Valor 550 User manual

COMPACT
GAS STOVES
MODEL No. 550
OWNER’S GUIDE
G.C. No. 32-032-25 (Natural Gas)
G.C. No. 32-032-26 (LPG)
This appliance meets the requirements of the European Gas Directive
This guide is intended to help you care for your Valor gas stove.
It gives sufficient details to enable your gas stove to be operated and maintained
Please read carefully before using your gas stove and keep for future reference
Please keep your Owner Guide in a safe place together with the Installation Instructions
Manufactured by Valor Heating
Wood Lane, Erdington, Birmingham B24 9QP, England
600B539/01

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The Natural Gas appliance is for use with G20 at an inlet pressure of 20mbar.
The LPG appliance is for use with G31 at an inlet pressure of 37mbar.
These appliances are for use in the United Kingdom (GB) and the Republic of Ireland (IE) only.
Thank you for choosing Valor.
All Valor appliances are designed to meet the most stringent quality, performance and safety requirements to provide our
customers with many years’ trouble-free service.
Your owner guide aims to improve your understanding and appreciation of your gas fire by providing simple and informative
instructions to ensure that you benefit from the excellent performance and features it has to offer.
If you require further assistance or any advice about gas in general, our service department will be pleased to help.
In the United Kingdom please telephone [phone].
In the Republic of Ireland please telephone [phone]
CUSTOMER CARE

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SAFETY
IF YOU SMELL GAS
DON’T SMOKE
EXTINGUISH ALL NAKED FLAMES
DON’T TURN ELECTRICAL SWITCHES ON OR OFF
TURN OFF THE GAS SUPPLY AT THE METER
OPEN DOORS AND WINDOWS TO GET RID OF THE GAS
IMMEDIATELY CALL THE GAS EMERGENCY SERVICE - SEE YOUR LOCAL TELEPHONE DIRECTORY
1. As with any gas appliance, this fire must be
installed by a competent person. In the United
Kingdom, installation must be in accordance with
the latest edition of the Gas Safety (installation &
use) Regulations.
In the Republic of Ireland, installation must be in
accordance with all national and local regulations
in force.
2. If the fire is intended to be installed to a chimney
that was previously used for solid fuel, please note
that the chimney must be swept prior to
installation.
3. On no account must the fire stand on carpets or
other combustible materials. The fire must stand
on a non-combustible hearth surface.
4. Clearances to combustible and non-combustible
surfaces must be at least those shown in figure 1.
Please bear this in mind if altering the room.
5. Never put any paper or other material on the fire.
Never add any extra coals above the number stated
in these instructions. This could cause a safety
hazard.
6. The cast iron top, front, rear and sides of this stove
are considered to be working surfaces and so will
become very hot when in use. Always take care
when using this appliance. A suitable guard which
complies with BS 6539 or 6778 should be used for
the protection of young children, the elderly and
the infirm. Such a guard is also recommended for
the protection of pet animals.
7. Always switch the stove off and allow to cool before
handling. Note that this appliance retains heat for
some time after it has been switched off.
8. Never place clothing, towels or any other fabrics on
or over the fire.
9. This appliance is fitted with a device which will
automatically shut off the supply of gas to the fire
if, for any reason, the flames go out. If this device
does operate or if the fire is turned off accidentally
or intentionally, always wait three minutes before
attempting to relight. If the flue blockage safety
system has operated then it will not be possible to
relight the appliance until the system has cooled
sufficiently.
10. This stove must never be used with the door open
or with the glass panel damaged or removed. If the
window is damaged or the door will not shut the
fire must be turned off and not used until the
window is changed or the door has been corrected
by a competent service engineer.
11. If the house is left unoccupied for a long period we
recommend that the stove is turned fully off.
Please note
When operating your fire for the first time, some vapours may
be given off which may cause a slight odour and could possibly
set off any smoke alarms in the immediate vicinity. These
vapours are quite normal with new appliances. They are totally
harmless and will disappear after a few hours use.
This fire is supplied with ceramic “coals” to simulate a real coal
fire. After some use, the firebox walls and coals may change
colour. This is quite normal.

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Figure 2
Figure 2
OPERATING YOUR STOVE
The Flame Sensing & Flue Blockage Safety System.
For your safety, this appliance is fitted with a flue blockage safety device that will shut down the appliance in the event of abnormal flue
conditions. This device is NOT a substitute for an independently mounted Carbon Monoxide detector.
The device will also automatically shut off the gas supply to the fire if the pilot flame goes out for any reason. If the device starts to shut
off the gas frequently, get expert advice.
The system incorporates a probe that senses that the heat from the pilot flame is correct. If this probe is cool, the device will prevent any
gas flow unless the control knob is kept depressed at the PILOT/IGN position.
If, for any reason, the flames go out when the fire is hot or if the fire is turned off when hot, always wait at least three minutes before
attempting to relight. If the flue blockage safety device has operated then it will not be possible to relight the appliance until the
device has cooled sufficiently.
Always make sure that the door is securely closed before lighting.
Operating your stove
Depress the control knob and turn anticlockwise towards the PILOT/IGN position (Figure 2). A spark should be generated at the pilot while
turning. The spark should ignite the pilot. The pilot flame can be seen below the upper coal at the front left side.
Keep the button at the PILOT/IGN position for a further ten seconds. This will prevent the flame sensing device from shutting off the gas
while its probe warms up.
When the pilot is alight and stable, partially depress the knob and turn to “LOW”. The pilot should then light the main burner at its low
setting. There may be a delay of up to four seconds between the pilot lighting and ignition of the gas at the main burner. This is normal and
is due to the time required to fill the main burner compartment with sufficient gas for ignition.
When the burner is alight at its low setting, partially depress the knob and gradually turn it anti-
clockwise until the burner is at your desired level. The burner flames will gradually increase
until the knob reaches the “HIGH” position.
To turn off
To turn the main burner off but leave the pilot alight, partially depress the knob and turn to
PILOT/IGN.
To turn the fire fully off, partially depress the knob and turn to OFF.
While cooling, the coals may make some crackling noises. This is quite normal.
CLEANING YOUR STOVE
Turn the stove off and allow it to cool before attempting any cleaning. Note that it will retain
heat for some time after it has been turned off.
Cast Iron Surfaces
Regular dusting with a dry cloth is all that should normally be necessary. Any light stains
should be removed with a damp cloth. Make sure that the stove surfaces are completely dry
before lighting.
If the paint needs retouching, allow the stove to cool completely. Brush any areas needing attention with a wire brush (Not enamelled
surfaces). Clean off any loose matter. Touch up with high temperature stove paint. Apply the paint sparingly. Two light coats are better
than one thick coat.
Figure 1.

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Figure 7
Figure 5
Ceramic Fuel Pieces and Firebox Walls
This appliance uses firebox walls and fuel effect pieces containing Refractory Ceramic Fibres (RCF),
which are man-made vitreous silicate fibres. Excessive exposure to this material may cause temporary
irritation to eyes, skin and respiratory tract. Consequently, it makes sense to take care when handling
these articles to ensure that the release of dust is kept to a minimum.
Light coatings of soot will usually be burnt off during the normal operation of the fire. Should any
soot accumulation become excessive, the fuel effect pieces should be removed from the fire for
cleaning. The front and rear base coals are fragile and should be handled carefully. Cleaning should
be carried out in a well ventilated area or in the open air by gently brushing with the pieces held away
from your face so that you avoid inhaling the dust. We do not recommend the use of a normal
domestic vacuum cleaner that may blow dust back into the air. We
suggest that you remove the coals in the reverse order to that shown
in the fuel bed refitting instructions.
The Glass Window
Any stains on the glass can be removed with a non-abrasive cleaner
such as a ceramic hob cleaner. Never use abrasive cleaners. Clean
the window carefully in accordance with the instructions supplied
with the cleaner. Before attempting to clean the glass, carefully
remove the ceramic coals and ceramic walls from the firebox area to
prevent damage.
1. Open the side door by turning the handle clockwise.
2. Remove the two screws from the ceramic support bracket. The
side of the support bracket can now be removed. (See figure 3)
3. Carefully remove the ceramic coals and side walls from the
firebox and place to one side. Use a protective surface covering to
avoid marking.
4. After cleaning replace the ceramics as below.
Close the door and lock by rotating the brass door handle
clockwise.
The opening door feature is only intended for cleaning and servicing purposes. Under no
circumstances is the appliance to be operated with the side door open. This
may be hazardous.
REFITTING THE CERAMIC WALLS & FUEL PIECES
1. Fit one of the ceramic side walls into the slot of the ceramic support bracket at the far
side of the firebox. Leave sufficient space to insert the edge of the rear wall behind the side
wall. Fix the side wall into position using the retaining clamp. (See figure 4).
2. Fit the edge of the rear ceramic wall behind the side wall. The rear ceramic wall will rest
on the base of the casting (see figure 5)
3. Fit the rear base piece into position behind the burner and position it so that its rear is
flat against the rear ceramic wall (See figure 6).
4. Fit the front base piece locating the ledge / slot that is underneath the base piece over the
metal burner strip (See figure 7).
5. Place the 5 coal pieces on the base pieces (See figure 8).
6. The three large coals should be at the front, the two small coals at the back.
7. Fit the remaining ceramic side wall into the slot of the ceramic support bracket
previously removed. Fix the side wall into position using the retaining clamp.
8. Fit the ceramic support bracket in place using the two screws previously removed.
9. Close the door and secure shut by turning the handle clockwise.
Figure 6
Figure 4
Figure 3

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Figure 8
MAINTENANCE & SERVICING
Regular maintenance
In order to achieve and maintain high levels of personal safety and performance
efficiency, it is essential that the flue is kept clear of any form of obstruction.
In the United Kingdom it is the law that a landlord must have any gas appliance, flue
and pipework which is situated in a tenant’s premises checked for safety at least
every twelve months by a competent person (In the U.K., a CORGI registered
installer).
We recommend that all gas appliances and their flues, wherever situated, are
checked annually.
Servicing
•In the United Kingdom servicing can be carried out either by a Valor Service engineer or a CORGI registered installer.
•If you require your fire to be serviced by a Valor Service engineer please contact the Valor service department on 345 626 341 and
quote the following details;
a) - model name and number.
b) - appliance serial no.
•In Republic of Ireland call 353 183 75114 for all enquiries.
•If you wish to replace any of the owner replaceable parts listed below, please contact your dealer or the Valor service department for
your nearest stockist of these parts. When ordering please quote the part number shown below.
Description Part No.
Complete set of ceramic coals 572479
Rear base coal piece 572489
Front base coal piece 572499
Bag of 5 top coal pieces 572509
Complete set of ceramic walls 573799
Ceramic rear wall only 573779
Ceramic side wall 573789
When fitting replacement parts, follow the instructions contained in this guide.
It is important that only approved parts are used for maximum safety.