Desa S42H, VS42H-1, S42R, VS42-1, S42RH User Manual

RESIDENTIAL AND OUTDOOR WOODBURNING FIREPLACE

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

MODELS S42, S42H, S42R, S42RH, VS42(1) AND VS42H(1)

SAVE THIS BOOK
This book is valuable. In addition to instructing you
on how to install and maintain your appliance, it also
contains information that will enable you to obtain re­placement parts or accessory items when needed. Keep
it with your other important papers.

This fireplace is approved for use as a wood burning
fireplace or for use with a vented gas log approved to
ANS Z21.60, Z21.84 or RGA 2-72 standards or for use
with a vent-free gas log heater approved to ANS Z21.11.2
standard. A DESA hood must be installed when using a
vent-free log heater (see Accessories, page 16).

This wood burning fireplace complies with UL127­CAN/ULS-S610-M87 standard as a FACTORY BUILT
APPLIANCE.

FOR CANADA: The authority having jurisdiction (such
as the municipal building department, fire department,
etc.) should be contacted before installation to deter­mine the need to obtain a permit.

Save this manual for future reference.

For more information, visit www.desatech.com

WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera­tion, service or maintenance can cause injury, property
damage or loss of life. Refer to this manual for assis
tance or additional information. Consult a qualified
installer or local distributor.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Information ............................................... 2

Specifications ......................................................

Fireplace Installation ........................................... 4

Venting Installation ..............................................

Optional Gas Line Installation ............................11

Operation and Maintenance Guidelines ............ 12

3

Technical Service ..............................................

Illustrated Parts Breakdown .............................. 14

6

Replacement Parts ............................................ 16

Accessories ....................................................... 16

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13

SAFETY INFORMATION

IMPORTANT: Check local codes
before installing this fireplace.

Before beginning the installation of the fireplace,
read these instructions through completely.

• This DESA fireplace and its components are
safe when installed according to this installation
manual. Unless you use DESA components,
which have been designed and tested for the
fireplace system, you may cause a fire hazard.

• The DESA warranty will be voided by and
DESA disclaims any responsibility for the
following actions.

a. Modification of the fireplace, components,

doors, air inlet system and damper control.

b. Use of any component part not manufac

tured or approved by DESA in combination

with a DESA fireplace system.
Proper installation is the most important step in
ensuring safe and continuous operation of the
fireplace. Consult the local building codes as to
the particular requirements concerned with the
installation of all factory built fireplaces.

WARNING: Do not install a
fireplace insert in this box unless
the manufacturer's instructions
with the insert specifically state
this fireplace has been tested for
use with this insert.

FOR YOUR SAFETY

• Do not store or use gasoline
or any other flammable vapors
or liquids in the vicinity of this
or any other appliance.

• Due to high temperatures, the
appliance should be located
out of traffic and away from
furniture and draperies.

• Do not place clothing or other
flammable materials on or near
the appliance.

• Never leave children unat
tended when a fire is burning
in the fireplace.

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WARNING: Use solid wood
or processed solid fuel firelogs
only. When processed wood fuel
fire logs are used, do not poke or
stir the logs while they are burn­ing. Use only fire logs that have
been evaluated for the application
in fireplace and refer to fire log
warnings and caution markings
on packaging prior to use.

This fireplace is not intended to be
used as a substitute for a furnace
to heat an entire home. Use for
supplemental heat only.

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111099-01C

SPECIFICATIONS

0" TO
BOTTOM

(LEFT SIDE ONLY)

OUTSIDE AIR

TOP

SPACERS

BACK AND SIDES

3/4" AIR SPACE

HEARTH EXTENSION
66" X 20"

TO

PERPENDICULAR

12"

EACH SIDE

NOT LESS
THAN 12"

1" AIRSPACE
TO

COMBUSTIBLE

COMBUSTIBLE
WALL BOARD

0" TO

MATERIAL

NO COMBUSTIBLE
MATERIAL ON FACE

SIDEWALL

TERMINATION

SQUARE CHASE-TOP

GAS LINE

KNOCK OUT

AIR KIT

KNOCK OUTS

ROUND TOP TERMINATION

GAS LINE

KNOCK OUTS

ELECTRICAL

OUTLET

LEFT SIDE

RIGHT SIDE

8.125"

12.625"

14.25"

45.25"

41"

48"

42"

24"

8"

39"

16.25"

29.5"

2.5"

10.625"

1"

12"

2.5"

8.125"

6.75"

10.625"

12.25"

48"

0.625"

36"

22.5"

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23.50”

43.375”

48.25”

59.264"

19.466"

27.527"

83.830"

MAINTAIN 3/4"
CLEARANCE AT
SIDES AND BACK
OF FIREPLACE

3

/4" CLEARANCE
NOT REQUIRED AT
NAILING FLANGES

FIREPLACE INSTALLATION

SELECTING LOCATION

To determine the safest and most efficient location
for the fireplace, you must take into consideration
the following guidelines:

1. The location must allow for proper clearances
(see Figures 1 and 2).

2. Consider a location where the fireplace will
not be affected by drafts, air conditioning
ducts, windows or doors.

3. A location that avoids the cutting of joists or
roof rafters will make installation easier.

4. An outside air kit is available with this fireplace
(see Optional Outside Air Kit on page 6).

MINIMUM CLEARANCE TO
COMBUSTIBLES

Back and sides of fireplace 3/4" minimum*

Floor** 0" minimum

Perpendicular wall to opening 12" minimum

Top spacers 0" minimum

Mantel clearances

Chimney outer pipe surface 1" minimum

* Not required at nailing flanges
** See step 2 of Framing

WARNING: Do not pack re­quired air spaces with insulation
or other materials.

Minimum/Maximum Chimney Height for
Residential Installation

The minimum height of the chimney, measured
from the base of the fireplace to the flue gas outlet
of the termination, is 14.5 feet for straight flue or
a flue with one elbow set. The maximum distance
between elbows is 6 feet. For systems with two
elbow sets, the minimum height is 22 feet. The
maximum height of any system is 50 feet. This
measurement includes the fireplace, chimney sec
tions and the height of the termination assembly
at the level of the flue gas outlet (see Figure 18,
page 11).

Minimum/Maximum Chimney Height for
Outdoor Installation

The minimum height of the chimney, measured
from the base of the fireplace to the flue gas outlet
of the termination, is 8 feet (minimum of 4 feet
of chimney pipe sections required for outdoor
installation).

see Mantels, page 5

FRAMING

1. Frame the opening for the fireplace using the
dimensions shown in Figures 1 and 2.

2. If the fireplace is to be installed directly on
carpeting, tile (other than ceramic) or any
combustible material other than wood floor
ing, the fireplace must be installed upon a
metal or wood panel extending the full width
and depth of the fireplace.

3. Set the fireplace directly in front of this open
ing and slide the unit back until the nailing
flanges touch the side framing.

4. Check the level of the fireplace and shim with
sheet metal if necessary.

5. Before securing fireplace to prepared fram
ing, the ember protector (provided) must
be placed between the hearth extension (not
supplied) and under the bottom front edge
of the fireplace to protect against glowing
embers falling through. If the fireplace is to be
installed on a raised platform, a Z-type ember
protector (not supplied) must be fabricated to
fit your required platform height. The ember
protector should extend under the fireplace a
minimum of 1 1/2". The ember protector should
be made of galvanized sheet metal (28 gauge
minimum) to prevent corrosion.

6. Using screws or nails, secure the fireplace to
the framing through flanges located on the
sides of the fireplace.

-

Figure 1 - Framing Dimensions

Figure 2 - Corner Installation

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111099-01C

FIREPLACE INSTALLATION

FIREBOX

SAFE ZONE

Continued

Note: For outdoor installations, the fireplace en­closure must allow for adequate drainage and fresh
air ventilation. It is recommended that a sealed,
corrosion resistant catch pan with provision for
drainage be installed under the fireplace within
the fireplace enclosure.

HEARTH EXTENSION

A hearth extension projecting a minimum of 16"
in front of and a minimum of 8" beyond each
side of the fireplace opening is required to protect
combustible floor construction in front of the fire
place. Fabricate a hearth extension using a material

MANTELS

A mantel may be installed if desired (see Figure

4). Woodwork such as wood trims, mantels or

any other combustible material projecting from
the front face must not be placed within 12" of
the fireplace opening. Combustible materials
above 12" and projecting more than 1
the fireplace must not be placed less than 15"
from the top opening of the fireplace (NFPA STD
211, Sec. 7-3.3.3).

Mantels or any other combustible material also
may come up to the side edge of the black metal
face of the fireplace just as long as the projection
from the front face fall within the limit shown in

-

Figure 4.

1

/

" from

2

which meets the following specifications: a layer
of noncombustible, inorganic material having a
thermal conductivity of K=0.84 BTU IN/FT, HR.
F (or less) at 1" thick. For example, if the material
selected has a K factor of 0.25, such as glass fiber,
the following formula would apply:

0.25 x 1.0" = 0.30" thickness required

0.84

Thermal conductivity "K" of materials can be
obtained from the manufacturer or supplier of the
noncombustible material. If the hearth extension
is to be covered, use noncombustible material such
as tile, slate, brick, concrete, metal, glass, marble,

6"

Ref.

15" Min.

1

12

/

" Ref.

4

33°

3" Nom.

1

1

/

" Max.

2

Combustible
Material

Safe
Zone for
Projection of
Combustible
Materials

stone, etc. Provide a means to prevent the hearth
extension from shifting and seal gap between the
fireplace frame and hearth extension with a non
combustible material (see Figure 3).

WARNING: Hearth extension

is to be installed only as shown

-

12" Min.

Fireplace
Opening

Upper

Section of

Fireplace

in Figure 3.

Fireplace Front

Seal Gap

Ember Protector

Fireplace Front
Raised Hearth

Ember Protector

Hearth

Extension

Fireplace Front
Elevated

Seal Gap

Ember Protector

Figure 3 - Hearth Extension

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Top View of Fireplace

8.0"

33°

Min. to

Perpendicular

Side Wall

12"

Figure 4 - Mantel Clearances to

Combustible Material

2" Max.

3.0"

Combustible
Material Must
Not Overlap
Front Face

VENTING INSTALLATION

OPTIONAL OUTSIDE AIR KIT
(MODEL AK4/AK4F)

The installation of an outside air kit should be per­formed during the rough framing of the fireplace
due to the nature of it's location. Outside combus
tion air is accessed through a vented crawl space
(AK4F) or through a sidewall (AK4).

CAUTION: Combustion air
inlet ducts shall not terminate
in attic space.

Secure to Collars with Metal Tape,
Screws or Straps (Min. of 1/4" x 20"
in size)

Air Inlet
Location
Must Allow
For Bushes
or Snow

Air Inlet
Eyebrow

Vented Crawl Space
(Check Local Codes
Before Installing in a
Vented Crawl Space)

Figure 5 - Outside Air Kit

CHIMNEY PIPE

The DESA chimney system consists of 12", 18",
24", 36" and 48" snap-lock, double-wall pipe
segments, planned for maximum adaptability
to individual site requirements. Actual lengths
gained after fitting overlaps must be taken into
consideration (lineal gain) and are given in the
lineal gain chart (see Figure 6). Lineal gain is the
actual measurable length of a part after two or more
parts are connected. For Canada, use chimney parts
designated "HT".

WARNING: The opening in the
collar around the chimney at the
top of the fireplace must not be
obstructed. Never use blown insula­tion to fill the chimney enclosure.

Vent Hood
Required for
Wall Installation

LINEAL GAIN

PART NO.

42" Fireplace 44

12-8DM

12-8HT

18-8DM

-

18-8HT

24-8DM

24-8HT

36-8DM

36-8HT

48-8DM

48-8HT

RT-8DM Round Termination 6 7/8"

RTL-8DM Round Termination

RTT-8DM

RTTL-8DM

ET-8DM Square Chase-Top 12

ETO-8DM

ETL-8DM

ETLO-8DM

* The lineal gain for the terminations is mea­sured to the flue gas outlet height.

12" Galvanized
Outer Pipe

3

/

12

8

Stainless
Inner Pipe

DESCRIPTION GAIN

Pipe Section 10 5/8"

Pipe Section 16 5/8"

Pipe Section 23 5/8"

Pipe Section 34 5/8"

Pipe Section 46 5/8"

Round Termination

with Slip Section

Round Termination

with Slip Section

Square Chase-Top

with Mesh

Square Chase-Top

with Slip Section

Square Chase-Top

with Mesh & Slip

Section

"

Figure 6 - Lineal Gain

7" to 15"*

Hemmed
End

ASSEMBLY AND INSTALLATION OF
DOUBLE WALL CHIMNEY SYSTEM

Each double wall chimney section consists of a
galvanized outer pipe, a stainless steel inner flue
pipe and a wire spacer. The pipe sections must be as­sembled independently as the chimney is installed.
When connecting chimney directly to the fireplace,
the inner flue pipe section must be installed first
with the lanced side up. The outer pipe section can
then be installed over the flue pipe section with the
hemmed end up. Press down on each pipe section
until the lances securely engage the hem on the fire
place starter. The wire will assure the proper spacing
between the inner and outer pipe sections.

"

*
*

7 3/4"

6 7/8" to

23 1/8"*

8 1/2" to

21 1/2"*

*

"

*

12

"

12" to

25 1/2"

*

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111099-01C