Vermont Castings A232 User manual

INSTALLER: DO NOT DISCARD THIS MANUAL - LEAVE FOR HOMEOWNER 10002734
6/00 Rev. 0
DO NOT STORE
OR USE GASOLINE OR OTHER
FLAMMABLE VAPOURS AND LIQUIDS
IN THE VICINITY OF THIS OR ANY
OTHER APPLIANCE.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS:
* Do not try to light any appliance.
* Do not touch any electric switch
* Do not use any phone in your building.
* Immediately call your gas supplier from
your neighbours phone. Follow the gas
suppliers instructions.
* If you cannot reach your gas supplier call
the fire department.
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.
FOR YOUR SAFETY
* INSTALLATION AND SERVICE MUST BE
PERFORMED BY A QUALIFIED INSTALLER,
SERVICE AGENCY OR YOUR GAS SUPPLIER.
Free-Standing
Fireplaces
MODEL A232
Installation Instructions & Homeowner's Manual

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PLEASE READ THE INSTALLATION & OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING 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.
Installation Instructions.................................................................................................. 3
Important Curing/Burn Information ....................................................................... 3
Locating Your Fireplace........................................................................................ 3
Clearance to Combustibles .................................................................................. 3
Fireplace Dimensions ........................................................................................... 4
Gas Specifications................................................................................................ 5
Preparation ........................................................................................................... 5
Gas Line Installation ............................................................................................. 5
Installation of Remote Switch for RN/RP gas valve.............................................. 6
Fan Kit .................................................................................................................. 6
General Information on Assembling the Vent Pipes ................................................... 7
Venting Instructions .............................................................................................. 7
Venting of the A232 Fireplace .............................................................................. 7
Common Flue Installation..................................................................................... 7
Retrofitting to an Existing Brick Chimney ............................................................. 8
Vent Safety System .............................................................................................. 8
Proper Vent Performance..................................................................................... 8
Combustion Air ..................................................................................................... 8
Operating Instructions.................................................................................................... 9
General Glass Information.................................................................................... 9
Louvre Removal ................................................................................................... 9
Trim Removal ....................................................................................................... 9
Glass Removal ..................................................................................................... 9
Glass Cleaning ................................................................................................... 10
Installation of Logs and Burner Lava Rock......................................................... 10
Maintenance ....................................................................................................... 10
Cleaning Procedure............................................................................................ 10
Flame Adjustment & Characteristics .................................................................. 11
Lighting and Operating Instructions.................................................................... 12
Troubleshooting Gas Control (SIT 630).............................................................. 13
Troubleshooting Gas Control (Honeywell).......................................................... 14
Replacement Parts List .............................................................................................. 15
Replacement Parts Pictorial ............................................................................... 16
Options ......................................................................................................................... 27

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This gas fireplace should be installed by a qualified installer in
accordance with local building codes and with current CAN /
CGA-B149(.1or.2)InstallationcodesforGasBurningFireplaces
and Equipment.
FOR U.S.A Installations follow local codes and/or the current
National Fuel Gas Code. ANSI Z223.1.
FOR SAFE INSTALLATION AND OPERATION OF
YOUR FIREPLACE PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:
1. This fireplace gives off high temperatures and should
be located out of high traffic areas and away from
furniture and draperies.
2. Childrenandadultsshouldbealertedtothehazardsof
the high surface temperatures of this fireplace and
shouldstay away to avoidburnsorignitionofclothing.
3. Childrenshould be carefully supervisedwhentheyare
in the same room as your fireplace.
4. Under no circumstances should this fireplace be
modified. Parts removed for servicing should be re-
placed prior to operating this fireplace again.
5. Installation and any repairs to this fireplace should be
carried out by a qualified service person. A profes-
sional service person should be contacted to inspect
thisfireplaceannually. Make itapractice to haveallof
your gas fireplaces checked annually. More frequent
cleaning may be required due to excess lint and dust
from carpeting, bedding material, etc.
6. Control compartments, burners and air passages in
thisfireplaceshouldbekeptcleanandfreeofdustand
lint. Make sure that the gas valve and pilot light are
turned off before you attempt to clean this fireplace.
7. The venting system(chimney) of this fireplace should
be checked at least once a year and if needed your
venting system should be cleaned.
8. Keep the area around your fireplace clear of combus-
tible materials, gasoline and other flammable vapour
and liquids. This fireplace should not be used as a
drying rack for clothing, nor should Christmas stock-
ings or decorations be hung in the area of it.
9. Underno circumstancesshould anysolid fuels (wood,
coal,paperorcardboardetc.)beusedinthisfireplace.
10.The flow of combustion and ventilation air must not be
obstructed in any way.
11.When the fireplace is installed directly on carpeting,
vinyltileor anycombustiblematerial other thanwood,
the fireplace must be installed on a metal or wood
panelextendingthefullwidthanddepthofthefireplace.
12.This fireplace requires adequate ventilation and
combustion air to operate properly.
13.Thisfireplacemustnotbeconnectedtoachimneyflue
serving a separate solid fuel burning fireplace.
Fig. 1
AD
F
C
E
B
12" (305mm)
12" (305mm)
A) *Flat on wall corner B) *Room divider
C) Island D) Cross corner
E) Flat on wall
* A & B must maintain a 12" (305mm) clearance between the wall
and side glass of fireplace.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING
CAREFULLY
Removeanyplasticfromtrimpartsbeforeturningthefireplace
ON.
It is normal for fireplaces fabricated of steel to give off some
expansion and/or contraction noises during the start up or
cool down cycle. Similar noises are found with your furnace
heat exchanger or car engine.
Itis not unusualfor your gas fireplace to give offsome odour
thefirsttimeitisburned. Thisis due tothecuringofthepaint
and any undetected oil from the manufacturing process.
Please ensure that your room is well ventilated - open all
windows.
It is recommended that you burn youf fireplace for a least six
(6) hours the first time you use it. If optional fan kit has been
installed, place fan in the "OFF" position during this time.
LOCATING YOUR GAS FIREPLACE
CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES
Adequate clearances as listed below must be
maintained for servicing and proper operation.
BACK... ...................................... 1"
SIDES.. .................................... 12"
COMBUSTIBLE FLOOR............ 0"
TOP.......................................... 36"
CORNER ............0" to back edges
Flue Pipe Clearances - 6" Single Wall, 1"B" Vent.
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
A minimum 12 foot vent height is required
to effectively vent this fireplace.

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A
B
CDE
F
G
H
J
I
K
FIREPLACE DIMENSIONS
MODEL A232
A 25" 635mm
B 24 1/8" 613mm
C 16" 406mm
D 20" 508mm
E 19" 483mm
F 21" 533mm
G 31 3/4" 806mm
H 17 3/4" 451mm
I 29 5/8" 752mm
J 9" 229mm
K5
1/4" 133mm
L– –
M– –
N– –
MODEL A232

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GAS INLET & MANIFOLD PRESSURES
Input Minimum
Input Maximum
Manifold Pressure
NATURAL LP (Propane)
11" wc
13" wc
10" wc
4.5" wc
7" wc
3.5" wc
1/2" GAS SUPPLY
1/2" X 3/8" REDUCER
3/8" NIPPLE
3/8" NIPPLE
3/8" NIPPLE
3/8" X 3/8" SHUT OFF VALVE
3/8" UNION
DONOT USE THISFIREPLACE IF ANYPART
OF THIS FIREPLACE HAS BEEN UNDER
WATER. IMMEDIATELY CALL A QUALIFIED
SERVICE TECHNICIAN TO INSPECT THE
HEATER AND TO REPLACE ANY PART
CONTROL WHICH HAS BEEN UNDER
WATER.
When using copper or flex connector use only approved
fittings. Always provide a union when using black iron
pipesothatgaslinecanbeeasilydisconnectedforburner
or fan servicing. See Fig. 2. See gas specification for
pressure details and ratings.
The fireplace valve must not be subjected to any test
pressures exceeding 1/2 psi. Isolate or disconnect this or
any other gas appliance control from the gas line when
pressure testing.
Alwayscheck forgas leakswith a mild soap and
water solution. Do not use an open flame for
leak testing.
The gas control is equipped with a captured
screwtypepressuretest point,thereforeitis not
necessary to provide a 1/8" test point up stream
of the control.
FOR U.S.A Installations consult the current National
Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1
GAS LINE INSTALLATION
When purging gas line, the front glass must
be removed.
The gas pipeline can be brought in through the rear of the
fireplaceaswellasthebottom. Knockoutsareprovidedon
the bottom behind the valve to allow for the gas pipe
installation and testing of any gas connection. It is most
convenient to bring the gas line in from the rear right
side of the valve, as this allows fan installation or
removal without disconnecting the gas line.
The gas line connection can be made with
properlytinned3/8"coppertubing,3/8" rigid
pipe or an approved flex connector. Since
some municipalities have some additional
local codes, it is always best to consult your
localauthorityandtheCAN/CGA-B149 (.1or
.2) installation code.
PREPARATION
The use of wall paper adjacent to this fire-
place is not recommended, as the high heat
given off by this fireplace may adversely
effect the binders in the adhesive used to
apply the wallpaper.
Beforebeginning,removetheglassdoorfromthefireplace
(See page 9). Also check to make sure there is no hidden
damage to the fireplace. Take a minute and plan out the
gas, vent and electrical supply.
Typical gas supply installation
GAS SPECIFICATIONS
MAX. MIN.
INPUT INPUT
MODEL FUEL GAS CONTROL B.T.U.H B.T.U.H.
A232RN Natural Gas Millivolt Hi/Lo 30,000 21,000
A2S32RP Propane Gas Millivolt Hi/Lo 30,000 22,500
The installation of your Fireplace must
conform with local codes, or in the absence
of local codes, with National Fuel Gas Code,
ANSIZ223.1latestedition,orCAN1 B1-149.1
and .2 Installation Code. (EXCEPTION: Do
not derate this appliance for elevations up to
4,500 ft. (1,370mm). Maintain the manifold
pressure at 3.5 inches W.C. for Natural Gas
and 10 inches W.C. for LP gas.)
ANSI.Z21.88b-1999 / CSA 2.33b - M99
Vented Gas Fireplace Heaters
A232 CERTIFIED TO
Fig. 2

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INSTALLATION OF REMOTE
SWITCH FOR RN/RP GAS VALVE
Install on/off switch assembly on either the rear right or
left side of the A232 Gas Fireplace.
1. Removethescrewatthebackofthecabinettopeitheron
the left or the right side of the fireplace.
2. Position switch assembly onto the back of the fireplace,
then fasten two screws as shown in Fig. 5.
3. Attach wiring under the clips on the rear casing (Fig. 5)
andinstallwiringthroughtherearopeningofthefireplace
before connecting to the valve as shown in Fig. 4.
P
I
L
O
T
TPTH TP TH
ON/OFF SWITCH OR
MILLIVOLT THERMOSTAT
VALVE
THERMOPILE
Screw
(through existing hole)
Screw
On/off switch
assembly
Clips
Wiring for milli-volt
gas valves
Fig. 5
ABC
BLACK
WHITE
GROUND
A = Speed Control
B = Temperature Sensor
C = Fan
OPTIONAL FAN KIT - FK24
It will be easier to install the fan before
connecting the gas line to the fireplace.
1. Open front access door panel by pulling forward on
brass lip.
2. Guide the fan through the opening at the back of the
pedestal,withtheoutletpointedupandthefanmounting
bracketfacingthebackofthefireplace.Thefanmounts
overtwostudswhichholdthefanjustbelowthefirebox
floor. Do not install this fan on the base. Hold the fan
in place with the two nuts provided. (Fig. 7)
3. Locate the fan speed control/junction box on screw
studs provided on base of the fireplace. Tighten with
3/8" nuts provided.
4. Install thermal sensor element on screw studs located
to the right of the gas valve on the burner base.
5. Plug in grounded service cord to a convenient wall
receptacle.
THIS FAN ASSEMBLY COMES COMPLETELY WIRED
TO ELIMINATE THE NEED FOR ELECTRICIANS. THIS
ELECTRICAL DEVICE, WHEN INSTALLED, MUST BE
ELECTRICALLY CONNECTED AND GROUNDED IN
ACCORDANCEWITHLOCALCODES. INTHEABSENCE
OF LOCAL CODES, WITH THE CURRENT CSA C22.1
CANADIAN ELECTRICAL CODE.
FOR U.S.A. INSTALLATION: FOLLOW LOCAL CODES
AND THE NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE ANSI/NFPA
NO.70-1984.
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Should this fan require servicing, the power
supply must be disconnected. For rewiring of
any replacement components see Fig. 6.
TOP VIEW
Valve
Fan speed control/
Junction box
Thermal sensor
location
Fan is installed at the back
of the pedestal
Stud
PILOT
ADJ
TH
TP
TP TH
Fig. 4

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Fig. 14
STRAIGHT B
VENT CHIMNEY
COMMON FLUE INSTALLATIONS
In some areas it is possible to vent more than one gas
fireplace into the same flue. You must ensure that the flue
being shared has the proper capacity to handle both
fireplaces. Check installation codes for venting capacity
information.
As always it is best to check with the authority having
jurisdiction prior to commencement of the installation.
EXISTING
MASONRY CHIMNEY
Fig. 13
OFFSET B
VENT CHIMNEY
Fig. 15
Note: Pleaserefertoinstallationinstructionssupplied
by chimney manufacturer prior to commencing
installation.
The A232 may be installed using 4" diameter single wall
ventuptoanexistingmasonrychimney.(Fig.14) Thisvent
shouldthenbeconnectedtoa4"linerrunningthefullheight
of the chimney, as it is mandatory in most jurisdictions that
the chimney be lined.
Another option is 4" "B" vent directly off the fireplace
(Fig.13 & 11), going up to the chimney liner or up through
the roof if no chimney exists.
VENTING INSTRUCTIONS
CANADIAN INSTALLATIONS:
The venting system must be installed in accordance with
thecurrentCAN/CGA-B149 (.1or.2) installation code,and
the authority having jurisdiction.
U.S.A. INSTALLATIONS:
The venting system must be installed in accordance with
the current National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.
Minimumclearancestocombustiblematerialsis1inch(25
mm) for B Vent (Fig. 13, 15) and 6 inches for single wall
vent (Fig. 14).
As with any natural drafted appliances, the vent cap must
always extend a minimum of 2' above any structure within
a 10' horizontal plane.(Fig. 12)
Fig. 12
A minimum 12 foot vent height is required
to effectively vent this fireplace.
3'
10' 2'
VENTING OF THE A232 FIREPLACE
3' 10'

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Check
Draft
Here
Fig. 16
Retrofitting To An Existing Brick Chimney
It is strongly recommends installing an approved chimney
liner in an existing brick chimney.
This will maximize the potential draft of the chimney and
lessen the effects of slow chimney start up.
This is important because many homes (including older
renovatedones)havebecomemuchtighterwithrespectto
air exchange (a home breathing). An overly tight home will
create conditions that will affect proper vent performance.
It may be necessary to install some form of makeup air to
thelowest extremitiesofthehome. Thiswillhelptoensure
theabovenotedconditionwillnoteffecttheproperoperation
ofthisoranyothercombustionfireplacewithinthedwelling.
PROPER VENT PERFORMANCE
A spillage test must be performed prior to leaving the
fireplace with the customer. Carry this test out in the
following manner.
1) Close all windows and doors in the room; start all
exhaust fans in the house and furnace blower.
2) Light the fireplace and place in operation on high fire.
3) Afterseveralminutes,testwithsmokematchthatthere
isadequate"pull"atthedrafthoodopening(locatedon
the sides of the fireplace near back. See Figure 16)
If the flue is blocked (match being blown back into
room) the Vent Safety Switch will automatically shut
down the heater.
4) Should the heater turn off, wait approximately 10-15
minutes to allow for the switch to reset. Check draft
again. Ifthesmokeisnotdrawnintothedrafthoodturn
the fireplace off and check the cause of lack of draft,
consult your dealer for expert advice.
This fireplace is equipped with a vent safety shut down
switch. This switch is factory installed, wired and tested.
Checkandmakesuretheswitchandwiresareintheproper
position. The safety switch is heat activated and wired in
series with the pilot system.
Operation of this fireplace when not
connected to a properly installed and
maintainedventingsystemortamperingwith
the vent safety shutoff system can result in
carbonmonoxide(CO)poisoningandpossibly
death.
COMBUSTION AIR
Itisveryimportantthatanadequateairsupplyisavailable
when the unit is being operated. Since most homes of
today are tightly sealed and insulated, additional make-
up air is usually necessary.
Thisfireplacehasbeendesignedtooperatebydrawingair
infromthefrontandouterperimetersofthefireplace. The
air provides combustion air ensuring a clean burning
flame, dilution air for proper venting, as well as, the air
which the fan circulates over the firebox/heat exchanger
system.
Insulating around the fireplace will result in overheating
and possible malfunctioning of the circulating fan.
VENT SAFETY SYSTEM

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GENERAL GLASS INFORMATION
Only glass approved for use in these
products may be used for replacement.
1. The use of substitute glass will void all product
warranties.
2. Care must be taken to avoid breakage of the glass.
Under no circumstances should this fireplace
be operated without the front glass or with a
broken glass. Replacement of the glass (with
gasket) as supplied by the manufacturer
should be done by a licenced qualified
service person.
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
LOUVRE REMOVAL
A232
Toremovelouvresfirstremovethetwo(2)screws(Fig.17)
fastening the louvre assembly to the fireplace. Lift the
louvre assembly straight out sliding the back guides out of
the fireplace body. (To reinstall, reverse).
A232
1. Remove the two (2) outer 3/8" nuts holding the frame
window brass trim in place. (Fig. 18)
2. Remove the frame window brass trim by moving it
straight forward.
TRIM REMOVAL
GLASS REMOVAL
A232
1 . Removeframe window brasstrim (SeeTrim Removal
section)
2. Remove remaining bottom 3/8" nut fat the bottom of
the frame window.
3. Remove 3/8" nut from each side of the frame window
(Fig. 18).
4. Remove frame window by pulling it forward and up.
Fig. 18
OUTER NUTS
DRAWING 1
GLASS
FRAME
DRAWING 2
BOTTOM NUT
Side Nuts
Fig. 17
Front View
Screws

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KR2
KR5 KR6
KR4
KR3
KR1
Burner Lava Rock Placement
;;
;;
;;
GLASS CLEANING
It will be necessary to clean the glass periodically.
During start-up condensation, which is normal, forms on
the inside of the glass and causes lint, dust and other
airborne particles to cling to the glass surface. Also
initial paint curing may deposit a slight film on the glass.
It is therefore recommended that the glass be cleaned
two or three times with a non-ammonia household
cleaner and warm water (we recommend gas fireplace
glass cleaner). After that the glass should be cleaned
two or three times during each heating season
depending on the circumstances present.
Clean glass after first two weeks of
operation.
INSTALLATION OF LOGS &
BURNER LAVA ROCK
1 . Remove front glass. (See "Glass Removal" section)
2. Remove logs from packaging.
3. Place rear log (KR4) on rear bracket (ensure log is
seatedproperly,leveledand centered totheunit),so it
willnotmovefromsidetosideanditisfirmlypositioned
on the bracket.
4. Slip front ember log (KR1) down in the front deflector.
5. Place front left log (KR2) on top burner, left side. Use
log's bottom holes to locate it into the left bracket log
locator studs.
6. Place front right log (KR3) on top of burner, right side.
Uselog'sbottomholestolocateitintotherightbracket
log locator studs.
7. Place small lava rocks and ember material on top of
burner. (See Fig. 19 for proper location).
8. Place top left log (KR5) onto locator notches. Ensure
log is secure.
9. Placetoprightlog(KR6)ontolocatornotches. Ensure
log is secure.
Top logs must be placed properly into
notches
A232
MAINTENANCE
1. It is important to keep the burner and the burner
compartmentclean.This must bedoneperiodically, at
least once per season. (See Cleaning Procedure).
2. Clean the brass trim using a soft clean cloth, slightly
dampened with lemon oil and buff with a soft clean
cloth. DoNOTusebrasspolishorhouseholdcleaners
as these products will damage the brass trim. Lemon
oil can be obtained at supermarkets or hardware
stores.
3. The optional FK12 and FK24 Fan requires periodic
cleaning. Check the fan and the area around the fan
assemblyandwipeorvacuumatleastonceper month
during the operating season.
4. Contactyourlocalrepresentativetoarrangeanannual
service program.
Fig. 19
CLEANING PROCEDURE
1. Turn off pilot light at gas valve.
2. Remove front glass.
3. Remove logs.
CAUTION: LOGS MAY BE HOT
4. Vacuum burner compartment especially around orifice/
primary air openings.
5. Reinstall logs.
6. Check pilot and main burner operation.
7. Reinstall front glass.
8. Recheck pilot and main burner operation.
9. Check visually the flame pattern and compare with Fig.
22 or 23.