Vanguard VN12A Quick start guide

Save this manual for future reference.
VENT-FREE NATURAL GAS HEATER
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
®
Models: VN6B and VN12A
WARNING: If the information in this manual 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.
• Donottouchanyelectricalswitch;donotuseanyphoneinyourbuilding.
• 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.
®

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100845
CONTENTS SECTION PAGE
Safety Information.........................................................................2
Product Identification .................................................................... 4
Local Codes ...................................................................................4
Unpacking......................................................................................4
Product Features ............................................................................4
Fresh Air For Combustion And Ventilation ..................................5
Installing To Wall..........................................................................9
Connecting To Gas Supply............................................................13
Checking Gas Connections............................................................14
Operating Heater ........................................................................... 16
Inspecting Burner ..........................................................................19
Cleaning And Maintenance ...........................................................20
Troubleshooting.............................................................................21
Technical Service ..........................................................................24
Specifications ................................................................................ 24
Service Hints ................................................................................. 25
Replacement Parts .........................................................................25
Service Publications ......................................................................25
Accessory ......................................................................................25
Parts List (Model VN6B) ..............................................................26
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Model VN6B) .................................26
Parts List (Model VN12A) ............................................................27
Illustrated Parts Breakdown (Model VN12A)...............................27
Warranty Information .................................................................... Back Cover
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNINGS
IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s Manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, operate, or service this heater. Improper
use of this heater can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire,
explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
WARNING ICON G 001
DANGER
Carbon monoxide poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
resemble the flu, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you have these signs, the
heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced.
Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These include
pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the
influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is odorless. An odor-making agent is added to natural
gas. The odor helps you detect a natural gas leak. However, the odor added to
natural gas can fade. Natural gas may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all Warnings. Keep this manual for
reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this heater.
SAFETY
INFORMATION
Safety Information continued on next page

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SAFETY
INFORMATION
Continued
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNINGS Continued
WARNING: Any change to this heater or its controls can be dangerous.
1. Use only natural gas. Do not convert heater to use different fuel type.
2. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• 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
3. This heater shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A - input
12,000 BTUs).
4. Never install the heater
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are less than
36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Always run heater with control knob at LOW or HIGH locked positions
(VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set control knob between locked
positions. Poor combustion and higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.
6. This heater needs fresh, outside air ventilation to run properly. This heater has
an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot light safety system. The ODS shuts
down the heater if not enough fresh air is available. See Fresh Air for Combus-
tion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.
7. Neverrunheaterinsmall,closedroom.Opendoorintonextroomtohelpventilate.
8. Keep all air openings in front and bottom of heater clear and free of debris.
This will insure enough air for proper combustion.
9. If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh, outside air. If heater
keeps shutting off, have it serviced.
10.Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
11.Never place any objects on the heater.
12.Surface of heater becomes very hot when running heater. Keep children and
adults away from hot surface to avoid burns or clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shut-down. Allow surface to cool before touching.
13.Carefully supervise young children when they are in same room with heater.
14.Make sure grill guard is in place before running heater.
15.Do not use heater if any part has been under water. Immediately call a quali-
fied service technician to inspect the room heater and to replace any part of the
control system and any gas control which has been under water.
16.Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person
should service and repair heater.
17.Operating heater above elevations of 4,500 feet may cause pilot outage.

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PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
LOCAL CODES Install and use heater with care. Follow all local codes. In the absence of local
codes, use the latest edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1, also known
as NFPA 54*.
*Available from: American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
UNPACKING 1. Remove heater from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to heater for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage. If heater is damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.
PRODUCT
FEATURES
Safety Device
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).
The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts
off the heater if there is not enough fresh air.
Piezo Ignition System
This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system requires no matches, batteries, or other
sources to light heater.
Heater
Cabinet
Grill
Guard
Burners
Front
Panel
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Natural Gas Heater (Model VN12A Shown)
Control Knob
Piezo Ignitor Button

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FRESH AIR
FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
This heater must have fresh air for proper operation. If not, poor
fuel combustion could result. Read the following instructions to
insure proper fresh air for this and other fuel-burning appliances
in your home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efficient 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 efficient, your home needs to breathe.
Fresh air must enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need fresh air for
proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, 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.
PRODUCING ADEQUATE VENTILATION
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Contruction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.
The information on pages 5 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 unusually tight construction,
you must provide additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is defined as construction where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continu-
ous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm or less with open-
ings 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 of the three criteria above, you must provide addi-
tional fresh air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors , page 8 .
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, continue reading.
Unconfined Space
An unconfined space has a minimum air volume of 50 cubic feet for each 1000
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.
Confined Space
A confined space has an air volume of less than 50 cubic feet for each 1000
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms. Continued

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FRESH AIR
FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
You must provide additional ventilation air in a confined space.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includes the room in which you will 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 18 ft. (length) x 16 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =
2304 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. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic feet to determine the maximum BTU/Hr the space
can support.
____________ (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = (Maximum BTU/Hr
the space can support)
Example: 2304 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 46.1 or 46,100 (maximum
BTU/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater ___________________ 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
Example: Gas water heater 40,000 BTU/Hr
Vent-free heater +10,000 BTU/Hr
Total =50,000 BTU/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct-vent draws combustion air from the
outdoors and vents to the outdoors.
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: 46,100 BTU/Hr (maximum the space can support)
50,000 BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr used)
The space in the above 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, page 7.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.
C. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size makes room unconfined.
If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support, the
space is an unconfined space. You will need no additional fresh air ventilation.

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FRESH AIR
FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
VENTILATION AIR
Ventilation Air From Inside Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to an
adjoiningunconfinedspace,youmustprovidetwopermanentopenings:onewithin 12" of the
ceilingandonewithin12"of theflooronthewallconnectingthetwo spaces(seeoptions1and
2, Figure 2). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2).
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Rework worksheet, adding the space of the adjoining unconfined
space. The combined spaces must have enough fresh air to supply all
appliances in both spaces.
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
12"
12"
Ventilation
Grills
into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
Continued

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FRESH AIR
FOR
COMBUSTION
AND
VENTILATION
Continued
VENTILATION AIR (Continued)
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 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 NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section 5.3,
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.
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
Outlet
Air Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air Ventilated
Crawl Space
To
Crawl
Space
To Attic

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100845
INSTALLING
TO WALL
Continued
NOTICE
Aqualifiedservicepersonmustinstallheater.Followalllocalcodes.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is not natural, do not install heater. Call
dealer where you bought heater for proper type heater.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing heater, make sure you have the items listed below.
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane gas)
• manual shutoff valve *
• ground joint union
• test gauge connection * (see
Figure 12, page 14)
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
*An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with1/8" NPT tapis an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.
LOCATING HEATER
This heater is designed to be mounted on a wall.
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Maintain the minimum clearances shown in Figure 4 (page 10). If
you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and join-
ing wall.
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Never install the heater
•in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A)
•in a recreational vehicle
•wherecurtains,furniture,clothing,orotherflammableobjectsare
less than 36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater
•as a fireplace insert
•in high traffic areas
•in windy or drafty areas
WARNING ICON G001
CAUTION
This heater creates warm air currents. These currents move heat
to wall surfaces next to heater. Installing heater next to vinyl or
cloth wall coverings or operating heater where impurities in the air
(such as tobacco smoke) exist, may discolor walls.
WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
If you install the heater in a home garage
•heater pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above floor
•locate heater where moving vehicle will not hit it
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial, in-
stalling heater in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from
too much moisture. See Fresh Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.

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100845
2. Mark two mounting screw locations on wall (see Figure 5).
INSTALLING HEATER TO WALL
Marking Screw Locations
1. Determine where you will locate heater.
Figure 5 - Mounting Screw Locations
Mounting
Screw
Locations
10 7/8"
Minimum To
Maintain 8"
Clearance
From Wall
7 3/4"
20 1/4"
Minimum To
Maintain 3"
Clearance
From Floor
FLOOR
JOINING WALL
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Maintain minimum clearances shown in Figure 5. If you can,
provide greater clearances from floor and joining wall.
INSTALLING
TO WALL
Continued
For convenience and efficiency, install heater
• where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service
• in coldest part of room
Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As Viewed From Front of Heater
36"
3"
FLOOR
CEILING
Minimum
Minimum To Top Surface
Of Carpeting, Tile Or Other
Combustible Material
8"
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Heater
Right
Side
Left
Side

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100845
5. Tighten two screws until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between
screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).
Figure 7 - Popping Open Anchor Wings For Thin Walls
Thin Walls
(1/4" to 1/2" thick)
Installing Two Mounting Screws
Note: Wall anchors and mounting screws are in hardware package. The hardware
package is provided with heater.
Attaching to wall stud method
For attaching mounting screw to wall stud
1. Drill hole at marked location using 9/64" drill bit.
2. Insert mounting screw into wall stud.
3. Tighten screw until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between screwhead and
wall.
Attaching to wall anchor method
Follow instructions below to attach mounting screws to hollow walls (wall areas
between studs) or solid walls (concrete or masonry).
1. Drill holes at marked locations using 5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete or
masonry), drill at least 1 1/4" deep.
2. Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).
3. Insert wall anchor (wings first) into hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.
4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red key into wall anchor. Push red key to
“pop” open anchor wings (see Figure 7).
IMPORTANT: Do not hammer key!
For thick walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid walls, do not pop open wings.
Figure 6 - Folding Anchor
ANCHOR
Thin or Thick Wall
(thick wall shown)
Solid Wall
1/16" Space
Figure 8 - Tightening Anchors
INSTALLING
TO WALL
Continued
Continued

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100845
Placing Heater On Mounting Screws
1. Locate two keyhole slots on back panel of heater (see Figure 9).
2. Place large openings of slots over screwheads. Slide heater down until screws
are in small portion of slots.
Figure 11 - Installing Bottom Mounting Screw
Figure 9 - Location Of Keyhole Slots On Back Panel Of Heater
Keyhole Slots
Removing Front Panel Of Heater
1. Remove two screws near bottom corners of front panel.
2. Lift straight up on grill guard until it stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4".
3. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then down.
Figure 10 - Removing Front Panel Of Heater
Installing Bottom Mounting Screw
1. Locate bottom mounting hole. This hole is near bottom on back panel of heater
(see Figure 11).
2. Mark screw location on wall.
3. Remove heater from wall.
4. If installing bottom mounting screw into hollow or solid wall, install wall anchor.
Follow steps 1 through 5 under Attaching To Wall Anchor Method, page 11.
If installing bottom mounting screw into wall stud, drill hole at marked location
using 9/64" drill bit.
5. Replace heater on wall.
6. Insert bottom anchor screw through back panel into bottom anchor or drilled
hole (see Figure 11).
7. Tighten screw until heater is firmly secured to wall. Do not over tighten.
Note: Do not replace front panel at this time. Replace front panel after making
gas connections and checking for leaks (see pages 13-15).
INSTALLING
TO WALL
Continued

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100845
CONNECTING
TO GAS
SUPPLY
Continued
Installation must include a manual shutoff valve, ground joint union, and plugged
1/8" NPT tap. Locate NPT tap within reach for test gauge hook up. NPT tap must
be upstream from heater (see Figure 12, page 14).
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male threads. This will prevent excess sealant
from going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could result in clogged heater valves.
Install sediment trap in supply line as shown in Figure 12, page 14. Locate sediment
trap where it is within reach for cleaning. Locate sediment trap where trapped
matter is not likely to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture and contaminants. This
keeps them from going into heater controls. If sediment trap is not installed or is
installed wrong, heater may not run properly.
IMPORTANT: Check gas line pressure before connecting heater to gas line. Gas line
pressure must be no greater than 14 inches of water. If gas line pressure is higher,
heater regulator damage could occur.
NOTICE
A qualified service person must connect heater to gas supply.
Follow all local codes.
WARNINGICON G 001
WARNING
Never connect heater to private (non-utility) gas wells. This gas is
commonly known as well-head gas.
WARNINGICON G 001
CAUTION
Use only new, black iron or steel pipe. Internally-tinned copper
tubing may be used in certain areas. Check your local codes. Use
pipe 3/8" diameter or greater to allow proper gas volume to heater.
If pipe is too small, undue loss of pressure will occur.
WARNINGICON G 001
CAUTION
Use pipe joint sealant that is resistant to liquid petroleum (LP) gas.

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100845
IMPORTANT: Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping
and/or fittings.
Figure 12 - Gas Connection
* AnA.G.A.design-certifiedmanual shutoff valvewith1/8"NPTtap isanacceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.
Tee Joint
Reducer
Bushing to
1/8" NPT
1/8" NPT
Plug Tap
Test
Gauge
Connection *
Pressure
Regulator
Tee
Joint
Pipe
Nipple
Cap
Manual
Shutoff
Valve *
Ground Joint
Union
Heater
Cabinet
Sediment
Trap
3" Minimum
3/8" NPT
Pipe Nipple
From
Gas Meter
(4" W.C. to
10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
1. Disconnect heater and its individual manual shutoff valve from gas supply
piping system. Pressures in excess of 1/2 PSIG will damage heater regulator.
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where manual shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or
opening main gas valve located on or near gas meter.
CHECKING
GAS
CONNECTIONS
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Test all gas piping and connections for leaks after installing or
servicing. Correct all leaks at once.
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Never use an open flame to check for a leak. Apply a mixture of
liquid soap and water to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
Correct all leaks at once.
CONNECTING
TO GAS
SUPPLY
Continued

15
100845
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system. Apply mixture of liquid soap and
water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG
1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening main
gas valve located on or near gas meter.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14). Apply
mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
PRESSURE TESTING HEATER GAS CONNECTIONS
1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).
2. Open main gas valve located on or near gas meter.
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in the OFF position.
4. Check all joints from manual shutoff valve to control valve (see Figure 14).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a
leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater, pages 16 through 19). Check all other
internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19).
8. Replace front panel.
ON
POSITION
OFF
POSITION
Figure 13 - Manual Shutoff Valve
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
Open
Closed
Control Valve Location
Gas Meter
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
Figure 14 - Checking Gas Joints
CHECKING
GAS
CONNECTIONS
Continued

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100845
OPERATING
HEATER FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
A. This appliance has a pilot which must be lighted by hand. When lighting
the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure
to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will
settle on the floor.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS
• Do not try to light any appliance.
• Donot touch any electric switch; do notuse 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.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob. Never use
tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don’t try to repair it,
call a qualified service technician or gas supplier. Force or attempted
repair may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace
any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under
water.
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or
explosion may result causing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS
1. STOP! Read the safety information above.
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is fully open.
3. Turn control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to the OFF position.
Figure 15 - Control Knob In The OFF Position (Model VN12A Shown)
OFF
PILOT
IGNITOR
LOW
HIGH
Piezo Ignitor Button Control Knob

17
100845
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after lighting pilot. After 10
seconds, release control knob.
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 3 through 7.
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B” in the safety information
at the top of page 16. If you don’t smell gas, go to the next step.
5. Press in control knob, and turn counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to pilot position.
Keep control knob pressed for five seconds.
Note: You may be running this heater for the first time after hooking up
to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30
seconds. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system.
• If control knob does not pop up when released, contact a qualified
service person or gas supplier for repairs.
6. With control knob pressed in, push down and release ignitor button. This
will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front of burner. If needed, keep
pressing ignitor button until pilot lights.
Note: If pilot does not light, refer to Troubleshooting, pages 21 through
24. Also contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs.
Until repairs are made, light pilot with match. To light pilot with match,
see Manual Lighting Procedure, page 19.
Ignitor Electrode
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
Figure 16 - Pilot
Continued
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued

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100845
TO SELECT HEATING LEVEL
1. Slightly press in control knob and turn counterclockwise
C-clockwise
to the
LOW or HIGH positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B).
IMPORTANT: Release downward pressure while turning control knob.
Control knob will lock at the desired position.
Figure 17 - Burner Patterns
LOW
OFF
PILOT
HIGH
OFF
PILOT
OFF
Control VN12A
Knob Burners
ON
OFF
PILOT
OFF
Control VN6B
Knob Burner
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
When running heater, set control knob at LOW or HIGH
locked positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set
control knob between locked positions. Poor combustion and
higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
Do not try to adjust heating levels by using the manual
shutoff valve.

19
100845
Shutting Off Heater
1. Turn control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to the OFF position.
Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot stays lit)
1. Turn control knob clockwise
Clockwise
to the PILOT position.
MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE
1. Remove front panel (see Figure 10, page 12).
2. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Lighting Instructions, pages 16 and 17.
3. With control knob pressed in, strike match. Hold match to pilot until pilot
lights.
4. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after pilot is lit. After 10
seconds, release control knob.
5. Replace front panel.
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE
Continued
GRH/OV 009GOOD PILOT
GRH/OV 010BAD PILOT
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 19
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, above)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
Thermocouple
Pilot Burner
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame pattern often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 18 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 19 shows an incorrect pilot
flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is not touching the thermocouple. This will
cause the thermocouple to cool. When the thermocouple cools, the heater will shut
down.
INSPECTING
BURNER
Figure 19 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
Figure 18 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern

20
100845
BURNER FLAME PATTERN
Figure 20 shows a correct burner flame pattern. Figure 21 shows an incorrect
burner flame pattern.
Figure 20 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)
Figure 21 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)
If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 21
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24
CLEANING
AND
MAINTENANCE
ODS/PILOT AND BURNER ORIFICE
• Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized air, or small, soft bristled brush to clean.
CABINET
Air Passageways
• Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized air to clean.
Exterior
• Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture. Wipe the
cabinet to remove dust.
INSPECTING
BURNER
Continued
WARNING ICON G 001
WARNING
Turn off heater and let cool before cleaning.
WARNING ICON G 001
CAUTION
You must keep control areas, burner, and circulating air
passageways of heater clean. Inspect these areas of heater before
each use. Have heater inspected yearly by a qualified service
person. Heater may need more frequent cleaning due to excessive
lint from carpeting, bedding material, etc.