Empire VFSV-30 Technical Service And Troubleshooting Manual

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Service Manual

Empire Comfort Systems Inc.



918 Freeburg Avenue



Belleville, Illinois 62220-2623

618 233-7420



800 851-3153



Fax: 618 233-7097



800 443-8648

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LP Fired Products

Natural Gas Fired Products

Vented Heaters

Vent-Free Heaters

Vented Hearth

Vent-Free Hearth

Gas Grills

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Fax your completed form to Tech Services at 800 443-8648

2

Fireplace Technical Service

And Troubleshooting Manual

4

Vent Free Fireplace Troubleshooting .....................................................................................1:1

Pilot Flame Characteristics For Vent Free ............................................................................1:12

Clearances And Ventilation For Vent Free ..........................................................................1:14

Direct Vent Fireplace Troubleshooting ...................................................................................2:1

Venting Examples .................................................................................................................2:12

Venting Clearances ...............................................................................................................2:18

Vent Kits ...............................................................................................................................2:21

B Vent Fireplace Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................3:1

Control Valves And Devices ..................................................................................................4:1

Pilot Assemblies (ODS)..........................................................................................................4:2

Gas Valves ..............................................................................................................................4:6

DSI Valves ............................................................................................................................4:16

IP Valves ...............................................................................................................................4:20

RF Valves .............................................................................................................................4:26

Control Device Troubleshooting ..........................................................................................4:32

Sizing Charts ..........................................................................................................................5:1

Service Bullitens.....................................................................................................................6:1

Section Page

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Sect1:1

Vent Free Fireplace Troubleshooting

Sect1:2

INFORMATION

BULLETIN

NUMBER: 02-1

MODELS: Vent-Free Log Sets

PURPOSE: This is a general information bulletin written to insure the proper installation, application, and use of vent-free log sets.

There are many factors that come into play when there is an occurrence of sooting with any log set. We have compiled the following

informtion to cover any potential issue that can create sooting. Preventative measures taken before initial start up can avoid future

issues with log sets.

IMPORTANT INSTALLATION GUIDELINES

Proper Log Placement

Log placement is critical to proper burner performance. Logs must

be correctly positioned onto the burner. The photos in this manual

show the proper pinned position for logs on this set. Owners need to

be shown proper log placement and instructed not to move the logs.

Logs must t rmly onto the burner when positioned as shown in the

photos. Misformed logs or logs with sloppy holes must be replaced.

Proper Placement of Rock Wool and Decorative Lava Rock

Rock wool can be added to burners for a glowing ember effect. It

must be positioned only on the front portion of the burner. The

photos in this manual show the proper placement of rock wool.

Decorative lava rock or small wood pieces should never be placed

on the burner. These items are only for placement on the oor of the

replace or rebox.

Proper Primary Airow into Burner

For proper burner operation and ame appearance , the ow of

primary air into the venturi tube, located on the rear of the burner,

must not be reduced. This ow of air is reduced if dirt, lint or other

obstructions build-up around or inside the venturi. Any obstruction

in the venturi tube area must be removed. The ow of air into the

venturi is also reduced if the gas orice isn’t centered in the venturi

inlet and/or is not aligned with the venturi. Any misalignment of the

burner orice may be corrected by bending the shutter cap holding

the orice to the inlet of the venturi tube.

Ceiling Fans, Portable Fans or Logs Installed Near Cold Air Returns

Ceiling fans or oscillating oor type fans need to be monitored

during the operation of vent-free logs. If the air blows directly into

the ame causing it to impinge on the log set, or rebox, it should be

turned off or redirected. Ceiling fans could be

reversed to possibly eliminate ame impingement, and the oor

fan could be redirected. Upon installation, be aware of any cold air

returns or vents in the proximity of the log set. Any draft created

around a vent-free log set can cause the ame to impinge on the log

and create a sooting situation.

Candles

Avoid the use of scented or decorative candles while the log set

is in operation. Candles produce a residue in the air that creates a

soot like substance. Burning candles while the log set is operating

magnies the problem. It should be noted that candles, in general

produce soot. The amount of time burned and the quantity of

candles burned will determine the amount of soot produced and

deposited.

Make Owners Aware of Proper Log Set Operation

Properly installed and properly maintained log sets do not deposit

soot on the logs. If users see soot appear on a log, call for service.

Do not continue to operate the log set.

Sunken Fireplace

If installing this unit into a sunken replace, you must raise the oor

to insure adequate airow and guard against sooting. Raise replace

oor using a non-combustible material, which is secure.

Glass Doors

Make sure that glass doors are open during all operations of the

logset. The opening of the glass door frame should be the dimension

used for the minumum front opening of the rebox.

Woodburning Fireplaces

The interior of the rebox and the chimney should be cleared and

free of all creosote before installing a gas burning log set. Creosote

will soften when heated and can drop on the log set casuing odors

and possible sooting.

Empire Comfort Systems Inc. 918 Freeburg Avenue Belleville, Illinois 62222-0529