PROPANE AND
NATURAL GAS
CONSTRUCTION HEATERS
OWNER’S MANUAL
Models: TC100VR and TC100VRNG
IMPORTANT: Read and understand this manual before assembling, starting, or servicing heater.
Improper use of heater can cause serious injury. Keep this manual for future reference.
GENERAL HAZARD WARNING:
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE PRECAUTIONS AND INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED WITH THIS
HEATER, CAN RESULT IN DEATH, SERIOUS BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY LOSS OR DAMAGE
FROM HAZARDS OF FIRE, EXPLOSION, BURN, ASPHYXIATION, CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
AND/OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK.
ONLY PERSONS WHO CAN UNDERSTAND AND FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS SHOULD USE OR
SERVICE THIS HEATER.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE OR HEATER INFORMATION SUCH AS AN INSTRUCTIONS MANUAL,
LABELS, ETC. CONTACT THE MANUFACTURER.
TC100VR (Propane) and TC100VRNG (Natural Gas)
100,000 BTU CONSTRUCTION HEATERs
SAFETY
INFORMATION
WARNINGS
WARNING: FIRE, BURN, INHALATION, AND EXPLOSION
HAZARD. KEEP SOLID COMBUSTIBLES, SUCH AS BUILDING MATERIALS, PAPER OR CARDBOARD, A SAFE DISTANCE
AWAY FROM THE HEATER AS
RECOMMENDED BY THE INSTRUCTIONS. NEVER USE THE
HEATER IN SPACES WHICH DO
OR MAY CONTAIN VOLATILE OR
AIRBORNE COMBUSTIBLES, OR
PRODUCTS SUCH AS GASOLINE, SOLVENTS, PAINT THINNER, DUST PARTICLES OR UNKNOWN CHEMICALS.
WARNING: NOT FOR HOME OR
RECREATIONAL VEHICLE USE.
The heater is designed for use as a construction
heater in accordance with ANSI Z83.7/CGA
2.14. Other standards govern the use of fuel
gases and heating products for specific uses.
Your local authority can advise you about
these. The primary purpose of construction
heaters is to provide temporary heating of
buildings under construction, alteration or repair. Properly used, the heater provides safe
economical heating. Products of combustion
are vented into the area being heated.
We cannot foresee every use which may be
made of our heaters. CHECK WITH
YOUR LOCAL FIRE SAFETY AUTHORITY IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS
ABOUT HEATER USE.
Other standards govern the use of fuel gases
and heat producing products for specific
uses. Your local authorities can advise you
about these.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Some people
are more affected by carbon monoxide than
others. Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with headaches,
dizziness, and/or nausea. If you have these
signs, the heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Check for
proper ventilation and have heater serviced.
Propane Gas: Propane gas is odorless. An
odor-making agent is added to propane gas.
The odor helps you detect a propane gas
leak. However, the odor added to propane
gas may fade. Propane gas may be present
even though no odor exists.
Natural Gas: Natural gas has a distinctive
odor. This odor helps you detect a natural
gas leak. However, the odor may 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.
• Install and use heater with care. Follow
all local ordinances and codes. In the
absence of local ordinances and codes,
refer to the Standard for Storage and
Handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas,
ANSI/NFPA 58 and the Natural Gas Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149.2. This
instructs on the safe storage and handling
of propane gases.
• For Model TC100VR, use only propane
gas set up for vapor withdrawal.
• For Model TC100VRNG, use only natural gas. Do not attempt to use with LP
gas.
• Provide adequate ventilation. Before using heater, provide at least a 3 square foot
opening of fresh, outside air.
• This heater produces carbon monoxide,
which is listed by the State of California
as a reproductive toxin under Proposition 65.
• For indoor use only. Do not use heater
outdoors.
• Keep heater away from strong drafts, wind,
water spray , rain, or dripping water.
• Do not use heater in occupied dwellings
or in living or sleeping quarters.
• Do not use heater in a basement or below ground level. If a leak occurs, gas
may collect into hazardous amounts.
• Keep appliance area clear and free from
combustible materials, gasoline, paint
thinner, and other flammable vapors and
liquids. Dust is combustible. Do not use
heater in areas with high dust content.
• Minimum heater clearances from combustibles: Sides: 6 feet, Top: 5 feet.
• For Model TC100VR, keep heater at
least six feet from propane tank(s).
• For Model TC100VR, keep propane
tank(s) below 100° F.
• Use only the hose and factory preset
regulator provided with the heater (if
used).
• Check heater for damage before each use.
Do not use a damaged heater.
• Check hose (if used) before each use of
heater. If highly worn or cut, replace with
hose specified by manufacturer before
using heater.
• Do not alter heater. Keep heater in its
original state.
• Do not use heater if altered.
• Locate heater on stable and level surface
if heater is hot or operating.
• Not intended for use on finished floors.
• Never block air inlet (bottom of shell) or
air outlet (around top of shell) of heater.
• Do not leave heater unattended.
• Keep children and animals away from
heater.
• Never move, handle, or service a hot or
operating heater. Severe burns may result. You must wait 20 minutes after turning heater off.
• To prevent injury , wear gloves when handling heater.
• Never attach duct work to heater.
• Turn off gas supply to heater when not
in use.
• Use only original replacement parts. This
heater must use design-specific parts. Do
not substitute or use generic parts. Improper replacement parts could cause
serious or fatal injuries.
UNPACKING
1. Remove all packing items applied to
heater for shipment. Keep plastic cover
caps (attached to valve inlet and hose/
regulator assembly) for storage.
2. Remove all items from carton.
3. Check all items for shipping damage.
If heater is damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.
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2
106179
OWNER’S MANUAL
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Shell
Thermocouple
Ignitor
Electrode
Burner
Tube
Base
Piezo Ignitor
Button
Figure 1 - Product Identification
THEORY OF
OPERATION
The Fuel System for Propane: The hose/
regulator assembly attaches to the propane
gas supply. This provides fuel to the heater.
The Fuel System for Natural Gas: The gas
supply attaches to the heater by a minimum
3/4 inch i.d. hose or flexible connector. User
must supply hose or flexible connector. The
length should be no more than 10 feet long.
The natural gas moves through the regulator
and out the nozzle.
The Ignition System: The piezo ignitor
lights the pilot fuel supply.
The Automatic Control System: The auto-
matic control valve shuts off the heater if the
flame goes out.
Top
Emitter
Upper Shield
Lower Shield
Base
Shield
M
U
I
D
E
M
H
G
I
H
Control
Knob
Valve Inlet
Hose/Regulator
Assembly for Propane
Regulator for
Natural Gas
PROPANE SUPPLY
(FOR MODEL TC100VR)
You must provide propane gas and propane
tank(s).
Use this heater only with a propane vapor
withdrawal supply system. See Chapter 5 of
the Standard for Storage and Handling of
Liquefied Petroleum Gas, ANSI/NFPA 58
and/or CAN/CGA B149.2.
or fire department will have this booklet.
The amount of propane gas ready for use
from propane tanks varies. Two factors decide this amount.
1. The amount of liquid propane gas in
tank(s)
2. The temperature of tank(s)
Your local library
The chart below shows the minimum number of 100-pound tanks needed to run the
heater. Connect tanks together with a manifold. Do not operate this product with any
tank smaller than 100 pounds.
Average Temp. (ºF) Number
At Tank location of Tanks
60º 2
40º 2
32º 2
20º 2
10º 3
0º 3
Less gas is vaporized at lower temperatures.
Two or more 100-pound tanks or one larger
tank may be needed in colder weather. Your
local propane gas dealer will help you select
the proper supply system.
NATURAL GAS
SUPPLY
(FOR MODEL TC100VRNA)
You must provide the natural gas supply and
the connections to the heater.
The natural gas supply must have a capacity
of 100 scfh at 6 inches water column to 14
inches water column.
Consult your natural gas supplier for proper
sizing of the natural gas supply lines.
Follow all local ordinances and codes. In the
absence of local ordinances and codes, refer
to the National Fuel Gas Code Handbook,
NFPA54/ANS Z223.1 and the Natural Gas
Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149.2.
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TC100VR (Propane) and TC100VRNG (Natural Gas)
100,000 BTU CONSTRUCTION HEATERs
SPECIFICATIONS
PROPANE MODEL TC100VR
LOW HI
Rating(Btu/Hr) 40,000 100,000
Fuel Propane Vapor Only
Fuel Consumption
Gallons/Hour .44 1.1
Pounds/Hour 1.86 4.6
Supply Pressure (To Regulator)
Maximum 200 psi
Minimum, for
input adjustment 20 psi
Manifold Pressure 25.6" w.c. 13.3" w.c.
Ignitor Gap .15"
Weight (Pounds) 30
Shipping Weight (Pounds) 35
Size - H x Dia. (Inches) 34 x 18
NATURAL GAS MODEL
TC100VRNG
LOW HI
Rating(Btu/Hr) 50,000 100,000
Fuel Natural Gas Only
Fuel Consumption
Cubic Ft/Hr 48 100
Supply Pressure (To Regulator)
Maximum 14 inches w.c.
Minimum, for
input adjustment 6 inches w.c.
Manifold Pressure 3.2" w.c. 2.8" w.c.
Ignitor Gap .15"
Weight (Pounds) 30
Shipping Weight (Pounds) 35
Size - H x Dia. (Inches) 34 x 18
VENTILATION
WARNING: Provide at least a
3 square foot opening of fresh,
outside air while running heater.
If proper fresh, outside air ventilation is not provided, carbon
monoxide poisoning can occur.
Provide proper fresh, outside air
ventilation before running heater.
FRESH OUTSIDE AIR OPENING
REQUIREMENTS
HEATER SQUARE FOOT
SIZE OPENING
100,000 Btu/Hr 3.0
INSTALLATION
PROPANE MODEL TC100VR
WARNING: Review and understand the warnings in the
Safety Information
2. They are needed to safely operate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.
WARNING: Test all gas piping and connections for leaks
after installation or servicing.
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.
1. Provide propane supply system (see
Propane Supply, page 3).
2. Connect fuel gas fitting on hose/regulator assembly to propane tank(s). Turn
fuel gas fitting counterclockwise into
threads on tank. Tighten firmly using a
wrench.
lator with vent pointing down. Pointing vent down protects regulator from
weather damage.
3. Connect hose to the valve inlet. Tighten
firmly using a wrench. You must use
the regulator supplied with heater even
if propane tank has one.
IMPORTANT:
section, page
Tighten regu-
4. Open propane supply valve on propane
tank(s) slowly.
slowly , excess-flow check valve on propane tank may stop gas flow. If this happens, you may hear a click inside the
regulator assembly, this is the check
valve closing. To reset the excess flow
check valve, close propane supply
valve and open again slowly.
5. Check all connections for leaks. Apply
mixture of liquid soap and water to gas
joints. Bubbles forming show a leak
that must be corrected.
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 that must be corrected. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Close propane supply valve.
Supply Valve
Fuel Gas
Fitting
Figure 2 - Regulator With Vent Pointing
Down
Figure 3 - Hose and Valve Inlet
Note:
If not opened
Regulator
Vent
(pointing
down)
Hose
Propane
Tank
Valve Inlet
Hose
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4
106179
OWNER’S MANUAL
INSTALLATION
Continued
NATURAL GAS MODEL
TC100VRNG
WARNING: Review and un-
derstand the warnings in the
Safety Information
2. They are needed to safely operate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.
WARNING: Test all gas piping and connections for leaks
after installation or servicing.
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.
1. Provide natural gas supply system.
2. Install plumbing to a low pressure natural gas source. The source must be regulated to 1/2 psi maximum 3/4 inch i.d.
hose or flexible connector not over 10
feet long.
3. Connect the hose to the regulator inlet.
Use thread sealing compound. Tighten
with a wrench
4. Open natural gas supply valve slowly.
5. Check all connections for leaks.
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 that must be corrected. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Close natural gas supply valve.
Figure 4 - Hose and Valve Inlet
section, page
Valve Inlet
Hose
OPERATION
WARNING: Review and un-
derstand the warnings in the
Safety Information
2. They are needed to safely operate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.
TO START HEATER
1. Follow all installation, ventilation, and
safety information.
2. Locate heater on stable and level surface. Make sure strong drafts do not
blow on heater.
3. Make sure unit is turned off by slightly
depressing and turning control knob
fully clockwise to OFF.
4. Open supply valve on gas slowly.
Note:
If not opened slowly, excessflow check valve on propane tank may
stop gas flow. If this happens, you may
hear a click inside the regulator assembly, this is the check valve closing. To
reset the excess flow check valve, close
propane supply valve and open again
slowly.
5. Slightly depress and turn control knob
counterclockwise to the LOW position
(see Figure 5 or 6).
6. With the control knob pushed all the way
in, press and release the piezo ignitor button. Keep pressing piezo ignitor button until the burner lights. Hold control knob
down for a maximum of 15 seconds while
attempting ignition. If heater does not ignite, release control knob and wait 3 minutes before attempting reignition.
7. After ignition, hold control knob down
for about 30 seconds. This activates the
automatic control system.
8. When burner remains lit, set heater at
the desired heat level by slightly depressing the control knob and turning it counterclockwise to the MED or HIGH settings (see Figure 5 or 6).
ter glows red on the HIGH setting only .
9. If burner goes out, turn off gas. Slightly
depress and turn control knob fully
clockwise to OFF. Check fuel supply.
If adequate fuel is available, wait 5
minutes, and restart heater beginning
at step #1.
section, page
Note:
The emit-
Continue Turning
Knob Counterclockwise to MED
and HI
Off
Position
MEDIUM
HIGH
START/
LOW
OFF
Start
/Low
Position
START/
MEDIUM
LOW
HIGH
OFF
Piezo
Ignitor
Button
M
U
I
D
E
M
H
G
I
H
Control
Knob
Figure 5 - Control Knob and Piezo Ignitor
Button Locations for Propane Model
TC100VR
Piezo Ignitor
Button
Position
MEDIUM
HIGH
R
A
T
S
H
G
I
H
Off
START/
LOW
OFF
Start
/Low
Position
START/
MEDIUM
LOW
HIGH
Control
OFF
Knob
Figure 6 - Control Knob, and Piezo Ignitor
Button Locations for Natural Gas Model
TC100VRNG
TO STOP HEATER
1. Tightly close gas supply valve. Allow
heater to burn remaining fuel in hose.
2. Shut off burner. Do this by pushing in
the control knob and turning clockwise
to the OFF position.
TO RESTART HEATER
1. Wait five minutes after stopping heater .
2. Restart heater by following steps under To Start Heater.
CAUTION: Running heater
below specified input rating may
cause flashback. During flashback, the burner flame is mostly
yellow. The flame will burn inside
the burner tube, causing a roaring noise. If flashback occurs,
turn heater off. After burner tube
cools, restart the heater.
106179
5
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TC100VR (Propane) and TC100VRNG (Natural Gas)
100,000 BTU CONSTRUCTION HEATERs
STORAGE
CAUTION: Disconnect heater
from propane supply tank(s) for
Model TC100VR.
1. For Model TC100VR, store propane
tank(s) in safe manner. Refer to Chapter
5 of Standard for Storage and Handling
of Liquefied Petroleum Gases, ANSI/
NFP A 58 and/or CAN/CGA B149.2. Fol-
low all local codes. Always store propane
tanks outdoors.
2. Place plastic cover caps over brass fittings on inlet connector and hose/regulator assembly.
3. Store in a dry, clean, and safe place.
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Never attempt to
service heater while it is connected to gas supply, operating,
or hot. Severe burns can occur.
1. Keep heater clean.
2. Inspect heater before each use. Check
connections for leaks. Apply mixture
of liquid soap and water to connections.
Bubbles forming show a leak that must
be corrected. Correct all leaks at once.
3. Inspect hose/regulator assembly, if
used, before each use. If hose is highly
worn or cut, replace.
4. Have heater inspected yearly by a qualified service person.
ACCESSORIES
Purchase these heater accessories and parts
from your nearest dealer or service center. If
they can not supply an accessory or part,
either contact your nearest Parts Central
(listed in the separate Authorized Service
Center booklet) or call DESA International’s
Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879. You
can also write to the address listed on the
back page of this manual.
Part Number Description
LPA4020 Fuel Gas Connector
for Propane Tanks
LPA3125 Hose and Regulator
Assembly
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
WARNING: Use only original
replacement parts. This heater
must use design-specific parts.
Do not substitute or use generic
parts. Improper replacement
parts could cause serious or fatal injuries. This will also protect
your warranty coverage for parts
replaced under warranty.
PARTS UNDER WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If
they can’t supply original replacement part(s),
either contact your nearest Parts Central or
call DESA International’s Technical Service
Department at 1-800-323-5190.
When calling DESA International, have ready
• your name
• your address
• model and serial numbers of your heater
• how heater was malfunctioning
• purchase date
In most cases, we will ask you to return the
defective part to the factory.
PARTS NOT UNDER
WARRANTY
Contact authorized dealers of this product.
If they can’t supply original replacement
part(s), either contact your nearest Parts
Central or call DESA International’s Parts
Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral
information.
When calling DESA International, have ready
• model number of your heater
• the replacement part number
For more information, visit www.desatech.com
6
106179
OWNER’S MANUAL
TROUBLESHOOTING
Note:
For additional help, call DESA
International’s Technical Service Department
at 1-800-323-5190 or visit our website at
www.desatech.com.
SYMPTOM
Burner fails to light
Burner lights but goes out when automatic
control valve button is released
WARNING: Never attempt to service heater while it is connected
to gas supply, operating, or hot. Severe burns can occur.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. (Propane model only) Propane supply
valve closed on propane tank(s)
2. Excess flow check valve closed
3. Blockage in burner orifice
4. Piezo ignition system not sparking
1. Not enough warm up time
2. Low gas pressure
3. Thermocouple loose or needs to be
replaced
4. Automatic control valve needs to be
replaced
REMEDY
1. (Propane model only) Open propane
supply valve slowly
2. Close propane supply valve on propane
tank and reopen slowly
3. Replace burner orifice
4. Check to assure ignitor electrode gap is
.15" Check wire lead for damage. Replace piezo ignitor and/or ignitor electrode as necessary
1. Relight, hold automatic control valve
button in 45 seconds
2. (Propane model only) Check propane
tank(s) for proper gas supply
(Natural gas model only) Check natural
gas supply
3. Tighten connection or replace thermocouple
4. Replace automatic control valve
Burn rate is low, emitter not glowing
Flames are extremely high coming out of
emitter
1. Control valve is on LOW
2. Blockage in burner orifice
3. Low gas pressure
4. Low fuel supply
1. (Natural gas model only) Unit has been
connected to propane gas instead of
natural gas
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1. Push and turn valve counter clockwise
to HIGH
2. Replace burner orifice
3. Check gas supply; check regulator
output
4. Consult gas supplier
1. (Natural gas model only) Check gas
source and replace with natural gas
106179
7
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TC100VR (Propane) and TC100VRNG (Natural Gas)
100,000 BTU CONSTRUCTION HEATERs
ILLUSTRATED
PARTS BREAKDOWN
8
12
9
4" Flame Spreader
Model TC100VRNG Only
(Natural Gas)
10
11
13
7
5
67
3
Model TC100VRNG
Only (Natural Gas)
14
15
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2
8
1
106179
OWNER’S MANUAL
PARTS LIST
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions
listed under Replacement Parts on page 6 of this manual.
KEY TC100VR TC100VRNG
NO. PART NO. PART NO. DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 103930-02 103930-03 Valve Assembly 1
2 103032-02 103032-03 Nozzle 1
3 099393-03 099393-03 Control Knob 1
4 103037-02 103037-02 Nozzle Locator 1
5 107374-01 107374-01 Thermocouple Kit 1
6 102445-01 102445-01 Piezo Ignitor 1
7 106184-01 106184-02 Burner Kit 1
8 104145-02 104145-02 Top Disk 1
9 103898-03 103898-03 Shell 1
10 106165-01 106165-01 Base Shield 1
11 106168-01 106168-02 Base 1
12 106173-01 106173-01 Emitter 1
13 106174-01 106174-02 Ignitor Electrode 1
14 – 104115-01 1/2 NPT to 1/4 NPT Bushing 1
15 – 103406-02 Regulator 1
PARTS AVAILABLE -- NOT SHOWN
098853-11 098853-12 Tradename Decal 1
104126-03 104126-05 Information Decal 1
106179-01 106179-01 Owner’s Manual 1
106185-01 106185-01 Indicator Decal 1
ACCESSORIES
LPA3110 Regulator and Hose Assembly
106179
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WARRANTY AND REPAIR SERVICE
KEEP THIS WARRANTY
LIMITED WARRANTY
DESA International warrants this product and any parts thereof, to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from
the date of first purchase when operated and maintained in accordance with instructions. This warranty is extended only to the original retail
purchaser, when proof of purchase is provided.
This warranty covers only the cost of parts and labor required to restore the product to proper operating condition. Transportation and incidental
costs associated with warranty repairs are not reimbursable under this warranty.
Warranty service is available only through authorized dealers and service centers.
This warranty does not cover defects resulting from misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, lack of proper maintenance, normal wear, alteration,
modification, tampering, contaminated fuels, repair using improper parts, or repair by anyone other than an authorized dealer or service center.
Routine maintenance is the responsibility of the owner.
THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ANY OTHER WARRANTY EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OR MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
DESA International assumes no responsibility for indirect, incidental or consequential damages. Some states do not allow the exclusion or
limitation of incidental or consequential damages, or limitations or exclusions may not apply to you. This Limited Warranty gives you specific
legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
This warranty does not cover discoloration due to operation of heater. We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without
notice. The only warranty applicable is our standard written warranty. We make no other warranty, expressed or implied.
WARRANTY SERVICE
Should your heater require service, return it to your nearest authorized service center. Proof of purchase must be presented with the heater. The
heater will be inspected. A defect may be caused by faulty materials or workmanship. If so, DESA International will repair or replace the heater
without charge.
REPAIR SERVICE
Return your heater to your nearest authorized service center. Repairs not covered by the warranty will be billed at standard prices. Each Service
Center is independently owned and operated. We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without notice.
For information, write: DESA International, P.O. Box 90004
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42102-9004
ATTN: Customer Service Department
When writing, always include model number and serial number.
Model
Serial No.
Date of Purchase
INTERNATIONAL
2701 Industrial Drive
P.O. Box 90004
Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004
www.desatech.com
106179 01
NOT A UPC
106179-01
Rev. C
11/00
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