Desa Tech CD32M-2, CD32M, CD36M-A, CD32M-1, CD36M-A1 Owner's Manual

DIRECT-VENT FIREPLACE

OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL

CD32M 32" DV Fireplace with Fan
CD32M-1 32" DV Fireplace
CD32M-2 32" DV Fireplace with Fan & Door Switch

CD36M-A 36" DV Fireplace with Fan
CD36M-A1 36" DV Fireplace
CD36M-A2 36" DV Fireplace with Fan & Door Switch

CD42M-A 42" DV Fireplace with Fan
CD42M-A2 42" DV Fireplace with Fan & Door Switch

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 quali-

fied installer, service agency or the gas supplier.

Save this manual for future reference.

For more information, visit www.desatech.com

WARNING: Improper installation, adjustment, altera­tion, service or maintenance can cause injury or prop­erty damage. Refer to this manual for correct installation
and operational procedures. For assistance or addi­tional information consult a qualified installer, service
agency or the gas supplier.

WARNING: This direct-vent gas fireplace is intended for
use with natural or propane/LP gas only. Do not attempt
to burn any solid fuels in this appliance.

This fireplace is manufactured for Stylecrest Inc. under
the Vexar brand name by DESA.

This fireplace may be installed as an OEM installation
in a manufactured (mobile) home and must be installed
in accordance with the manufacturers instructions and
the Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Stan­dard, Title 24 CFR, Part 3280 in the United States or the
Mobile Home Standard, CAN/CSA Z240 MH Series, in
Canada. This fireplace is only for use with the type(s)
of gas indicated on the rating plate. A conversion kit is
supplied with the fireplace.

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 optional accessory items when needed. Keep
it with your other important papers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction .......................................................... 3

Selecting Location ............................................... 3

Pre-Installation Preparation .................................. 4

Installation ........................................................... 7

Burner Flame Adjustment ..................................

Operating Fireplace ........................................... 18

Converting Fireplace From

Natural Gas To Propane/LP Gas .................. 19

2

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Troubleshooting .................................................

Illustrated Parts Breakdown .............................. 22

Parts List ........................................................... 25

Specifications .................................................... 26

17

Wiring Diagram .................................................. 26

Accessory and Replacement Parts ................... 27

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21

INTRODUCTION

WARNING: This product con­tains and/or generates chemicals
known to the State of California
to cause cancer or birth defects
or other reproductive harm.

Models CD32M series, CD36M-A series and
CD42M-A seri es are heat circula ti ng grav
ity direct-vent fireplaces with sealed combustion
chamber. These fireplaces use millivolt gas control
valve and millivolt ignition system.

These fireplaces are convertible with the standard
setup as natural gas. Conversion may be performed
by the O.E.M. mobile home builder or by a quali
fied service person on-site. If you are uncertain as
to what gas your unit is equipped for, please check
the rating plate located inside of the appliance
opening or consult your mobile home supplier or
your local distributor of DESA/Vexar products.

NOTICE: Check local building
codes for area requirements be­fore installing this appliance.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

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

This DESA/Vexar fireplace and its components are
safe when installed according to this installation
manual and operated as recommended. Unless
you use DESA/Vexar components designed and
tested for this fireplace system,

A SAFETY HAZARD!

The DESA/Vexar warranty will be voided by, and
DESA/Vexar disclaims any responsibility for the
following actions:

A) Modification to the fireplace, components,

doors, blower, fans or vent system.

B) Use of any component part not manufactured or

approved by DESA/Vexar in combination with
a DESA/Vexar 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 instal
lation of all factory built fireplaces. This fireplace,
when installed, must be electrically grounded in
accordance with local codes or in the absence of
local codes, with the National Electrical Code,

ANSI/NFPA 70 or the Canadian Electrical Code,
CSA C22.1.

YOU MAY CAUSE

The installation must conform with local codes or,
in the absence of local codes, with the National

Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 or the Canadian
Installation Code, CAN/CGA B149. This appliance

complies with ANSI Z21.88-1998 and CSA 2.33­M98 as a vented gas fireplace heater.

SELECTING LOCATION

To determine the safest and most efficient loca­tion for your fireplace, consider the following

­guidelines:

1. The location must allow for proper clearances

(see Figure 1).

2. Consider a location where the fireplace would

not be affected by drafts, air conditioning
ducts, windows or doors.

-

3. A location that avoids the cutting of joists or roof

rafters makes ventilation installation easier.

In selecting a location, the following precautions
must be observed:

• Do not connect this appliance to a chimney

system used for solid fuel burning fireplace.

• Due to high temperatures, do not locate this

appliance in high traffic areas or near furniture
and draperies.

• Never obstruct the openings of the appliance

or flow of ventilation air. Keep the control
compartments accessible.

FULL

PROJECTION

Flush installation is recommended where living
space is limited.

Projected installation may be ideal for a new
addition to an existing finished wall.

Corner installation makes use of a space that may

­not normally be used and provides a wider and

more efficient range for radiant heat transfer.

Figure 1 - Common Fireplace Locations

CORNER

INSTALLATION

FLUSH

INSTALLATION

111916-01G 3

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SELECTING LOCATION

C

B

A

D

E

F

G

To

p of Louver Opening

3

2

1

4

5

6

7

Wa

ll

Continued

• Do not locate appliance close to where gasoline
or other flammable liquids may be stored. The
appliance must be kept clear and free from
combustible materials.

• Do not use this appliance if any part has been
under water. Immediately contact a local service
technician to examine the appliance and to re
place any part(s) of the control ignition system
and other related components that have been
submerged under water.

Mantel

Depth

(1) 14" (A) 16"

(2) 12" (B) 14"

(3) 10" (C) 12"

(4) 8" (D) 10"

-

(5) 6" (E) 8"

(6) 4" (F) 6"

(7) 2" (G) 4"

Mantel From Top

of Opening

PRE-INSTALLATION

PREPARATION

CAUTION: Do not block
required air spaces with insula­tion or any other material. Do not
obstruct the effective opening
of the appliance with any type
of facing material.

CLEARANCES TO COMBUSTIBLES

Minimum clearances to combustibles for the
fireplace are:

• Back and Sides of Fireplace . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Floor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Perpendicular Wall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

• Top of Standoffs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

MANTEL CLEARANCES

Woodwork, such as wood trims, mantles and other
combustible materials should be placed within the
required clearance specified in Figure 2.

0"

0"

6"

36"

0"

Figure 2 - Mantel Clearances

4

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111916-01G

PRE-INSTALLATION

A

B

E

F

G

H

D

C

Nailing Tabs

B

A

C

PREPARATION

Continued

VENT TERMINATION CLEARANCES

The final position of your fireplace depends on
the location of the vent termination in relation to
the clearances that must be observed as shown in
Figure 5 on page 6.

The vent system serves as the “chimney” as well
as the combustion air supply (air intake). The
horizontal run must have a rise of 1/4" (.6 cm) for
every 12" (30.48 cm) of horizontal run towards the
termination. The maximum horizontal run depends
on the vertical rise from the fireplace adapter collar
to the vent termination (see table below).

VERTICAL HORIZONTAL

0 to 1 ft (30.48 cm)

1 ft (30.48 cm) to 4 ft (121.92 cm)

2 ft (60.96 cm) to 8 ft (243.84 cm)

3 ft (91.44 cm) to 12 ft (365.76 cm)

4 ft (121.92 cm) to 16 ft (487.68 cm)

5 ft (152.40 cm) to 15 ft (457.20 cm)

6 ft (182.88 cm) to 14 ft (426.72 cm)

7 ft (213.36 cm) to 13 ft (396.24 cm)

8 ft (243.84 cm) to 12 ft (365.76 cm)

FRAMING

Once the final location has been determined, ob­serving height clearances for vent termination, you
may construct framing using dimensions shown in
Figures 3 and 4, depending on your installation.

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

CD32M CD36M-A CD42M-A

A 32 3/8" 36 1/8" 40 1/8"

B 34 5/8" 41 1/4" 48 1/4"

C 19" 23 1/2" 25 5/8"

Figure 3 - Framing Dimension

-

WARNING: Never allow the
vent to run downward as this
may cause excessive tempera

-

tures which could cause a fire.

WARNING: Horizontal sec­tions of this vent system require
a minimum clearance of 2" from
the top of the pipe and 1" mini

­mum to the sides and bottom.
Vertical sections of this system
require a minimum of 1" clear­ance to combustible materials
on all sides of the pipe.

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CD32M CD36M-A CD42M-A

A 28 1/2" 35 3/4" 41 5/8"

B 13 5/8" 15" 21 5/8"

C 39 3/8" 49 5/8" 58 1/2"

D 9 1/2" 10 3/8" 13 1/2"

E 9 7/8" 13 3/4" 16 3/4"

F 34 1/2" 41 1/8" 48"

G 35 1/2" 42 1/8" 48 1/4"

H 54 3/8" 68 1/4" 81 1/2"

Figure 4 - Corner Installation

Fixed

Closed

Openable

Fixed

Closed

Openable

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

V

X

X

V

X

G

G

J

F

B

B

K

N

H

I

A

N

E

L

D

B

M

A

C

B

V

V

A

G

G

B

TERMINATION CAP

AIR SUPPLY INLET

GAS METER RESTRICTED AREA

(TERMINATION PROHIBITED)

A = clearance above grade, veranda, porch, deck, or balcony

[*12 inches (30.5cm) minimum]

B = clearance to window or door that may be opened

[12 inches (30.5cm) minimum]

C = clearance to permanently closed window [minimum 12 inches

(30.5cm) recommended to prevent condensation on window]
D = vertical clearance to ventilated soffit located above the terminal
within a horizontal distance of 24 inches (61cm) from the

center-line of the terminal [18 inches (45.7cm) minimum]
E = clearance to unventilated soffit [12 inches (30.5cm) minimum]
F = clearance to outside corner (see below)
G = clearance to inside corner (see below)
H = *not to be installed above a meter/regulator assembly within

36 inches (91.4cm) horizontally from the center-line of the regulator

I = clearance to service regulator vent outlet [*72 inches (182.9cm)

minimum]

J = clearance to non-mechanical air supply inlet to building or the

combustion air inlet to any other fireplace [*12 inches (30.5cm)

minimum]
K = clearance to a mechanical air supply inlet [*72 inches (182.9cm)
minimum]
L = † clearance above paved side-walk or a paved driveway located on

public property [*84 inches (213.4cm) minimum]
M = clearance under veranda, porch, deck [*12 inches (30.5cm) minimum ‡]
N = clearance above a roof shall extend a minimum of 24 inches (61cm)
above the highest point when it passes through the roof surface and
any other obstruction within a horizontal distance of 18 inches (45.7cm)

† vent shall not terminate directly above a side-walk or paved driveway which is located between two
single family dwellings and serves both dwellings *

‡ only permitted if veranda, porch, deck or balconey is fully open on a minimum of 2 sides beneath the floor*
* as specified in CAN/SGA B149 (.1 or .2) Installation Codes (1991) for Canada or for U.S.A. installation follow

the current National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1
Note: Local codes or regulations may require different clearances

A = 6" (15.2cm)

Inside Corner

V

B

E

V

B = 6" (15.2cm)

C = Maximum depth of 48" (121.9cm) for
recessed location
D = Minimum width for back wall of
recessed location ­ Combustible - 38" (96.5cm)
Noncombustible - 24" (61cm)
E = Clearance from corner in
recessed location­ Combustible - 6" (15.2cm)
Noncombustible - 2" (5.1cm)

Outside Corner Recessed Location

G

H

G = Combustible 24" (61cm)
Noncombustible 18" (45.7cm)

Balcony with No Side Wall

V

J

Combustible &
Noncombustible
H = 24" (61cm)
J = 20" (50.8cm)

Balcony with Perpendicular Side Wall

C

D

C

Termination Clearances for Buildings with Combustible and Noncombustible Exteriors

PRE-INSTALLATION PREPARATION

Continued

Figure 5 - Minimum Clearances for Vent Terminations

6

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111916-01G

INSTALLATION

WARNING: Read all instruc­tions completely and thoroughly
before attempting installation.
Failure to do so could result in
serious injury, property dam­age or loss of life. Operation of
improperly installed and main­tained venting system could
result in serious injury, property
damage or loss of life.

NOTICE: Failure to follow these in­structions will void the warranty.

VENTING INSTALLATION
PRECAUTIONS

Consult local building codes before beginning the
installation. The installer must make sure to select
the proper vent system for installation. Before
installing vent kit, the installer must read this
fireplace manual and vent kit instructions.

Only a qualified service person should install
venting system. The installer must follow these
safety rules:

• Wear gloves and safety glasses for protection

• Use extreme caution when using ladders or
when on roof tops

• Be aware of electrical wiring locations in walls
and ceilings

The following actions will void the warranty on
your venting system:

• Installation of any damaged venting component

• Unauthorized modification of the venting system

• Installation of any component part not manu
factured or approved by DESA

• Installation other than as instructed by these
instructions

WARNING: This gas fireplace
and vent assembly must be
vented directly to the outside. The
venting system must NEVER be
attached to a chimney serving a
separate solid fuel burning appli­ance. Each gas appliance must
use a separate vent system. Do
not use common vent systems.

WARNING: Horizontal sec­tions of this vent system require
a minimum clearance of 2" from
the top of the pipe and 1" mini
mum to the sides and bottom.
Vertical sections of this system
require a minimum of 1" clear­ance to combustible materials
on all sides of the pipe.

VENTING INSTALLATION

1. Install elbow to fireplace collar adapter located
on back of the unit at a 45° angle. Slide elbow
over collar and twist to lock. Check to insure
proper connection (see Figure 6).

2. Continue to install remainder of pipe for
desired installation. Make sure each section
is twist-locked securely.

3. When installation of vent pipe is complete, in
stall vent termination. Depending on the loca
tion of your fireplace, you will vent vertically
or horizontally.

4. Allow 1" of pipe to protrude from internal
wall, dep ending on wall thic kn ess. See
Figure 7, page 8.

5. For horizontal installation, an optional siding
standoff may be installed between the vent cap
and the exterior wall. Secure horizontal vent cap
to standoff. Secure standoff/vent cap assembly
to wall (see Figure 7, page 8). Do not seal termi
nation to vent pipe. The vent termination must
be removable for service pipe inspection.

Female
Locking Lugs

-

Vertical Flue
Restrictor
(For Vertical
Venting
Application)

Figure 6 - Venting Installation

Male
Locking Lugs

-

-

-

111916-01G 7

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INSTALLATION

Continued

6. For vertical installation, a vertical termination is
available. Also for vertical venting application,
install vertical flue restrictor into inner collar of
fireplace as shown in Figure 6, page 7.

When installing a length of pipe for vertical

termination that is over 3 ft., support the pipe
every 3 ft. using metal wall straps. Vertical to
horizontal pipe must be kept at a 1 ft. to 4 ft. ratio
with a maximum run of no more than 20 ft.

If an offset is necessary in the attic to avoid

obstruction, it is important to support the
vent pipe every 3 ft. to avoid excessive
stress on the elbows and possible separation
(see Figure 8).

Direct-Vent Pipe
CD32M and
CD36M-A
4 1/4" Inner and
7 1/4" Outer
CD42M-A
5" Inner and 8"
Outer

Wall Firestop

Maintain 1"
Minimum
Air Space
Around Outer
Pipe when
Penetrating a
Wall

Framed Openings
CD32M and
CD36M-A
10" x 10"
CD42M-A

3

3

4

" x 10

4

/

"

10

/

Figure 7 - Vent Termination (Horizontal)

Siding Standoff
(Optional)

Minimum Pipe
Overlap 1 1/4"

Deflector
Shield

Screws

Horizontal
Termination
(Vent Cap)

Exterior Wall
with Vinyl
Siding

Roof
Flashing

Wall
Strap

45° Elbows

Ceiling Firestop

Figure 8 - Vertical Termination with

Offset and Wall Strap

Horizontal Termination Configurations

Figures 9 through 13 show different configurations
and alternatives for venting with horizontal termi­nation. Each figure includes a chart with critical
minimum and maximum dimensions which MUST
be met. IMPORTANT: Remember that a horizontal
run of venting must have a 1/4" rise for every 12"
of run toward the termination.

WARNING: Never run vent
downward as this may cause
excessive temperatures which
could cause a fire. Operation of
improperly installed and main­tained venting system could
result in serious injury, property
damage or loss of life.

GROUND FLOOR INSTALLATION

Recommended Applications:

• Installation using cabinet surrounds

• Through the wall using round or square termina
tion (up to 12” horizontal pipe)

• NOT FOR CORNER INSTALLATION

-

8

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111916-01G

INSTALLATION

Horizontal High
Wind Square
Termination

Wall
Firestop

Continued

Adjustable Pipe
12" Max.

45° Elbow

Square
Termination

Not to Exceed
(H) Limits

Wall
Firestop

45°
Elbow

90° Elbow

As Required
for (V)
See Chart
for Pipe
Section
Required

Vertical (V) Horizontal (H) Series

Square Termination

29" min. 17" max. CD32
32" min. 17" max. CD36
363/4" min. 17" max. CD42

Exterior Portion of
Wall Firestop (Round

45° Elbow

Wall
Firestop

Termination Only)

Round
Termination
Cap

Slide Ring
Over Elbow
to Complete
Connection

Round Termination

Figure 9 - Horizontal Termination

Configuration for Square and Round

Terminations

CORNER AND ALTERNATE
INSTALLATION

Recommended Applications:

• Corner ground floor installation

• Ground floor installation where pipe vents hori
zontally through wall (over 12" horizontal pipe)

• Basement installation where one foot clearance

from ground to termination is possible

CD32 Series

Vertical (V)

Minimum

CD36 Series

Vertical (V)

Minimum

CD42 Series

Vertical (V)

Minimum

1

*40

1

2

51

/

1

2

63

/

1

2

75

/

1

2

87

/

*Note: Ground Floor Corner Venting

2

/

" *43

" 54

" 66

" 78

" 90

1

4

/

1

4

/

" 57

1

4

/

" 69

1

4

/

" 81

1

4

/

" 93

" *46

1

4

/

" None 30"

1

4

/

" 1 ft. 48"

1

4

/

" 2 ft. 60"

1

4

/

" 3 ft. 84"

1

4

/

" 4 ft. 20'

Not to Exceed
(H) Limits

90° Elbow

Wall
Firestop

45° Elbow

Figure 10 - Horizontal Termination

-

Configuration for Corner Installation

Using One 90° Elbow

Required

Vertical Pipe

Horizontal (H)

Square
Termination

12"
Minimum

Maximum

111916-01G 9

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