Montigo ME38-BV Homefire Operating and safety instructions

nCheck local codes and
read all instructions
prior to installation.
nLeavethismanualwith
the owner.
Modular
Gas Fireplace
ME38-BV
Homefire
Installation
Operation &
Maintenance
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 neighbor's phone. Follow the gas
supplier's instructions.
 If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
Warning:
Improper installation, adjustment,
alteration, service or maintenance can cause
injury or property damage. efer to this
manual. For assistance or additional
information consult a qualified installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
For Your Safety:
Do not store or use gasoline
or other flammable vapors
and liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.
Questions? Email us at [email protected] or visit our website at www.montigo.com.

Page 2
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Introduction
About the M38 Series Modular Fireplaces:
The ME38-BV includes a 22,000 BTU dual burner and embers. All 38
Series Modular Fireplaces allo quick and easy upgrades in the future.
The ME38-BV can be upgraded to an MD38-BV or a Wildfire Burner.
Contact your dealer for more information. The ME38-BV model is
available in t o versions:
nContinuous Pilot - (Product Code ME38B)
nIntermittent Pilot - (Product Code ME38B-I)
The ME38-BV is rated for Natural Gas at 22,000 BTU/H (6.45
Kilo atts) Input or Propane at 22,000 BTU/H (6.45 Kilo atts) Input.
How to use this manual:
This manual covers all models and unless other ise specified, the
designation ME38-BV refers to all models. Sections hich are specific
to a particular model are marked ith a symbol, plus the appropriate
model number.
arranty and Installation Information:
The Montigo arranty ill be voided by, and Montigo disclaims any
responsibility for, the follo ing actions:
nModification of the fireplace and/or components including Direct-
Vent assembly or glass doors.
nUse of any component part not manufactured or approved by
Montigo in combination ith this Montigo fireplace system.
nInstallation other than as instructed in this manual.
Consult your local Gas Inspection Branch on installation requirements
for factory-built gas fireplaces. Installation & repairs should be done by
a qualified contractor.
Installations in Canada must conform to the current CAN/CGA B-
149.1 and .2 Gas Installation Code and local regulations. If the optional
air-circulating fan kit is installed, it must be electrically grounded in
accordance ith CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 and/or
Local Codes.
Installations in the USA must conform to local codes, or in the
absense of local codes to the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1-
1988. If the optional air-circulating fan is installed, it must be grounded
in accordance ith local codes or, in the absence of local codes, ith
the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1987.
Table Of Contents
Introduction ............................................................................. 2
Installation
Installing the Fireplace Shell ......................................... 3
Installing the Gasline ..................................................... 4
The Remote S itch....................................................... 4
B-Vent Installation ......................................................... 4
Construction around the fireplace
Facing............................................................... 5
Mantels and Surrounds..................................... 5
Wiring ......................................................................... 6
Installing the Logset ...................................................... 6
Removing and Installing the Insert ................................ 7
Removing and Installing the Door ................................. 7
Operation .......................................................................... 8 - 10
Maintenance ................................................................... 10 - 11
arranty ................................................................................. 12
Appendix
A. Accessories ............................................................ 13
CAUTIONS
Due to its high operating temperatures, the appliance
should be located out of traffic & a ay from furniture and
draperies.
nChildren and adults should be alerted to the hazards
of the high surface temperature, hich could cause
burns or clothing ignition.
nYoung children should be carefully supervised hen
they are in the same room as the appliance.
nClothing or other flammable materials should not be
placed on or near the appliance.

Page 3
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Installing The Fireplace Shell
The fireplace may be installed in any location that maintains proper
clearances to air conditioning ducts, electrical iring and plumbing.
Safety, as ell as efficiency of operation, must be considered hen
selecting the fireplace location. Try to select a location that does not
interfere ith room traffic, has adequate ventilation, and offers an
accessible path ay for B-Vent installation. Refer to page 4 - B-Vent
Installation for more information.
The fireplace dimensions are sho n belo :
Installation
Figure 1. Fireplace dimensions.
Clearances
The ME38-BV clearances to combustible materials are:
Top* 16"
Back 0"
Side 1 1/2"
Floor 0"
Mantle** 9"
B-Vent*** See Notes
* Clearance from the top of the fireplace to a
combustible ceiling ithin the fireplace
enclosure.
** Refer to page 5.
*** This model requires 2" clearance around the
B-Vent ithin the fireplace enclosure. Past the
enclosure, use standard clearance as specified
by the manufacturer of the B-Vent.
14 ¾
38
33
CØ4" B-Vent
8 ½
Top View
Front View Side View
14 ¾
33 ½41
35
38
28 ¾
35
14 ½
4¾
4¾
Unprotected combustible alls hich are perpendicular to the
fireplace opening, must not project beyond the shaded area sho n in
Figure 5b.
For protection against freezing temperatures, it is recommended that
outer alls of the chase be insulated ith a vapour barrier. This ill
reduce the possibility of a cold-air convection current on the fireplace.
Installing a Shelf Over the Fireplace
When installing a shelf over the top of the fireplace, the minimum
allo able clearance from the top of the fireplace to a shelf is
16".(Proper clearance must be maintained around the vent pipes, as
specified by the B-Vent manufacturer.)
Figure 3. orner framing dimensions.
Figure 2. Framing dimensions.
* When sheetrock is
not used behind the
fireplace, framing
depth may be
reduced to 14 3/4"
37 3/4
15 1/2
41 1/4
43 7/8
24 1/8
0" clearance
to corners only
Framing
ARNING:
When this appliance is installed directly on carpeting, tile or any
combustible material other than ood flooring, it must be installed
on a metal or ood panel extending the full idth and depth of
the appliance.

Page 4
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Installing The Gas Line
The gas line must be installed before finishing the ME38-BV
Fireplace. Natural Gas requires a minimum inlet gas supply
pressure of 5.5" W.C. & a manifold pressure of 3.5" W.C. Propane
Gas requires a minimum inlet gas supply pressure of 11" W.C. & a
manifold pressure of 10" W.C. Provision must also be made for a 1/8"
N.P.T. plugged tapping and be accessible for test gauge connection
immediately upstream of the gas supply controls to the appliance. The
fireplace gas connection and the main operating gas valve is located
behind the removable brass trim at the bottom of the unit and need
only be attached to the gas line ith an approved fitting, as required
by the applicable installation codes.
Installation
Note: After gas line is connected, each appliance connection,
valve and valve train must be checked hile under
normal operating pressure ith either a liquid solution, or
leak detection device, to locate any source of leak. Tighten
any areas here bubbling appears or leak is detected until
bubbling stops completely or leak is no longer detected.
DO NOT use a flame of any kind to test for leaks.
Installing The Remote Switch
The ME38-BV's gas valve, located behind the lo er brass trim, may
be connected to a all s itch. The valve generates its o n po er on
a millivolt circuit. Use only low voltage wire, and DO NOT connect
any external po er to it.
Refer to Figure 26 for iring requirements.
Note: The s itch location must not exceed 30' from the fireplace.
Figure 4. Gas line access.
2 1/2 Gasline access
6 x 2 1/2"
1
The appliance and its individual shutoff valve must be disconnected
from the gas supply piping system during any pressure testing of that
system at test pressures in excess of 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping system by
closing its individual manual shutoff valve during any pressure testing
of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal to or less than
1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
B-Vent Installation
The ME38-BV is certified for use ith standard 4" B-Vent and requires
no B-Vent appliance connector. Simply attach the B-Vent to the
fireplace flue collar, and secure it using 1/4" sheet metal scre s. Do not
penetrate the inner sleave of the B-Vent hen tightening the scre s.
Refer to the current CAN/CGA B-149.1 and .2 or ANSI Z223.1-1988
Gas Installation Code for specific vent sizing.
•Test your B-Vent installation after completion to ensure that
no combustible by-products are spilling from the fireplace
opening. This draft test should be performed after a three(3)
minute arm up period. The manufacturer ill not be
responsible for any installations ith inadequate dra .
CAUTION:

Page 5
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Finishing Around the Fireplace
Combustible mantels and mouldings may be safely installed over the
top and on the front of the fireplace provided that they do not project
beyond shaded area sho n in Figure 5a. Side all clearances are 3".
Combustible surrounds may be installed ith 3" clearance to the side
of the fireplace as sho n in Figure 5b.
Fireplace Facing
When selecting the finish material for your fireplace, it is important to
remember the follo ing: BRASS TRIMS MUST NOT BE
OBSTRUCTED IN ANY AY - to do so restricts the air supply for
the control compartments and heat exchanger it also prevents
access for servicing controls.
The face of the fireplace may be painted to match the room decor,
provided you use a heat-resistant paint. Decorative facing must not
extend past the fireplace opening at all, because it ill interfere ith
the access to retainers for removal of glass door.
Installation
Figure 5a. ombustible mantles and facings.
Mantels & Surrounds
NOTE: National Canadian Gas Association mantel test requirements
are for fire hazard prevention to combustible materials.
Ne technology, to meet consumer and government demands for the
ise use of energy, has prompted us to manufacture many models of
fireplaces hich are hot, fuel and energy efficient.
Please be a are; temperatures over the mantel ill rise above
normal room temperature and alls above fireplace may be hot to
touch.
We recommend careful consideration be given to the effects of
elevated mantel temperatures hich may be in excess of product
design, for example: candles, plastic or pictures. This can cause
melting, deformation, discoloration or premature failure of T.V. and
radio components.
Painting:
Special care is recommended by the Master Painters and Decorators
Association, hen painting the fireplace surrounds, to select and
apply a quality Alkyd sealer prior to the applying of latex paints. This
is to prevent leaching of ater from evaporation and causing a
bro nish staining effect to paint over coats.
Figure 5b. ombustible surrounds.
Wiring
Gas Control and Pilot iring ME38-BV-I
Honeywell (Q3450)
Pilot Assembly
Pilot Electrical
Harness Connector
Honeywell Gas
Control (SV9501M)
Gas Control
Connector Fuse
Limit
Switch Wall
Switch
Fan Plug
Receptacle
Junction Box
Junction Box Cover
White
Black
Green
40 VA
Transformer
115VAC
24VAC
Grnd Screw
Figure 6. Wiring for the ME38-BV-I with Honeywell gas control and
pilot.
Top of fireplace
Combustible Facing
Combustible construction
allowed in shaded area.
123456789101112
Sheetrock/
Drywall
Header
3
45

Page 6
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Installation
Figure 7a. Wiring for optional air circulating fan kit.
G
L1-WH
L2-BLK
Quick Connect
plug to motor
iring for the optional Fan Kit
All M38 Series Modular fireplaces may be equipped ith optional fan or
blo er kits for circulating heat into the living space.
Installations in Canada hich employ the fans must be electrically
grounded in accordance ith CSA C22.1 Canadian Electrical Code
Part 1 and/or Local Codes.
Installations in the USA hich employ the fans must be grounded in
accordance ith local codes or, in the absence of local codes, ith the
National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70-1987.
For more information see the Fan Kit Installation Guide included
ith the fan kit.
NOTE: If any of the original ire supplied ith the appliance is replaced, it
must be replaced ith the same type, or its equivalent.
Figure 7b. Wiring schematic for optional fan kit.
115/1/60 Supply
G L1 L2
Embers
Log 'D' Log 'E'
Log 'A'
Installing the Log Set
Installing the Logs:
The ME38-BV is supplied ith five ceramic fibre logs. Unpack the logs
and handle them very carefully.
1. Remove the door cover and the glass door.
2. Place the Back log onto the back log rest as sho n belo in figure
8a. The log has lip on the bottom hich fits into the slot on the log rest.
4. Place the top logs in position as sho n in figure 8b, place the
centre log do n first, then the right and left logs.
5. Start the fireplace. If the flame appears satisfactory, replace the
glass door and door cover.
Figure 8a. Positioning for the front and back logs.
Figure 8b. Proper log placement.
NOTES:
nIf logs are not placed properly, excessive sooting ill result.
nThe surface of the logs ill crack due to the heat from the
flames. This is a normal occurance.
Flame Shaper
3. Place the Front log onto the front log rest as sho n in figure 8a.
Centre the log from side to side, and push it against the back of
the log rest. Carefully push the log onto the metal spikes on the log rest.
Placing the Ember Material:
The ME38-BV is supplied itha small bag of ember material. Place the
embers along the middle of front burner, so that they rest on the ember
tray and the front of the burner tube. Do not let the ember material fall
behind the burner tube.

Page 7
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Installation
Removing and Installing
the Insert
You may remove the insert to protect it from theft and damage
during construction.
1. Remove the t o machine scre s (1 left & 1 right) at the top of the
insert that attach the insert to the shell. See Inset 1.
2. Remove the fresh air flex from the collars on the shell. See Figure
9. Important: Be careful not to damage the fresh air flex
during removal or storage.
3. Remove the 4 machine scre s that hold the venting plate to the
insert.
4. Remove the insert by tipping the top of the insert out ard and
lifting the tabs past the slots in the bottom of the shell. See Inset
2.
Store the scre s and clamps in a safe place to ensure that they are
not lost.
To re-install the insert simply reverse the steps above.
Figure 9. ME38-BV insert.
INSET 1
Tab
INSET 2
Mounting
Bracket
Fresh Air
Flex (4" dia.)
High temp.
silicone seal
Venting Plate
Front
Slot
Removing and Installing
the Door
Removing the door surround:
The door surround is held in place by t o metal clips at the top, and
one magnet on each side. To remove the surround, pull the bottom
out ards and lift up ards until the slots "A" are clear of tabs "B" in the
door. You may need to use a flat scre driver to pull the door surround
out ards. (See figure 11a).
Removing the door:
Remove the machine scre s along the top of the door, and then pull
the door out ards and up ards until it is clear of the door rail. (See
figure 11b). Ensure that a good seal is maintained hen installing the
door.
Figure 11a. Removing or installing the door surround.
Glass door
and frame
Door surround
Tab 'B'
Slot 'A'
Magnet
Pull bottom of
door surround
outwards and
upwards.
Glass door
&frame
Figure 11b. Removing or installing the glass door.

Page 8
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion
may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
nIf you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the Fire
Department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob.
Never use tools. If the knob ill not push in or turn by
hand, don't try to repair it, call a qualified service technician.
Force or attempt to repair may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under ater.
Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the control system, and
any gas control hich has been under ater.
A. This appliance has a pilot hich must be lighted by hand.
When lighting the pilot, follo these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for
gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some gas is
heavier than air and ill settle on the floor.
hat To Do If You Smell Gas:
nDo not try to light any appliance.
nDo not touch any electrical s itch; do not use any
phone in your building.
nImmediately call your gas supplier from a neighbour's
phone. Follo the gas supplier's instructions.
To Turn Off Gas To Appliance:
Operation - Model ME38-BV
3. Push in gas control knob slightly and turn clock ise
to "Off". Do not force.
4. Flip up lo er trim.
1. Turn off remote s itch.
2. Flip do n lo er trim.
1. STOP! Read the safety information above on this label.
2. Flip do n lo er trims.
3. Push in gas control knob and turn clock ise to
"OFF."
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Smell for gas,
including near the floor. If you then smell gas, STOP!
Follo "B" in the safety information above on this label. If
you don't smell gas, go to the next step.
5. Locate pilot burner (See illustration at right.) and follo
steps belo .
6. Turn knob on gas control counterclock ise to
"PILOT."
7. Push in gas control knob completely and hold. Light ith
Piezo Igniter button. Continue to hold the control knob in for
about (1) minute after the pilot is lit. Release the knob and it
ill pop back up. Pilot should remain lit. If it goes out repeat
steps 3 through 8.
nIf knob does not pop up hen released. Stop and
immediately call your service technician or gas supplier.
nIf the pilot ill not stay lit after
several tries, turn the gas
control knob to "OFF" and
call your service technician
or gas supplier.
8. Push in gas control knob and
turn counterclock ise to "ON."
9. Flip up lo er trim.
10.Turn on remote s itch to ignite fire.
Lighting Instructions:
ME38-BV
with Continuous Pilot
For Your Safety - READ BEFORE LIGHTING:
Gas Control Knob
(Shown in "Pilot" postion.) NOTE: Knob cannot be turned from
"PILOT" to "OFF" unless knob is
pushed in slightly. Do not force.

Page 9
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
For Your Safety - READ BEFORE LIGHTING:
To Turn Off Gas To Appliance:
Lighting Instructions:
nIf you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the Fire
Department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob.
Never use tools. If the knob ill not push in or turn by
hand, don't try to repair it, call a qualified service
technician. Force or attempt to repair may result in a fire or
explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under ater.
Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect
the appliance and to replace any part of the control system,
and any gas control hich has been under ater.
A. This appliance is equipped ith an ignition system that
lights the pilot burner automatically. Do not attempt to
light the pilot by hand.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area
for gas. Be sure to smell next to the floor because some
gas is heavier than air and ill settle on the floor.
hat To Do If You Smell Gas:
nDo not try to light any appliance.
nDo not touch any electrical s itch; do not use any
phone in your building.
nImmediately call your gas supplier from a neighbour's
phone. Follo the gas supplier's instructions.
1. Turn off remote s itch.
2. Flip do n lo er trim.
3. Turn the s itch on the gas control to "Off".
4. Flip up lo er trim.
1. STOP! Read the safety information above on this label.
2. Flip do n lo er trims.
3. Turn s itch on the gas control to OFF".
4. Wait 5 minutes to clear out any gas. If you smell gas,
STOP! Follo "B" in the safety information above on this
label. If you don't smell gas, go to the next step.
5. Turn s itch on the gas control to "ON". NOTE: This unit is
equipped ith an ignition system that lights the pilot burner
automatically. Do not attempt to light the pilot by hand.
6. Turn on all s itch.
7. Flip up lo er trim.
8. If the fireplace does not operate, follo the instructions "To
Turn Off Gas To Appliance" and call your service
technician or gas supplier.
with Honeywell Intermittent Pilot
WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or explosion
may result causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
Operation - Model ME38-BV-I
ME38-BV-I
Gas
Inlet
Gas Control Switch
Shown in "On"Position

Page 10
ME38-BV Homefire
XG0308
Maintenance
WARNING:
Do not attempt to clean glass hen hot.
Do not clean glass ith abrasive materials as any glass
etching may cause premature glass failure.
CAUTIONS
nFireplace gas control must be in the “OFF” position and pilot
and main burners extinguished hen cleaning appliance ith
a vacuum.
nDoors and logs can get very hot. Handle only hen cool.
General
nHave the fireplace installation inspected yearly, including a visual
check of the vent system, the burner and the pilot flame. For your
convenience a 1/8" manifold pressure tap is supplied on the gas
valve for a test gauge connection. See Figure 26.
nFor Natural Gas this appliance requires a minimum inlet pressure
of 5.5" W.C. and a manifold pressure of 3.5" W.C.
nFor Propane Gas this appliance requires a minimum inlet
pressure of 11" W.C. and a manifold pressure of 10" W.C.
nAl ays keep the fireplace area clear and free of combustible
materials, as ell as gasoline and other flammable vapours and
liquids.
nDo not use this appliance if any part has been under water.
Immediately call a qualified service technician to inspect the
appliance and to replace any part of the control system and any
gas control hich has been under ater.
Operation
Lighting Instructions
See pages 8 and 9.
Burner Adjustment
The ME38-BV fireplace is equipped ith an adjustable burner,
allo ing you to raise or lo er the flames. Operating the control
knob as described belo ill adjust both the main burner and the
ember burner.
nTo raise the flame height, turn the black knob (located behind
the lo er trim) counterclockwise.
nTo lo er the flame height, turn clockwise.
Gas Control Knob
(Shown in "Pilot" postion.)
'Hi-Lo' Adjustment Knob
Figure 11. 'Hi-Lo' Adjustment on the ME38-BV's gas valve.
Cleaning
When the fireplace is first activated, there may be some smoking and
a visible film may be left on the glass. This is a normal condition, and
is the result of burning of protective coatings on ne metal.
nGlass must be cleaned periodically to remove any film ( hich is a
normal biproduct of combustion) hich may be visible. Film can
easily be removed by removing the door, as sho n on page 12.
Handle the door carefully, and clean it ith non-abrasive glass
cleaners. One of the most effective products is Kel Kem.
nSilicone seals on inner door during initial firing ill "off gas",
leaving a visual deposit of a hite substance on combustion
chamber alls. This can easily be removed using normal
household products.
nUse a vacuum cleaner or hisk broom to keep the control
compartment, burner, and firebox free from dust and lint.
nLogs may be cleaned periodically ith a vacuum to remove soot
or other contaminates.