Superior VRT43PFWS User manual

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: If the information in these instructions is not followed exactly, a fire or explosion may result
causing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
—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.
• 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.
Installation and Operation Instructions
SuperiorTM Unvented (Vent-Free) Firebox
P/N 126706-01 Rev.A 02/2014
PFS
®
US
Models
VRT43PFWS
P126706-01

www.SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126706-01A2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety .................................................................. 2
Local Codes......................................................... 4
Unpacking............................................................ 4
Product Features................................................. 4
Product Specications......................................... 5
Locating Firebox ................................................. 5
Air for combustion and Ventilation....................... 6
Installation ........................................................... 8
Operating Guidelines and Maintenance
Instructions ..................................................... 14
Replacement Parts............................................ 15
Technical Service............................................... 15
Accessory.......................................................... 15
Parts .................................................................. 16
Warranty ............................................................ 18
WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, al-
teration, service or maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this manual for correct in-
stallation and operational procedures. For assistance
or additional information consult a qualied installer,
service agency or the gas supplier.
WARNING: Do not allow fans
to blow directly into the rebox.
Avoid any drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Ceiling fans can
create drafts that alter burner
ame patterns. Altered burner
patterns can cause sooting.
SAFETY
This appliance may be installed
in an aftermarket,* permanently
located, manufactured (mobile)
home, where not prohibited by
local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for
purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
This firebox has been tested
under Z21.91b-2007 for use
with approved ANSI Z21.11.2
decorative type unvented room
heater.
IMPORTANT: Read this owner’s
manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, op-
erate or service this replace.
Improper use of this replace
can cause serious injury or
death from burns, re, explo-
sion, electrical shock and carbon
monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
WARNING: Any change to
this rebox or its controls can
be dangerous.
WARNING: Do not use a
blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not ap-
proved for use with this rebox.

www.SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126706-01A 3
1. This rebox shall not be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom.
2. Never install the rebox
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing or
other ammable objects are less than
42" from the front, top or sides of the
rebox
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas
3. Do not use this rebox as a wood-burning
replace. Use only decorative unvented
room appliances (log sets).
4. Do not add extra logs or ornaments such as
pine cones, vermiculite or rock wool. Using
these added items can cause sooting.
5. Use only the provided hoods accessories.
See Accessories on page 17.
6. Vent-free gas log appliances installed in
this rebox require fresh air ventilation to
run properly. See Air for Combustion and
Ventilation, page 6.
7. Do not run rebox
• where ammable liquids or vapors are
used or stored
• under dusty conditions
8. Do not use this rebox to cook food or
burn paper or other objects.
9. Never place any objects in rebox or on
logs.
10. Turn rebox off and let cool before servic-
ing. Only a qualied service person should
service and repair rebox.
11. Operating vent-free logs in a rebox above
elevations of 4,500 feet could cause pilot
outage.
12. Do not use the rebox if it has been un-
der water due to the shock hazard that
could result with the blower accessary (if
installed) in place.
13. Provide adequate clearances around air
openings.
Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located out
of trafc and away from furniture
and draperies.
Do not place clothing or other
ammable material on or near
the appliance. Never place any
objects in the rebox or on logs.
Firebox front and screen be-
comes very hot when running
rebox. Keep children and adults
away from hot surfaces to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Fire-
box will remain hot for a time
after shutdown. Allow surfaces
to cool before touching.
Carefully supervise young chil-
dren when they are in the room
with rebox.
Keep the replace area clear and
free from combustible materials,
gasoline, and other ammable
vapors and liquids.
You must operate this replace
with the provided fireplace
screen and hood in place. Make
sure these parts are in place
and screens are closed before
running installed gas log heater.
Replace hood with INNOVATIVE
HEARTH PRODUCTS model
109511-01 50", 109511-02 42",
or 109511-03 36" only. This hood
has been designed to keep the
operation of your replace safe
and efcient.
SAFETY
Continued
The rebox canopy (hood) must
not be modied or replaced
with a canopy (hood) that may
be provided with the unvented
decorative room heater.

www.SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126706-01A4
LOCAL CODES
Install and use rebox with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas
Code ANS Z223.1/NFPA 54*. Firebox must
be electrically grounded in accordance with
the National Electrical Code, ANS/NFPA70
(latest edition).
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
State of Massachusetts: The installation
must be made by a licensed plumber or
gas tter in the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts.
Sellers of unvented propane or natural
gas-red supplemental room appliances
shall provide to each purchaser a copy of
527 CMR 30 upon sale of the unit.
Vent-free gas products are prohibited for
bedroom and bathroom installation in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
UNPACKING
1. Remove all protective packaging from
inside rebox. Carefully lift the rebox off
the bottom corrugated tray.
2. Carton should contain 3 deective hoods
and hardware packet in addition to rebox
assembly. If items are missing, inform
dealer where you bought rebox.
3. Check appliance for any shipping damage.
If appliance is damaged call INNOVATIVE
HEARTH PRODUCTS at 1-800-655-2008
for replacement parts before returning to
dealer.
NOTICE: The rebox identica-
tion label (including model num-
ber, serial number, clearances,
etc.) is located directly above the
brick liner and under the heat
shield. See Figure 20, page 16.
PRODUCT FEATURES
OPERATION
This rebox is designed for use with approved
ANS Z21.11.2 decorative type unvented room
appliances. (Physical size limitations apply.
Refer to minimum rebox requirements sup-
plied with log appliance.) The maximum size
log this rebox will accept is: width of 32",
depth of 19" and a height of 17".
This rebox requires no outside venting or
chimney making installation easy and inex-
pensive. When used without the blower, the
rebox requires no electricity making it ideal
for emergency backup heat.
BLOWER ACCESSORY
The firebox will accept the GA3500A ac-
cessory. The variable blower allows you to
select the fan speed you desire. The blower
circulates heated air from the rebox into the
room. Use of blower is optional.
BRICK LINER
This rebox features a concrete brick liner. As
with all concrete liners, this liner may develop
slight cracks when exposed to heat. These
cracks will not affect the performance of the
rebox or vent-free gas logs.

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126706-01A 5
Figure 1 - Peninsula (Three-Sided) Firebox
4
1
/
2
"
4
3
/
4
"33
3
/
4
"
3
5
/
8
"
4"
4"
1
1
/
4
"
1/2"
5/8"
19
1
/
2
"
40"
18
1
/
2
"
9
1
/
8
"
36
1
/
4
"
1
3
/
4
"
4"
1
1
/
2
"
24"
36
1
/
2
"
3" TYP.
42
1
/
2
"
(Edge of
Brick Liner)
4
1
/
2
"
4
3
/
4
"33
3
/
4
"
3
5
/
8
"
4"
4"
1
1
/
4
"
1/2"
5/8"
19
1
/
2
"
40"
18
1
/
2
"
9
1
/
8
"
36
1
/
4
"
1
3
/
4
"
4"
1
1
/
2
"
24"
36
1
/
2
"
3" TYP.
42
1
/
2
"
(Edge of
Brick Liner)
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Figure 2 - Projected Installation
LOCATING FIREBOX
PLANNING
Plan where you will install the rebox. This will
save time and money later when you install
the rebox. Before installation, consider the
following:
1. Where the rebox will be located. Allow for
wall and ceiling clearances (see Installa-
tion Clearances, page 9).
2. Everything needed to complete installation.
3. This model CANNOT be installed in a
bedroom or bathroom.
4. Proper air for combustion and ventilation.
5. Consider a location where heat output
would not be affected by drafts, air condi-
tion ducts, windows or doors.
6. A location that minimizes modications
on existing framing will make installation
easier.
Projected installations can extend any
distance into the room. A projection may
be ideal as a partition between two oth-
erwise common areas when added to an
existing, nished wall (see Figure 2).
Internal wall installation provides a
discreet viewing option between two
adjacent rooms or within an added wall
to subdivide an oversize room.

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AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
WARNING: This appliance
shall not be installed in a room
or space unless the required
volume of indoor combustion
air is provided by the method
described in the National Fuel
Gas Code,ANSI Z223.1/NFPA54,
the International Fuel Gas Code,
or applicable local codes. Read
the following instructions to in-
sure proper fresh air for this and
other fuel-burning appliances in
your home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efcient
than ever. New materials, increased insulation
and new construction methods help reduce
heat loss in homes. Home owners weather
strip and caulk around windows and doors
to keep the cold air out and the warm air in.
During heating months, home owners want
their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efcient, 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, reboxes, clothes dryers and fuel
burning appliances draw air from the house to
operate. You must provide adequate fresh air
for these appliances. This will insure proper
venting of vented fuel-burning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following are excerpts from National
Fuel Gas Code ANS Z223.1/NFPA 54,Air for
Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classications:
1. Unusually Tight Construction
2. Unconned Space
3. Conned Space
The information on pages 6 through 8 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.
Unusually tight construction is dened 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 oors, between wall-ceiling joints,
between wall panels, at penetrations
for plumbing, 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 8.
If your home does not meet all of the three
criteria above, proceed to Determining
Fresh-Air Flow for Firebox Location,
page 7.
Conned and Unconned Space
The National Fuel Gas Code ANS Z223.1/
NFPA 54 denes a conned space as a space
whose volume is less than 50 cubic feet per
1,000 Btu/hr (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate
input rating of all appliances installed in that
space and an unconned space as a space
whose volume is not less than 50 cubic feet
per 1,000 Btu/hr (4.8 m3 per kw) of the ag-
gregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space. Rooms communicating directly
with the space in which the appliances are
installed*, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the un-
conned space.
This appliance shall not be installed in a
conned space or unusually tight construction
unless provisions are provided for adequate
combustion and ventilation air.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if
there are doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between them.

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126706-01A 7
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW
FOR FIREBOX LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Conned or
Unconned Space
Use this work sheet to determine if you have
a conned or unconned space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will
install appliance 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) = 3168 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 sup-
port.
________ (volume of space) x 20 = (Maxi-
mum Btu/Hr the space can support)
Example: 3168 cu. ft. (volume of space) x 20
= 63,360 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances
in the space.
Gas water appliance* __________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace __________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas appliance __________ Btu/Hr
Gas replace 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 appliance __________ Btu/Hr
Gas rebox logs + _________ Btu/Hr
Total = _________ Btu/Hr
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
40,000
39,000
79,000
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: 63,360 Btu/Hr (maximum the
space can support)
79,000 Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
The space in the above example is a conned
space because the actual Btu/Hr used is more
than the maximum Btu/Hr the space can sup-
port. You must provide additional fresh air.
Your options are as follows:
A. Rework work sheet, adding the space
of an adjoining room. If the extra space
provides an unconned space, remove
door to adjoining room or add ventilation
grills between rooms. See Ventilation Air
from Inside Building, page 8.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
Ventilation Air from Outdoors, page 8.
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr gas log appliance, if
lower Btu/Hr size makes room unconned.
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the
maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the
space is an unconned space. You will need
no additional fresh air ventilation.
WARNING: If the area in which
the appliance may be operated
does not meet the required vol-
ume for indoor combustion air,
combustion and ventilation air
shall be provided by one of
the methods described in the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1/NFPA54, the Internation-
al Fuel Gas Code, or applicable
local codes.

www.SuperiorFireplaces.US.com 126706-01A8
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION
Continued
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Inside
Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option
2
Ventilation
Grills
Into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
4"
Figure 4 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Outlet
Air
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic
INSTALLATION
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconned space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconned space, you must provide
two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the oor on the
wall connecting the two spaces (see option
1, Figure 3). You can also remove door into
adjoining room (see option 2, Figure 3). Fol-
low the National Fuel Gas Code ANS Z223.1/
NFPA 54 Air for Combustion and Ventilation
for required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
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
and one within 12" of the oor. Connect these
items directly to the outdoors or spaces open
to the outdoors. These spaces include at-
tics and crawl spaces. Follow the National
Fuel Gas Code ANS 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 thermo-
stat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering
the attic will activate the power vent.
NOTICE: This rebox in combi-
nation with unvented log sets
are intended for use as supple-
mental heat. Use along with
your primary heating system.
Do not install them as your pri-
mary heat source. If you have
a central heating system, you
may run system’s circulating
blower while using appliance.
This will help circulate the heat
throughout the house. In the
event of a power outage, you
can use unvented logs as your
primary heat source.
WARNING: A qualied ser-
vice person must install rebox.
Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Never install the
rebox
• in a bedroom or bathroom
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing or other ammable
objects are less than 42" from
the front, top or sides of the
rebox
• in high trafc areas
• in windy or drafty areas

www.SuperiorFireplaces.US.com
126706-01A 9
CAUTION: Log appliances
installed in this rebox create
warmair currents.These currents
move heat to wall surfaces next
to rebox. Installing rebox next
to vinyl or cloth wall coverings or
operating rebox where impuri-
ties(such as, butnot limited to,to-
bacco smoke, aromatic candles,
cleaning uids, oil or kerosene
lamps, etc.) in the air exist, may
discolor walls or cause odors.
IMPORTANT: Vent-free gas log appliances
add moisture to the air. Although this is bene-
cial, installing rebox in rooms without enough
ventilation air may cause mildew to form from
too much moisture. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, page 6.
IMPORTANT: Make sure the rebox is level.
If rebox is not level, log set will not work
properly.
Note: Your Vanguard rebox is designed to
be used in zero clearance installations. Wall
or framing material can be placed against any
exterior surface on the rear, sides or top of
your rebox, except where standoff spacers
are integrally attached. If standoff spacers
are attached to your rebox, these spacers
can be placed directly against wall or fram-
ing materials.
Use dimensions shown for rough openings to
create the easiest installation (see Built-In or
Internal Wall Firebox Installation, page 9).
INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
WARNING: Maintain the
minimum clearances. If you can,
provide greater clearances from
oor, ceiling and adjoining wall.
Carefully follow the instructions below. This
will ensure safe installation.
Minimum Wall and Ceiling Clearances
A. Clearances from edge of liner to any
combustible wall should not be less than
8" (see Figure 5).
B. Clearances from top of rebox opening to
the ceiling should not be less than 42".
INSTALLATION
Continued
C. When the rebox is installed on carpet-
ing or other combustible material, other
than wood ooring, the rebox should be
installed on a metal or wood panel extend-
ing the full width and depth of enclosure.
D. Clearances from the bottom of rebox to
the oor is 0".
E. Clearances from open end of rebox to fac-
ing wall shall should not be less than 36".
CAUTION: Do not install re-
box directly on carpet or vinyl.
CAUTION: Use only the clear-
ances specied in this manual or
on the rebox rating plate.
Minimum clearances to combustibles are:
• Sides of outer casing 0" min.
• Drywall to sides and top of 0" min.
front face
• Ceiling to opening 42' min.
• Floor (see Minimum Wall 0" min.
and Ceiling Clearances, note C)
• Perpendicular walls 4' min.
Right and Left
• Distance to Facing Walls 36" min.
on Sides and End of Firebox
Figure 5 - Minimum Clearance Front View
42" Min.
0" to Wood
Floor
8" Min.
4"
Min.
0" Min. Clearance to Upper Frame/Wallboard
Ceiling
Edge of
Brick Liner
4" Min. from the Perpendicular
Side Wall to the Edge of Facia
1/2" Min. Clearance
to Combustibles
43
3
/
4
"
24"
36" Minimum
from Edge of
Facial to
Facing Wall
on Open End
of Firebox
Figure 6 - Minimum Clearance - Top View

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INSTALLATION
Continued
Mantel Clearances for Built-In
Installation
If placing custom mantel above built-in re-
box, you must meet the minimum allowable
clearance between mantel shelf and top of
rebox opening shown in Figure 7. These are
the minimum allowable mantel clearances
for a safe installation. Use larger clearances
wherever possible to minimize the heating of
objects and materials placed on the mantel.
CAUTION: Do not allow the
vent-free gas log appliance to
touch or extend beyond the
rebox screen.
If your installation does not meet the above
minimum clearances in Figure 7, you must:
• raise the mantel to an acceptable height,
OR
• remove the mantel.
Supplied
Firebox
Hoods Must
Be Used at
All Times
Wire-mesh
Screen
Firebox Top
Mantel
Shelf
3"
6"
9
1
/
4
"
Combustible
Material 1
1
/
2
"
Max Thickness
Note: All vertical
measurements are
minimum distances
from top of fireplace
hood to bottom of
mantel shelf. These
minimum clearances
replace any other
recommended
clearances supplied
with your ANS Z21.11.2
approved gas logs.
Wall board or facing material (above firebox)
may be of combustible material, including
decorative mantel ornaments or other similar
projections off of the facing material.
Top Frame
(Combustible Material)
12" 15" 18"
7" Min.
Note: Fireplace shown as cross-section for clarity.
Mantel material may not be less than 7" from top of
hood. Do not cover louver openings.
BUILT-IN OR INTERNAL WALL
FIREBOX INSTALLATION
Built-in installation of this rebox involves
installing rebox into a framed-in enclosure.
This makes the front of rebox ush with wall.
If installing a mantel above the rebox, you
must follow the clearances shown in Figure
7. Follow the instructions below to install the
Figure 7 - Minimum Mantel Clearances
for Built-In Installation
4" Min.
43 3/4" Min.
36" Min. to
Facing Wall
22 3/4"
Min.
Facing
Wall
Wallboard
Gas Line
Facing Wall
(Base line)
Board
Base
40 1/4" Min.
Figure 8 - Framing for Built-In Firebox
Installation
rebox in this manner.
1. Frame in rough opening. The firebox
framing should be constructed of 2 x 4
lumber or heavier. Construct framing
using dimensions shown in Figure 8 and
9, page 11. It is recommended that the
framing be constructed rst and the unit
be placed in position. After sliding the unit
into place, the anges may be nailed to
the framing before applying the wallboard
to the exterior framing.
2. If the vent-free rebox is to be installed
directly on carpeting, tile (other than ce-
ramic) or any combustible material other
than wood ooring; the vent-free rebox
must be installed upon a metal or wood
panel extending the full width and depth
of the vent-free rebox.
3. If a raised platform is to be constructed,
ceiling clearances must be maintained.
4. Install gas piping to rebox location. See
Installing Gas Line and Connecting to Gas
Supply in log set owner’s manual.
5. Carefully set rebox in front of rough
opening.
6. Carefully insert rebox into rough opening.
7. Attach rebox to wall studs using nails
or wood screws through holes in nailing
ange (see Figure 10). Attach rebox to
board base through holes in rebox bot-
tom (see Figure 10).