Superior Fireplaces VRT4536WH Owner's manual

Installation and Operation Instructions
Unvented (Vent-Free) Universal Firebox
With Refractory Panels
P/N 126700-01 REV. B 01/2017
Models
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:
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. F09-130
VRT4536WS
VRT4536WH
VRT4542WS
VRT4542WH
VRT4550WS
VRT4550WH
P126700-01
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.

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126700-01B2
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
Firebrick Wall Installation................................... 14
Gas Line Installation.......................................... 15
Replacement Parts............................................ 16
Service Tips....................................................... 16
Technical Service............................................... 16
Accessories....................................................... 17
Parts.................................................................. 18
Warranty............................................................ 23
SAFETY
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera-
tion,serviceormaintenancecancauseinjuryorproperty
damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation and
operational procedures. For assistance or additional
information consult a qualified installer, service agency
or the gas supplier.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manualcarefullyandcompletely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate or service this fireplace.
Improper use of this fireplace
cancauseseriousinjuryordeath
from burns, fire, explosion,
electrical shock and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER:Carbonmonoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
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.
This appliance may be installed
in an aftermarket,* permanently
located, manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohibited by
local codes.
This firebox has been tested
underZ21.91b-2007forusewith
approvedANSIZ21.11.2decora-
tive type unvented room heater.
WARNING: Any change to
this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.”
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insertorotheraccessorynotap-
provedforusewith this firebox.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
Due to high temperatures, the
applianceshouldbelocatedout
oftrafficandawayfromfurniture
and draperies.
WARNING: If the information
in this manual is not followed
exactly, a fire or explosion may
result causingproperty damage,
personal injury or loss of live

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126700-01B 3
SAFETY
Continued
1. Do not use this firebox as a wood burning
fireplace. Use only decorative unvented
room heaters (log sets).
2. Donotaddextralogsorornamentssuchas
pinecones,vermiculiteorrockwool.Using
these added items can cause sooting.
3. Use only the provided hood. See Parts,
Page 18. The firebox canopy (hood)
must not be modified or replaced with a
canopy (hood) that may be provided with
the unvented decorative room heater.
4. Vent-freegaslogheatersinstalledinthese
fireboxes require fresh air ventilation to
run properly. See Air for Combustion and
Ventilation, Page 8.
5. Do not run vent-free heaters installed in
these fireboxes
• 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 unit off and let cool before servicing.
Only a qualified service person should
service and repair firebox.
8. Operating vent-free heaters installed in
thesefireboxes above elevationsof4,500
feet could cause pilot outage.
9. Do not use the firebox if it has been
under water.
10. Beforeusingfurniture polish, wax, carpet
cleaner or similar products, turn heater
off.If heated, the vapors from these prod-
ucts may create a white powder residue
within burner box or on adjacent walls
and furniture.
11. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
Do not place clothing or other
flammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objectsinthefireboxoronlogs.
Keepthefireplaceareaclearand
freefromcombustiblematerials,
gasoline, and other flammable
vapors and liquids.
Children and adults should be
alerted to the hazard of high
surfacetemperatureandshould
stay away to avoid burns or
clothing ignition.
Firebox front and screen be-
comes very hot when running
firebox.Keepchildrenandadults
awayfromhotsurfacestoavoid
burns or clothing ignition. Fire-
box will remain hot for a time
after shutdown. Allow surfaces
to cool before touching.
You must operate this fireplace
with the provided fireplace
screen and hood in place. Make
sure these parts are in place
and screens are closed before
runninginstalledgaslogheater.
ReplacehoodwithINNOVATIVE
HEARTH PRODUCTS cat. no.
J4350 - 50", cat. no. J4351 - 42",
or cat. no. J4352 - 36" only. This
hoodhasbeendesignedtokeep
the operation of your fireplace
safe and efficient.
Young children should be care-
fully supervised when they are
in the same room with the ap-
pliance.

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126700-01B4
PRODUCT FEATURES
OPERATION
Thisfirebox isdesignedforuse withapproved
ANSIZ21.11.2decorativetypeunventedroom
heaters.(Physical sizelimitationsapply. Refer
to minimum firebox requirements supplied
with log heater.) It requires no outside vent-
ing or chimney making installation easy and
inexpensive.
LOCAL CODES
LOCATING FIREBOX
PLANNING
Planwhere you willinstallthe firebox.This will
save time and money later when you install
the firebox. Before installation, consider the
following:
1. Where firebox will be located. Allow for
wall and ceiling clearances (see Installa-
tion Clearances, Page 11).
2. Everything needed to complete installation.
3. These models CANNOT be installed in
a bedroom unless maximum Btu rating
of installed vent-free log set is less than
10,000 Btu/hr.
4. Proper air for combustion and ventilation
(Page 8).
Install and use firebox with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of The National Fuel
Gas Code ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54*; National
Fuel Gas Code (latest edition). Firebox must
be electrically grounded in accordance with
the National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70
(latest edition).
*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
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHU-
SETTS REQUIREMENTS
Theseappliances areapprovedfor installa-
tion in the US state of Massachusetts if the
following additional requirements are met:
• Un-vented Room Heaters shall be in-
stalled in accordance with 527 CMR 30.
• Installation and repair must be done by
a plumber or gas fitter licensed in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
• Theflexiblegas line connectorusedshall
not exceed 36 inches (92 centimeters)
in length.
• The individual manual shut-off must be
a T-handle type valve.
• Unvented appliances may NOT be in-
stalled in bedrooms or bathrooms.
• A working smoke detector must be
installed in the area where vent-free ap-
pliances 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.

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126700-01B 5
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
36" MODELS
Figure 1 - 36" Models VRT4536WS and VRT4536WH
(Picture may vary from actual fireplace)
30 1/2"
29"
30"
11 1/8"
54 1/2"
7 7/8"7"
36"
45 1/8"
33/8"
91/2"
50"
363/8"
7 3/8"
111/8"
3 3/4"
4 7/8"
36" HEARTH
1 1/4"
20 1/4"
(Ref.)
35 1/4"
19"
22 1/2"

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126700-01B6
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
42" MODELS
Figure 2 - 42" Models VRT4542WS and VRT4542WH
(Picture may vary from actual fireplace)
4 7/8"
54 1/2"
7 7/8"7"
36 3/8"
50"
42"
51 1/8"
32 3/8"
3 3/4"
30 3/8"
8 3/4"
13"
3 3/8"
9 1/2"
30"
11 1 /8"
42" HEARTH
1 1/4"
23"
(Ref.)
41 3/8"
26 3/8"
21 3/4"

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126700-01B 7
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Continued
50" MODELS
Figure 3 - 50" Models VRT4550WS and VRT4550WH
(Picture may vary from actual fireplace)
363/8"
50"
8 3/4"
13"
33/8"
91/2"
59 1/8"
50"
7 7/8"7"
30"
54 1/2"
11 1/8"
32 3/8"
3 3/4"
38 3/8"
4 7/8"
50" HEARTH
1 1/4"
23"
(Ref.)
49 3/8"
34 3/8"
21 3/4"

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126700-01B8
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Unusually tight construction is defined as
construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside
atmosphere have a continuous water
vapor retarder with a rating of one perm
(6 x 10
-11
kg per pa-sec-m
2
) 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 plumb-
ing, 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 Ventilation Air From Outdoors, Page 10.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteriaabove, proceedto Determining Fresh-
Air Flow For Firebox Location.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/
NFPA54 allows two methods for determining
whether the space in which the heater is being
installed is confined or unconfined space. The
standard method defines a confined space as a
space whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet
per1,000Btu per hour (4.8m
3
perkw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed in
that space and an unconfined space as a space
whose volume is not less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m
3
per kw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed in
that space. Rooms communicating directly with
thespace in which theappliancesare installed*,
through openings not furnished with doors, are
considered a part of the unconfined space.
Where the air infiltration rate of a structure is
known, the Known Air Infiltration Rate 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
there are doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR
HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or
Unconfined Space Using the Standard
Method
Today’s homes are built more energy efficient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation
andnewconstruction methods helpreduceheat
lossinhomes. Homeowners apply weather strip
and caulk around windows and doors to keep
thecoldairout and the warm air in. During heat-
ing 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-
pliances need fresh air for proper combustion
and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, some fireplaces, clothes dryers
and some fuel-burning appliances draw air from
thehousetooperate.Youmustprovideadequate
fresh air for these appliances. This will ensure
properventingofventedfuel-burningappliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code,ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54,Air for Com-
bustion 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 through 10 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate
ventilation.
Unusually Tight Construction
The air that leaks around doors and windows
mayprovideenoughfresh airfor combustionand
ventilation. However, in buildings of unusually
tight construction, you must provide additional
fresh air.
WARNING:Thisheatershallnot
beinstalledinaroomorspaceun-
lesstherequiredvolumeofindoor
combustion air is provided by the
method described in the National
FuelGas Code,ANSIZ223.1/NFPA
54, the International Fuel Gas
Code, or applicable local codes.
Read the following instructions
to ensure proper fresh air for this
and otherfuel-burning appliances
in your home.

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126700-01B 9
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
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"
Use this work sheet to determine if you have a
confined or unconfined space.
Space:Includes theroom inwhich youwill 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 22 ft. (length) x 18 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) = 3,168 cu. ft.
(volume of space)
Ifadditionalventilation to adjoiningroomissup-
plied with grills or openings, add the volume of
these rooms to the total volume of the space.
2. Multiplythespacevolumeby20todeterminethe
maximum Btu/Hr the space can support.
________ (volumeofspace)x20=(Maximum
Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example :3,168 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20 =
63,360 (maximum Btu/Hr 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 :63,360Btu/Hr (maximumthe space
can support)
79,000Btu/Hr(actualamountofBtu/
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:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an
adjoining room. If the extra space provides an
unconfined space, remove door to adjoining
room or add ventilation grills between rooms.
See Ventilation Air From Inside Building.
B. Vent roomdirectly tothe outdoors. SeeVentila-
tion 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-
mumBtu/Hrthe space can support, the spaceis
anunconfinedspace.Youwillneed noadditional
fresh air ventilation.
40,000
39,000
79,000
WARNING:Iftheareainwhich
the heater may be operated does
not meet the required volume for
indoor combustion air, combus-
tion and ventilation air shall be
provided by one of the methods
describedintheNationalFuelGas
Code, ANSI Z223.1/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
adjoining unconfined space, you must provide
two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceilingandone within 12" of the floor onthewall
connecting the two spaces (see options 1 and
2, Figure 4). You can also remove door into ad-
joining room (see option 3, Figure 4). Follow the
NationalFuelGasCode, ANSIZ223.1/NFPA 54,
Air for Combustion and Ventilation for required
size of ventilation grills or ducts.

SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126700-01B10
Figure 5 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
A
ir
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
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"ofthe floor. 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
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
WARNING: Never install
firebox
• in a bedroom or bathroom*
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing,orotherflammable
objects are less than 36"
fromfront or 42" from top of
firebox; for side clearances
see Figure 4, Page 11
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
* Unless installed log set is
rated at 10,000 Btu/Hr or less.
WARNING: A qualified ser-
vicepersonmustinstallfirebox.
Follow all local codes.
CAUTION: Log heaters in-
stalled in this firebox create
warmaircurrents.Thesecurrents
move heat to wall surfaces next
to firebox. Installing firebox next
tovinylorclothwallcoveringsor
operating firebox where impuri-
ties(suchas,butnotlimitedto,to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning fluids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free gas log heaters add
moisture to the air.Although this is beneficial,
installing firebox in rooms without enough
ventilationairmaycausemildewtoform from
too much moisture. See, Page 8.
IMPORTANT:Make sure the 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
areintegrally attached. Ifstandoffspacers are
attached to your firebox, these spacers can
beplaceddirectlyagainstwallorframing ma-
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).
NOTICE: The firebox identifica-
tionlabel(includingmodelnum-
ber, serial number, clearances,
etc.) is located on a chain under
the bottom refractory.