Desa VB42I - User Manual

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Overview

Important Safety Warnings and Guidelines
Technical Specifications and Clearances
Usage Features
Maintenance Features
Installation Process Overview

This manual describes the installation and operation of a DESA International fireplace, available in several models: (V)B42 (42" smooth face), (V)B42I (42" smooth face with insulation), (V)B42L (42" circulating), and (V)B42LI (42" circulating with insulation). It is designed for use as a wood-burning fireplace or with a vented gas log (ANS Z21.60, Z21.84, or RGA 2-72 standards) or a vent-free gas log heater (ANS Z21.11.2 standard). A DESA hood is required when using a vent-free gas log heater. The fireplace is not intended as a primary heat source but for supplemental heat only. It complies with UL 127-CAN/ULS-S610-M87 as a FACTORY BUILT FIREPLACE.

Important Safety Warnings and Guidelines:

Always leave glass doors fully opened or fully closed when operating the fireplace.
Do not store or use flammable vapors or liquids near the appliance.
Locate the appliance away from traffic, furniture, and draperies due to high temperatures.
Do not place clothing or other flammable materials on or near the appliance.
Never leave children unattended when a fire is burning.
Improper installation, adjustment, alteration, service, or maintenance can cause injury, property damage, or loss of life. Consult a qualified installer or local distributor.
Check local codes before installation.
Use only DESA components designed and tested for the fireplace system; using other components may cause a fire hazard and voids the warranty.
The warranty is voided by and DESA disclaims responsibility for modifications to the fireplace, components, doors, blower, fans, air inlet system, or damper control, or the use of non-DESA manufactured or approved parts.
Do not install a fireplace insert unless the manufacturer's instructions specifically state this fireplace has been tested for use with the insert.
Use only solid wood or processed solid fuel firelogs. When using processed logs, do not poke or stir them while burning. Refer to fire log warnings and caution markings on packaging.
Do not pack required air spaces with insulation or other materials.
Hearth extension must be installed as illustrated.
Do not operate an unvented gas log set in this fireplace with the chimney removed.
If the fireplace has been used for wood burning, the firebox and chimney must be cleaned of soot, creosote, and ashes by a qualified chimney cleaner before installing a gas appliance. Creosote will ignite if highly heated.
When using a decorative vented gas log, the damper must be removed or permanently locked in the fully open position, and the glass doors must be in the fully open position.
Risk of fire! Replace grate with DESA model 107001-02 grate only. This grate is designed for safe and efficient operation.

Technical Specifications and Clearances:

Dimensions (Overall): 28.500" W x 44.000" H x 21.125" D (front to back). Firebox opening is 37.500" W x 33.000" H.
Framing Dimensions: 44.250" W x 37.625" H x 22.000" D.
Corner Installation Framing: 51.534" W (front) x 23.940" D (side) x 72.880" (diagonal) with a 16.928" corner depth. Maintain 3/4" clearance at sides and back of fireplace. 3/4" clearance is not required at nailing flanges.
Minimum Clearances to Combustibles:
- Back and side of fireplace: 3/4" minimum (not required at nailing flanges).
- Floor: 0" minimum (refer to step 2 of "Installing the Fireplace" on page 3 for details).
- Perpendicular Wall to Opening of unit: 12" minimum.
- Top Spacers: 0" minimum.
- Mantel Clearances: See page 8 ("Mantels").
- Chimney Outer Pipe Surfaces: 2" minimum.
Minimum/Maximum Chimney Height:
- Minimum height (base of fireplace to flue gas outlet of termination): 14.5 feet for straight flue or one elbow set.
- Maximum distance between elbows: 6 feet.
- Minimum height for two elbow sets: 22 feet.
- Maximum height for any system: 50 feet.
- Chimney must extend a minimum of 3 feet in height above the highest point where it passes through the roof and must be at least 2 feet above the highest point of the roof that is within a horizontal distance of 10 feet.
Hearth Extension: Required to project a minimum of 16" in front of and 8" beyond each side of the fireplace opening. Must be made of non-combustible, inorganic material with a thermal conductivity (K) of 0.84 BTU IN/FT. HR. F (or less) at 1" thick. For example, if K=0.25, a 0.30" thickness is required.
Gas Line: Use 1/2" black iron pipe and appropriate fittings.

Usage Features:

Fan/Blower Kit (Optional): Available for circulating models only. Operated by a rocker switch on the lower right-hand corner of the fireplace face and a control knob (not shown). Use of non-DESA blowers/fans voids the warranty.
Glass Doors (Optional): Must be in a fully opened or fully closed position during operation. Operating with doors partly open can draw gas and flame out, creating fire and smoke risks. Allow tempered glass to warm slowly and evenly. Avoid excessively hot fires (e.g., pitch/wax laden logs, very dry lumber, large amounts of paper/cardboard) as tempered glass can withstand a gradual temperature rise to 550°F. Keep fire well back from doors and prevent flames from contacting the glass.
Damper Operation: The damper handle is located inside the firebox at the center towards the back wall. Pushing the handle back into the keyway slot opens the damper blade automatically. To close, push the handle back into the keyhole slot, then pull down and forward to lock it.
Outside Air Kit (Optional - Models AK4 / AK4F): Installation should be performed during rough framing. Accesses combustion air through a vented crawl space (AK4F) or sidewall (AK4).

Maintenance Features:

Cleaning the Glass: Clean with commercial glass cleaner or soap and water. Do not use abrasive materials. Do not clean hot glass with cool water.
Chimney Cleaning: If used for wood burning, the firebox and chimney must be cleaned of soot, creosote, and ashes by a qualified chimney cleaner.

Installation Process Overview:

Framing: Frame the opening according to specified dimensions.
Base Installation: If installing on carpeting, tile (non-ceramic), or other combustible material, place the fireplace on a metal or wood panel extending the full width and depth of the fireplace.
Positioning: Slide the fireplace into the opening until nailing flanges touch the side framing.
Leveling: Check level and shim with sheet metal if necessary.
Ember Protector: Place the provided ember protector between the hearth extension (not supplied) and under the bottom front edge of the fireplace. It should extend a minimum of 1-1/2" under the fireplace and be made of 28-gage galvanized sheet metal. For raised platforms, a Z-type ember protector (not supplied) must be fabricated.
Securing: Secure the fireplace to the framing through flanges with screws or nails.
Hearth Extension: Fabricate and install the hearth extension as per specifications. Prevent shifting and seal gaps with non-combustible material.
Outside Air Kit (Optional): Install during rough framing.
Fan/Blower Kit (Optional): Connect electrical wiring through the electrical cover plate on the side of the fireplace.
Chimney System Assembly: Assemble double-wall chimney sections (galvanized outer pipe, stainless steel inner flue pipe, wire spacer). Inner flue pipe first (lanced side up), then outer pipe (hemmed end up). Press sections until lances engage the hem. Ensure sections are locked by pulling upward. No screws are needed except for elbow offsets.
Elbow Offset (Optional): Secure pipe connections between offset and return with two screws on the outer pipe only, not penetrating the inner stainless. Straps must be securely nailed to rafters or joists. Maximum pipe length between supports is 6' of angle run; maximum two 6' angle run sections per chimney system.
Firestop Spacers: Required where the chimney penetrates a floor space to maintain clearance to combustibles and provide separation between floor/attic spaces.
Roof Penetration: Determine the center point, pitch, and use the roof opening chart to determine the correct opening length and flashing. Remove shingles, cut opening, extend chimney sections.
Flashing Installation: Slide flashing over pipe until the base is flat against the roof. Secure by nailing through shingles (not through the flashing cone). For metal roofs, use putty tape between flashing and roof, secure with #8 x ¾" screws, and seal with roof coating.
Storm Collar Installation: Place storm collar over pipe and slide down until snug against the open edge of the flashing. Apply waterproof caulk around the perimeter.
Terminations/Spark Arrestor: Terminate with listed round top or chase terminations. Do not seal openings on the rooftop flashing.
Finishing: Combustible materials (wallboard, gypsum board, etc.) can contact sides and top periphery but must not overlap the face. Non-combustible materials (brick, glass, tile) can overlap the front face but must not obstruct essential openings. Use non-combustible mortar or adhesive.
Mantels (Optional): Combustible materials projecting from the front face must not be placed within 12" of the fireplace opening (and within 9" of the top louver opening). Above 12", projections greater than 1-1/2" must be placed at least 12" from the top opening.
Gas Line Installation (Optional): Remove knockout indentation on the refractory wall. Remove gas line cover plate and insulation. Run 1/2" black iron gas line into the fireplace. Secure to wood framing. Repack insulation and seal gaps with refractory cement.
- All gas piping and connections must be tested for leaks with soap and water solution after installation. Do not use an open flame for leak testing.
- A DESA hood is required for unvented gas log sets.
- If installing a decorative gas appliance (vented gas log), it must comply with ANS Z21.60, Z21.84, or RGA 2-72 and be installed per National Fuel Gas Code, ANS Z223.1-NFPA 54.