Superior UVFRC-4228, UVFRC-4228-H, UVFRC-3628, UVFRC-3628-H, UVF-36 User Manual

INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS

UNIVERSAL VENT-FREE FIREBOX

36" x 24", 36" x 28" & 42" x 28" Universal Vent-Free Fireboxes
P/N 700,032M REV. B 05/2006

MODELS

UVFRC-4228 Shown

INSTALLER: LEAVE THIS MANUAL WITH THE APPLIANCE.

CONSUMER: RETAIN THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts:

• Installation must be performed by a licensed plumber or

gas fi tter;

• See Table of Contents for location of additional Com­monwealth of Massachusetts requirements.

WARNING: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO BURN SOLID
WOOD FUELS, OTHER GAS LOG SETS OR ANY
OTHER COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS IN THIS
VENT-FREE FIREBOX.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: Do not store or use gasoline
or other fl ammables or liquids in the vicinity of
this or any other appliance.

FOR YOUR SAFETY: What to do if you smell gas:

• DO NOT light any appliance.

• DO NOT touch any electrical switches.

• Do not use any phone in your building.

• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone. Follow your gas suppliers
instructions.

• If your gas supplier cannot be reached, call
the fi re department.

Installation and service must be performed by
a qualifi ed installer, service agency or the gas
supplier.

UVF-36
UVFRC-3628

UVFRC-4228
UVFRC-4228-H

UVFRC-3628-H

FOR USE ONLY WITH A LISTED GAS-FIRED UNVENTED DECO­RATIVE ROOM HEATER NOT TO EXCEED 40,000 BTU/H.

DO NOT BURN WOOD OR OTHER MATERIAL IN THESE
APPLIANCES.

WARNING: IMPROPER INSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, ALTER­ATION, SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CAN CAUSE INJURY OR
PROPERTY DAMAGE. REFER TO THIS MANUAL. FOR ASSIS­TANCE OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONSULT A QUALIFIED
INSTALLER, SERVICE AGENCY OR THE GAS SUPPLIER.

CAREFULLY REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH
THE DECORATIVE TYPE VENT-FREE ROOM HEATER FOR THE
MINIMUM FIREPLACE SIZE REQUIREMENT.

DO NOT INSTALL AN APPLIANCE IN THIS FIREBOX, UNLESS
THIS FIREBOX MEETS THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONS REQUIRED
FOR THE INSTALLATIONS.

THIS IS A VENT-FREE GAS-FIRED HEATER ENCLOSURE. IT
USES AIR (OXYGEN) FROM THE ROOM IN WHICH IT IS IN­STALLED. PROVISIONS FOR ADEQUATE COMBUSTION AND
VENTILATION AIR MUST BE PROVIDED. REFER TO COMBUS­TION AND VENTILATION AIR SECTION, PAGES 3 & 4.

Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be located out
of traffi c and away from furniture or draperies.

Do not place clothing or other materials on or near this appli­ance.

OTL Report No.116-F-38-5

IMPORTANT: READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS
COMPLETELY BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR VENT-FREE ROOM
HEATERS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY
INFORMATION

INSTALLER: PLEASE LEAVE THESE INSTRUC­TIONS WITH THE OWNER.

OWNER: PLEASE RETAIN THESE INSTRUC­TIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE.

WARNING

If the information in this
manual is not follwed
exactly, a fi re or explosion
may result causing prop­erty damage, personal
injury or loss of life.

IMPORTANT

The fi replace screens on the appli­ance must be closed prior to operat­ing the fi replace.

WARNING

These built-in vent-free fi reboxes
have only been tested and approved
for use with ANSI Z21.11.2 Vent­free gas logs.

WARNING

Do not attempt to burn solid wood
fuels, other gas log sets or any
other combustible materials in
this vent-free fi rebox.

WARNING

Any change to this Vent-Free room
heater can be dangerous. Improper
installation or use of this heater can
cause serious injury or death from
fi re, burns, explosion or carbon
monoxide poisoning.

WARNING

Do not allow fans to blow directly
into the fi replace. Avoid any drafts
that alter burner fl ame patterns.

WARNING

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early
signs of carbon monoxide poisoning
are similar to the fl u with head­aches, dizziness and/or nausea. If
you have these signs, obtain fresh
air immediately. Have the Vent-Free
Gas Heater serviced as it may not
be operating correctly.

WARNINGS

• Due to high temperatures, the
fi rebox should be located out of
traffi c and away from furniture
and draperies.

• Do not place clothing or other
fl ammable material on or near
the heater.

• Any safety screen or guard re­moved for servicing the fi rebox
must be replaced and/or closed
prior to operating the heater.

• Installation and repair should
be done by a qualifi ed service
person. The heater should be
inspected before use and at
least annually by a professional
service person. More frequent
cleaning may be required due
to excessive lint from carpet­ing, bedding material, etc. It is
important that control compart­ments, burners and circulating
air passageways of the heater
be kept clean.

• Allow the heater to cool before
servicing. Always shut off any
electricity or gas to the heater
while performing service work.

• Do not install the fi rebox in a
sleeping room or bathroom.

• The appliance and its individual
shut-off valve must be discon­nected from the gas supply piping
system while performing any
tests of the gas supply piping
system at test pressures equal
to or less than 1/2 psig.

WARNING

• The heater must be isolated from
the gas supply piping system by
closing its individual manual
shut-off valve during any pres­sure testing of the gas supply
piping system at test pressures
equal to or less than 1/2 psig.

• Keep heater area clear and free
from combustible materials,
gasoline and other fl ammable
vapors and liquids.

• Do not use this heater if any
part has been under water. Im­mediately call a qualifi ed service
technician to inspect the heater
and to replace any part of the con­trol system and any gas control
which has been under water.

• Ensure that the heater is clean
when operating. Excessive dust
accumulation on the burner and
logs will increase the amount of
carbon monoxide formation and
could lead to carbon monoxide
poisoning and death.

IMPORTANT

Before starting your fi rebox instal­lation, read these installation
instructions carefully to be sure you
understand them completely and
in entirety. Failure to follow these
instructions could cause a heater
malfunction resulting in serious
injury and/or property damage.

WARNING

Do not install in the vicinity where
gasoline or other fl ammable liquids
may be stored. The Vent-Free fi re­box must be kept clear and free from
these combustible materials.

WARNING

Maintain minimum clearances.

2

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION ARE NOT TO SCALE.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Misc. Codes / Standards -

In selecting this SUPERIOR Vent-Free Gas Firebox you have chosen the fi nest and most
dependable fi replace to be found anywhere. A beautiful, prestigious, alternative to a
wood burning fi replace. Welcome to a family of tens of thousands of satisfi ed SUPERIOR
Fireplace Owners.

Please read and carefully follow all of the instructions found in this manual. Please pay
special attention to the safety instructions provided in this manual. The Homeowner's
Care and Operation Instructions included here will assure that you have many years of
dependable and enjoyable service from your SUPERIOR product.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Important Safety Information ........... Page 2

Packaging List .................................. Page 3

General Information ......................... Page 3

Burn-in Period .................................. Page 3

Tools/Building Supplies .................... Page 3

Codes ............................................... Page 3

Combustion And Ventilation Air ....... Page 3

Cold Climate Insulation .................... Page 4

New York City Approval .................... Page 4

Requirements for the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Page 5

Location Of Firebox .......................... Page 6

Clearances ....................................... Page 6

Assembly Steps ............................... Page 8

Gas Line Installation ......................... Page 8

Firebox Framing ............................... Page 9

Firebox Installation ........................... Page 9

Specifi cations ................................... Page 10

Framing Specifi cations ..................... Page 11

Canopy Installation .......................... Page 11

Optional Equipment / Blower Kit

Installation .................................. Page 12

Firebox Finishes ............................... Page 15

Accessories/components ................. Page 15

Replacement Parts List .................... Page 17

This installation manual will help you obtain
a safe, effi cient, dependable installation for
your appliance and vent system.

PLEASE READ AND UNDERSTAND

THESE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE BEGIN-

NING YOUR INSTALLATION.

Packaging List

Vent-Free Gas Firebox

(optional for models UVFRC-3628,

Canopy

UVFRC-3628-H, UVFRC-4228 & UVFRC-4228-H)

Installation and Operating Instructions
Warranty Certifi cate

GENERAL INFORMATION

These Vent-Free fi rebox enclosures are designed
to accept all ANSI Z21.11.2 approved Decora­tive Type Vent-Free Gas Log Room Heaters.

For the appropriate Vent-Free Gas Log Room
Heater model, refer to Page 16 (see

Gas Log Sets). Refer to the installation instruc-

tions provided with the log sets for detailed
instructions.

This installation manual will enable you to obtain
a safe, effi cient and dependable installation of
your room heater system.

Do not alter or modify the fi rebox or its
com ponents under any circumstances. Any
modifi cation or alteration of the fi rebox system,
including but not limited to the fi rebox and ac­cessories, may void the warranty, listings and
approvals of this system and could result in an
unsafe and potentially dangerous installation.

These Built-In Vent-Free Fireboxes have been
tested and approved as Ventless Firebox Enclo­sures for Gas-Fired Unvented Decorative Room
Heaters to ANSI Z21.91.

Vent-Free

Burn-in Period

During the fi rst few times of operation of this
appliance there will be some odor due to the
curing of the paint and burning off of lubricants
used in the manufacturing process. We recom­mend that you open windows and ventilate the
house during the initial burns. The paint emits
non-toxic odors during this process.

Depending on your use, the burn-in period may
take a few hours or a few days.

KEEP YOUR HOUSE WELL VENTILATED
DURING THE BURN-IN PERIOD. THE ODOR
AND HAZE EMITTED DURING THE BURN-IN
PERIOD CAN BE QUITE NOTICEABLE AND MAY
SET OFF A SMOKE DETECTOR.

If an optional blower is installed, Do not turn it
on during the Burn-In period.

The Installation must conform to local codes
or, in the absence of local codes, with the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54

- latest edition.

The appliance, 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 - latest edition.

Check the packaging list to be sure that you have
all the necessary parts in usable condition. Also
check for concealed damage.

Tools and Building Supplies
Normally Required

Tools Should Include:

• Phillips screwdriver

• Hammer

• Saw and/or sabersaw

• Level

• Measuring tape

• Electric drill and bits

• Pliers

• Square

• Piping complying with local codes

• Pipe wrench

• Tee joint

• Pipe compound

Building Supplies Should Include:

• Framing materials

• Wall fi nishing materials

• Caulking materials

• Fireplace surround materials

(noncombustible)

• Insulation

(for packing around gas-line penetration holes)

(noncombustible)

CODES

Adhere to all local codes or in their absence
the latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code
ANSI Z223.1 or NFPA 54 which can be obtained
from The American National Standards Institute,
Inc. (1430 Broadway, New York, NY, 10018) or
National Fire Protection Association, Inc. (Bat­terymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269).

COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION AIR

Heaters installed in these appliances shall
not be installed in a confi ned space. Heaters
installed in these appliances may be located
in unusually tight construction provided the
space is unconfi ned, or if confi ned, is provided
with two permanent openings communicating
directly with an additional room(s) of suf­fi cient volume so that the combined volume
of all connected spaces meets the criteria for
an unconfi ned space, (National Fuel Gas Code
ANSI Z223.1 1992, Section 5.3). Generally 50

3

ft

per 1,000 BTU input of all operating appli-

ances in the space.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION ARE NOT TO SCALE.

3

The National Fuel Gas Code defi nes a confi ned
space as a space whose volume is less than

3

50 ft

per 1,000 BTU/Hr (4.8 m3 per kw) of the
aggregate input rating of all appliances installed
in that space and an unconfi ned space as a space
whose volume is not less than 50 ft

3

per 1,000
BTU/Hr (4.8 m3 per kw) of the aggregate input
rating of all appliances installed in that 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 unconfi ned space.

Unusually tight construction is defi ned as
construction where:

a. Walls and ceilings exposed to the outside

atmosphere have a continuous water vapor
retarder with a rating of one perm or less with
openings gasketed or sealed, and

b. Weather stripping has been added on oper-

able windows and doors, and

c. Caulking or sealants are applied to areas such

as joints around window and door frames,
between sole plates and fl oors, between
wall-ceiling joints, between wall panels, at
penetrations for plumbing, electrical, and
gas lines, and at other openings.

Use the following equations to determine if you
have a confi ned or unconfi ned space.

1. Determine the volume of space — ft

Length x Width x Height = _____ ft

3

.

3

(Include adjoining rooms with doorless

passageways or ventilation grills between
rooms).

Example: 24' (L) x 16' (W) x 8' (H) = 3072

3

ft

2. Divide the volume of space by 50 ft 3 to

determine the maximum BTU/Hr the space
can support.

3

(volume of space – ft

)/ 50 ft 3 = (Maximum

BTU/Hr the space can support)

3

Example: 3072 ft

/ 50 ft 3 = 61.44

or 61,440 BTU/Hr the space can support.

3. Add the BTU/Hr of all the fuel burning appli-

ances in the space.

Vent-Free heater ________ BTU/Hr
Gas appliance #1* ________ BTU/Hr
Gas appliance #2 +________ BTU/Hr

Total =________ BTU/Hr

Example:
Vent-free heater 26,000 BTU/Hr

Gas appliance #1 40,000 BTU/Hr
(water heater)
Total = 66,000 BTU/Hr

* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.

Direct-vent is sealed combustion and draws
combustion air from the outdoors.

4. Compare the maximum BTU/Hr the space can

support with the actual amount of BTU/Hr

used.
_________ BTU/Hr
(max. the space can support)
_________ BTU/Hr
(actual amount of BTU/Hr used)
Example:
61,440 BTU/Hr
(max. the space can support)
66,000 BTU/Hr
(actual amount of BTU/Hr used)

The space in the above example is a confi ned
space because the actual BTU/Hr used is more
than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can sup­port. You must provide additional fresh air.

WARNING

If the area in which the heater may
be operated is smaller than that
defi ned as an unconfi ned space,
provide adequate combustion and
ventilation air by one of the methods
described in the National Fuel Gas
Code, ANSI Z223.1 1992, Section

5.3 or applicable local codes.

Your options are:

a. Rework equations adding the space of adjoin-

ing room(s). If the extra volume provides an
unconfi ned space, then remove door or add
ventilation grills between rooms. Refer to
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 1992,
Section 5.3.

b. Vent room directly to the outdoors. Refer to

National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 1992,
Section 5.3.

c. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, such as a 21,000

BTU/Hr, to make the area an unconfi ned
space.

If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the
maximum BTU/Hr the space can support, then
the space is an unconfi ned space. You will
need no additional fresh air ventilation for an
unconfi ned space.

COLD CLIMATE INSULATION

For cold climate installations, seal all cracks
around the appliance with noncombustible
material and wherever cold air could enter
the room. It is especially important to insulate
outside cavities between studs and under fl oor
on which the appliance rests, if fl oor is above
ground level. Gas line holes and other openings
should be caulked with high temperature caulk
or stuffed with unfaced fi berglass insulation. If
the fi replace is being installed on a cement slab,
in cold climates, a sheet of plywood or other
raised platform can be placed underneath to
prevent conducting cold up into the room. It also
helps to

sheetrock inside surfaces and tape for

maximum air tightness and caulk fi restops.

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK (MEA)

Installation of these fi replaces are approved for
installation in New York City in the US state of
New York.

4

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION ARE NOT TO SCALE.

Note: The following requirements reference various Massachusetts
and national codes not contained in this document.

(e)Unvented propane or natural gas-fi red space/room heaters shall

be prohibited in bedrooms and bathrooms.

Requirements for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Un-vented Room Heaters shall be installed in accordance with 527 CMR

30.00 and 248 CMR 3.00 through 7.00:

(a) Permits and Inspections: In addition to complying with 248 CMR

3.05 the following requirements must be satisfi ed:

1. A permit shall be obtained from the head of the fi re department and
the local or state gas inspector having jurisdiction for the installation
of all unvented propane or natural gas-fi red space/room heaters.

2. The permits shall be conditioned upon fi nal inspection and approval
of installation by the head of the fi re department and the local or state
gas inspector having jurisdiction.

3. A copy of the manufacturer’s installation/operating literature shall be
submitted with each permit application.

4. Before operation, the Head of the Fire Department and the local or
state gas inspector shall inspect the installation for compliance with
527 CMR (Board of Fire Prevention Regulations) and 248 CMR (Board
of State Examiners of Plumbers and Gas Fitters).

5. A fi nal inspection by the state or local gas inspector of the unvented
space/room heater shall not be performed until proof is provided
that the head of the fi re department having jurisdiction has granted
a permit.

(f)Space/room heaters shall be properly sized for the room or space

of installation, but shall not exceed a maximum of 40,000 BTU
input per room or space.

(g)In occupancies with an unvented propane or natural gas-fi red

space/room heater, no less than one listed carbon monoxide
detector that is installed in accordance with the manufacturers
instructions shall be installed and maintained near the space
where the heater is located.

1. Any building wherein the heater is to be installed shall,
as a precondition to such installation, have working smoke
detectors installed and maintained in accordance with the
requirements of 780 CMR (State Board of Building Regulations
and Standards) in effect at the time of construction or;

2. If no requirement was in effect at the time of construc­tion the smoke detector shall be compliant and installed as
provided for in M.G.L. c. 148, § 26E.

(h)In rooms and buildings served by an unvented propane or

natural gas-fi red space/room heater, a primary source of heat,
which is operable, shall be permanently installed and maintained
in the building in accordance with 105 CMR (Department of
Public Health).

(i)Sellers of unvented propane or natural gas-fi red space/room

heaters shall provide to each purchaser a copy of 527 CMR

30.00 upon sale of the unit.

(b)Unvented propane or natural gas-fi red space/room heaters

shall conform to ANSI Z21.11.2, be equipped with an oxygen
depletion safety (ODS) shutoff system and be Product-approved
in accordance with 248 CMR.

(c)Unvented propane or natural gas-fi red space/room heaters

shall be installed in accordance with their listings and the
manufacturer’s instructions. Proper clearances to combustibles
shall be maintained. In no case shall the clearances be such as
to interfere with combustion air and accessibility.

(d)Installations shall be of a permanent type, with a permanently

piped fuel supply in accordance with 248 CMR. LPG appliances
shall be subject to the storage requirements in accordance with
527 CMR 6.00. Portable unvented propane or natural gas-fi red
space/room heaters shall be prohibited.

• Installation and repair must be done by a plumber or gas fi tter licensed
in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

• The fl exible gas line connector used shall not exceed 36 inches (92
centimeters) in length.

• The individual manual shut-off must be a T-handle type valve.

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION ARE NOT TO SCALE.

5

LOCATION OF FIREBOX

Carefully select the best location for installation
of your built-in Vent-Free fi rebox. The following
factors should be taken into consideration:

• Clearance to side wall, ceiling, woodwork

and windows.

• Location must not be affected by drafts

caused by kitchen exhaust fans, return air
registers for forced air furnaces/air condi­tioners, windows or doors.

• Installation must provide adequate ventila-

tion and combustion air.

• Do not install this fi rebox in a sleeping room

or bathroom.

• Location should be out of high traffi c areas

and away from furniture and draperies due
to heat from fi rebox.

• Never obstruct the front opening of the
Vent-Free fi rebox or restrict the fl ow of
combustion and ventilation air.

• Minimize modifi cations to existing construc­tion. See Figure 1 for location suggestions.

CAUTION

WARNING

Do not install these built-in Vent­Free fi reboxes in sleeping quarters,
or in recreational vehicles.

WARNINGS

Do not install these appliances:

• Where curtains, furniture, cloth­ing or other fl ammable objects
are less than 42" from the front of
the Vent-Free room heater.

• In high traffi c areas.

• In windy or drafty areas.

40"

16"

Optional
Hearth
Extension

Figure 2

Ceiling clearance: The ceiling must be at
least 40" from the top of the fi rebox opening
(Figure 2 ).

Noncombustible material: Noncombustible
materials, such as slate and marble, must be
at least 1/2" thick and may be used without
restriction above the fi rebox opening, to the
sides or as a hearth extension, so long as
they do not obstruct vent openings for heat
circulating models.

RECOMMENDATION: Use high temperature
fi nish material for the mantels and/or use
the canopy (for UVFRC-3628, UVFRC-3628­H, UVFRC-4228 & UVFRC-4228-H).

Do not install in the vicinity where
gasoline or other fl ammable liquids
may be stored. The Vent-Free fi re­box must be kept clear and free from
these combustible materials.

WARNING

Do not use a blower insert, heat
exchanger insert or other acces­sory not approved for use with this
fi replace.

Not to Scale

Figure 1

Clearances

Ensure the minimum clearances shown in
Figures 2 through 6 are maintained. Left and
right clearances are determined when facing
the front of the fi rebox.

Follow these instructions carefully to ensure safe
installation. Failure to follow these requirements
may create a fi re hazard.

Sidewall clearances: The sides of the fi rebox
opening must be at least 16" from any com­bustible wall (Figure 2 ).

Combustible Wall Clearance

Above Appliance (all models)

Finished Wall

Non-Combustible
Material

(shaded area)

Shown with Canopy
Installed (required on
UVF-36 only)

3" Min.

Figure 3

Header

Top Stand-

Off Spacer

(on appliance)

Top of Appliance

Fireplace
Opening

6

NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION ARE NOT TO SCALE.