UNIVERSAL FIREBOX FOR ALL
VENT-FREE LOG SETS
MODELS
VFS32FB0F-4 VFS36FB0F-4 VFS42FB0F-4
GAS-FIRED
ANSI Z21.91 Ventless Fireplace Enclosures for Gas Fired Dec-
orative 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.
EMPIRE
EMPIRE
Comfort Systems
Installer: Leave this manual with the appliance.
Consumer: Retain this manual for future reference.
FOR USE ONLY WITH A LISTED GAS-FIRED UNVENTED
DECORATIVE ROOM HEATER NOT TO EXCEED 40,000
BTU/H.
DO NOT BUILD A WOOD FIRE.
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, alteration,
service or maintenance can cause injury or property dam-
age. Refer to this manual. For assistance or additional in-
formation, 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.

28188-2-0114Page 2
SECTION PAGE
Important Safety Information....................................................................................3
Introduction ..............................................................................................................3
Clearances ...............................................................................................................4
Firebox Installation Instructions.............................................................................5-7
Installing Hood ......................................................................................................7-8
Gas Line Connection ...............................................................................................8
Optional Single Speed Blower Installation Instructions.......................................9-11
Junction Box Wiring Installation Instructions..........................................................12
Maintenance...........................................................................................................12
Parts List ..............................................................................................................12
Parts View ..............................................................................................................13
Accessories............................................................................................................14
Master Parts Distributor List...................................................................................15
How To Order Repair Parts ....................................................................................15
TABLE OF CONTENTS

28188-2-0114 Page 3
The installation must conform with local codes or, in
theabsenceoflocalcodes,withtheNationalFuelGas
Code, ANSI Z223.1 (latest edition) and to the National
electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA70 (latest edition).
NOTE:Installationandrepairshouldbedonebyaquali-
edserviceperson.Theapplianceshouldbeinspected
beforeuseandatleastannuallybyaqualiedservice
person.Morefrequentcleaningmayberequireddue
toexcessivelintfromcarpeting,beddingmaterial,etc.
Itisimperativethatcontrolcompartment,burnersand
circulatingairpassagewaysoftheappliancebekept
clean.
Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an
appliancemustbereplacedpriortooperatingtheap-
pliance.Provideadequatecombustionandventilation
air.
TheowofcombustionandventilationairMUSTNOT
beobstructed.
Provide adequate clearance around air openings into
the combustion chamber and adequate accessibility
clearance for servicing and proper operation. NEVER
obstructthefrontopeningoftheappliance.
This Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. rebox and its
componentshavebeentestedandwilloperatesafely
when installed in accordance with this installation
manual. Read all instructions before starting
installation, then follow these instructions carefully
during installation to maximize rebox benet and
safety. Report to your dealer any parts damaged in
shipment.
The Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. warranty will be
voidedby,andEmpireComfortSystems,Inc.disclaims
anyresponsibilityforthefollowingactions:
- Installationofanydamagedrebox.
- Modicationofthereboxoranyofthecomponents
parts thereof.
- Installation other than as instructed by Empire
Comfort Systems, Inc.
- Installation and/or use of any component part
or accessory not approved by Empire Comfort
Systems, Inc. in combination or assembly with
a Empire Comfort Systems, Inc. firebox, 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

28188-2-0114Page 4
Sidewall Clearances:Theclearancefromtheinsideoftherebox
to perpendicular combustible side wall should not be less than
6".Unitmayberecessedasshownonlywithaccessorylinerkit
installed. See Figure 1.
FireboxSideandBackClearances:Thereboxoutercasingside
andbackangesarezeroclearancetocombustibles.
Top Framing and Finishing: Combustible framing may rest on
top of standoffs. Combustible nishing materials may extend
to the top standoff screws on the front edge of the outer wrap.
See Figure 2.
Ceiling Clearances:Theceilingheightshouldnotbelessthan42"
from the top of the hood. SeeFigures3aand3b.
Mantel Clearances: Ventfreereboxmodelsmustusethehood
suppliedwiththerebox,oroneoftheoptionalhoodkitsavailable
for each model. If a combustible mantel is installed, it must meet
the clearance requirements detailed below.
Grate Clearance: The minimum clearance between the front legs
ofthegrateandfrontedgeofthereboxis2".
Leaveatleast36"clearancefromthefrontoftherebox.
CLEARANCES
45°
6"
3"
MAX.
PERPENDICULAR
SIDE WALL
FRONT FACE (SIDE)
FIREBOX
(TOP VIEW)
COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIALS ALLOWED
IN SHADED AREAS
WITH ACCESSORY LINER ONLY
MANTEL
STANDARD
HOOD
13”
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOF HOOD)
11 1/2”
MIN.
FIREBOX
FACE
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOP EDGE
OF FIREBOX
10”
22”
8”
20”
6½”
18”
5”
16”
3½”
14”
2”
12 ½”
3/4”
24 ½”
0”
With Accessory Liner Only - Figure 1 Figure 2
Figure 3a - Mantel Clearances with Standard Hood Figure3b-MantelClearanceswithOptionalExtendedHood
MANTEL
EXTENDED HOOD
(VB4H SERIES)
10”
12”
MAX
42”
MIN.
(CEILING TO
TOPOF HOOD)
8”
MIN.
FIREBOX
FACE
84”
MIN.
(CEILING TO FLOOR)
CEILING
COMBUSTIBLES
ALLOWED
3/8” COMBUSTIBLE
CLEARANCE REQUIRED
FROM TOP EDGE
OF FIREBOX
10”
22”
8”
20”
6½”
18”
5”
16”
3½”
14 ½”
2½”
24 ½”
0”
16 ½”
FIREBOX
STAND OFF
COMBUSTIBLE
FINISHED WALL
OR MANTEL
2X4
HEADER
TOP OUTER
WRAP
FINISH WITH TRIM KIT
OR NON-COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIAL AS DESIRED.

28188-2-0114 Page 5
SelectVent-FreeFireboxFramingDimensions(ininches)
"A" "B" "C"
Model Framing Height Framing Width Framing Depth
VFS32FB 411/2" 35" 23"
VFS36FB 411/2" 40" 23"
VFS42FB 411/2" 44" 23"
Attention:Add3-3/4"to"A"Dimensionwhenusingushmantelbase.
FramingdimensionAincludesathreeinchclearanceforstandoffsonre-
box.
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 firebox, 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rebox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, Mantels, Full
Cabinet Mantels, plus other Decorative Frame, Hood, and Door
accessorykitsmaybeinstalledafterthereboxissecuredtothe
framed opening.
Refer to the instructions provided with each of the optional accessory
kits for proper installation and operation.
FireboxFraming
Fireboxframingcanbebuiltbeforeorafterthereboxissetinplace.
Framing should be positioned to accommodate wall covering and
reboxfacingmaterial.Thereboxframingshouldbeconstructed
of 2 x 4 lumber or heavier. The framing headers may rest on the
topofthereboxstandoffs.RefertoFigures 5 and 6forrebox
framing dimensions.
VFS
FIREBOX
MODELS
COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS ALLOWED
Figure 4
Figure 5
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

28188-2-0114Page 6
Figure 6
Firebox Dimensions
A
J
P
C
L
M
C
GI
F
B
E
SELECT
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
SELECT
REFERENCE
LETTER
FLUSH
VFS32 VFS36 VFS42
A411/8" 411/8" 411/8"
B341/2" 391/2" 431/2"
C237/16" 237/16" 237/16"
D263/8" 313/8" 353/8"
E381/2" 381/2" 381/2"
F31" 36" 40"
G313/4" 313/4" 313/4"
H21/8" 21/8" 21/8"
I34" 34" 34"
J41/4" 41/4" 41/4"
K75/8" 75/8" 75/8"
L361/2" 391/16" 411/16"
M731/16" 781/16" 821/16"

28188-2-0114 Page 7
LocatingFirebox
Placereboxinframingopening.Usethefour(4)framingbrackets
providedonthereboxtoattachreboxtoframing.Differenthole
locationscan beused fornishingmaterials withthicknesses of
3/8",1/2"and3/4".Attachthesematerialswithscrewsprovided,
two (2) per framing bracket. See Figure 7.
Framingbracketsshouldtdirectlyagainstframingmaterial.Use
at least one (1) nail per bracket to secure in place.
Checksquarenessofthereboxpriortosecuringtoframedopening.
See Figure 8.
Figure 7
Ablackhoodthatisfurnishedwitheachrebox(oroptionalhood)
MUSTbeinstalledbeforethereboxisused.Failuretodosomay
createapossiblerehazard.Thehoodislocatedinsidetherebox
onushfaceunits.Ifbrass,stainlesssteel,orhammeredpewter
hoods are desired, they can be purchased as an option. Attachment
is the same as the standard black hood.
Flush Face Models
1. Onushfacemodels,loosenthetwoscrews(A)holdingrebox
toptofacepanel,thenslidethehoodangebetweentherebox
top and face panel and re-tighten the screws.
2. Install one (1) screw at each end of the hood as shown (C).
ACAC
Flush Face Models
Figure 9
FIREBOX OPENING
CHECK TO SEE
THAT BOX IS SQUARE
PRIOR TO ATTACHING TO
FRAMING
Figure 8
FIREBOX INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS (continued)
INSTALLING HOOD

28188-2-0114Page 8
Thereboxisdesignedtoaccepta3/8-inchgaslineforanapproved
vent-freegaslogset.Havethelineinstalledbyaqualiedservice
person in accordance with all building codes. Consult local building
codes to properly size the gas supply line leading to the 3/8-inch
hook-up at the unit. The state of Massachusetts requires that a
exibleapplianceconnectorcannotexceedthreefeetinlength.
Gasaccessholesareprovidedonbothsidesoftherebox.See
Figure 10. On units with ceramic liners installed, 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.
WARNING:CONNECTIONDIRECTLYTOANUNREGULATED
L.P.TANKCANCAUSEEXPLOSION.
InstallonlyaANSIZ21.11.2vent-freelogsetintothisrebox.
Figure 10
Extended Hoods
Ifyournon-combustiblefacingmaterialisover1"inthicknessthatwillbeusedtonishthisrebox,anextendedhoodisavailablethatwill
extendout2"fartheroutintotheroom.Contactyourlocaldealerfordetails.
Finishing
Alljoints(top,bottomandsides),wherethewallordecorativefacingmaterialmeetsthereboxsurroundshouldbesealedwithanon-
combustible material.
Hearthextensionsarerecommended,butnotrequiredforthesereboxes.
VB4H32BL Standard Black VB4H36BL Standard Black VB4H42BL Standard Black
VB4H32BR Polished Brass VB4H36BR Polished Brass VB4H42BR Polished Brass
VB4H32SS Stainless Steel VB4H36SS Stainless Steel VB4H42SS Stainless Steel
VB4H32HP Hammered Pewter VB4H36HP Hammered Pewter VB4H42HP Hammered Pewter
GAS ACCESS HOLES
Figure 11
INSTALLING HOOD (continued)
GAS LINE CONNECTION

28188-2-0114 Page 9
REMOVE BLOWER COVER
TO GAIN ACCESS FOR BLOWER
INSTALLATION.
NOTE: IF THE BLOWER CAN BE INSTALLED
PRIOR TO FIREBOX INSTALLATION, IT MAY
BE EASIER TO REMOVE THE REAR COVER
PLATE PANEL ON THE BACK OF
THE FIREBOX
RATHER THAN REMOVING BRICK PANELS.
OPTIONAL SINGLE SPEED BLOWER INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Attention: Install blower assembly before connecting gas inlet
supply line.
Wiring
The appliance, when installed, must be electrically grounded in
accordance with local codes or, in the absence of local codes,
with the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, if an external
electrical source is utilized. This appliance is equipped with
a three-prong [grounding] plug for your protection against
shockhazardandshouldbepluggeddirectlyintoaproperly
grounded three-prong receptacle. Do not cut or remove the
grounding prong from this plug. For an ungrounded receptacle,
an adapter, which has two prongs and a wire for grounding, can be
purchased, plugged into the ungrounded receptacle and its wire
connected to the receptacle mounting screw. With this wire com-
pleting the ground, the appliance cord plug can be plugged into the
adapter and be electrically grounded.
Caution: Label all wires prior to disconnection when servic-
ing controls. Wiring errors can cause improper and dangerous
operation. Verify proper operation after servicing.
Note: Junctionboxonrightsideofreboxmustbepre-wiredat
timeofreboxinstallationforusewithblowerassembly.A
standard wall ON/OFF wall switch or optional SCV1 Vari-
able Speed Control Kit should be installed to activate power
to the Firebox, and control the operation of the FBB5 Blower
assembly. It is recommended that installation of the wiring
beperformedbyaqualiedelectrician.See Figure 12.
1. Ifinstalled,turnOFFgassupplytorebox/gaslog.
2. Ifapplicable,turnOFFelectricsupplytorebox.
CAUTION:ALLWIRING SHOULDBE DONE BYAQUALI-
FIED ELECTRICIAN AND SHALL BE IN COMPLIANCE WITH
ALLLOCAL,CITYANDSTATEBUILDINGCODES.BEFORE
MAKING THE ELECTRICAL CONNECTION, MAKE SURE
THAT MAIN POWER SUPPLY IS DISCONNECTED. THE
APPLIANCE,WHENINSTALLED,MUSTBEELECTRICAL-
LYGROUNDED INACCORDANCEWITH LOCAL CODES,
WITH THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ANSI/NFPA 70
(LATEST EDITION).
A factory installed junction box is located on the lower right
sideoftherebox.Wiringmustbefedtothejunctionboxand
attached to the receptacle that is provided. From right side of
therebox, removethe screwsecuringthe junctionbox as-
sembly. Leave approximately 6” of wire in the junction box for
connection.
Attach black wire to one side of the receptacle and white wire
to opposite side of receptacle. The ground wire should be at-
tached to the green (ground) screw.
Install the receptacle into the junction box. Attach cover
plate.
Attention: If installed, do not damage gas inlet supply line
whenblowerassemblyisinsertedintorebox.Insomecases,
removal the gas inlet supply line may be necessary.
Figure 12
Select Firebox Models
Figure 13
NOTE: BLOWER COVER REMOVED
TO SHOW INSTALLATION
OF BLOWER ACCESSORY
Figure 14

28188-2-0114Page 10
4. Insertblowerassembly intointerior,bottomofrebox.Posi-
tion blower assembly so that you align the notch on back of
blowerassemblywiththecenterscrewonreboxback,then
pushtheblowerassemblyagainst reboxback.Theblower
wheelmustbecenteredwiththebackwalloftherebox.The
magnets on the back and bottom of blower assembly will suf-
cientlyholdblowerassemblyinplace.
Note: Foreldinstallationofblowerassembly,itmaybeeasierto
remove rear cover panel to install blower. This eliminates
the need to remove brick liner panels, but the blower would
havetobeinstalledpriortoinstallingthereboxintoawall
or chase. See Figure 15.
5. Once the blower assembly is in position, locate the plug but-
toninthetoprightrearcorneroftherebox.Removetheplug
with a standard screwdriver and discard plug.
6. Next,ndthefancontrolswitchandwireassembly.Feedthe
wiresthrough theholeat thetop oftherebox, andsecure
the fan control switch with (2) #6 screws provided. See Figure
16.
7. Thefancontrolwireswillslidedownbetweenthereboxand
outer wrap near the blower assembly. See Figure 16.
8. One fan control wire will have a 1/4” female terminal that must
be attached to the open terminal on the blower motor. See
Figure 19, Connection A.
9. The other fan control wire has a 1/4” male terminal. Attach this
terminal to the open terminal on the blower power cord. See
Figure 19, Connection B
10. Route the wires away from moving parts of the blower assem-
bly and retain wires together near the blower motor using the
plastic purse clip provided.
11. To complete the installation, plug the power cord into the junc-
tionboxreceptacleattherightrearcornerofthereboxouter
wrap. See Figure 17.
12. If room permits, the power cord can be located from the out-
side of the unit looking through the junction box access hole
(with the junction box removed), then plug up the power cord
before reinstalling the pre-wired junction box.
13. Once all connections are made electrically, it is recommended
that you test the blower fan control operation by turning on
power to the blower (Caution: 110 Volt). Then apply heat to
thefancontrolswitchinsidethereboxwithalighterormatch
until blower is activated. Once blower is activated, check for
proper operation. Do not place hands near blower assembly
or other wiring while power is on.
14. Replace blower access plate and/or reinstall the brick liner
panels if provided.
15. This completes the installation of the optional FBB5 Blower kit
accessory.
Note: This blower is equipped with a heat activated fan control
switch.Blowerwilloperatewhenthereboxwarmsup,and
willturnoffautomaticallywhenthereboxcoolsdown.
REAR COVER PANEL MAYBE
REMOVED TO INSTALL BLOWER
REINSTALL COVER AFTER
BLOWER IS INSTALLED
Figure 15
NOTE: HOOD AND BRICK PANELS REMOVED FOR CLARITY
Figure 16
Figure 17
BLOWERPOWERCORD