Superior Fireplaces VRT3032FS User manual

Installation and Operation Instructions
Unvented (Vent-Free) Universal Firebox
P/N 900781-00 Rev. NC 07/2016
VRT3032FS
VCT3032FS
VRT3036FS
VCT3036FS
VRT3042FS
VCT3042FS
Models
P900781-00
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
WARNING: Carefully review the instructions supplied with the decorative type unvented room heater for
the minimum fireplace size requirement.
Do not install the appliance in this firebox, unless this firebox meets the minimum dimensions required for
the installation.
WARNING: 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:
FIRE OR EXPLOSION HAZARD
Failure to follow safety warnings exactly could result in serious injury, death, or property damage.
- Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
- 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.
• Leave the building immediately.
• 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.
- Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the gas supplier.
PFS
®
US
Report No. F12-020
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SAFETY
WARNING: This product
contains and/or generates
chemicals known to the state
of California to cause cancer or
birth defects or other reproduc-
tive harm.
WARNING: Improper
installation, adjustment,
alteration, service or
maintenance can cause
injury or property dam-
age. Refer to this manual
for correct installation
and operational proce-
dures. For assistance or
additional information
consult a qualified in-
staller, service agency or
the gas supplier.
This appliance may be in-
stalledinanaftermarket,*
permanently located,
manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohib-
ited by local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manualcarefullyandcompletely
before trying to assemble,
operate or service this heater.
Improper use of this fireplace
can cause serious injury or
death from burns, fire, explo-
sion,electricalshockandcarbon
monoxide poisoning.
WARNING: Any change to
this firebox or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING:Donotallowfans
to blow directly into the firebox.
Avoidanydraftsthatalterburner
flame patterns. Ceiling fans can
create drafts that alter burner
flame patterns. Altered burner
patterns can cause sooting.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insertorotheraccessorynotap-
provedfor use with thisfirebox.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objectsinthefireboxoronlogs.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Product Features................................................. 4
Locating Firebox.................................................. 4
Product Specifications......................................... 5
Air For Combustion and Ventilation..................... 8
Installation ......................................................... 10
Replacement Parts............................................ 21
Service Hints ..................................................... 21
Technical Service............................................... 21
Accessories....................................................... 22
Parts.................................................................. 24
Warranty............................................................ 27
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Fireboxfrontandscreenbecome
very hot when running heater.
Keep children and adults away
from hot surface to avoid burns
or clothing ignition. Firebox
will remain hot for a time after
shutdown.Allowsurfacetocool
before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with firebox.
You must operate this fireplace
with the provided fireplace
screen, hood if provided, in
place. Make sure these parts
are in place and screens are
closed before running firebox.
The supplied hood may not be
replacedwithahoodwhichmay
be provided with a log heater.
Keepthefireplaceareaclearand
freefromcombustiblematerials,
gasoline and other flammable
vapors and liquids.
1. Donotusethisfireboxasawood-burning
fireplace. Use only decorative unvented
room heaters (log sets).
2. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such
SAFETY
Continued
as pine cones, vermiculite or rock wool.
Using these added items can cause
sooting.
3. Use only the provided hood or appropri-
ate hood accessory. See Accessories on
Page 22.
4. Vent-freegaslog heatersinstalledin these
fireboxes require fresh air ventilation to
run properly. See Air for Combustion and
Ventilation, Page 8.
5. Do not run firebox
• where flammable liquids or vapors are
used or stored
• under dusty conditions
6. Do not use this firebox to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
7. Turn fireboxoffandletcoolbefore servic-
ing.Onlya qualifiedserviceperson should
service and repair firebox.
8. Operating firebox above elevations of
4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
9. Do not use the firebox if it has been un-
der water due to the shock hazard that
could result with the blower accessary (if
installed) in place.
Thefireboxcanopy(hood)must
not be modified or replaced
with a canopy (hood) that may
be provided with the unvented
decorative room heater.
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PRODUCT FEATURES
OPERATION
Thisfireboxisdesigned for usewithapproved
ANSIZ21.11.2decorativetypeunventedroom
heaters.(Physicalsizelimitations apply. Refer
to minimum firebox requirements supplied
with log heater.) It requires no outside vent-
ing or chimney making installation easy and
inexpensive. When used without the blower,
the firebox requires no electricity making it
ideal for emergency backup heat.
FIBER BRICK LINERS
A traditional look with neutral hues that ac-
centavarietyofstyles.Lightweightfiberbrick
panels are factory installed.
LOCATING FIREBOX
PLANNING
Planwhereyouwillinstall the firebox.This will
save time and money later when you install
the firebox. Before installation, consider the
following:
1. Wherethefireboxwill belocated.Allowfor
wall and ceiling clearances (see Installa-
tion Clearances, Page 11).
2. Everything needed to complete installation.
3. These models CANNOT be installed in a
bedroomunlessthemaximumBTU rating
of the installed vent-free log set is less
than 10,000 Btu/Hr.
4. Proper air for combustion and ventilation
(Page 8).
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS REQUIREMENTS
These appliances are approved for installation in the US state of Massachusetts if the fol-
lowing additional requirements are met:
• Un-vented Room Heaters shall be installed in accordance with 527 CMR 30.
• Installation and repair must be done by a plumber or gas fitter licensed in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.
• Theflexiblegaslineconnectorused shall not exceed 36 inches(92centimeters)inlength.
• The individual manual shut-off must be a T-handle type valve.
• Unvented appliances may NOT be installed in bedrooms or bathrooms.
• A working smoke detector must be installed in the area where vent-free appliances are
installed.
Seller 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.
BLOWER ACCESSORY
The circulating models will accept either a
rotary type fan (model BK) or the triple radial
fan blower system (model BK3) accessories.
Theblowercirculatesheatedairfromthefire-
box into the room. Use of blower is optional.
OPTIONAL OUTSIDE AIR KIT
The optional AK4 and AK4F air kit provides
additional outdoor air to improve burner ef-
ficiency and reduce build-up of condensation
in the living space. Follow the instructions
included with the air kit.
LOCAL CODES NOTE:Donotpickupappliancebaseas-
semblybyburners.Thiscoulddamage the
appliance.Always handle baseassembly
by grate.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied
to logs and appliance for shipment.
3. Check appliance for any shipping dam-
age. If appliance is damaged, promptly
inform dealer where you purchased the
appliance.
Install and use appliance with care. Follow all
localcodes.In theabsenceoflocalcodes,use
the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
25 West 43rd Street, 4th floor
New York, NY 10036
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02169-7471
Quincy, MA 02269
UNPACKING
1. Removelogsandappliancebaseassem-
bly from carton(s).
CAUTION:Donotremovethe
data plates from the grate as-
sembly. The data plates contain
important warranty and safety
information.
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 1 - Product Specifications 32'' Models
32" MODELS 22-1/2
19-1/2
36-3/8
18-1/4
32-1/4
34-1/2
12-5/8
24
7-5/8
3-3/8
3-5/8
8-1/4
29-3/8
36-5/8
2-5/8
7
7
6-1/8
16-5/8
4-3/8
10-5/8
13-1/8
10-1/2
3-5/8
8-1/4
6-7/8 6-7/8
8-1/4
Right Side View
Left Side View
Front View
Outside Air
Kit Location
Electrical
Outlet
Firebox Top View
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
6-1/8 29-1/8
25
21-1/8
21
43-1/8
41-1/8
35
7-1/8
36-1/8
8-1/8
26-3/8
8-1/4 8-1/4
8-3/8
10-3/8
14
8-5/8
8-5/8
7-1/2
2-5/8
11-1/2
3-3/8
40-1/4
36" MODELS
Figure 2 - Product Specifications 36'' Models
Right Side View
Left Side View
Front View
Outside Air
Kit Location
Electrical
Outlet
Firebox Top View
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PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
27-1/8
50-1/8
2-3/8
4-3/8
22-3/8
1-3/8
3-1/8
40-1/4
2-5/8
8-1/4
10-3/4
10-1/2
12-5/8
14-1/4
7-1/8
42
40-1/8
42
6-1/8
23-1/4
4-1/2
36-1/4
40-1/8
24
44-1/4
3-3/8
13-3/8
8-1/4
2-5/8
10-5/8
7-5/8
42" MODELS
Figure 3 - Product Specifications 42'' Models
Right Side View
Left Side View
Front View
Outside Air
Kit Location
Electrical
Outlet
Firebox Top View
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Unusually tight construction is defined as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the out-
side atmosphere have a continuous
water vapor retarder with a rating of one
perm (6 x 10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2) 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 floors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations for
plumbing, electrical, and gas lines, and
at other openings.
If your home meets all three criteria above,
you must provide additional fresh air. See
Ventilation Air From Outdoors, Page 10.
Ifyour homedoes notmeet all three criteria
above, proceed to Determining Fresh-Air
Flow For Heater Location, Page 8.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA54 allows two methods for determining
whetherthespacein whichtheheateris being
installedisconfinedor unconfinedspace.The
standardmethoddefinesaconfinedspaceasa
space whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet
per1,000Btuperhour(4.8m3perkw)oftheag-
gregateinputratingofallappliancesinstalledin
thatspaceandanunconfinedspaceasaspace
whose volumeis not lessthan 50cubicfeetper
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3per kw) of the ag-
gregateinputratingofallappliancesinstalledin
thatspace.Roomscommunicatingdirectlywith
thespaceinwhichtheappliancesareinstalled*,
through openings not furnished with doors, are
considered a part of the unconfined space.
Where the air infiltration rate of a structure is
known,theKnownAirInfiltrationRate Method
may be used. Follow The National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54 to use this
method to determine if the space is confined
or unconfined.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
therearedoorlesspassageways orventilation
grills between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR FIREPLACE LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or
Unconfined Space Using the Standard
Method
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Today’s homes are built more energy efficient
thanever.Newmaterials,increasedinsulation,
and new construction methods help reduce
heat loss in homes. Homeowners apply
weather strip and caulk around windows and
doors to keepthecoldairoutandthewarmair
in. During heating months, homeowners want
their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efficient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh
air must enter your home.All fuel-burning ap-
pliancesneedfreshairforpropercombustion
and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, some fireplaces, clothes dryers
and some fuel-burning appliances draw air
from the house to operate. You must provide
adequate fresh air for these appliances. This
will ensure proper venting of vented fuel-
burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
ThefollowingareexcerptsfromNationalFuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for
Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconfined Space
3. Confined Space
The information on Pages 8–10 will help you
classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
may provide enough fresh air for combustion
and ventilation. However, in buildings of un-
usually tight construction, you must provide
additional fresh air.
WARNING: This heater shall not
be installed in a room or space un-
less the required volume of indoor
combustion air is provided by the
method described in the National
Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA
54, the International Fuel Gas Code,
or applicable local codes. Read the
following instructions to ensure
properfresh air for thisand other fuel-
burning appliances in your home.
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900781-00_NC 9
40,000
39,000
79,000
Use this work sheet to determine if you have
a confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includestheroominwhich youwill install
fireplace plus any adjoining rooms with door-
less passageways or ventilation grills between
the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space (length
x width x height).
LengthxWidth x Height=__________cu.ft.
(volume of space)
Example: Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 2,560 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. Multiply the space volume by 20 to determine
the maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2,560 cu. ft. (volume of space) x
20 = 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances
in the space.
Vent-free fireplace _________Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* _________Btu/Hr
Gas furnace _________Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater _________Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs _________Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances* +________ Btu/Hr
Total = ________Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.
Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
Example:
Gas water heater _____________Btu/Hr
Vent-free fireplace+ ___________ Btu/Hr
Total =____________Btu/Hr
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: 51,200 Btu/Hr (maximum the
space can support)
73,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
The space in the example is a confined space
because the 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:
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an
adjoiningroom. Iftheextraspaceprovides an
unconfined space, remove door to adjoining
room or addventilation grills between rooms.
See Ventilation Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
Ventilation Air From Outdoors Page 10.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr fireplace, if lower Btu/
Hr size makes room unconfined.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support, thespace is
anunconfinedspace.You willneedno additional
fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in which
the heater may be operated does not
meet the required volume for indoor
combustion air, combustion and
ventilation air shall be provided by
one of the methods described in the
NationalFuelGasCode,ANSIZ223.1/
NFPA 54, the International Fuel Gas
Code, or applicable local codes.
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconfined space. When ventilating to an
adjoiningunconfinedspace, youmustprovide
twopermanentopenings: onewithin12"of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the floor on the
wall connecting the two spaces (see options
1and2,Figure 4).You can also remove door
into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 4).
Follow the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA 54, Air for Combustion and
Ventilation for required size of ventilation
grills or ducts.
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
Ventilation
Grills
Into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
12"
12"
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AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-
nent openings: one within 12" of the ceiling
andonewithin12"ofthefloor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open
to the outdoors. These spaces include attics
and crawl spaces. Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, 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.
INSTALLATION
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
A
ir
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
WARNING: A qualified service
person must install firebox. Follow
all local codes.
WARNING:Maintaintheminimum
clearances.Ifyoucan,providegreater
clearances from floor, ceiling and
adjoining wall.
WARNING: Never install the
firebox
• in a bedroom or bathroom*
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing
orotherflammableobjectsareless
than42"fromthefront,toporsides
of the firebox
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
* Unless the installed log set is
rated at 10,000 Btu/Hr or less in a
bedroom or 6,000 Btu/Hr or less in
a bathroom.
CAUTION:Logheatersinstalled
in this firebox create warm air cur-
rents. These currents move heat to
wallsurfacesnexttofirebox.Install-
ingfireboxnexttovinylorclothwall
coveringsoroperatingfireboxwhere
impurities (such as, but not limited
to,tobaccosmoke,aromaticcandles,
cleaningfluids,oilorkerosenelamps,
etc.) in the air exist, may discolor
walls or cause odors.
IMPORTANT:Vent-free gas log heaters add
moisturetotheair.Althoughthisisbeneficial,
installing firebox in rooms without enough
ventilationairmaycausemildewtoformfrom
too much moisture. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, Page 8.
IMPORTANT:Make sure firebox is level.
If firebox is not level, log set will not work
properly.
NOTE: Your firebox is designed to be used in
zero clearance installations. Wall or framing
material can be placed against any exterior
surface on the rear, sides, top or bottom of
your firebox, except where standoff spacers
areintegrallyattached.If standoff spacersare
attached to your firebox, these spacers can
beplaceddirectlyagainstwallorframingma-
terials. Use the dimensions shown for rough
opening to create the easiest installation.
Use dimensions shown for rough openings
to create the easiest installation (see Built-In
Firebox Installation, Page 12).
INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
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