Page 1
INFRARED VENT-FREE NATURAL GAS HEATER
®
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
®
MODELS: VN6C AND VN10
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.
—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 performed by a qualified installer, service agency, or the
gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in which
it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion must be provided. Refer to page 3 of this
manual.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home, where not
prohibited by state or local codes.
* Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer
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.
Save this manual for future reference.
Page 2
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
SAFETY
INFORMATION
WARNINGS
WARNING ICON G 001
IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s
Manual carefully and completely
before trying to assemble, operate, or service this heater. Improper use of this heater can
cause serious injury or death from
burns, fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning.
DANGER: Carbon monoxide
poisoning may lead to death!
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early
signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with headaches, dizziness,
or nausea. If you have these signs, the heater
may not be working properly. Get fresh air
at once! Have heater serviced. Some people
are more affected by carbon monoxide than
others. These include pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia,
those under the influence of alcohol, and
those at high altitudes.
Natural Gas: Natural gas is odorless. An
odor-making agent is added to natural gas.
The odor helps you detect a natural gas leak.
However, the odor added to natural gas can
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.
WARNING: Any change to this heater or
its controls can be dangerous.
1. 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.
2. If you smell gas
• shut off gas supply
• 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
3. Heater model VN10 shall not be installed in a bathroom.
4. Never install the heater
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or
other flammable objects are less than
36 inches from the front, top, or sides
of the heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
5. Always run heater with control knob
at LOW or HIGH locked positions
(VN10) or ON position (VN6C). Never
set control knob between locked positions. Poor combustion may result.
6. This heater needs fresh, outside air ventilation to run properly . This heater has
an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot light safety system. The ODS shuts
down the heater if not enough fresh air
is available. See Air for Combustion
and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.
7. Keep all air openings in front and bottom of heater clear and free of debris.
This will insure enough air for proper
combustion.
8. If heater shuts off, do not relight until
you provide fresh, outside air. If heater
keeps shutting off, have it serviced.
9. Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors
are used or stored
• under dusty conditions
10. Never place any objects on the heater.
11. Surface of heater becomes very hot
when running heater. Keep children and
adults away from hot surface to avoid
burns or clothing ignition. Heater will
remain hot for a time after shut-down.
Allow surface to cool before touching.
12. Carefully supervise young children
when they are in same room with
heater.
13. Make sure grill guard is in place before running heater.
14. Do not use 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.
15. Turn off heater and let cool before ser vicing. Only a qualified service person
should service and repair heater.
16. Operating heater above elevations of
4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
2
101851
Page 3
OWNER’S MANUAL
PRODUCT
IDENTIFICATION
Piezo Ignitor Button
Control Knob
Front Panel
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Natural Gas Heater (Model VN10 Shown)
LOCAL CODES
Install and use heater with care. Follow all
local codes. In the absence of local codes,
use the latest edition of National Fuel Gas
Code ANSI Z223.1, also known as NFPA
54*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
PRODUCT
FEATURES
SAFETY PILOT
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen
Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).
The ODS/pilot is a required feature for ventfree room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts off
the heater if there is not enough fresh air.
PIEZO IGNITION SYSTEM
This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system
requires no matches, batteries, or other
sources to light heater.
UNPACKING
1. Remove heater from carton.
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to heater for shipment.
3. Check heater for any shipping damage.
If heater is damaged, promptly inform
dealer where you bought heater.
Grill Guard
Burners
Heater
Cabinet
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
WARNING: This heater shall
not be installed in a confined
space unless provisions are provided for adequate combustion
and ventilation air. Read the following instructions to insure
proper fresh air for this and other
fuel-burning appliances in your
home.
Today’s homes are built more energy efficient than ever. New materials, increased
insulation, and new construction methods
help reduce heat loss in homes. Home owners weather strip and caulk around windows
and doors to keep the cold air out and the
warm air in. During heating months, home
owners want their homes as airtight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy
efficient, your home needs to breathe. Fresh
air must enter your home. All fuel-burning
appliances need fresh air for proper combustion and ventilation.
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and
fuel burning appliances draw air from the
house to operate. You must provide adequate fresh air for these appliances. This
will insure proper venting of vented fuelburning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE
VENTILATION
The following is exerpts from National Fuel
Gas Code. NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section
5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation.
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three
following ventilation classifications:
1. Unusually Tight Contruction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.
The information on pages 4 and 5 will help
you classify your space and provide adequate ventilation.
Continued
101851
3
Page 4
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Continued
UNUSUALLY TIGHT
CONSTRUCTION
The air that leaks around doors and windows may provide enough fresh air for
combustion and ventilation. However, in
buildings of unusually tight construction,
you must provide additional fresh air.
Unusually tight construction is
defined as construction where:
a.walls and ceilings exposed to
the outside atmosphere have a
continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm
-11
(6x10
less with openings gasketed or
sealed
b.weather stripping has been
added on openable windows
and doors
c.caulking or sealants are ap-
plied to areas such as joints
around window and door
frames, between sole plates
and floors, between wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels,
at penetrations for plumbing,
electrical, and gas lines, and at
other openings.
If your home meets all of the three
criteria above, you must provide additional fresh air. See
From Outdoors
If your home does not meet all of the
three criteria above, proceed to
mining Fresh-Air Flow For Heater Location
.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code (ANSIZ2123.1,
1992 Section 5.3) defines a confined space
as a space whose volume is less than 50
cubic feet per 1,000 Btu per hour (4.8 m3 per
kw) of the aggregate input rating of all
appliances installed in that space and an
unconfined space as a space whose volume
is not less than 50 cubic feet per 1,000 Btu
per hour (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate
input rating of all appliances installed in that
kg per pa-sec-m2) or
and
and
Ventilation Air
, page 5
.
Deter-
space. Rooms communicating directly with
the space in which the appliances are installed*, through openings not furnished
with doors, are considered a part of the
unconfined space.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only
if there are doorless passageways or ventilation grills between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR
FLOW FOR HEATER
LOCATION
Determining if You Have a
Confined or Unconfined Space
Use this worksheet to determine if you have
a confined or unconfined space.
Space: Includes the room in which you
will install heater plus any adjoining rooms
with doorless passageways or ventilation
grills between the rooms.
1. Determine the volume of the space
(length x width x height).
Length x Width x Height =
__________ cu. ft. (volume of space)
Example:
Space size 20 ft. (length) x 16 ft.
(width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =
2560 cu. ft. (volume of space)
If additional ventilation to adjoining
room is supplied with grills or openings, add the volume of these rooms to
the total volume of the space.
2. Divide the space volume by 50 cubic
feet to determine the maximum Btu/Hr
the space can support.
________ (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu.
ft. = (Maximum Btu/Hr the space can
support)
Example:
space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 51.2 or 51,200
(maximum Btu/Hr the space can support)
3. Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater __________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* ________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace _____________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater _________ Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs ________ Btu/Hr
Other gas appliances*+ ____ Btu/Hr
Total = ____ Btu/Hr
2560 cu. ft. (volume of
Example:
Gas water heater 40,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free heater + 10,000 Btu/Hr
Total = 50,000 Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appli-
ances. Direct-vent draws combustion
air from the outdoors and vents to the
outdoors.
4. Compare the maximum Btu/Hr the
space can support with the actual
amount of Btu/Hr used.
__________ Btu/Hr (maximum the
space can support)
__________ Btu/Hr (actual amount of
Btu/Hr used)
Example:
The space in the above example is a confined space because the actual Btu/Hr used
is more than the maximum Btu/Hr the space
can support. You must provide additional
fresh air. Your options are as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See
C. Install a lower Btu/Hr heater, if lower
If the actual Btu/Hr used is less than the
maximum Btu/Hr the space can support, the
space is an unconfined space. You will need
no additional fresh air ventilation.
the heater may be operated is
smaller than that defined as an
unconfined space, provide adequate combustion and ventilation air by one of the methods
described in the
Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1, 1992,
Section 5.3 or applicable local
codes.
46,100 Btu/Hr (maximum
the space can support)
50,000 Btu/Hr (actual
amount of Btu/Hr used)
an adjoining room. If the extra space
provides an unconfined space, remove
door to adjoining room or add ventilation grills between rooms. See V entila-
tion Air From Inside Building, page 5.
V entilation Air From Outdoors, page 5.
Btu/Hr size makes room unconfined.
WARNING: If the area in which
National Fuel
4
101851
Page 5
AIR FOR
COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION
Continued
VENTILATION AIR
OWNER’S MANUAL
12"
Ventilation Air From Inside
Building
This fresh air would come from an adjoining
unconfined space. When ventilating to an
adjoining unconfined space, you must provide two permanent openings: one within
12" of the ceiling and one within 12" of the
floor on the wall connecting the two spaces
(see options 1 and 2, Figure 2). You can also
remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2). Follow the National Fuel
Gas Code NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section
5.3, Air for Combustion and Ventilation for
required size of ventilation grills or ducts.
WARNING: Rework worksheet, adding the space of the
adjoining unconfined space. The
combined spaces must have
enough fresh air to supply all
appliances in both spaces.
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation
grills or ducts. You must provide two permanent openings: one within 12" of the
ceiling and one within 12" of the floor.
Connect these items directly to the outdoors
or spaces open to the outdoors. These spaces
include attics and crawl spaces.
IMPORTANT:
for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a
thermostat-controlled power vent. Heated
air entering the attic will activate the power
vent.
Do not provide openings
Ventilation
Grills
into Adjoining
Room,
Option 1
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building
Or
Remove
Door into
Adjoining
Room,
Option 3
Outlet
Air
12"
Ventilated
Attic
Outlet
Air
Ventilation Grills
Into Adjoining Room,
Option 2
To Attic
101851
Inlet
Air
Inlet Air
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors
5
To
Crawl
Space
Ventilated
Crawl Space
Page 6
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
36"
3"
FLOOR
CEILING
Minimum
Minimum To Top Surfac
Of Carpeting, Tile Or Ot
Combustible Material
8"
Minimum
From
Sides Of
Heater
Right
Side
Left
Side
NATURAL GAS HEATER
INSTALLING TO
WALL
NOTICE: A qualified service person must install heater. Follow
all local codes.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is
not natural, do not install heater. Call dealer
where you bought heater for proper type
heater.
INSTALLATION ITEMS
Before installing heater, make sure you have
the items listed below.
• piping (check local codes)
• sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
• manual shutoff valve *
• ground joint union
• test gauge connection * (see Figure
12, page 8).
• sediment trap
• tee joint
• pipe wrench
* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff
valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See
Accessory, page 15.
LOCATING HEATER
This heater is designed to be mounted on a
wall.
WARNING: Maintain the mini-
mum clearances shown in Figure
4. If you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and joining wall.
WARNING: Never install the
heater
• in a bathroom (VN10 only)
• in a recreational vehicle
• where curtains, furniture,
clothing, or other flammable
objects are less than 36 inches
from the front, top, or sides of
the heater
• as a fireplace insert
• in high traffic areas
• in windy or drafty areas
CAUTION: This heater creates warm air currents. These
currents move heat to wall surfaces next to heater. Installing
heater next to vinyl or cloth wall
coverings or operating heater
where impurities in the air (such
as tobacco smoke) exist, may
discolor walls.
Minimum To
Top Surface
Of Carpeting,
Tile or Other
Combustible
Material
Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As Viewed
From Front of Heater
INSTALLING HEATER TO
WALL
Marking Screw Locations
1. Determine where you will locate heater.
WARNING: Maintain minimum
clearances shown in Figure 5. If
you can, provide greater clearances from floor and joining wall.
IMPORTANT:
Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial,
installing heater in rooms without enough
ventilation air may cause mildew to form
from too much moisture. See Air for Com-
bustion and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.
CAUTION: If you install the
heater in a home garage
• heater pilot and burner must
be at least 18 inches above
floor
• locate heater where moving
vehicle will not hit it
For convenience and efficiency, install heater
• where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service
• in coldest part of room
6
2. Mark two mounting screw locations on
wall (see Figure 5).
10 7/8"
Minimum To
Maintain 8"
Clearance
From Wall
JOINING WALL
Figure 5 - Mounting Screw Locations
7 3/4"
Mounting
Screw
Locations
FLOOR
20 1/4"
Minimum To
Maintain 3"
Clearance
From Floor
101851
Page 7
OWNER’S MANUAL
e
her
INSTALLING TO
WALL
Continued
INSTALLING TWO
MOUNTING SCREWS
Note:
Wall anchors and mounting screws
are in hardware package. The hardware package is provided with heater.
Attaching to wall stud method
For attaching mounting screw to wall stud
1. Drill hole at marked location using 9/
64" drill bit.
2. Insert mounting screw into wall stud.
3. Tighten screw until 1/16" space (thick-
ness of penny) is between screwhead
and wall.
Attaching to wall anchor
method
Follow instructions below to attach mounting screws to hollow walls (wall areas between studs) or solid walls (concrete or
masonry).
1. Drill holes at marked locations using
5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete
or masonry), drill at least 1 1/4" deep.
2. Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).
5. Tighten two screws until 1/16" space
(thickness of penny) is between
screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).
Thin or Thick
Wall
(thick wall
shown)
1/16"
Space
Solid
Wall
Figure 8 - Tightening Anchors
PLACING HEATER ON
MOUNTING SCREWS
1. Locate two keyhole slots on back panel
of heater (see Figure 9).
2. Place large openings of slots over
screwheads. Slide heater down until
screws are in small portion of slots.
Keyhole Slots
Figure 9 - Location Of Keyhole Slots On
Back Panel Of Heater
INSTALLING BOTTOM
MOUNTING SCREW
1. Locate bottom mounting hole. This
hole is near bottom on back panel of
heater (see Figure 11).
2. Mark screw location on wall.
3. Remove heater from wall.
4. If installing bottom mounting screw
into hollow or solid wall, install wall
anchor. Follow steps 1 through 5 under
Attaching To Wall Anchor Method.
If installing bottom mounting screw
into wall stud, drill hole at marked location using 9/64" drill bit.
5. Replace heater on wall.
6. Insert bottom anchor screw through
back panel into bottom anchor or drilled
hole (see Figure 11).
7. Tighten screw until heater is firmly secured to wall. Do not over tighten.
Note:
Do not replace front panel at this
time. Replace front panel after making
gas connections and checking for leaks
(see pages 8 and 9).
Figure 6 - Folding Anchor
3. Insert wall anchor (wings first) into
hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.
4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red
key into wall anchor. Push red key to
“pop” open anchor wings (see Figure
7).
IMPORTANT:
For thick walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid
walls, do not pop open wings.
Figure 7 - Popping Open Anchor Wings
For Thin Walls
101851
Do not hammer key!
Thin Walls
(1/4" to 1/2" thick)
REMOVING FRONT PANEL
OF HEATER
1. Remove two screws near bottom corners of front panel.
2. Lift straight up on grill guard until it
stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4".
3. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then
down.
Figure 10 - Removing Front Panel Of
Heater
7
Figure 11 - Installing Bottom Mounting
Screw
Page 8
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
CONNECTING TO
GAS SUPPLY
NOTICE: A qualified service person must connect heater to gas
supply. Follow all local codes.
WARNING: Never connect
heater to private (non-utility) gas
wells. This gas is commonly
known as well-head gas.
IMPORTANT:
fore connecting heater to gas line. Gas line
pressure must be no greater than 14 inches
of water. If gas line pressure is higher,
heater regulator damage could occur.
CAUTION: Use only new,
black iron or steel pipe. Internally-tinned copper tubing may
be used in certain areas. Check
your local codes. Use pipe 3/8"
diameter or greater to allow
proper gas volume to heater. If
pipe is too small, undue loss of
pressure will occur.
Installation must include a manual shutoff
valve, ground joint union, and plugged 1/8"
NPT tap. Locate NPT tap within reach for
test gauge hook up. NPT tap must be upstream from heater (see Figure 12).
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male
threads. This will prevent excess sealant
from going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe
could result in clogged heater valves.
Check gas line pressure be-
IMPORTANT:
Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping and/
or fittings.
Pressure
Regulator
3/8" NPT
Pipe Nipple
Manual
Shutoff
Valve *
From
Gas Meter
(4" W.C. to
10.5" W.C.
Pressure)
3" Minimum
Ground Joint
Union
Tee Joint
Reducer
Bushing to
1/8" NPT
1/8" NPT
Plug Tap
Tee
Joint
Pipe
Nipple
Cap
Heater
Cabinet
Test
Gauge
Connection *
Sediment
Trap
* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified manual
shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 15.
Figure 12 - Gas Connection
CAUTION: Use pipe joint sealant that is resistant to liquid petroleum (LP) gas.
Install sediment trap in supply line as shown
in Figure 12. Locate sediment trap where it
is within reach for cleaning. Locate sediment trap where trapped matter is not likely
to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture
and contaminants. This keeps them from
going into heater controls. If sediment trap
is not installed or is installed wrong, heater
may not run properly.
8
101851
Page 9
OWNER’S MANUAL
CHECKING GAS
CONNECTIONS
WARNING: Test all gas piping and connections for leaks
after installing or servicing. Correct all leaks at once.
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. Correct all leaks at
once.
PRESSURE TESTING GAS
SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2
PSIG
1. Disconnect heater and its individual
manual shutoff valve from gas supply
piping system. Pressures in excess of
1/2 PSIG will damage heater regulator.
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where
manual shutoff valve was connected.
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening
main gas valve located on or near gas
meter.
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping
system. Apply mixture of liquid soap
and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
Test Pressures Equal To or
Less Than 1/2 PSIG
1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening
main gas valve located on or near gas
meter.
3. Check all joints from gas meter to
manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show
a leak.
4. Correct all leaks at once.
PRESSURE TESTING
HEATER GAS
CONNECTIONS
1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure
13).
2. Open main gas valve located on or near
gas meter.
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in
the OFF position.
4. Check all joints from manual shutoff
valve to control valve (see Figure 14).
Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show
a leak.
5. Correct all leaks at once.
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater,
pages 9 through 11). Check all other
internal joints for leaks.
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to
Appliance, page 10).
8. Replace front panel.
ON
Open
POSITION
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
OFF
Closed
POSITION
Figure 13 - Manual Shutoff Valve
Control Valve
Location
Gas Meter
Manual
Shutoff
Valve
Figure 14 - Checking Gas Joints
OPERATING
HEATER
FOR YOUR SAFETY
READ BEFORE
LIGHTING
WARNING: If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a
fire or explosion may result causing property damage, personal
injury or loss of life.
A. This appliance has a pilot which must
be lighted by hand. When lighting the
pilot, follow these instructions exactly.
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all
around the appliance area for gas. Be
sure to smell next to the floor because
some gas is heavier than air and will
settle on the floor.
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 a neighbor’s phone. Follow
the gas supplier’s instructions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn
the gas control knob. Never use tools.
If the knob will not push in or turn
by hand, don’t try to repair it, call a
qualified service technician or gas
supplier. Force or attempted repair
may result in a fire or explosion.
D. Do not use this appliance if any part
has been under water. Immediately
call a qualified service technician to
inspect the appliance and to replace
any part of the control system and
any gas control which has been under water.
101851
9
Page 10
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
ON
OFF
PILOT
OFF
NATURAL GAS HEATER
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
LIGHTING
INSTRUCTIONS
1. STOP! Read the safety information
above.
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is
fully open.
3. Turn contr ol knob clockwise
to the OFF position.
Piezo Ignitor Button
PILOT
IGNITOR
Figure 15 - Control Knob In The OFF
Position (Model VN10 Shown)
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any
gas. Then smell for gas, including
near the floor. If you smell gas,
STOP! Follow “B” in the safety information at the beginning of Oper-
ating Heater. If you don’t smell gas,
go to the next step.
5. Press in control knob, and turn counterclockwise
tion. Keep control knob pressed for
five seconds.
Note:
heater for the first time after hooking up to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed
in for 30 seconds. This will allow
air to bleed from the gas system.
• If control knob does not pop up
6. With control knob pressed in, push
down and release ignitor button. This
will light pilot. The pilot is attached
to the front of burner . If needed, keep
pressing ignitor button until pilot
lights.
Note:
to Troubleshooting, pages 12
through 14. Also contact a quali-
LOW
HIGH
C-clockwise
You may be running this
when released, contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs.
If pilot does not light, refer
Clockwise
Control Knob
OFF
to pilot posi-
fied service person or gas supplier
for repairs. Until repairs ar e made,
light pilot with match. To light pilot with match, see Manual Light-
ing Procedure, page 11.
Ignitor Electrode
Thermocouple
Figure 16 - Pilot
Pilot Burner
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 10
seconds after lighting pilot. After 10
seconds, release control knob.
Note:
If pilot goes out, repeat steps
3 through 7.
TO SELECT HEATING
LEVEL
WARNING: When running
heater, set control knob at LOW
or HIGH locked positions (VN10)
or ON position (VN6C). Never set
control knob between locked
positions. Poor combustion and
higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.
CAUTION: Do not try to adjust
heating levels by using the
manual shutoff valve.
1. Slightly press in control knob and
turn counterclockwise
LOW or HIGH positions (VN10) or
ON position (VN6C).
IMPORTANT:
Release downward
pressure while turning control knob.
Control knob will lock at the desired
position.
C-clockwise
to the
Control VN10
Knob Burners
OFF
PILOT
LOW
OFF
PILOT
HIGH
OFF
Control VN6C
Knob Burner
Figure 17 - Burner Patterns
TO TURN OFF GAS
TO APPLIANCE
Shutting Off Heater
1. Turn control knob clockwise
to the OFF position.
Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot
stays lit)
1. Turn control knob clockwise
to the PILOT position.
Clockwise
Clockwise
10
101851
Page 11
OWNER’S MANUAL
OPERATING
HEATER
Continued
MANUAL LIGHTING
PROCEDURE
1. Remove front panel (see Figure 10,
page 7).
2. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Light-
ing Instructions, page 10.
3. With control knob pressed in, strike
match. Hold match to pilot until pilot lights.
4. Keep control knob pressed in for 10
seconds after pilot is lit. After 10 seconds, release control knob.
5. Replace front panel.
INSPECTING
BURNER
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame
pattern often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 18 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 19 shows an incorrect pilot
flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is
not touching the thermocouple. This will
cause the thermocouple to cool. When the
thermocouple cools, the heater will shut
down.
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 19
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas
to Appliance, page 10)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 12
through 14
BURNER FLAME PATTERN
Figure 20 shows a correct burner flame
pattern. Figure 21 shows an incorrect burner
flame pattern.
Figure 20 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern
(Model VN10 Shown)
CLEANING AND
MAINTENANCE
WARNING: Turn off heater
and let cool before cleaning.
CAUTION: You must keep
control areas, burner, and circulating air passageways of heater
clean. Inspect these areas of
heater before each use. Have
heater inspected yearly by a qualified service person. Heater may
need more frequent cleaning due
to excessive lint from carpeting,
bedding material, etc.
ODS/PILOT AND BURNER
ORIFICE
• Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized
air, or small, soft bristled brush to
clean.
CABINET
Air Passageways
• Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized
air to clean.
Exterior
• Use a soft cloth dampened with a
mild soap and water mixture. Wipe
the cabinet to remove dust.
Pilot Burner
Thermocouple
Figure 18 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern
Thermocouple
Figure 19 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
101851
GRH/OV 009GOOD PILOT
Pilot Burner
GRH/OV 010BAD PILOT
Figure 21 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern
(Model VN10 Shown)
If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown
in Figure 21
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas
to Appliance, page 10)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 12
through 14
11
Page 12
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
TROUBLESHOOTING
Note:
All troubleshooting items are listed
in order of operation.
OBSERVED PROBLEM
When ignitor button is pressed and control
knob is pressed in and turned to the PILOT
position, there is no spark at ODS/pilot
When ignitor button is pressed and control
knob is pressed in and turned to the PILOT
position, there is spark at ODS/pilot but no
ignition
WARNING: Turn off heater
and let cool before servicing. Only
a qualified service person should
service and repair heater.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Ignitor electrode positioned wrong
2. Ignitor electrode broken
3. Ignitor electrode not connected to ignitor cable
4. Ignitor cable pinched or wet
5. Piezo ignitor nut is loose
6. Broken ignitor cable
7. Bad piezo ignitor
1. Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff
valve closed
2. Control knob not in PILOT position
3. Control knob not pressed in while in
PILOT position
4. Air in gas lines when installed
5. ODS/pilot is clogged
6. Gas regulator setting is not correct
CAUTION: Never use a wire,
needle, or similar object to clean
ODS/pilot. This can damage ODS/
pilot unit.
REMEDY
1. Replace ignitor
2. Replace ignitor
3. Reconnect ignitor cable
4. Free ignitor cable if pinched by any
metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry
5. Tighten nut holding piezo ignitor to
heater cabinet. Nut is located inside
heater cabinet at top.
6. Replace ignitor cable
7. Replace piezo ignitor
1. Turn on gas supply or open manual
shutoff valve
2. Turn control knob to PILOT position
3. Press in control knob while in PILOT
position
4. Continue holding down control knob.
Repeat igniting operation until air is removed
5. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
6. Replace gas regulator
ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when
control knob is released
1. Control knob not fully pressed in
2. Control knob not pressed in long enough
3. Manual shutoff valve not fully open
4. Thermocouple connection loose at control valve
5. Pilot flame not touching thermocouple,
which allows thermocouple to cool,
causing pilot flame to go out. This problem could be caused by one or both of
the following:
A) Low gas pressure
B) Dirty or partially clogged ODS/
pilot
6. Thermocouple damaged
7. Control valve damaged
12
1. Press in control knob fully
2. After ODS/pilot lights, keep control
knob pressed in 10 seconds
3. Fully open manual shut-off valve
4. Hand tighten until snug, then tighten 1/4
turn more
5. A) Contact local natural gas company
B) Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/
pilot assembly
6. Replace thermocouple
7. Replace control valve
101851
Page 13
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
OWNER’S MANUAL
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Burner(s) does not light after ODS/pilot is
lit
Delayed ignition of burner(s)
Burner backfiring during combustion
Burner plaque(s) does not glow
Slight smoke or odor during initial operation
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Burner orifice(s) is clogged
2. Burner orifice(s) diameter is too small
3. Inlet gas pressure is too low
1. Manifold pressure is too low
2. Burner orifice(s) is clogged
1. Burner orifice(s) is clogged or damaged
2. Inlet gas pressure is too low
3. Burner damaged
4. Gas regulator defective
1. Plaque damaged
2. Inlet gas pressure is too low
3. Control knob set between locked positions
1. Residues from manufacturing processes
REMEDY
1. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning
and Maintenance, page 11) or replace
burner orifice(s)
2. Replace burner orifice(s)
3. Contact local natural gas company
1. Contact local natural gas company
2. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning
and Maintenance, page 11) or replace
burner orifice(s)
1. Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning
and Maintenance, page 11) or replace
burner orifice(s)
2. Contact local natural gas company
3. Replace burner
4. Replace gas regulator
1. Replace burner
2. Contact local natural gas company
3. Turn control knob until it locks at desired setting
1. Problem will stop after a few hours of
operation
Heater produces a clicking/ticking noise
just after burner is lit or shut off
WARNING: If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply.
• 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.
IMPORTANT:
supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new carpet or textiles,
etc., create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and create odors.
101851
Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors. Cleaning
1. Metal expanding while heating or contracting while cooling
13
1. This is common with most heaters. If
noise is excessive, contact qualified service person
Page 14
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
TROUBLESHOOTING
Continued
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Heater produces unwanted odors
Heater shuts off in use (ODS operates)
WARNING: If you smell gas
• Shut off gas supply.
• 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.
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Heater burning vapors from paint, hair
spray, glues, etc. See
statement above
2. Gas leak. See Warning statement be-
low
1. Not enough fresh air is available
2. Low line pressure
3. ODS/pilot is partially clogged
IMPORTANT
REMEDY
1. Ventilate room. Stop using odor -causing
products while heater is running
2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, pages 8 and 9)
1. Open window and/or door for ventilation
2. Contact local natural gas company
3. Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and
Maintenance, page 11)
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Gas odor even when control knob is in OFF
position
Gas odor during combustion
Moisture/condensation noticed on windows
POSSIBLE CAUSE
1. Gas leak. See Warning statement
above
2. Control valve defective
1. Foreign matter between control valve
and burner
2. Gas leak. See Warning statement
above
1. Not enough combustion/ventilation air
REMEDY
1. Locate and correct all leaks (see Checking Gas Connections, page 9)
2. Replace control valve
1. Take apart gas tubing and remove foreign matter
2. Locate and correct all leaks (see Check-
ing Gas Connections, page 9)
1. Refer to Air for Combustion and Venti-
lation requirements (page 3)
14
101851
Page 15
OWNER’S MANUAL
TECHNICAL
SERVICE
You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting.
If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-5190.
SERVICE
PUBLICATIONS
You can purchase a service manual from the
address listed on the back page of this
manual. Send a check for $5.00 payable to
DESA International.
SPECIFICA TIONS
VN10 VN6C
Btu (Variable) 5,500/10,000 6,000
Type Gas Natural Only Natural Only
Ignition Piezo Piezo
Pressure Regulator
Setting 3" W.C. 3" W.C.
Inlet Gas Pressure (inches of water)
Maximum 10.5" 10.5"
Minimum 4" 4"
Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D)
Heater 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5
Carton 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2
Weight (pounds)
Heater 14 13
Shipping 18 17
SERVICE HINTS
When gas pressure is too low
• pilot will not stay lit
• burner(s) will have delayed ignition
• heater will not produce specified heat
When gas quality is bad
• pilot will not stay lit
• burner(s) will produce flames and
soot
• heater will backfire when lit
You may feel your gas pressure is too low or
gas quality is bad. If so, contact your local
natural gas supplier.
ACCESSORY
Purchase this heater accessory from your
local dealer. If they cannot supply this accessory, call DESA International’s Parts
Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral
information. You can also write to the address listed on the back page of this manual.
MANUAL
SHUTOFF
VALVE GA5010
Manual shutoff
valve with 1/8"
NPT tap.
REPLACEMENT
PARTS
Note:
Use only original replacement parts.
This will protect your warranty coverage for
parts replaced under warranty.
Parts Under Warranty
Contact authorized dealer from whom you
purchased this product. If they cannot supply original replacement part(s), call DESA
International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-5190 for referral information.
When contacting your dealer or DESA International, have ready:
• your name
• your address
• model number of your heater
• how heater was malfunctioning
• type of gas used (propane/LP or natural gas)
• purchase date
Usually, we will ask you to return the defective part to the factory.
Parts Not Under Warranty
Contact authorized dealers of this product.
If they cannot supply original replacement
part(s), 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
101851
15
Page 16
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
PARTS LIST
VN6C
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions
listed under Replacement Parts on page 15 of this manual.
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
2 099467-03 Front Panel Assembly 1
3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1
4 101108-01 Grill Guard Clip 2
5 099469-01 Reflector Assembly 1
6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 9
7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1
7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1
7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1
8 099884-01 Burner Assembly 1
9 099056-04 Injector 1
10 099390-01 Tubing - Valve to burner 1
11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1
12 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1
13 100829-01 Control Valve 1
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
14 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1
15 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1
16 099468-10 Cabinet Assembly 1
17 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1
18 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2
19 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1
20 099393-02 Control Knob 1
21 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
22 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1
23 102445-01 Piezo Ignitor 1
24 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1
PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN
099395-08 Control Position Label 1
100642-02 Assembly, Hardware 1
23
20
16
19
22
HEATER EXPLODED VIEW
24
8
4
7
6
21
24
5
6
3
13
11
15
7-1
7-2
2
1
ODS/PILOT
12
9
18
17
14
10
GRHVP5B
GRHpv013.V
16
101851
Page 17
OWNER’S MANUAL
PARTS LIST
VN10
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed
under Replacement Parts on page 15 of this manual.
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
1 098304-01 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
2 099467-03 Front Panel Assembly 1
3 099318-03 Grill Guard 1
4 101108-01 Grill Guard Clip 2
5 099469-02 Reflector Assembly 1
6 M15823-37 Screw Hex #8 x 1/4" 10
7 503329 ODS/Pilot Assembly 1
7-1 098514-01 Thermocouple 1
7-2 098594-01 Ignitor Electrode 1
8 099884-02 Burner Assembly 1
9 099056-06 Injector 2
10 099390-02 Tubing - Valve to plaque A 1
11 099387-05 Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot 1
12 099392-01 Tubing - Valve to plaque B
13 099391-02 Tubing - Regulator to valve 1
14 100432-01 Control Valve 1
KEY PART
NO. NUMBER DESCRIPTION QTY.
15 099057-01 Pressure Tap Fitting 1
16 098276-01 1/8 Pipe Plug 1
17 099468-08 Cabinet Assembly 1
18 099415-01 Gas Regulator 1
19 098303-02 Screw, #6 x 5/16" 2
20 098508-01 Valve Retainer Nut 1
21 099393-02 Control Knob 1
22 M11084-26 Screw, #10 x 3/8" 2
23 099818-01 Internal Tooth Washer 1
24 102445-01 Piezo Ignitor 1
25 098271-03 Ignitor Cable 1
PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN
099395-07 Control Position Label 1
100642-02 Assembly, Hardware 1
24
17
21
20
23
11
25
14
16
19
18
15
10
HEATER EXPLODED VIEW
4
7
5
6
3
22
25
8
A
B
6
7-1
7-2
2
1
9
13
12
9
101851
GRH/VP's & VN's 2-PLAQUE
ODS/PILOT
17
Page 18
VANGUARD VN6C AND VN10
NATURAL GAS HEATER
NOTES
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18
101851
Page 19
OWNER’S MANUAL
NOTES
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101851
19
Page 20
WARRANTY INFORMATION
KEEP THIS WARRANTY
Model
Serial No.
Date Purchased
Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating with the factory.
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.
LIMITED WARRANTY
VANGUARD VENT-FREE RESIDENTIAL GAS HEATERS
DESA International warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and components for three (3) years
from the date of first purchase, provided that the product has been properly installed, operated and maintained in
accordance with all applicable instructions. To make a claim under this warranty the Bill of Sale or cancelled check
must be presented.
This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers the cost of part(s) required to
restore this heater to proper operating condition and an allowance for labor when provided by a DESA Authorized
Service Center. Warranty part(s) MUST be obtained through authorized dealers of this product and/or DESA
International who will provide original factory replacement parts. Failure to use original factory replacement parts
voids this warranty. The heater MUST be installed by a qualified installer in accordance with all local codes and
instructions furnished with the unit.
This warranty does not apply to parts that are not in original condition because of normal wear and tear, or parts
that fail or become damaged as a result of misuse, accidents, lack of proper maintenance or defects caused by
improper installation. Travel, diagnostic cost, labor, transportation and any and all such other costs related to
repairing a defective heater will be the responsibility of the owner.
TO THE FULL EXTENT ALLOWED BY THE LAW OF THE JURISDICTION THAT GOVERNS THE SALE
OF THE PRODUCT; THIS EXPRESS WARRANTY EXCLUDES ANY AND ALL OTHER EXPRESSED
WARRANTIES AND LIMITS THE DURATION OF ANY AND ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE TO THREE (3)
YEARS ON ALL COMPONENTS FROM THE DATE OF FIRST PURCHASE; AND DESA
INTERNATIONAL’S LIABILITY IS HEREBY LIMITED TO THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT
AND DESA INTERNATIONAL SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR ANY OTHER DAMAGES WHATSOEVER
INCLUDING INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow a limitation on how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation on implied warranties, or exclusion or limitation on
damages may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state.
For information about this warranty write:
2701 Industrial Drive
P.O. Box 90004
Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004
101851-01
REV. D
7/97
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