V.I.I. PTH101 Owner's manual

GAS-FIRED INFRARED
OUTDOOR PATIO HEATER
Virco Associates, Inc. INSTALLATION, OPERATION
145, Brea Canyon Road MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS
Walnut, CA 91789, U.S.A.
FOR MODEL PTH101
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE
IMPORTANCE …………………………………………………………………… 1
TOOLS & PARTS ……………………………………………………………….. 2
PRECAUTIONS………………………………………………………………….. 3
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS …………………………………………………. 4
GAS REQUIREMENTS & LEAK TESTING ………………………………….. 7
SAFETY CHECKS ………………………………………………………………. 8
LOCATING HEATER FOR USE ………………………………………………. 9
LIGHTING / SHUTDOWN ………………………………………………………. 10
STORAGE / BURNER REMOVAL………………………………..……………. 12
BURNER INSTALLATION / PILOT CLEANING ……………………………… 13
BURNER REMOVAL ……………………………………………………………. 14
TROUBLE SHOOTING .………………………………………………………… 15
PARTS LIST ……………………………………………………………………… 16
WARRANTY ……………………………………………………………………… 18
READ THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY AND BE SURE YOUR PATIO HEATER IS
PROPERLY INSTALLED, ASSEMBLED AND CARED FOR. FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE
INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. IF
YOUR HAVE QUESTIONS CONCERNING ASSEMBLY OR OPERATION, CONSULT YOUR
DEALER, GAS APPLIANCE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE OR YOUR GAS COMPANY.
NOTE TO INSTALLER:
LEAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS WITH THE CONSUMER AFTER INSTALLATION.
NOTE TO THE CONSUMER:
RETAIN THESE INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.
PLEASE CONTACT 1-800-913-8999 FOR ASSISTANCE.
DO NOT RETURN TO PLACE OF PURCHASE.
.
STOP

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help.
* * * WARNING * * *
For outdoor use only (outside any enclosure)
Improper operation, installation, adjustment, alteratio
n,
servicing or maintenance can cause severe property
damage or serious injury or death. Please read the
installation, operation & maintenance instructions
thoroughly before installing or servicing this equipment.
* * * FOR YOUR SAFETY * * *
If you smell gas:
Shut off gas to appliance.
Extinguish any open flame.

If odor continues, immediately call your gas
supplier.
For your safety:
Do not store or use gasoline or other flammable vapor
and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
Page 1
IMPORTANT

TOOLS AND PARTS NEEDED FOR ASSEMBLY
NOTE: 20 pound, 5 Gallon LPG Tank is not supplied
Tools Needed:
Adjustable Opening Wrench
Spray Bottle of Soapy Water (to check for leaks)
Parts Supplied:
Reflector (3)
Reflector Dome Cap (1)
Reflector Plate (1)
Heater Head Assembly (1)
Post Assembly (2)
3/8”X 40 1/2”Galvanized Supply Pipe (1)
LPG Gas regulator (1)
Weighted Base with LPG Tank Cover Assembly (1)
Hardware Package
Reflector Nut (1)
1/4”x 3 1/4”Long Thread Ends Stud
Reflector 5/32”Screw (3)
Reflector Plate 1/4”Truss Head Screw (3)
Post 1/4”Truss Head Screw (4)
Post 1/4”Split Lock (4)
Post 1/4”Nut (4)
Teflon Pluming Tape For Joints (1)
For Service Questions Replacement parts or other assistance, Please call VAI Customer Service Hotline at:
VAI
145 Brea Canyon Road
Walnut, CA 91789
[phone]
Page 2

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help.
Do not use this space heater in an
explosive atmosphere. Keep heater away
from areas where gasoline or other
flammable liquids or vapors are stored.
Prior to use, check for damaged parts
such as hoses regulators, pilot or burner.
Do not attempt to alter unit in any
manner. EXAMPLE: using the heater
without the top canopy reflector or
radiant screen. Do not shorten the burner
post assembly.
Heater must always be placed on a solid
and level surface.
Always maintain proper clearance to
combustible materials.(Top 36"Side 36")
Always assure there is ample fresh air
ventilation for outdoors use ONLY.
Never replace or substitute the regulator
with any regulator other than the factory
suggested replacement.
Do not clean heater with cleaners that are
combustible or corrosive.
Do not paint radiant screen, control panel
or top canopy reflector.
All leak test should be done with a soapy
solution. NEVER USE AN OPEN
FLAME TO CHECK FOR LEAKS.
The LP tank should be turned off when
the heater is not in use.
At least once a year, the unit should be
inspected for the presence of spiders,
spider webs or other insects. The burner
area is a common spider haven and can
damage the heater and render it unsafe
for use, Check the heater immediately if
any of the following exists:
1. The smell of gas in conjunction with
extreme yellow tipping of the burner
flames.
2. The heater does not reach temperature.
3. The burner makes popping noise during
use (a slight popping noise is normal
when the burner is extinguished).
The LP regulator/hose assembly shall be
located out of pathways where people
may trip over it or in area where the hose
will not be subject to accidental damage.
Children and adults should be aware of
hazards of high surface temperature and
shall stay away to avoid burns of
clothing ignition.
Young children should be carefully
supervised when they are in the area of
the heater.
Clothing or other flammable material
should not be hung from the heater, or
placed on or near the heater.
Any guard or other protective device
removed for servicing the heater must be
replaced prior to operating the heater.
Installation and repair should be done by
a qualified service person, the heater
must be should be inspected before use
and at least annually by a qualified
service person. More frequent cleaning
may be required as necessary. It is
imperative that control compartment,
burner and circulating air passageways
of the heater be kept clean.
Keep the appliance area clear and out of
combustion material, gasoline and other
flammable vapors and liquids.
Do not obstruct the flow of combustion
and ventilation air.
Keep the ventilation opening of the
cylinder enclosure free and clear of
PRECAUTIONS
NOTE: PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING SAFETY
Page 3

debris.

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help.
NOTE: Assembly of this heater requires basic mechanical skills. Proper assembly is the
responsibility of the installer.
STEP1: Gas pipe
Cover threads with provided Teflon tape or gas
pipe sealant before connecting regulator hose.
Page
Page 4
STEP1
(*I
(Provided)
Teflon tape
Intake pipe
Protective Cap
Protective Cap
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION
STEP2
Intake pipe
Post
STEP2: Secure the Gas pipe & Post
Thread the intake pipe clockwise into the
safety valve tightly.
Slide the intake pipe through the top of the
post and down through the hole in the top of
the tank enclosure and secure the heating unit
to the top of the post.

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
NOTE :Assembly of this heater requires basic mechanical skills Proper assembly is the
responsibility of the installer.
CAUTION: It will take about 5 minutes to
bleed the gas line, so be patient.
Page 5
post
Cylinder
Enclosure
post
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION
STEP3: Connect post to cylinder enclosure

Secure two post together. Then place post on of
cylinder enclosure. Fasten 1/4 inch X 1 1/2 inch
machine screws to the top of the cylinde
r to and
screw on machine nut.
Post
STEP3
STEP4.Attach Reflector
Combine three pieces reflector together
Tighten up with three 5/32”screws.
Put the reflector plate on reflector then tighten up
with three 1/4”screw by upward.
STEP4 Reflector
Plate
Reflector

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
NOTE: Assembly of this heater requires basic mechanical skills. Proper assembly is the
responsibility of the installer.
STEP6: Attach regulator
Attach 3/8 inch flare adapter on the hose
end of the regulator assembly to the flare fitting
on the intake pipe.
The 3/8 inch female IPS X 3/8 inch male flare
fitting is already attached on the intake pipe
by manufacturer
Page 6
NOTICE:
EMITTER GRID COLORATION
OCCURRED DURING OUR TEST
STAGE. THIS WAS PERFORMED
TO ENSURE YOUR SAFE USAGE
Reflector
Emitter
Hose Assy.
Intake Fitting
STEP6
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTION
STEP5
STEP5:Attach the reflector

Screw the 1/4” X 3 1/4”Lthreaded ends
stud into emitter top.

Attach the reflector and reflector cap to
the top of emitter grid ornamental final. It
screws on to 1/4” X 3 1/4 ”L threaded stud
screwed into emitter top.

﹡﹡﹡ IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help.
PRECAUTIONS
Periodically check the whole gas system for
leaks or immediately check if the smell of
gas is detected
Extinguish all open flames.
Never leak test while smoking.
If you cannot stop a leak, turn off the gas
supply and call the Customer Service
hotline, the dealer where you made the
purchase or your gas supplier.
The heater must be checked with a full
cylinder.
Do not use the heater until all connections
have been leak tested and do not leak.
Only those parts recommended by the
manufacturer should be used. Substitution
can void the warranty.
GAS REQUIRMENTS
Maximum inlet pressure to propane
regulator must not exceed 100 PSI.
A minimum supply pressure of 11.0 W.C. is
required for the purpose of input adjustment
for propane gas.
The pressure regulator and hose assembly
supplied with the appliance must be used.
Replacement pressure regulator and hose
must be specified by the appliance
manufacturer.
The installation must conform with local
codes or in the absence of local codes, with
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI
Z223.1-1996.
The heater comes equipped with a hose
assembly for hook-up to a standard
A dented, rusted or damaged propane tank
may be hazardous and should be checked by your
tank supplier. Never use a propane tank with a
damaged valve connection.
The propane tank must be constructed and
marked in accordance with the specifications for
LP gas cylinders of the US Department Of
Transportation (DOT)
The propane tank must be arranged to provide
for vapor withdrawal from the operating
cylinder
Never connect an unregulated propane tank
to the heater
LEAK TESTING
Gas connections on the heater are leak tested at
the factory prior to shipment a complete gas
tightness check must be performed at the
installation on site due to possible miss handing
in shipment or excessive pressure being applied
to the heater.
TO LEAK TEST
Make a soap solution of one part liquid
detergent and one part water. The solution can
be applied with a spray bottle brush or rag.
Soap bubbles will appear where a leak is present
Make certain the safety control valve is in the
‘OFF’position
Turn the gas supply ‘ON’.
If a leak is present turn ‘OFF’ the gas supply,
tighten any leaking fitting, turn gas supply ‘ON’
GAS REQUIREMENTS & LEAK TESTING
NEVER CONNECT AN UNREGULATED GAS SUPPLY TO THE HEATER
propane

gas tank. The propane tank is not included. and recheck.
Page 7

STEP 1
﹡﹡﹡ IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
STEP 1
1. Check the regulator to the propane tank connection
remember the POL adapter is a left hand thread
2. Check all connections on the hose regulator assembly
3. Check the hose to the intake pipe to make certain that
it is not kinked or in a position that could cause it to
kink Tighten hand tight and than take a 1/2 turn with
the adjustable wrench
NOTE: The remaining connections are to be
Tested after the heater has been lit
(SEE LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS)
STEP 2
4. Check intake pipe fitting at the bottom of safety
control valve
5. Check pilot tubing to safety control valve
6. Check orifice fitting and the safety control valve
7. Check pilot tubing and pilot
NOTE: After leak testing is completed
and all leaks are sealed , close the door to
the tank enclosure and your patio heater
is ready to use.
Page 8
ALWAYS CHECK THE FOLLOWING CONNECTIONS
STEP2
77
7
5 4
6
1
2
3
SAFETY CHECKS

LOCATION HEATER FOR USE
tolight the pilot burner.If the
Allowone minute to
repeatSteps 1-3.
becomes extinguished
pilotfails to remain lit or
connectiontoanew gas tank
purgeairthroughpilot after the
Note:
ToTurnHeaterOff
Turnoff gas tank when the
heaterisnotin use.
heaterbeforerelighting pilot
minutesaftercompleteshut off
turnto "OFF"position. Wait 5
positionDepressslightly and
Turncontrol knobto "PILOT"
intake pipe and regulatoris
pressed-down the knob for 15
same time Firmly
Theignitor will sparkat the
knob to " PILOT" position.
3.Pushandturnthe gascontrol
connectedtightly.
2.OpenCylindervalve.
LIGHTININSTRUCTIONS
1.Makesure RegulatorHose is
ToTurnHeaterOn
connected to the heater
counterclockwise.
pressed-down and turn
activatedwhen the valve is
partofgasvalve which to be
Anignitorhasbeen built-in as
SpecialNote
lit.It might need 2or3 trials
secondsuntil the pilot remain
﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
BE CAREFUL: When certain materials or items are left under this heater, while in use, they will be
subjected to radiant heat and could be seriously damaged.
●The heater is primarily for heating of outdoor patios, decks, spas, pool and working areas.
●Always ensure that adequate fresh air ventilation is provided. Follow the spacing tolerances in Figure 1.
●The minimum clearances to combustible construction shown in Figure 1 must be maintained at all times
●The installation must conform to local codes or in the absence of local codes with the standard for the
storage and handling of liquid petroleum gases:
In the US use : ANSI/NFPA58 on National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223-1998
In Canada use: National Standards of Canada. CAN/CGA B149.1 & 2-M86
●The heater must be placed on level firm ground.
●Never operate in an explosive atmosphere. Keep away from areas where gasoline or other flammable
liquids or vapors are stored or used.
36”
CAUTION
Page 9
Figure 1.
CELING / OVERHANG
During strong and windy weather, turn off the
heater and the gas cylinder valve. Remove
the heater reflector hood then move the heater
to a sheltered location. Cautions do not move
heater while it is still hot.
WALL
36”

LIGHTING/SHUTDOWN
﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
BEFORE TURNING THE GAS SUPPLY ‘ON’:
Visually inspect the hose assembly for evidence of excessive abrasion cuts or wear. If the house leaks it
must be replaced prior to use. The hose replacement shall be that specified by the manufacturer. See
parts list or details, then call Customer Service hotline.
Is the surrounding area free of combustible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors or liquids?
BEFORE LIGHTING:
For your safety, if re-lighting a hot heater.
Always wait at least five (5) minutes.
TO LIGHT:
(A)Open tank enclosure door.
(B) Make certain hose is connected to the heater intake pipe and regulator is connected to the propane
tank. Check both connections to ensure they are tight and leak proof.
(C) Turn supply tank valve in a counter clockwise direction. Check for leaks by applying soapy water
to the tank and hose connections.
(D)Push and turn the gas control knob to ‘PILOT’ position. The igniter will spark at the same time.
Firmly pressed-down the knob for 15 seconds until the pilot remain lit. It might need 2 or 3 trials
to light the pilot burner. If the pilot fails to remain lit or becomes extinguished. Repeat steps B-D.
(E) Once the pilot is lit continue to hold in the control knob for 15seconds or the until pilot remains lit
after knob is released.
(F) The burner may now be turn on the full on position and then reduced to the desired heat range.
Caution: Avoid inhaling fumes emitted from the heater’s first use. Smoke and odor from the
burning of oils used in manufacturing will appear. Both smoke and odor will dissipate after
approximately 30 minutes. The heater should NOT produce thick black smoke.
NOTE: The burner may be noisy when initially turned on. To eliminate excessive noise from the
burner, turn the Control Knob to the pilot position. Then turn the knob to the level of heat desired.
Page 10

LIGHTING/SHUTDOWN
﹡﹡﹡ IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
WHEN HEATER IS ON:
●Emitter screen will become brighted due to intense heat. The color is more visible at night.
●Burner will display tongues of blue and yellow flame. These flames should not be yellow or produce
thick black smoke, indicating an obstruction of airflow through the burners. The flame should be
blue with straight yellow tops.
●The flame pattern at the emmitter grid should be visually checked whenever heater is operated (see
figure 2). If flames extend more than 1/2 inch beyond surface of the emitter grid or reflector the
heater should be turned off immediately the heater should not be operated again until repairs are made
FIGURE 2
NORMAL FLAME POSITION
RELIGHTING
(A) Turn the control knob to off position.
(B) Wait five (5) minutes before attempting to relight pilot.
(C) Repeat steps beginning with step (D) above.
SHUT DOWN INSTRUCTIONS:
(A) Turn control knob clockwise to ‘OFF’ position. Then burner may make a slight popping
sound when extinguished. This is normal.
(B) Turn propane tank gas valve clockwise to ‘OFF’position when heater is not in use
Caution: This patio Heater contains the Tilt Safety Switch which is designed to provide the safety use
of the patio heater. The tilt safety switch will automatically shut-off the heater when it tilts in the tip
angle over 45-60 degrees from vertical position.
Page 11
2”
1”
0”

STORAGE/BURNER REMOVAL
﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
WHEN STORING THE HEATER THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PROPANE TANK AND THE
HEATER MUST BE DISCONNECTED AND THE PROPANE TANK REMOVED FROM THE
ENCLOSURE AND STORED INDOORS IN A WELL VENTILATED AREA OR IN ACCORDANCE
WITH CHAPTER 5 OF THE STANDARD FOR THE STORAGE AND HANDLING OF LIQUEFIED
GASES, ANSI/NFPA 58-1998.
CLEANING:
Your heater will last longer if maintained properly. It is important that the flow of combustion air must
never be obstructed, orifice and air openings must be kept free of dirt and spider webs. Never use a
cleaning agent which is flammable or corrosive.
It is recommended that the heater body components; from the burner head down, are periodically
protected with a coat of automobile wax .
If repainting is necessary, paint only the post/base assembly. Never paint the reflector, emitter assembly
the safety control valve cylinder, valve panel or instruction plate on post.
The posts of the burner must remain clean so that the gas flow is unrestricted. The air inlet of the venturi
tube must also be kept clean for combustion air supply if the heater is not performing properly it may be
necessary to clean the burner (see burner removal).
BURNER REMOVAL:
1. Remove reflector and emitter assembly by removal of the screws that fasten the
emitter assembly to the lower screen cone .
2. Remove the burner by unscrew the burner from the top to the valve body.
Any debris in the opening of the burner assembly can be cleared with a straightened piece of coat hanger.
Any rust can be removed carefully with a wire brush. Never use a piece of wood or other materials that
might break off and block the ports.
Caution: Bugs and small insects are easily get into the burner, gas orifice and burner checking is required
after a period of storage of heater.
Tips: Light on the Patio Heater once a month will ensure your heater always in good condition.
Page 12

BURNER INSTALLATION/PILOT CLEANING
﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
BURNER INSTALLATION:
Install the burner assembly by reversing the four (4) steps used for disassembly making certain the
burner assembly stands centered when complete.
After reassembly, the heater should be test fired. Observe the burner flame. The flame should be
blue with a slight yellow tipping.
PILOT CLEANING:
The pilot burner provides a flame to light the main burner. It also heats a thermocouple which must
be hot before allowing the main burner to come on.
If the pilot is blocked by debris, spider webs, etc., the pilot flame may be small and the thermocouple
may not heat up enough for the main burner to come on. If this occurs it will be necessary to clean the
pilot.
BEWARE
OF
SPIDERS
CAUTION : BURNER TUBES MUST BE
INSPECTED AND CLEANED BEFORE FIRST
USE
Spiders and small insects occasionally spin webs
or make nests in the burner tubes and orifices
during warehousing and transit these webs or nests
can lead to a gas flow obstruction which could
result in afire on
and around the burner tubes.
This type of fire is known as FLASH BACK and
can cause serious damage to your patio heater and
create an unsafe operating condition for the user
Although an obstructed burner tube is not the only
cause of FLASH BACK it is the most common
cause and frequent inspections and cleaning of the
burner tubes is necessary . Safety Valve
Cylinder
Lower Cone
Cylinder
Page 13

BURNER REMOVAL
﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase !!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help
START DISASSEMBLY FOR CLEANING BY:
1. Remove the valve panel to gain access to the pilot.
2. Remove screw that fastens the pilot assembly to
The lower screen cone.
3. Hold the pilot assembly with the slip joint pliers,
loosen and remove the nut at the base of the pilot.
4. Inspect the pilot and tubing for blockage, you
should be able to see through the pilot. If it is
obstructed by debris clear with a piece of wire.
5. The cap-like pilot orifice can be cleared with a
pin. Use the pin gently on the inside of the orifice
to clear debris. Never enlarge the opening of the
pilot orifice.
Page 14
STEP1
STEP2
Igniter
Thermocouple
Pilot
Pilot Orifice
Pilot Tubing

﹡﹡﹡IMPORTANT NOTICE:
DO NOT return to place of purchase!!!
Please contact Customer Service hotline at 800-913-8999 for help.
Problem Possible Causes Correction
Pilot won’t
light
Igniter did not
spark
Pilot won’t
stay lit
Main burner
won’t light
Page 15
TROUBLE SHOOTING
Air in gas line
Lowe gas pressure
Gas line turned ‘OFF’
Blockage in gas line
Pilot orifice is clogged
Control knob not in pilot position
Control knob not pressed in while in
pilot position
Igniter electrode positioned wrong
Igniter electrode broker
Igniter cable pinched or broken
Igniter cable not connected to gas control
Tilt switch in trip angle/OFF position
Bad thermocouple
Corrosion of thermocouple contact
Safety interlock is triggered
Bad gas valve
Control knob not pressed in long
enough
Thermocouple connection loose at gas
control or damaged
Pilot flame not touching the
thermocouple
Low gas pressure
Blockage in burner orifice
Control knob not in ‘ON’position
Purge gas line and repeat ignition operation
Check gas pressure
Turn ‘ON’ gas supply
Check gas passage way
Call a qualified person
Turn control knob to pilot position
Press in control knob while in pilot position
Correct electrode position
Replace electrode
Free igniter cable, if damaged replace assembly
Connect cable to igniter
Reset the Heater keep in vertical position
Replace thermocouple
Clean thermocouple contact
Wait a minute repeat ignition operation
Replace gas valve
After pilot lights, keep control knob pressed in
for 60 seconds
Tighten connection or replace thermocouple
Contact a qualified service person
Check gas supply pressure
Clean burner orifice
Turn control knob to ‘ON’position