Desa Tech TC100VR, TC100VRNG Owner's Manual

For more information, visit www.desatech.com

For more information, visit www.desatech.com

Propane Gas Models

40-60-80,000 Btu/Hr
Natural Gas Models

50-70-100,000 Btu/Hr

PROPANE AND NATURAL
GAS CONSTRUCTION HEAVY

TM

DUTY RADIANT HEATERS

OWNER’S MANUAL

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SAFETY INFORMATION ............................................................ 2

UNPACKING............................................................................... 3

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION ..................................................... 3

THEORY OF OPERATION ......................................................... 3

PROPANE SUPPLY.................................................................... 3

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY ............................................................ 4

VENTILATION ............................................................................. 4

INSTALLATION ........................................................................... 4

OPERATION ............................................................................... 5

STORAGE................................................................................... 6

MAINTENANCE .......................................................................... 6

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 6

TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................ 7

ILLUSTRATED PARTS BREAKDOWN AND PARTS LIST ......... 8

REPLACEMENT PARTS .......................................................... 10

ACCESSORIES ........................................................................ 10

TECHNICAL SERVICE ............................................................. 10

OWNER’S REGISTRATION PAGE............................................11

WARRANTY AND REPAIR SERVICE ........................ Back Cover

Save this manual for future reference.

Save this manual for future reference.

SAFETY INFORMATION

2

SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNINGS

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

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 Petr oleum 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.

• 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.

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106179-01D

SAFETY INFORMATION

UNPACKING

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

THEORY OF OPERATION

PROPANE SUPPLY (For Model TC100VR)

3

3

SAFETY INFORMATION

Continued

• Never move, handle, or service a hot or operating heater. Severe
burns may result. Y ou must wait 20 minutes after turning heater of f.

• 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.

PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION

Top

Shell

Thermocouple

Ignitor
Electrode

Burner
Tube

Emitter

Upper Shield

Lower Shield

Base
Shield

THEORY OF OPERATION

The Fuel System for Propane: The hose/regulator assembly at-

taches 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 automatic control valve shuts

off the heater if the flame goes out.

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.

Your local library 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)
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

Base

Valve Inlet

Piezo Ignitor
Button

Hose/Regulator
Assembly for Propane

Figure 1 - Product Identification

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106179-01D

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

M
U
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E
M

H
G
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Control
Knob

Regulator for
Natural Gas

propane gas dealer will help you select the proper supply system.

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY (For Model TC100VRNG)
VENTILATION

4

INSTALLATION

Propane Model TC100VR

NATURAL GAS SUPPLY

(FOR MODEL TC100VRNG)

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 Hand-

book, NFPA54/ANS Z223.1 and the Natural Gas Installation Code,
CAN/CGA B149.2.

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

4. Open propane supply valve on propane tank(s) slowly.
not opened 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.

Regulator

Fuel Gas

Supply Valve

Fitting

Hose

Vent (pointing
down)

Propane Tank

Note:

If

WARNING: Review and understand the warnings
in the
needed to safely operate this heater. Follow all local
codes when using this heater.

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 pro-

3. Connect hose to the valve inlet (see Figure 3). Tighten firmly

Safety Information

WARNING: Test all gas piping and connections

pane tank(s). See Figure 2. Turn fuel gas fitting counterclock­wise into threads on tank. Tighten firmly using a wrench.

PORTANT:

ing vent down protects regulator from weather damage.

using a wrench. Y ou must use the regulator supplied with heater
even if propane tank has one.

Tighten regulator with vent pointing down. Point-

section, page 2. They are

IM-

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Figure 2 - Regulator With Vent Pointing Down

Valve Inlet

Hose

Figure 3 - Hose and Valve Inlet

106179-01D

INSTALLATION

H

I

G

H

S

T

A

R

Off

Position

Start
/Low

Position

HIGH

MEDIUM

OFF

START/
LOW

MEDIUM

START/
LOW

HIGH

OFF

Continued

INSTALLATION

Natural Gas Model TC100VRNG

OPERATION

To Start Heater

5

5

NATURAL GAS MODEL TC100VRNG

WARNING: Review and understand the warnings
in the

Safety Information

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.

6. Close natural gas supply valve.

section, pages 2 and 3. They

Valve Inlet

Hose

4. Open supply valve on gas slowly.

Note:

If not opened 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. 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).

Note:

The emitter 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.

START/
LOW

OFF

Start
/Low

Position

START/

MEDIUM

LOW

HIGH

OFF

Continue Turning
Knob Counterclock­wise to MED and HI

Piezo Ignitor
Button

Off

Position

MEDIUM

HIGH

Figure 4 - Hose and Valve Inlet

OPERATION

WARNING: Review and understand the warnings

in the

Safety Information

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.

106179-01D

section, pages 2 and 3. They

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M
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E
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H
G
I
H

Control
Knob

Figure 5 - Control Knob and Piezo Ignitor Button Locations for
Propane Model TC100VR

Piezo Ignitor
Button

Control
Knob

Figure 6 - Control Knob, and Piezo Ignitor Button Locations for
Natural Gas Model TC100VRNG