Vanguard VMH26TPB User Manual

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OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL
VENT-FREE PROPANE/LP GAS
COMPACT CLASSIC HEARTH

FIREPLACE
®
14,000 to 26,000 Btu/Hr
with Thermostat
®
Shown with Optional
Cabinet Mantel/Hearth
Base Accessory
VMH26TP
This appliance may be installed in an aftermarket* manufactured (mobile) home, where not prohibited
by state or local codes.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for purpose of resale, from the manufacturer. (I.E. Installation of this product is
permitted after the manufactured (mobile) home is sited)
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.
WARNING: If the information in this manual is not fol-
lowed 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 appliance.
• 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 in-
structions.
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire
department.
— Installation and service must be performed by a quali-
fied installer, service agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: Improper installation,
adjustment, alteration, service, or
maintenance can cause injury or
property damage. Refer to this
manual for correct installation and
operational procedures. For as-
sistance or additional information
consult a qualified installer, ser-
vice agency, or the gas supplier.
WARNING: This is an unvented
gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxy-
gen) from the room in which it is
installed. Provisions for adequate
combustion and ventilation air
must be provided. Refer to Air for
Combustion and Ventilation sec-
tion on page 6 of this manual.

Vanguard VMH26TPB Specifications

General

Brand	Vanguard
Model	VMH26TPB
Category	Indoor Fireplace
Language	English

Summary

General Safety Warnings and Gas Leak Procedures

Critical Safety Precautions

Highlights the importance of following manual instructions to prevent fire, explosion, injury, or death from improper use.

Procedure for Gas Leaks

Provides step-by-step instructions on what to do if a gas odor is detected, emphasizing immediate safety actions and contacting the gas supplier.

Safety Information and Hazard Awareness

Understanding Fireplace Hazards

Details serious risks including burns, fire, explosion, electrical shock, and carbon monoxide poisoning associated with fireplace operation.

Carbon Monoxide and Propane Gas Risks

Explains the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the properties of propane/LP gas, including its odorant and potential for leaks.

Specific Installation and Operational Warnings

Prohibited Installation Locations

Lists specific locations where the fireplace must not be installed, such as bedrooms, bathrooms, or recreational vehicles, and clearance restrictions.

Safe Operation and Maintenance Warnings

Covers essential operating practices like using the screen, avoiding modifications, and cautions against using the fireplace for cooking or in dusty conditions.

Product Identification and Features

Identifying Fireplace Components

Illustrates the fireplace and labels key parts like the cabinet, screen, logs, and control knob for easy identification.

Key Product Features

Details important features such as the Safety Pilot (ODS), Piezo Ignition System, and Thermostatic Heat Control for enhanced safety and convenience.

Unpacking and Inspection

Provides steps for safely unpacking the fireplace, including removing packaging and checking for shipping damage.

Fireplace Assembly Procedures

Assembling the Fireplace Unit

Outlines the steps and tools required to assemble the main fireplace components, including installing the logs and screen.

Attaching the Fireplace Hood

Details the process of attaching the fireplace hood using provided screws, referencing a diagram for guidance.

Air for Combustion and Ventilation Requirements

Importance of Fresh Air for Appliances

Explains why fuel-burning appliances need fresh air for proper combustion and ventilation, especially in energy-efficient homes.

Ventilation Space Classifications

Defines three space classifications (Unusually Tight, Unconfined, Confined) based on the National Fuel Gas Code for determining ventilation needs.

Determining Fresh Air Flow for Location

Worksheet for Space Air Calculation

Provides a step-by-step worksheet to calculate space volume and compare it to appliance heat output to determine if the space is confined or unconfined.

Ventilation Options for Confined Spaces

Outlines three options to ensure adequate ventilation if the space is classified as confined, including adding space or venting to the outdoors.

Ventilation Air from Adjoining Spaces

Providing Interior Ventilation

Describes how to provide ventilation air from an adjoining unconfined space using two permanent openings or removing a door, referencing Figure 4.

Ventilation Air from Outdoors

Connecting to Exterior Air Sources

Details how to provide fresh air from outdoors using ventilation grills or ducts, specifying two permanent openings and avoiding attic vents with power control.

Installation Site Selection and Preparation

Pre-Installation Checks and Components

Lists essential items and checks before installation, including gas type verification and required installation components.

Fireplace Placement Guidelines and Warnings

Provides critical warnings and cautions regarding fireplace placement, including minimum clearances, prohibited locations, and potential wall discoloration.

Mounting Clearances and Placement Diagrams

Clearances for Built-in Installation

Illustrates and specifies minimum clearances required around the fireplace when built into a wall, as shown in Figure 6.

Clearances with Optional Mantel Installation

Depicts and details the minimum clearances needed when the fireplace is installed with an optional mantel, as shown in Figure 7.

Built-in Installation Framing and Connections

Framing Rough Opening Specifications

Provides detailed dimensions for framing the rough opening for built-in installation in a wall or corner, referencing Figures 8 and 9.

Blower Electrical and Gas Piping Setup

Explains options for connecting an optional blower to an electrical source and the initial steps for installing gas piping to the fireplace.

Final Built-in Installation and Mantel Clearances

Securing Fireplace and Gas Line Attachment

Details attaching the fireplace to wall studs, checking gas connections for leaks, and installing optional trim after wall finishing.

Mantel Clearance Requirements for Built-in Units

Illustrates minimum clearance distances between a mantel shelf and the fireplace opening, providing options if requirements are not met.

Optional Mantel Installation Steps

Assembling and Attaching Mantel Components

Guides through the process of preparing the fireplace, assembling the brass trim kit, and attaching the fireplace to a wooden base and the wall.

Securing the Fireplace Wood Base

Explains how to securely attach the wood base to the floor, including methods for solid floors like concrete or masonry, as depicted in Figure 13.

Brass Trim Assembly and Floor Anchoring

Assembling the Brass Trim Kit

Provides detailed steps for assembling the optional brass trim kit, including adjusting plates and shims, as illustrated in Figure 14.

Attaching Wood Base to Solid Floors

Explains the procedure for attaching the wood base to solid floors using floor anchors and screws, referencing Figure 15.

Connecting the Gas Supply System

External Regulator and Piping Requirements

Details the necessity of an external regulator, correct pipe types, sealant, and installing a sediment trap as crucial steps for safe gas connection.

External Regulator Installation Guidance

Explains the proper installation of the external regulator, emphasizing the vent pointing down to protect it from weather, as shown in Figure 16.

Gas Connection Diagram and Initial Routing

Gas Connection Diagram Overview

Presents a detailed diagram (Figure 17) illustrating the gas connection components, including the shutoff valve, sediment trap, and flexible gas line from the regulator.

Initial Gas Line Routing Steps

Outlines the first steps for connecting the gas line, including removing the fireplace screen and branch support, and routing the flexible gas line into the fireplace.

Gas Line Connection and Leak Testing Procedures

Connecting Flexible Gas Lines

Details connecting the flexible gas lines to the regulator and shutoff valve, and reassembling the branch support, as shown in Figure 19.

Pressure Testing Gas Supply Piping

Explains the procedure for pressure testing the gas supply piping system, including steps for pressures above and below 1/2 PSIG, to detect leaks.

Fireplace Gas Connection Leak Verification

Low Pressure Leak Testing

Outlines the steps for leak testing gas connections when pressures are equal to or less than 1/2 PSIG, using a soap and water mixture.

Fireplace Internal Gas Connection Testing

Details the procedure for testing the fireplace's internal gas connections from the shutoff valve to the thermostat gas valve, including lighting the fireplace to check internal joints.

Operating Safety and Lighting Preparation

Pre-Lighting Safety Checks and Warnings

Emphasizes crucial safety steps before lighting, including smelling for gas, understanding what to do if gas is detected, and proper use of the control knob.

Initial Pilot Lighting Steps

Outlines the first steps for lighting the pilot, including ensuring the screen is in place, the shutoff valve is open, and the control knob is in the OFF position, as shown in Figure 22.

Pilot Ignition and Main Burner Operation

Lighting the Pilot Flame

Details the process of lighting the pilot flame, including setting the control knob to PILOT, pressing it, and using the ignitor button, as shown in Figure 23.

Igniting the Main Burner

Explains how to ignite the main burner after the pilot is lit, by turning the control knob to the desired heating level (HI to LO).

Fireplace Shutdown and Thermostat Control

Procedures for Turning Off Fireplace

Provides instructions for safely shutting off the fireplace completely or just the burner while leaving the pilot lit.

Thermostat Operation Explained

Explains how the thermostat controls room temperature by adjusting the burner flame height, cycling the burner on and off as needed.

Manual Pilot Lighting Procedure

Details the steps for lighting the pilot manually using a match if the ignitor fails, following specific safety and operational sequences.

Pilot Flame Pattern Inspection

Correct Pilot Flame Configuration

Shows a diagram (Figure 24) illustrating the correct pilot flame pattern, where the flame properly contacts the thermocouple.

Incorrect Pilot Flame and Shutdown Causes

Illustrates an incorrect pilot flame pattern (Figure 25) where the flame does not touch the thermocouple, leading to shutdown, and advises on corrective actions.

Burner Flame Pattern Inspection

Correct Burner Flame Pattern

Displays a diagram (Figure 26) showing the correct burner flame pattern, with flames about one inch above the logs and no yellow tipping.

Incorrect Flame Pattern and CO Warning

Illustrates an incorrect burner flame pattern (Figure 27) with yellow tipping, warning of potential increased carbon monoxide levels and advising corrective steps.

Cleaning and Maintenance Procedures

Cleaning Fireplace Components

Provides instructions for cleaning the ODS/pilot, burner, cabinet air passageways, and exterior using appropriate tools and methods.

General Troubleshooting Safety Precautions

Lists essential safety warnings and cautions before troubleshooting, emphasizing turning off power and avoiding damage to the ODS/pilot unit.

Troubleshooting Ignition and Pilot Issues

Pilot Spark Without Ignition

Addresses issues where the ignitor produces a spark but the pilot does not ignite, listing causes like gas supply problems or incorrect knob position.

Pilot Flame Loss After Knob Release

Covers scenarios where the pilot lights but goes out when the control knob is released, indicating potential causes like safety interlocks or loose thermocouple connections.

Troubleshooting Burner and Flame Issues

Burner Ignition and Backfiring

Details troubleshooting steps for when the burner doesn't light, backfires, or exhibits delayed ignition, often related to clogged orifices or gas pressure.

Flame Color, Odor, and Noise Problems

Addresses problems like yellow flames, smoke/odor, and whistling noises, providing remedies such as checking air supply, cleaning, or adjusting gas pressure.

Troubleshooting Noises, Odors, and Shutdowns

Addressing Fireplace Noises and Odors

Provides remedies for common issues like clicking/ticking noises and unwanted odors, suggesting ventilation and checking fuel supply or leaks.

Resolving Fireplace Shutdowns and Gas Odors

Covers troubleshooting for the fireplace shutting off (ODS operation), gas odors when the control knob is off, or during combustion, often related to leaks or ventilation.

Technical Service, Specifications, and Parts

Technical Support and Product Specifications

Lists contact information for technical support and outlines key product specifications like BTU output, gas type, ignition, dimensions, and weight.

Service Hints and Replacement Parts Guidance

Offers hints for common service issues related to gas pressure and quality, and provides guidance on obtaining original replacement parts under and not under warranty.

Detailed Parts List

Fireplace Component Part Numbers

Provides a comprehensive list of all replaceable parts for the VMH26TP model, including key numbers, part numbers, descriptions, and quantities.

Additional Available Parts Not Shown

Lists supplementary parts that are available but not shown in the main diagram, such as instruction plates and hardware packages.

Optional Fireplace Accessories

Accessory Purchase and Referral Information

Details how to purchase optional accessories and provides contact information if local dealers cannot supply them.

List of Available Fireplace Accessories

Lists various optional accessories like shutoff valves, blowers, trim kits, and mantels that can enhance the fireplace's functionality and appearance.

Warranty Information and Terms

Warranty Coverage and Claim Process

Outlines the limited warranty terms, including coverage duration for components and burners, and conditions for claims, requiring proof of purchase.

Warranty Exclusions and Limitations of Liability

Specifies what is not covered by the warranty, such as misuse, accidents, or improper installation, and clarifies limitations on liability for damages.