Vanguard VE32L Quick start guide

®
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE INSTALLING
AND USING APPLIANCE.
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed exactly, an electrical shock or re may result caus-
ing property damage, personal injury or loss of life.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
— Do not store or use gasoline or other ammable va-
pors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other
appliance.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
ed service agency.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
ELECTRIC FIREPLACE
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
MODELS VE32L, VE32LB, VE32LH, VE32LBH,
VE36L, VE36LB, VE36LH AND VE36LBH

www.desatech.com 115121-01B2
SAFETy INFORMATION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ............................................... 2
Product Specication........................................... 3
Installation ........................................................... 3
Features and Operation....................................... 7
Accessory Installation.......................................... 8
Troubleshooting................................................. 13
Wiring Diagram.................................................. 14
Maintenance...................................................... 15
Technical Service............................................... 22
Replacement Parts............................................ 22
Accessories ....................................................... 23
Illustrated Parts Breakdown and Parts List........ 24
Warranty Information ............................Back Page
WARNING: Electrical wiring
must comply with local build-
ing codes and other applicable
regulations to reduce the risk of
re, electrical shock and injury
to persons.
WARNING: Do not use this
replace if any part of it has
been under water. Immediately
call a qualied service techni-
cian to inspect the replace and
replace any part of the electrical
system.
CAUTION: Extreme caution
is necessary when any heater is
used by or near children or inva-
lids and whenever the heater is
left operating and unattended.
1. Read all instructions before using this
replace.
2. This replace is hot when in use. To avoid
burns, do not let bare skin touch hot sur-
faces. If provided, use handles when ac-
cessing replace controls. Keep combus-
tible materials, such as furniture, pillows,
bedding, papers, clothes, and curtains at
least 3 feet from front of replace.
3. Extreme caution is necessary when any
heater is used by or near children or
invalids and whenever the heater is left
operating and unattended.
4. Always place main power switch in the off
position when not in use.
5. Do not operate replace if any part has
been damaged or is malfunctioning.
6. Any repairs to this replace should be
done by a qualied service person.
7. This replace is approved for installation
in bedrooms.
8. Under no circumstances should this
replace be modied. Parts having to be
removed for servicing must be replaced
prior to operating this replace.
9. This replace is not intended for use in
bathrooms, laundry areas and similar
locations where it would be subject to
excessive moisture.
10. This replace may not be installed out-
doors or in an unenclosed space where
exposed to the elements.
11. To disconnect this replace, turn off at
circuit breaker or fuse panel.
12. This appliance, must be electrically
grounded in accordance with local codes
and the National Electric Code, ANSI/
NFPA No. 70 or in Canada with CSA
C22.1 Canadian Electrical code.
13. Do not insert or allow foreign objects to
enter any ventilation or exhaust openings.
This may cause an electrical shock, re
or damage to replace.
14. To prevent a possible re do not block air
intakes or exhaust.
15. This fireplace has hot and arcing or
sparking parts inside. Do not use in areas
where gasoline, paint or ammable liquids
are used or stored. This replace should
not be used to dry clothing or for hanging
decorations.
16. Use this replace only as described. Any
other use not recommended by the manu-
facturer may cause re, electric shock or
injury to persons.
17. SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

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115121-01B 3
PRODUCT SPECIFICATION
VE32 = 155/8"
VE36 = 17"
VE32 = 161/4"
VE36 = 175/8"
VE32 = 221/4"
VE36 = 241/4"
VE32 = 293/8"
VE36 = 35"
VE32 = 7"
VE36 = 8"
VE32 = 61/2"
VE36 = 51/4"
VE32 = 183/8" VE36 = 21"
VE32 = 333/8" VE36 = 37"
VE32 = 363/8"
VE36 = 43"
VE32 = 353/8"
VE36 = 42"
VE32 = 345/8"
VE36 = 411/4"
VE32 = 325/8" VE36 = 361/4"
VE32 = 283/8" VE36 = 313/4"
VE32 = 327/8" VE36 = 361/2"
17/8"
5/8"
TOP
FRONT
LEFT SIDE RIGHT SIDE
VE32 = 321/8" VE36 = 361/8"
VE32 = 283/8" VE36 = 313/4"
To Nail Location
To Nail
Location
VE32 = 8"
VE36 = 51/4"
ELECTRICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Voltage: 120 VAC, 60 Hz
Total Amps: 12.5 Amps
Total Watts: 1500 Watts
Heater Rating: 1100 Watts
Max. Bulb Rating: 100 Watts
Use only on 15 amp circuit
Figure 1 - Unit Dimensions
INSTALLATION
LOCATING FIREPLACE
Plan where to locate and frame replace.
Before installation consider the following:
1. Fireplace location must allow for wall and
ceiling clearances (see Installation Clear-
ances, page 4).
2. Fireplace screen should not be exposed
to direct sunlight from windows or doors.
3. A 15 amp, 120 Volt, 60 Hz circuit with
proper ground must be available. A dedi-
cated circuit should be provided to avoid
circuit breaker trips or blown fuses.
Prefab Mantel Installations are not perma-
nent and are low cost and easy to install on an
open wall space or a corner with an accessible
electrical outlet.
Flush Installations are recommended where
living space is limited or at a premium. Since
the space required to enclose the replace
would be located beyond an outside wall, this
installation would require additional planning
and construction. Check local codes for any
restrictions.
Projected Installations can extend any
distance into the room. A projection may
be ideal for a new addition on an existing,
nished wall.
Corner Installations make use of space
that may not normally be used and provides
a wider and more efcient viewing angle and
heat distribution.
Internal Wall Installations provide a discrete
option for room separation and can also be an
ideal addition to an existing wall.
Figure 2 - Possible Installation Locations
Internal Wall
Installation
Full Projection
Installation
Flush
Installation
Corner
Installation

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INSTALLATION CLEARANCES
Minimum clearances to combustible construc-
tion are:
• Top, Back and Sides of Recessed
Cabinet .....................0"Min.
• Drywall to Sides of Front Face . . .0" Min.
• Framing at Nailing Flanges . . . . . .0" Min.
• Ceiling to Opening. . . . . . . . . . . .36" Min.
• Floor .......................0"Min.
• Front ......................36"Min.
• Perpendicular Side Wall . . . . . . .10" Min.
Mantel Clearances
For mantel clearances see Figures 3 and 4.
CABINET MANTEL INSTALLATION
This replace may be installed using a cabi-
net mantel accessory against any wall with
an available 120 volt grounded outlet. The
cabinet mantel accessory includes both a
base and a trim kit.
INSTALLATION
Continued
Facing Material May
Be Noncombustible
Wall Treatments or
Combustible Wood
Combustible Wood
Mantels and Trims
May Extend Above
Profile Shown when
Maintained within 30°
Parameter Shown
Framed
Material
Top of Cabinet
Note: All Mantel Clearances
are Measured from Top of
Fireplace Opening
30°
16 5/8"
Ref.
9 5/8" Ref.
12" Ref.
13 3/4"
4 1/2"
1 1/2"
1 3/4"
10 1/2" Min.
10 1/2"
Figure 3 - Mantel Clearances
Top View of Fireplace
Safe Zone
5"
3"
30° 1 3/4" Max.
Minimum 10" from
Perpendicular Side Wall
Edge of Firebox
Opening
Combustible
MaterialMust
Not Overlap
Front Face
Figure 4 - Mantel Side Clearances
Figure 5 - Installing Flush Cabinet Mantel
Cabinet
Mantel
Perimeter
Trim
Accessory
Electric
Outlet
Power
Cord
IMPORTANT: To install perimeter trim kit, you
must install shoulder screws before installing
replace into cabinet mantel. See instructions
included with trim kit. When installing a man-
tel accessory, you must follow all clearance
instructions (see Installation Clearances,
column 1).
1. Assemble cabinet mantel accessory and
trim kit by following assembly instructions
included with each kit.
2. Place hearth base close to wall at desired
location. Leave enough room to get be-
hind unit and attach mantel to base once
replace and mantel has been placed.
When possible, location should be within
3" of power outlet so mantel will cover
outlet with installed (see Figure 5 and
Figure 6, page 5).
3. Plug power cord into outlet.
Note: Power cord comes preattached to
right side of cabinet. If it is necessary to
relocate cord to left side you must remove
power cord assembly (see Figure 7). Fol-
low instructions to relocate junction box
(see Electrical Installation, on page 6).
Power cord must be properly mounted
and reconnected at junction box.
4. Slide assembled mantel over replace un-
til nailing anges are centered into opening
ush against rear cabinet facing.

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115121-01B 5
INSTALLATION
Continued
5. Snap assembled trim kit onto shoulder
screws around face to lock replace into
mantel facing.
6. Attach mantel to base according to mantle
instructions.
BUILT-IN INSTALLATION
Built-in installations require a framed enclo-
sure constructed of 2" x 4" or heavier lumber
and sized in accordance with Figure 8. This
allows unit to slide into opening and be nailed
to stud at sides and top nailing anges. These
anges accept 5/8" drywall or plywood board
to nish unit ush to face. Optional trim ac-
cessories are available that will extend 1/2"
over rough edge of wall opening (see Acces-
sories, page 23).
Figure 7 - Relocating Cord Assembly
Cover
Plate Universal
Strain Relief
Cord Mount
Assembly
Wire Nuts
Figure 6 - Installing Corner Mantel
IMPORTANT: If installing a perimeter trim kit,
you must install shoulder screws before insert-
ing replace into opening. See instructions
included with trim kit. If installing a mantel,
you must follow clearance instructions (see
Installation Clearances, page 4).
A hearth extension is suggested for a more
pleasing appearance. The replace may be
raised on a wood or non-combustible platform
supporting its entire width and depth and
extending in front of the replace as long as
louvers are not obstructed.
Note: When installing replace in cold cli-
mates against a non-insulated exterior wall,
wall must be fully insulated in accordance with
local building code.
Electric
Outlet
Power
Cord
Perimeter Trim
Accessory
Cabinet
Mantel
VE32 = 34 5/8"
VE36 = 41 1/4"
VE32 = 15 7/8"
VE36 = 17 1/4"
VE32 = 32 5/8"
VE36 = 36 1/4"
Platform/Subflooring
Figure 8 - Framing Dimensions
VE32 = 37 5/8"
VE36 = 42 3/8"
VE32 = 26 5/8"
VE36 = 29 3/8"
VE32 = 52 3/4"
VE36 = 58 1/4"
11 5/8"
These Dimensions
Allow for 11 5/8" of
Clearance to Side
Wall of Fireplace
and 10' Clearance
to Perpendicular
Side Walls
Figure 9 - Corner Dimensions

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ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION
WARNING: Any electrical re-
wiring of this appliance must be
done by a qualied electrician.
This wiring must be done in ac-
cordance withlocalcodesand/or
in the U.S.A. with the current, Na-
tional ElectricalCodeANSI/NFPA
No 70 and in Canada with CSA
C22.1 Canadian Electric code.
This replace should be con-
nected to a dedicated 15 Amp,
circuit as other appliances may
cause the circuit breaker to trip
or fuse to blow when replace
is in operation.
A junction box with universal strain adaptor
is provided to hard wire unit to a 15 amp,
120 Volt 60 Hz grounded circuit. Power cord
must rst be removed and universal strain
relief bushing inserted into junction box cover
before connecting supply line (see Figure 7,
page 5). If necessary, junction box may be
relocated to route supply to left side.
1. Remove 2 screws and outer cover on right
side (see Figure 10).
2. Remove inner screw securing junction
box.
3. Slide junction box up until mounting tab
is lined up to notch in outer cabinet.
4. Swing box out and slip retaining ange
out through slot in outer cabinet.
5. Remove 2 screws and outer cover on left
side and reattach on right side of outer
cabinet.
6. Swing junction box with harness to left
side while pulling sufcient length of har-
ness out through control panel cover to
reach mounting location on left side.
7. Reinsert retaining ange through slot and
swing screw mounting tab back through
notch as before.
8. Slide junction box down until mounting
holes line up and replace inner retaining
cover.
9. Pull end of 3 wire Romex supply line
through universal strain relief bushing in
remaining cover.
10. Strip back outer Romex to about 4” and
connect black, white and green wires ac-
cordingly using approved connectors.
11. Tuck tailing wires into junction box and
replace cover using 2 remaining screws.
12. Tighten down strain adjustment on uni-
versal bushing until Romex sheathing is
secured.
IMPORTANT: Inspect components and wir-
ing for damage before connecting power to
unit. If any components are found damaged,
contact an authorized dealer for original DESA
replacement part(s) or call DESA at 1-866-
872-6040 for referral.
IMPORTANT: Prior to operation remove foam
shipping brace located under motor mount
(see Figure 11, page 7).
Screws
and
Outer
Cover
Junction Box
Mounting
Tab
Notch
Retaining
Flange
Slot
Screws and
Outer Cover
from Other Side
Cover with
Universal
Strain Relief
Figure 10 - Relocating Junction Box to
Left
INSTALLATION
Continued
Junction Box

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115121-01B 7
INSTALLATION
Continued
LAMPS AND LAVA ROCK
Before operating replace, lamp bulbs must
be inspected and lava rock may be added if
desired.
1. Lift log bed off hearth base to gain access
to lamp xtures (log bed is attached with
contact magnets).
2. Turn on power to light circuit and check
that all bulbs are operating. Bulb place-
ment front left to right are red, yellow and
orange (see Figure 12).
Note: If bulbs need replacing, see Replac-
ing Light Bulbs, page 15. Be careful not to
tear or damage reective strips. If they have
come loose, ends can be easily reattached or
replaced at support brackets. See Replacing
Reective Ribbons, page 19.
3. Center log bed over opening between
viewing panel screen and grate.
4. Cover remaining hearth area with 1/4" of
lava rock (provided), if desired.
FEATURES AND
OPERATION
This electronic replace series features a
random ame effect, and a realistic log bed
with glistening embers that can be adjusted
for ame speed and light intensity. VE36/32LH
models have a circulating heater, rated at
1100 Watts. Models VE36/32LB and VE36/
32LBH include a hand detailed, textured,
red-brick lining.
Access controls by pulling two handle tabs
of upper louver until panel releases from
magnetic catches and swings down to open
position (see Figure 13).
Figure 14, page 8, shows control layout for
heater equipped models with main power
switch to ame controls and heater power
switch (when equipped) to heating unit. This
allows independent and efcient operation of
both features.
Once main power is turned on, ame speed
and brightness may be turned on and adjusted
independently.
Figure 11 - Removing Shipping Brace
Foam
Shipping
Brace
Figure 12 - Bulb Placement
Red
Yellow
Orange
Log Bed
Figure 13 - Accessing Controls
Motor
Mount
Grate
Viewing Panel
Screen

www.desatech.com 115121-01B8
ACCESSORy
INSTALLATION
OPTIONAL GLASS DOORS
Models VE36L and VE32L will accept bifold
glass doors that are fully operable or a xed
panel door that limits access to replace, (see
Accessories, page 23).
Installing Bifold Glass Doors
Follow these steps to install left and right
operable panels:
1. With handle down, completely fold panel
on its hinges.
2. With handle facing center of rebox open-
ing insert lower pivot pin on door panel
into hole in bottom outer edge of rebox
opening (see Figure 15).
3. Keep folded door tilted and slide upper two
pins into guide track below upper facial
edge of rebox opening.
4. Tilt glass assembly fully vertical until outer
pivot pin snaps into mounting hole in up-
per spring clip.
5. Once top and bottom pins are secured,
unfold door into closed position.
6. Repeat steps 1 through 5 for opposite
door assembly.
7. To adjust doors, slide partially open.
Using a Phillips screwdriver, loosen hold-
down screws on spring clips (see Figure
16).
8. Close both doors until evenly joined at
middle and note gap as measured to outer
edges of front face.
9. Reopen each door one at a time and
retighten the hold-down screw while pre-
serving noted gap at each edge.
10. Repeat process until both doors are even-
ly joined, spaced and working freely.
FEATURES AND OPERATION
Continued
Figure 14 - Control Panel
Figure 15 - Installing/Removing Glass
Doors
Spring Clip
Depress Spring
Clip to Release
Pivot Pin
Remove Pivot Pin
From Bottom Face
While Sliding Door
Out of Upper Track
Pivot Pin
Fold Bifold Door
After Releasing
Spring Clip to
Slide Door Out of
Upper Track
Figure 16 - Adjust Glass Door
Spring Clip
Partially
Opened
Door
Side Front
Face
LOWLOW
MAIN
POWER HI- OFF
FLAME SPEED
HI- OFF
FLAME BRIGHTNESS
HEATER
ON/OFF
Switch
Flame Brightness
Flame Speed Heater Switch

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115121-01B 9
Removing Bifold Glass Doors
Bifold doors may be removed for replacing
or cleaning.
1. Partially open each door and press up on
upper spring clip with a screw driver until
outer top pivot pin is free of the clip.
2. Fully fold frame assembly and slide upper
edge towards center of rebox opening
until the guide pins are free of the frame
rail (see Figure 15, page 8).
Installing Series Fixed Glass Doors
1. Hold glass door rmly at both handles and
insert top pins into clips located below up-
per facial edge of rebox opening. Make
sure top pins snap securely into holes on
spring clips (see Figure 17).
2. Push up on glass against tension of spring
clips. Swing lower door into face until lower
pins clear bottom rail and set into locating
holes on each end (see Figure 17).
Note: If pins do not align into spring clips,
slightly loosen retaining screws on each clip
(see Figure 16, page 8). Reinsert panel into
each spring clip and align panel into lower
locating holes. Remove panel, nish tighten
screws and reinsert panel.
ACCESSORy
INSTALLATION
Continued
Figure 17 - Installing Fixed Glass Doors
Spring Clip
Locating
Hole
OPTIONAL BRICK LINERS
Installing or Removing Brick Liner Kits
Brick liner kits are available for Models
VE36/32(L)(H) (see Accessories, page 23).
These brick panels may be installed anytime
after replace installation is complete.
Follow these steps to install left and right
brick panels:
1. Remove glass doors (if equipped). Follow
instructions under Optional Glass Doors,
page 8.
2. Remove each retaining screw holding
screen rods and pull entire screen and rod
assembly out of locating hole on inside top
edge of rebox (see Figure 18).
3. Remove log bed from hearth pan and
place in a safe area. Log bed is attached
with contact magnets only.
4. Remove two screws holding each refrac-
tory bracket to rebox. Pull up and lift out
of positioning slot at bottom of hearth pan
(see Figure 19, page 10). Note: VE36L
and VE36LH models require removal of
additional hearth brackets and face panels
which are held in place by 2 screws on
hearth pan and one screw at top retainer
bracket (see Figure 19, page 10).
Figure 18 - Removing Screen/Rod
Assembly
Screen
Rod
Retaining
Screw
Locating
Holes

www.desatech.com 115121-01B10
ACCESSORy
INSTALLATION
Continued
5. Insert brick panel, beveled edge first,
through rebox opening. Tilt and angle top
edge into brick retainer until beveled edge
contacts imager and panel is at against
rebox (see Figure 20).
6. Align hearth pan bracket over holes near
lower edge of brick panel and secure with
2 pan screws provided.
7. Replace refractory bracket using 2 screws
removed in step 4, page 9.
8. Repeat steps 5 through 7 for opposite
panel assembly.
9. Replace each screen assembly by po-
sitioning screen rod into locating holes
under top edge of rebox and securing
with 2 Phillips screws removed in step
2, page 9. Note: Rods may have to be
angled into locating holes at the top of
each screen pocket. Once inserted, pull
free end of rod forward until it lines up
over farthest mounting hole respectively
so rods overlap.
10. Replace log bed over hearth opening
and center between grate and viewing
screen.
11. Replace glass doors if removed. See
Optional Glass Doors, page 8.
OPTIONAL HEATER ACCESSORY
WARNING: Disconnect
power before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning to re-
duce the risk of re, electrical
shock or personal injury.
Blower/heater kit model BHKE is available
for models VE36/32L and VE36/32LB. Either
of 2 types of blower/heater assemblies can
be installed.
1. Open upper control door (see Figure 13,
on page 7) and remove 2 Phillips screws
below heater grill on control panel (see
Figure 21, page 11).
2. Remove 2 Phillips screws holding control
cover to control panel inside rebox (see
Figure 14, page 8).
3. Slide control cover to the right and swing
out locking tabs from notched openings
on top (see Figure 21, page 11) .
4. Let control cover hang down off har-
nesses. Be careful not to damage any
wiring. If necessary, unscrew harness
strap at blower mount to gain slack.
5. Remove 2 hex screws at rear of blower
mount (see Figure 21, page 11).
6. Slide blower mount towards rear of rebox
until locking tabs line up with notched
openings and lower mount down and
away (see Figure 21, page 11).
Figure 19 - Removing Refractory Bracket
and Hearth Pan Bracket
Face Panel
(Models VE36L
and VE36LH
Only)
Hearth Pan Bracket
(Models VE36L and
VE36LH Only)
Refractory
Bracket
Figure 20 - Installing Brick Panels and
Brackets
Refractory
Retainer
Bracket
Hearth Pan
Bracket
Refractory
Bracket