Vermont Castings PH24 User manual

Unvented Gas Log Heater/ Vented Decorative
Appliance Installation and Operating Instructions
Models: PH18 (for use with PH18-R Log Sets)
PH24 (for use with PH24-R or PH30-R Log Sets)
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.
WARNINGS
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for
future reference.
65D2035 8/14 Rev. 9
– 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 per-
formed by a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.
This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air
(oxygen) from the room in which it is installed.
Provisions for adequate combustion and ventilation
air must be provided. Refer to page 6.

2
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
CONTENTS
Carbon Monoxide Warning........................................ 2
Important Safety Information .................................... 3
Codes..................................................................... 4
Product Features........................................................ 5
Gas Specifications................................................. 5
Gas Pressures....................................................... 5
Ignition Controls..................................................... 5
Pilot/ODS............................................................... 5
Thermal Generator................................................. 5
Getting Started............................................................ 6
Fireplace and Hearth Dimensions............................. 7
Placement in a Fireplace with Restrictive Barrier... 7
Clearances and Height Requirements...................... 8
Installation Requirements.......................................... 9
Installation..................................................................11
Installing Vented Applications ...............................11
Damper Stop Installation.......................................11
Place and Secure Appliance.................................11
Assembly Procedure............................................ 12
Gas Line Connection................................................ 12
Check Gas Pressure................................................. 13
Manual Control..................................................... 13
Millivolt Control..................................................... 13
Electrical Wiring - Millivolt....................................... 14
Optional Wall Switch or Thermostat..................... 14
Optional Remote Receiver................................... 15
Check System Operation..................................... 15
Log Placement.......................................................... 16
PH18-R................................................................ 16
PH24-R................................................................ 18
PH30-R................................................................ 20
Flame Appearance.................................................... 22
Millivolt Control..................................................... 22
Manual Control..................................................... 22
Burner Flame....................................................... 23
Operating Instructions............................................. 24
For Your Safety Read Before Lighting ................. 25
Manual Control Lighting Instructions.................... 26
Millivolt Control Lighting Instructions.................... 27
Match Lighting Instructions.................................. 28
Cleaning and Servicing............................................ 28
Troubleshooting ....................................................... 29
Illustrated Parts Breakdown.................................... 32
Replacement Parts................................................... 31
Burner Assembly.................................................. 31
Accessories.......................................................... 32
Logs..................................................................... 33
Massachusetts Residents Only............................... 34
Warranty.................................................................... 35
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the flu with
headaches, dizziness and/or nausea. If you have these signs, the insert may not have been installed
properly. Get fresh air at once! Have the insert inspected and serviced by a qualified service person. Some
people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These include pregnant women, people with
heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Propane/LPgas andnaturalgas are both odorless.An odor-making agent is addedto each of these gases.
The odor helps you detect a gas leak. However, the odor added to these gases can fade. Gas may be
present even though no odor exists.
Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of an Vermont Castings Group Log Set.
PLEASE READ THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THE APPLIANCE!
IMPORTANT: Read all instructions and warnings carefully before starting installation.
Failure to follow these instructions may result in a possible fire hazard and will void the warranty.

3
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
12. Correct installation of the ceramic fiber logs, proper
location of the heater, and annual cleaning are neces-
saryto avoid potentialproblems withsooting. Sooting,
resulting from improper installation or operation, can
settleon surfaces outsidethe fireplace.See logplace-
ment instructions for proper installation.
13. Avoidanydrafts thatalterburner flamepatterns. Donot
allow fans to blow directly into fireplace. Do not place
a blower inside burn area of firebox. Ceiling fans may
create drafts that alter burner flame patterns. Sooting
and improper burning will occur.
14. CAUTION: Candles, incense, oil lamps, etc. produce
combustion by-products including soot. Vent-free
appliances will not filter or clean soot produced by
these types of products. In addition, the smoke and/or
aromatics (scents) may be reburnt in the vent-free ap-
pliance which can produce odors. It is recommended
to minimize the use of candles, incense, etc. while the
vent-free appliance is in operation.
15. This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxy-
gen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions
for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided. Refer to Page 6.
16. This heater shall not be installed in a room or space
unlessthe required volumeof indoorcombustion air is
providedby the methoddescribed inthe National Fuel
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54, the International
Fuel Gas Code or applicable local codes.
17. Keep room area clear and free from combustible
materials, gasoline and other flammable vapors and
liquids.
18. Unventedgasheaters area supplementalzoneheater.
They are not intended to be a primary heating appli-
ance. Water vapor produced by an unvented heater
can create moisture problems in a home when oper-
ated for extended periods of time.
19. Duringmanufacturing,fabricatingand shipping,various
components of this appliance are treated with certain
oils, films or bonding agents. These chemicals are not
harmful but may produce annoying smoke and smells
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
1. Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be
located out of traffic and away from furniture and
draperies.
2. Children and adults should be alerted to the hazard
of high surface temperature and should stay away to
avoid burns or clothing ignition.
3. Young children should be carefully supervised when
they are in the same room with the appliance.
4. Do not place clothing or other flammable material on
or near the appliance.
5. Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an
appliance, must be replaced prior to operating the
heater.
6. Installation and repair should be done by a qualified
service person.
7. To prevent malfunction and/or sooting, an unvented
gas heater should be cleaned before use and at least
annually by a professional service person. More fre-
quent cleaning may be required due to excessive lint
from carpeting, bedding materials, etc. It is imperative
that control compartments, burners and circulating air
passageways be kept clean.
8. Forpropane/LPinsert, donotplace propane/LPsupply
tank(s)inside anystructure.Locate propane/LPsupply
tank(s) outdoors. To prevent performance problems,
do not use propane/LP fuel tank of less than 100
lbs. capacity.
9.The installation must conform with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, with the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.l/NFPA54.
10. This unit complies with ANSI Z21.11 Unvented Heat-
ers, latest edition and also complies withANSI Z21.60
Decorative Vented Appliances for Solid Fuel Burning
Fireplaces, latest edition. State and local codes may
only allow operation of this appliance in a vented
configuration. Check your state or local codes. For
vented operation, refer to Vented Instructions in this
manual.
11. Do not install the heaters in a bathroom or bedroom.
INSTALLER
Please leave these instructions with the appliance. OWNER
Please retain these instructions for future reference .
•Any change to this heater or its controls can be dangerous.
•Improper installation or use of the heater can cause serious injury or death from fire, burns,
explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning.
•Do not allow fans to blow directly into the fireplace. Avoid any drafts that alter burner flame
patterns.
•Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger insert or other accessory, not approved for use
with this heater where applicable.
WARNING

4
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
asthey areburned offduring the initial operationof the
appliance; possibly causing headaches or eye or lung
irritation. This is a normal and temporary occurrence.
The initial break-in operation should last two to three
hours with the burner at the highest setting. Provide
maximum ventilation by opening windows or doors to
allowodors todissipate.Anyodors remainingafter this
initial break-in period will be slight and will disappear
with continued use.
20. Input ratings are shown in BTU per hour and are for
elevationsup to2,000feet. Forelevations above2,000
feet,inputratings shouldbe reduced4percent foreach
1,000 feet above sea level. See the National Fuel Gas
Code.
21. The heater and its individual shutoff valve must be
disconnectedfromthe gassupply pipingsystemduring
any pressure testing of that system at test pressures
in excess of 1/2 psig (3.5 kPa).
22. Theheater mustbe isolated fromthe gassupply piping
system by closing its individual manual shutoff valve
during any pressure testing of the gas supply piping
system at test pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig
(3.5 kPa).
23. Do not use this room heater if any part has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified 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.
24. This appliance must not be used with glass doors in
the closed position. This can lead to pilot outages and
severe sooting outside the fireplace.
25. Neverburn solidfuelsin afireplacewhere anunvented
room heater is installed.
26. Always have a fireplace screen in place when the ap-
plianceis inoperation and ,unless otherprovisions for
combustion air are provided, the screen shall have an
opening(s) for induction of combustion air.
WARNING
Never connect unit to private (non-utility)
gas wells. This gas is commonly known
as wellhead gas.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,
permanently located, manufactured (mobile) home,
where not prohibited by local codes.
This appliance is only for use with the type of gas
indicated on the rating plate. This appliance is not
convertible for use with other gases.
Attention Massachusetts Residents:
This product must be installed by a licensed gas
fitter.
CODES
Adhere to all local codes or, in their absence, the latest
editionofTHE NATIONALFUELGAS CODEANSIZ223.1
or NFPA54 which can be obtained from…
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
or
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269

5
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
PRODUCT FEATURES
GAS SPECIFICATIONS
Min.Input Max. Input
Model Fuel Control BTU/h BTU/h
PH18NM Nat. Manual 18,000 30,000
PH18NV Nat. Millivolt 26,000 30,000
PH24NM Nat. Manual 19,000 36,000
PH24NV Nat. Millivolt 24,000 36,000
PH18PM LP Manual 22,500 30,000
PH18PV LP Millivolt 24,500 30,000
PH24PM LP Manual 25,000 36,000
PH24PV LP Millivolt 29,000 36,000
GAS PRESSURES
Natural Propane (LP)
Manual Regulator Pressure 4.0" w.c. 10.0" w.c.
Millivolt Regulator Pressure 3.5" w.c. 10.0" w.c.
Millivolt Pilot Regulator 3.5" w.c. n/a
Max. Gas Inlet Pressure 10.5" w.c. 13.0" w.c.
Min. Gas Inlet Pressure 5.0" w.c. 11.0" w.c.
NOTE: An external regulator is required to reduce supply
pressure to a maximum of 13.0" w.c. for LP systems.
IGNITION CONTROLS
Piezo ignitor allows ignition of the pilot without the
use of matches or batteries.
Manual control has three (3) positions:
OFF - All gas to the gas logs is shut off at
the valve.
IGN - Valve position to light/maintain a
standing pilot.
HI/LOW - Variable position corresponding to
desired flame height.
Millivolt control has four (4) positions:
OFF - All gas to the gas logs is shut off at
the valve.
IGN - Valve position to light/maintain a
standing pilot.
ON - Valve position to turn ON/OFF log
set with remote switch/thermostat.
HI/LO - Variable position to control flame
height (heat output).
PILOT/ODS
The gas log heater is fitted with a specially designed
safetypilot(ODSassembly) which sensestheamount
ofoxygen available inthe room and shuts the gas log
heater off if the oxygen level begins to drop below
a satisfactory level. The pilot can only be relit when
adequate fresh air is available.
THERMAL GENERATOR
The millivolt gas log pilot is fitted with a millivolt
(thermopile) generator to provide power for remote
activation.

6
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
GETTING STARTED
CAUTION
•Handle the gas log burner assembly by
the burner only. Do not pick the unit up
by the burners or grate (not attached to
frame).
• Gloves are recommended when handling
ceramicfiberlogstoprevent skinirritation
from loose fibers. Logs are fragile —
handle with care.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE RECEIVED ALL PARTS:
Check your packing list to verify that all listed parts have
been received. You should have the following:
•Unvented gas log burner assembly
•Plastic bag containing crushed volcanic rock
•Installation/operating instructions
•Two (2) anchoring screws
•Grate
• Ceramic fiber or refractory cement logs
The millivolt controlled version of this heater is the only
style designed to be operated with optional devices for
ON/OFF functions. The following options may be used
with the millivolt controlled heater. These options are not
packaged with the log set.
• Hand held Remote with receiver
• Wall thermostat with 15' wire
• Wall switch with 15' wire
• Hand held Thermostat Remote with receiver
Carefully inspect the contents for shipping damage. If any
parts are missing or damaged, immediately inform the
dealer from whom you purchased the appliance. Do not
attempt to install any part of the appliance unless you
have all parts in good condition.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED FOR INSTALLA-
TION:
You should have the following items available before pro-
ceeding with installation:
• External regulator (for propane/LPG and 1/2 lb.
natural gas systems only)
• Piping which complies with local codes
•Sediment trap (recommended)
• Screwdriver
•Tee joint.
• Pipe sealant approved for use with propane/LPG
(Resistant to sulfur compounds)
• Drill with 5/32 bit
•Pipe wrench or appropriate size crescent wrench
set
• Manual shutoff valve
WARNING
If the area in which the heater may be
operated does not meet the required volume
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/NFPA 54, the
International Fuel Gas Code or applicable
local codes.

7
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
WARNING
This appliance is for installation only in a solid-fuel burning masonry or UL127 factory-built
fireplace, vent free appliance, or in listed ventless firebox enclosure. It has been design certified
for these installations.
Exception: DO NOT install this appliance in a factory-built fireplace that includes instructions
stating it has not been tested or should not be used with unvented gas logs.
FIREPLACE and HEARTH DIMENSIONS
Use manufacturer’s installation and clearance require-
ments as defined in their manual.
ThePHSeries unventedroomheater isapprovedfor instal-
lation into the following unvented fireplaces:
GCUF(32,36,42) and VFR(32,36,42) Series Fireboxes
ThePH Seriesunventedroom heatermay alsobe installed
intoa VentlessFirebox Enclosurefor GasFired Decorative
Type Unvented Room Heaters per ANSI Z21.91b.2004,
as long as firebox hearth dimensions meet the minimum
hearth dimensions shown below.
C
A
D
B
MODEL A B C D
PH18 25"
(635 mm) 13" (330 mm) 171⁄2"
(445 mm) 17" (432 mm)
PH24 29"
(737 mm) 13" (330 mm) 191⁄2" (495 mm) 17" (432 mm)
PH30 35"
(889 mm) 13" (330 mm) 251⁄2"
(648 mm) 17" (432 mm)
Figure 1 -
Hearth Minimum Dimensions
FP2530
Barriers such as the bottom of a glass door
frame placed in front of a gas log set can
change the air flow characteristics of the
fireplace which in turn can cause the unit
to overheat and malfunction.
WARNING
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE IN-
STALLATION OF THIS GAS LOG SET
The following are guidelines for placing a gas log set in
a fireplace that has a restrictive barrier along the bottom
front opening of the fireplace. Some examples of barri-
ers are glass/screen door frames and sunken/recessed
fireplaces.
Height of Minimum Depth of
Restriction (x) Fireplace/Firebox
No Restriction 13"
0" to 11⁄2" 16"
Greater than 11⁄2" to 3" 16"
Greater than 3" *
*Any barrier greater than 3" placed in front of the gas log
set is not recommended by the manufacturer.
NOTE: Non combustible material such as refractory brick
maybe used toline thefloorofthe fireplaceinorder toraise
theheightof thegaslogset inrelationto arestrictivebarrier.
Ifthe unit israised, theminimum height dimensionlisted in
the homeowner’s manual must not be exceeded.
NOTE: If the log set is equipped with a remote receiver, a
restrictive barrier may reduce the battery life by increasing
the ambient temperature inside the fireplace. Placement
of the receiver outside of the fireplace will extend the
battery life.
Figure 2 -
Reference Drawing of a Natural
Flame Log Set in an Enclosure
X
Depth of
Fireplace/
Firebox
(Refer to
Table)
The log set should
be placed against or
as near as possible
to the rear wall of the
fireplace
Glass door
frames with ad-
justable louvers
should have
the louvers
fully open while
the unit is in
operation
Height of restrictive barrier
caused by glass door
frames, recessed fireplac-
es, etc. from the base or
bottom surface of the unit.
(Refer to Table).
FP2794

8
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
CLEARANCES AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS
Sidewall and ceiling clearances: The sides of the fire-
place opening must be at least 16" from any combustible
wall. The ceiling must be at least 42" from the top of the
fireplace opening.
WARNING
The dimensions shown in Figures 3 through 11 and defined in the fireplace manufacturer's
instructions are minimum clearances to maintain when installing this heater. Left and right
clearances are determined when facing the front of the heater.
When heater is installed into a ventless firebox, minimum clearances, as specified by the ventless
firebox manufacturer, must be met.
Follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe installation. Failure to follow instructions
exactly can create a fire hazard.
16"
42"
Figure 3 -
Sidewall and Ceiling Clearances
FP1996
Heat resistant material (minimum requirements)
with no wooden mantel or other combustible
projection:
To install the gas logs into a fireplace with no wooden
mantel, shelf or other combustible projection above the
fireplace opening, measure the heat resistant material
height, per Figure 4, then see TABLE A.
Heat resistant materials such as slate and marble must be
at least 1/2" thick. Sheet metal should not be installed
onto combustible material.
IMPORTANT: If you cannot meet these minimum clear-
ances you must operate the heater with chimney flue
damper open. Refer to "Installing Vented Applications"
found on Page 14.
Heat
Resistant
Material
Measure This
Distance
Heater in
Fireplace or
Firebox
FP2922
Figure 4 -
Measure Heat Resistant Material
Table A -
Heat Resistant Material Requirements with No
Mantel or Combustible Projection
Heat Resistant Material PH18/24 Requirements
Measurement for Safe Installation
12" or more Hood not required
8" or less than 12" Extend resistant material to
12" or install hood. Figure 5
Less than 8" Extendheat resistant material
to at least 8" and install hood.
Figure 5. OR, extend heat
resistant material to a height
of at least 12"

9
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
Hood
Heater in
Fireplace or
Figrebox
8" or More of Heat
Resistant Material
FP2923
Figure 5 -
Measure Heat Resistant Material for Mantel
Heat resistant material (minimum requirements) with
wooden mantel or other combustible projection:
To install the heater with a wooden mantel, shelf or other
combustibleprojection above,first measurethe heatresis-
tant material shown in Figure 6, then see TABLE B.
Table B -
Heat Resistant Material Heights and Mantel Location
10"
8"
6"
256O"
8" 1456O" 186" 2256O" 26"
12"
Heat
Resistant
Material
Hood
Heater in
Fireplace or
Firebox
FP2534
12”
Min.
28”
10” or Less
Heat
Resistant
Material
Heater in
Fireplace or
Firebox
FP2535
Figure 7 -
Minimum Mantel Clearance with No Hood
Figure 6 -
Minimum Mantel Clearance with Hood
Example: Thebottom ofthe mantelmay projectfrom the
wall a maximum of 10" at a minimum of 28"
above the opening.
Example: Amantelmay projectfrom the walla maximum
of 21⁄2" at a minimum of 8" above the opening
and a maximum of 6" at a minimum of 141⁄2"
above the opening.
Heat Resistant
Material
Measurement
Requirements for Safe
Installation with Wooden Mantel,
Shelf or Other Combustible
Projection
12" or more Hood not required. Observe
profiles (side elevations) shown in
Figure 7
8" or less than
12" Install hood (CABR/CABL) and observe profiles show in Figure 6;
OR extend heat resistant material
to at least 12" and observe profiles
shown in Figure 7
Less than 8" Extend heat resistant material to
at least 8" and install hood (CABR/
CABL) and observe profiles
shown in Figure 6; OR extend
heat resistant material to at least
12" and observe profiles shown in
Figure 7.

10
PH Gas Logs
65D2035
FLOOR CLEARANCE
The gas log heater must be installed at least 5" above
any combustible flooring material, such as carpeting or
tile, which is closer than 14" to the base of the fireplace.
The minimum distance must be maintained from the top
surface of carpeting, tile, etc. Figure 8
OR,
5” Minimum
Heater in Fireplace
or Firebox
Combustible
Material
FP2924
Figure 8 -
Minimum Clearance Above Combustible Flooring
14” Minimum
This
Distance
May Now
be Less
than 5"
Heater in
Fireplace or
Firebox
Combustible
Material
FP2925
Figure 9 -
Minimum Clearance Above Combustible Flooring with
Noncombustible Material Installed at Base of Fireplace
The gas log heater may be installed nearer to the floor if a
minimum of 14" of noncombustible material such as slate
ormarble isinstalled betweenthe baseof thefireplace and
the combustible flooring. Figure 9