Temco VF36RN, VF36RNH, VF36RP Homeowner's Installation And Operating Instructions Manual
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL
BEFORE INSTALLING AND
USING HEATERS
IMPORTANT: Read all instruc-
tions and warnings carefully
before starting installation. Failure to follow these instructions
may result in a possible fire hazard and will void the warranty.
Vent-Free Gas Fireplaces
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 appli-
ance.
• 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.
Models:
VF36RN, VF36RNH, VF36RP
Homeowner’s Installation and
— Installation and service must be
performed by a qualified installer, service agency or the
gas supplier.
This is an unvented gas-fired
heater. It uses air (oxygen) from
the room in which it is installed.
Provisions for adequate combustion and ventilation air must be
provided. Refer to Page 4.
Models with “N” after the model number use natural gas;
models with “P” after the model number use Propane
(LP) gas.
INSTALLER: DO NOT DISCARD THIS MANUAL - Leave in fireplace for homeowner.
Operating Instructions
Gas Fired
Unvented
Room Heaters
5L24
This appliance is UL Certified under ANSI Standard
Z21.11.2-2000 as an unvented room heater
Temco Fireplace Products
410 Admiral Blvd. • Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L5T 2N6 • 905-670-7777
78586 11/03 Rev. 8
Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
Table of Contents
This book contains your operating and installation instructions and should be kept in a safe place. For you to realize
all the advantages and use of the reliable service that has been engineered into your TEMCO fireplace, you must
carefully follow all of the instructions contained in this book regarding installation and operation of the fireplace.
These instructions should be read carefully in their entirety before beginning installation of the fireplace.
It is suggested that you wear work gloves and safety glasses to protect your hands and eyes when installing your
fireplace.
NOTE: Authorities having jurisdiction (i.e. building inspectors, fire marshals, etc.) should be consulted before installation to determine the need to obtain a permit.
FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY AND MAY PRESENT A FIRE
HAZARD.
Important Information...................................................................................................................3
Provision for Adequate Combustion and Ventilation Air ..................................................................4
Fireplace Dimensions......................................................................................................................6
Installation & Operating Instructions
Locating the Fireplace........................................................................................................7
Gas Line.............................................................................................................................7
Drafts..................................................................................................................................7
Fan Kit................................................................................................................................7
Electrical Services..............................................................................................................7
Framing Clearances...........................................................................................................7
Clearances .........................................................................................................................8
Installation ..........................................................................................................................9
Gas Connection ...............................................................................................................10
High Altitude Installation ...................................................................................................10
Gas Pressure Check ........................................................................................................ 11
Gas Pipe Sizing Chart......................................................................................................11
Log Installation .................................................................................................................12
Log Assembly...................................................................................................................12
Lighting Instructions .........................................................................................................13
Match Lighting..................................................................................................................13
Flame Check ....................................................................................................................14
Finishing the Fireplace .....................................................................................................14
Managing Heat Output .....................................................................................................15
Maintenance
Cleaning ...........................................................................................................................15
Troubleshooting..........................................................................................................................16
Servicing ..........................................................................................................................16
Repair Parts .................................................................................................................................17
Warranty Information..................................................................................................................18
Installation And Startup Checklist.............................................................................................19
Warranty Registration.................................................................................................................21
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78586
Important Information
INSTALLER: Please leave these instructions with the
owner.
OWNER: Please retain these instructions for future
reference.
IMPORTANT: READ THESE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATING.
WARNING: Any change to this heater or its controls can
be dangerous.
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.
This heater shall not be installed in a confined space or
unusually tight construction unless provisions are
provided for adequate combustion and ventilation air.
NOTES
• Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be
located out of traffic and away from furniture and draperies.
• Installation and repair must be done by a qualified service
person or gas appliance installer.
• A fireplace screen must be in place when the appliance is
operating. On models with movable screens, the screens must
be closed when the fireplace is operating.
• The appliance must 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, dust and pet hair, etc. It is important that the
control compartment, burners and circulating air passageways
of the appliance be kept clean.
• DO NOT place clothing or other flammable material on or
near the appliance.
• This appliance must only be used with pressures at the inlet
as shown in Table 1, Page 11 in installation instructions.
• The installation must conform with local codes or, in the
absence of local codes, with the NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE,
ANSI Z223, latest edition.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for servicing an appli-
ance must be replaced prior to operating the heater.
• The appliance and its appliance main gas shut-off valve must
be disconnected from the gas supply piping system during any
pressure testing of that system at test pressures in excess of
1/2 psig (3.5 kpa).
• The appliance must be isolated from the gas supply piping
system by closing its equipment shut-off valve during any
testing of the gas supply piping system at test pressures equal
to or less than 1/2 psig (3.5 kpa).
• DO NOT use this heater in recreational vehicles, bedrooms or
bathrooms.
• If this is the ONLY gas appliance, we recommend a
minimum 200 pound cylinder with a fill gauge. Use of a 100
pound cylinder is not recommended. Other household gas
appliances may require the tank size to be larger. Do not
operate the vent-free heater if the fuel level in the propane
tank is below 1/4 full.
Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
• Use only with two-stage regulator.
• DO NOT use this heater if any part of it has been under
water. Immediately call a qualified technician to inspect the
appliance and replace any part of the control system and any
gas control which has been under water.
• This appliance may be installed in an after-market* manufac-
tured "mobile" home where not prohibited by state or local
codes.
*After-market: Completion of sale, not for purpose of re-sale from the
manufacturer.
• Children and adults should be alerted to the hazard of high
surface temperature and should stay away to avoid burns or
clothing ignition.
• Although your gas logs are very realistic in appearance,
it is not a real wood-burning fireplace and must not be
used for burning solid fuel.
• To avoid irreparable damage to the appliance or personal
injury; matches, paper, garbage or any other material must not
be placed or thrown on top of the logs or into the flames.
• To avoid personal injury, do not touch hot surfaces when
the appliance is operating.
• Close supervision is necessary when the appliance is
being operated near children.
• Do not use to cook food.
• This appliance is intended to be used only for supplemental
heat. Do not use it routinely as a primary heat source.
Continuous operation could produce excessive humidity
depending on construction characteristics and outdoor temperatures (below 20°F). Over time, this could cause condensation
to form and damage wall structures and exterior paint.
• An unvented room heater having an input rating of more than
10,000 btu per hour shall not be installed in a bedroom or
bathroom.
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket,
permanently located, manufactured (mobile) home,
where not prohibited by local codes.
WARNING: If the area in which the heater may be operated is smaller than that defined as an unconfined space
or if the building is of unusually tight construction,
provide adequate combustion and ventilation air by one
of the methods described in the National Fuel Gas code,
ANSI Z223.1, section 5.3 or applicable local codes.
WARNING: Do not use a blower insert, heat exchanger
insert or other accessory not approved for use with this
heater.
WARNING: During manufacturing, fabricating and
shipping, various components of this appliance are
treated with certain oils, films or bonding agents. These
chemicals are not harmful but may produce annoying
smoke and smells as they are burned off during the
initial operation of the appliance, possibly causing
headaches and eye/lung irritation. This is a normal and
temporary occurrence.
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Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
WARNING: Do not allow fans to blow directly into the
fireplace. Avoid any drafts that alter burner flame
pattern.
WARNING: Any glass doors on an unvented room
heater shall be opened when the appliance is in
operation.
Provisions for Adequate
Combustion and Ventilation Air
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 air tight as possible.
While it is good to make your home energy efficient,
you need fresh air. All fuel-burning appliances need
fresh air for proper combustion.
Supplying Adequate Ventilation
This appliance must be installed in an unconfined
space.
The National Fuel Gas Code's definitions for confined
and unconfined spaces are as shown below.
The National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 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 m
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
unconfined space.
3
Determining if You Have a
Confined or Unconfined Space
If additional ventilation from adjoining room(s) is
supplied with grilles or doorless openings, add the
volume of these rooms to compute the total volume
of the applicable 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:
= 100 or 100,000 (maximum BTU/Hr the space can
support)
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all gas burning appliances in the
space.
Example:
*Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. 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:
support) 89,000 BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr
used)
The space in the above example is an unconfined
space because the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the
maximum BTU/Hr the space can support. If the space
had been confined, your options would be as follows:
A. Rework worksheet, adding the space of an adjoining
room. If the extra space provides an unconfined
space, remove door to adjoining room or add
ventilation grills between rooms. See Ventilation Air
From Inside Building.
B. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size
makes room unconfined.
5,000 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft.
Gas range ________________ BTU/Hr
Vented gas heater __________ BTU/Hr
Gas fireplace logs __________ BTU/Hr
Other gas appliances* + _____ BTU/Hr
Total = _____ BTU/Hr
Gas range 60,000 BTU/Hr
Vent-free logs + 29,000 BTU/Hr
Total = 89,000 BTU/Hr
100,000 BTU/Hr (maximum the space can
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 25’ (length) x 25’ (width) x 8’
(ceiling height) = 5,000 cu. ft. (volume of space)
4
Converting Confined Space
to Unconfined Space
Additional volume to convert a confined to an unconfined space could come from an adjoining space.
When using an adjoining space, you can 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 3, Figure 1), or remove
the door into the adjoining room.
78586
Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
Ventilation air from outdoors for unusually tight
construction.
WARNING: If the area in which the heater may be
operated is smaller than that defined as an unconfined space or if the building is of unusually tight
construction, provide adequate combustion and
ventilation air by one of the methods described in
the National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1/NFPA 54,
Section 5.3 or applicable local codes.
Unusually tight construction is defined as construc-
tion where:
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmo-
sphere have a continuous water vapor retarder with
a rating of one perm (6x10.
-11
kg per pa-sec-m2) or
less with openings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been added on openable
windows and doors.
c. caulking or sealants are applied 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.
You may 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. 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.
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings 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.
You may 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. 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: The BL-3 blower kit is equipped with a
three prong (grounding) plug for your protection
against shock hazard and should be plugged
directly into a properly grounded three prong
receptacle.
WARNING: Air openings that provide fresh air
from an adjoining unconfined space shall not be
blocked or obstructed in any way. Installation of
unit should allow a minimum of 2” clearance
from any part of the heater to any of the ventilation openings.
OPTION 1 Vents to
Adjoining
Room
Fig. 1 Ventilation options for confined spaces.
78586
OPTION 3 Vents to
Adjoining
Room
OPTION 2 Remove
Door to
Adjoining
Room
12”
12”
VO370-2
5
Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
35³⁄₈"
Fireplace Dimensions
Rough
Opening
Depth
14¹⁄₂"
Rough Opening Width 36"
21¹⁄₈"
1/2"
35³⁄₈"
50"
1/2" Gas Connection
Left Side Only
Fig. 2 VF36 specifications and framing.
3⁷⁄₈"
6⁷⁄₈"
14¹⁄₂"
1/2” Clearance to Combustibles
not Required at This Point
Rough
Opening
Height
32¹⁄₈"
33¹⁄₂"
36"
17"
1¹⁄₂"
31¹⁄₈"
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78586
Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
Installation & Operating Instructions
Locating the Fireplace
Figure 3 shows some of the many ways your fireplace
may be installed. Consider the traffic pattern in your
room and the location of doors and windows. Moving
air from ceiling fans, open doors and hot air grilles may
cause the flames to soot. If a disturbance is found that
affects the flames, it must be eliminated by turning off
the ceiling fan, closing the door or closing/moving the
hot air register. A corner location may be best where
space is limited.
Your fireplace weighs no more than some of your fine
furniture. If the fireplace is located near a load bearing
wall, additional supports to the foundation will not be
necessary.
NOTE: Heavy facings such as brick, stone, etc., may
require additional foundation support.
NOTE: Although this unit may be installed on
combustible surfaces, it must not be installed on
carpet or vinyl.
The clearances to sidewalls and ceiling that are shown
in Figures 5, 6a, 6b and 7 must be considered when
choosing the location for the fireplace.
Fan Kit - Optional
(Part #BL-3)
For installation of the optional fan, please refer to the
instructions included in the fan kit.
Electrical Services
All optional fan kits are equipped with a 120V, 60Hz
blower, less than 12 amps.
A standard 120V outlet is needed near the fireplace in
order to plug in the optional blower accessory. The
blower is equipped with a standard 3-prong electrical
plug.
Installation Tip: The blower will be easier to install if
done at time of appliance installation.
Partial Room
Corner
Full Room
Projection
Fig. 3 Locating the fireplace.
Projection
Flush
Room
Divider
LU584-1
Gas Line
The gas line must be installed by a licensed gas line
installer before framing in the fireplace.
Drafts
Do not locate the fireplace in high traffic areas or areas
exposed to high drafts and winds. Locate the fireplace
away from furniture and draperies.
Blower
Fig. 4 BL-3 blower installation
Speed Control
T142
Framing Clearances
The fireplace may be placed directly on a combustible
floor, against a combustible wall at marked clearances
or on a raised wooden platform.
If the fireplace is to be installed on a raised wooden
platform, the platform must be a continuous level
surface.
The fireplace must be secured in place so it cannot shift
positions. The nailing flanges on the sides of the
firebox make securing it to the framing easy. They
were designed to allow the installation of 1/2" wallboard
or plywood flush with the face of the fireplace.
Only the header (Fig. 5) may rest on the standoffs on
top of the firebox. Framing must rest on top of standoffs.
78586
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Temco VF36RN/RNH/RP
1"
10"
7"
4"
12"
13"
17¹⁄₄"
21¹⁄₂"
26"
Min. 36"
From Top
of Unit to
Ceiling
When the fireplace is installed over carpeting, vinyl tile
or any combustible material other than wood flooring, it
must be installed on a metal or wood panel extending
its full width and depth. Alternatively - the carpeting,
vinyl tile, etc., may be removed from beneath the
fireplace before installing.
Combustible materials must not be installed over or
touch the black front surface of the fireplace.
21¹⁄₈"
14¹⁄₂"
36"
2” Min. Clearance
to Mantel Leg
1/2"
1/2” Clearance
not Required
at This Point
14¹⁄₂"
Min.
of 20¹⁄₄” above the fireplace opening. Required
clearance varies with the amount of projection.
(Fig. 6a)
The mantel profile must fall within the crosssection shown in Figure 6a (with standard
canopy) or Figure 6b (if a UC-2 Universal Canopy
is used).
b. With UC-2 Universal Canopy: The minimum
distance above the fireplace opening to combustible material projecting 1” (tile moldings, breast
boards, etc.) is 9”.
Combustible material projecting 6” (a mantel
shelf, for example) requires a minimum clearance
of 12” above the fireplace opening. Required
clearance varies with the amount of projection.
(Fig. 6b)
c. Heat resistant material: Any heat resistant
material suitable for a continuos operating
temperature of 120°C (248°F) must cover the wall
surface directly above the fireplace opening and
extend the full width of the fireplace opening for a
distance of 9” above the opening of the fireplace.
(Figs. 6a and 6b)
d. Refer to Figure 7 for mantel leg clearances.
36"
32¹⁄₈"
36¹⁄₈"
T143
Fig. 5 VF36 framing dimensions.
Clearances
To ensure a safe installation, the following instructions
must be carefully observed.
1. Sidewall Clearances: Clearances from the side of
the fireplace opening to any combustible wall should
not be less than 2”.
2. Ceiling Clearances: The ceiling height should not
be less than 36” from the top of the fireplace (See
Figure 6a).
Mantel Clearances:
a. Mantel profile: The minimum distance above the
fireplace opening to combustible material projecting 1” (tile moldings, breast boards, etc.) is 13”.
Combustible material projecting 6” (a mantel
shelf, for example) requires a minimum clearance
NOTE: Due to the continuous heat output of a
Vent Free Fireplace, occasional discoloration or
peeling of paint and varnish materials may be
noticed directly above the fireplace opening.
Ceiling
Combustibles Allowed in
Shaded Area
Combustible
Header
Standoff
Spacer
Fireplace
Top Face
Fig. 6a Minimum mantel clearance with standard canopy.
Combustible
Facewall
Noncombustible
to Top of
Standoff
Canopy
Top of Screen
Frame
Top of
Fireplace
Opening
T144
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78586
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