Vanguard Heating Electric Heater VN6B User Manual

®
VENT-FREE NATURAL GAS HEATER  
OWNER’S OPERATION AND INSTALLATION MANUAL  
Models: VN6B and VN12A  
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 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 instructions.  
• If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department.  
— Installation and service must be performed by a qualified installer, service  
agency, or the gas supplier.  
®
Save this manual for future reference.  
 
SAFETY  
WARNINGS Continued  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
INFORMATION  
WARNING: Any change to this heater or its controls can be dangerous.  
Continued  
1. Use only natural gas. Do not convert heater to use different fuel type.  
2. If you smell gas  
• shut off gas supply  
• 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 instructions  
• if you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the fire department  
3. This heater shall not be installed in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A - input  
12,000 BTUs).  
4. Never install the heater  
• in a recreational vehicle  
• where curtains, furniture, clothing, or other flammable objects are less than  
36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater  
• as a fireplace insert  
• in high traffic areas  
• in windy or drafty areas  
5. Always run heater with control knob at LOW or HIGH locked positions  
(VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set control knob between locked  
positions. Poor combustion and higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.  
6. This heater needs fresh, outside air ventilation to run properly. This heater has  
an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) pilot light safety system. The ODS shuts  
down the heater if not enough fresh air is available. See Fresh Air for Combus-  
tion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.  
7. Neverrunheaterinsmall,closedroom.Opendoorintonextroomtohelpventilate.  
8. Keep all air openings in front and bottom of heater clear and free of debris.  
This will insure enough air for proper combustion.  
9. If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh, outside air. If heater  
keeps shutting off, have it serviced.  
10. Do not run heater  
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored  
• under dusty conditions  
11. Never place any objects on the heater.  
12. Surface of heater becomes very hot when running heater. Keep children and  
adults away from hot surface to avoid burns or clothing ignition. Heater will  
remain hot for a time after shut-down. Allow surface to cool before touching.  
13. Carefully supervise young children when they are in same room with heater.  
14. Make sure grill guard is in place before running heater.  
15. Do not use heater if any part has been under water. Immediately call a quali-  
fied service technician to inspect the room heater and to replace any part of the  
control system and any gas control which has been under water.  
16. Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person  
should service and repair heater.  
17. Operating heater above elevations of 4,500 feet may cause pilot outage.  
3
100845  
 
Piezo Ignitor Button  
Control Knob  
PRODUCT  
IDENTIFICATION  
Grill  
Guard  
Burners  
Heater  
Cabinet  
Front  
Panel  
Figure 1 - Vent-Free Natural Gas Heater (Model VN12A Shown)  
Install and use heater with care. Follow all local codes. In the absence of local  
codes, use the latest edition of National Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1, also known  
as NFPA 54*.  
LOCAL CODES  
*Available from:  
American National Standards Institute, Inc.  
1430 Broadway  
New York, NY 10018  
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.  
Batterymarch Park  
Quincy, MA 02269  
1. Remove heater from carton.  
UNPACKING  
2. Remove all protective packaging applied to heater for shipment.  
3. Check heater for any shipping damage. If heater is damaged, promptly inform  
dealer where you bought heater.  
Safety Device  
PRODUCT  
FEATURES  
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS).  
The ODS/pilot is a required feature for vent-free room heaters. The ODS/pilot shuts  
off the heater if there is not enough fresh air.  
Piezo Ignition System  
This heater has a piezo ignitor. This system requires no matches, batteries, or other  
sources to light heater.  
4
100845  
 
FRESH AIR  
FOR  
COMBUSTION  
AND  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
This heater must have fresh air for proper operation. If not, poor  
fuel combustion could result. Read the following instructions to  
insure proper fresh air for this and other fuel-burning appliances  
in your home.  
VENTILATION  
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  
airtight as possible.  
While it is good to make your home energy efficient, your home needs to breathe.  
Fresh air must enter your home. All fuel-burning appliances need fresh air for  
proper combustion and ventilation.  
Exhaust fans, fireplaces, clothes dryers, and fuel burning appliances draw air from  
the house to operate. You must provide adequate fresh air for these appliances.  
This will insure proper venting of vented fuel-burning appliances.  
PRODUCING ADEQUATE VENTILATION  
All spaces in homes fall into one of the three following ventilation classifications:  
1. Unusually Tight Contruction; 2. Unconfined Space; 3. Confined Space.  
The information on pages 5 through 8 will help you classify your space and provide  
adequate ventilation.  
Unusually Tight Construction  
The air that leaks around doors and windows may provide enough fresh air for  
combustion and ventilation. However, in buildings of unusually tight construction,  
you must provide additional fresh air.  
Unusually tight construction is defined as construction where:  
a. walls and ceilings exposed to the outside atmosphere have a continu-  
ous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm or less with open-  
ings gasketed or sealed and  
b. weather stripping has been added on openable windows and doors and  
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 addi-  
tional fresh air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.  
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, continue reading.  
Unconfined Space  
An unconfined space has a minimum air volume of 50 cubic feet for each 1000  
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x  
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless  
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.  
Confined Space  
A confined space has an air volume of less than 50 cubic feet for each 1000  
BTU/Hr input rating of all appliances in the space (cubic feet equals length x  
width x height of space). Include adjoining rooms only if there are doorless  
passageways or ventilation grills between the rooms.  
Continued  
5
100845  
 
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION  
FRESH AIR  
FOR  
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space  
Use this worksheet to determine if you have a confined or unconfined space.  
COMBUSTION  
AND  
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).  
VENTILATION  
Length x Width x Height =  
___________________  
cu. ft. (volume of space)  
Continued  
Example: Space size 18 ft. (length) x 16 ft. (width) x 8 ft. (ceiling height) =  
2304 cu. ft. (volume of space)  
If additional ventilation to adjoining room is supplied with grills or openings, add the  
volume of these rooms to the total volume of the 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: 2304 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 46.1 or 46,100 (maximum  
BTU/Hr the space can support)  
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.  
Vent-free heater  
Gas water heater*  
Gas furnace  
Vented gas heater  
Gas fireplace logs  
Other gas appliances*  
Total  
___________________ BTU/Hr  
___________________ BTU/Hr  
___________________ BTU/Hr  
___________________ BTU/Hr  
___________________ BTU/Hr  
+ ___________________ BTU/Hr  
= ___________________ BTU/Hr  
Example:  
Gas water heater  
Vent-free heater  
Total  
40,000  
10,000  
50,000  
BTU/Hr  
BTU/Hr  
BTU/Hr  
+
=
* 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:  
46,100 BTU/Hr (maximum the space can support)  
50,000 BTU/Hr (actual amount of BTU/Hr used)  
The space in the above example is a confined space because the actual BTU/Hr used is  
more than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support. You must provide additional fresh  
air. Your options are 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, page 7.  
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 8.  
C. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, if lower BTU/Hr size makes room unconfined.  
If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the maximum BTU/Hr the space can support, the  
space is an unconfined space. You will need no additional fresh air ventilation.  
WARNING  
You must provide additional ventilation air in a confined space.  
6
100845  
 
VENTILATION AIR  
FRESH AIR  
FOR  
COMBUSTION  
AND  
Ventilation Air From Inside Building  
This fresh air would come from an adjoining unconfined space. When ventilating to an  
adjoining unconfined space, you must 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  
2, Figure 2). You can also remove door into adjoining room (see option 3, Figure 2).  
VENTILATION  
WARNING  
Continued  
Rework worksheet, adding the space of the adjoining unconfined  
space. The combined spaces must have enough fresh air to supply all  
appliances in both spaces.  
12"  
Ventilation Grills  
Into Adjoining Room,  
Ventilation  
Grills  
Option 2  
Or  
into Adjoining  
Room,  
Remove  
Door into  
Adjoining  
Room,  
Option 1  
Option 3  
12"  
Figure 2 - Ventilation Air from Inside Building  
Continued  
7
100845  
 
VENTILATION AIR (Continued)  
Ventilation Air From Outdoors  
FRESH AIR  
FOR  
COMBUSTION  
AND  
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must provide two perma-  
nent 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.  
VENTILATION  
IMPORTANT: Do not provide openings for inlet or outlet air into attic if attic has a thermo-  
Continued  
stat-controlled power vent. Heated air entering the attic will activate the power vent.  
Ventilated  
Outlet  
Attic  
Air  
Outlet  
Air  
To Attic  
To  
Crawl  
Space  
Inlet  
Air  
Ventilated  
Inlet Air  
Crawl Space  
Figure 3 - Ventilation Air from Outdoors  
8
100845  
 
INSTALLING  
TO WALL  
NOTICE  
A qualified service person must install heater. Follow all local codes.  
CHECK GAS TYPE  
Use only natural gas. If your gas supply is not natural, do not install heater. Call  
dealer where you bought heater for proper type heater.  
INSTALLATION ITEMS  
Before installing heater, make sure you have the items listed below.  
• piping (check local codes)  
• sealant (resistant to propane gas)  
• manual shutoff valve *  
• ground joint union  
• test gauge connection * (see  
Figure 12, page 14)  
• sediment trap  
• tee joint  
• pipe wrench  
* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable  
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified  
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.  
LOCATING HEATER  
This heater is designed to be mounted on a wall.  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Maintain the minimum clearances shown in Figure 4 (page 10). If  
you can, provide greater clearances from floor, ceiling, and join-  
ing wall.  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Never install the heater  
in a bedroom or bathroom (VN12A)  
in a recreational vehicle  
wherecurtains,furniture,clothing,orotherflammableobjectsare  
less than 36 inches from the front, top, or sides of the heater  
as a fireplace insert  
in high traffic areas  
in windy or drafty areas  
CAUTION  
This heater creates warm air currents. These currents move heat  
to wall surfaces next to heater. Installing heater next to vinyl or  
cloth wall coverings or operating heater where impurities in the air  
(such as tobacco smoke) exist, may discolor walls.  
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial, in-  
stalling heater in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from  
too much moisture. See Fresh Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 5 through 8.  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
If you install the heater in a home garage  
heater pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above floor  
locate heater where moving vehicle will not hit it  
Continued  
9
100845  
 
For convenience and efficiency, install heater  
• where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service  
• in coldest part of room  
INSTALLING  
TO WALL  
Continued  
CEILING  
36"  
Minimum  
8"  
Minimum  
From  
Sides Of  
Heater  
Right  
Side  
Left  
Side  
3"  
Minimum To Top Surface  
Of Carpeting, Tile Or Other  
Combustible Material  
FLOOR  
Figure 4 - Mounting Clearances As Viewed From Front of Heater  
INSTALLING HEATER TO WALL  
Marking Screw Locations  
1. Determine where you will locate heater.  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Maintain minimum clearances shown in Figure 5. If you can,  
provide greater clearances from floor and joining wall.  
2. Mark two mounting screw locations on wall (see Figure 5).  
7 3/4"  
10 7/8"  
Minimum To  
Maintain 8"  
Clearance  
From Wall  
Mounting  
Screw  
Locations  
20 1/4"  
Minimum To  
Maintain 3"  
Clearance  
From Floor  
FLOOR  
Figure 5 - Mounting Screw Locations  
10  
100845  
 
Installing Two Mounting Screws  
Note: Wall anchors and mounting screws are in hardware package. The hardware  
package is provided with heater.  
INSTALLING  
TO WALL  
Continued  
Attaching to wall stud method  
For attaching mounting screw to wall stud  
1. Drill hole at marked location using 9/64" drill bit.  
2. Insert mounting screw into wall stud.  
3. Tighten screw until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between screwhead and  
wall.  
Attaching to wall anchor method  
Follow instructions below to attach mounting screws to hollow walls (wall areas  
between studs) or solid walls (concrete or masonry).  
1. Drill holes at marked locations using 5/16" drill bit. For solid walls (concrete or  
masonry), drill at least 1 1/4" deep.  
2. Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).  
Figure 6 - Folding Anchor  
3. Insert wall anchor (wings first) into hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.  
4. For thin walls (1/2" or less), insert red key into wall anchor. Push red key to  
“pop” open anchor wings (see Figure 7). IMPORTANT: Do not hammer key!  
For thick walls (over 1/2" thick) or solid walls, do not pop open wings.  
Thin Walls  
(1/4" to 1/2" thick)  
Figure 7 - Popping Open Anchor Wings For Thin Walls  
5. Tighten two screws until 1/16" space (thickness of penny) is between  
screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).  
Thin or Thick Wall  
(thick wall shown)  
1/16" Space  
Solid Wall  
ANCHOR  
Figure 8 - Tightening Anchors  
Continued  
11  
100845  
 
Placing Heater On Mounting Screws  
INSTALLING  
TO WALL  
Continued  
1. Locate two keyhole slots on back panel of heater (see Figure 9).  
2. Place large openings of slots over screwheads. Slide heater down until screws  
are in small portion of slots.  
Keyhole Slots  
Figure 9 - Location Of Keyhole Slots On Back Panel Of Heater  
Removing Front Panel Of Heater  
1. Remove two screws near bottom corners of front panel.  
2. Lift straight up on grill guard until it stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4".  
3. Pull bottom of front panel forward, then down.  
Figure 10 - Removing Front Panel Of Heater  
Installing Bottom Mounting Screw  
1. Locate bottom mounting hole. This hole is near bottom on back panel of heater  
(see Figure 11).  
2. Mark screw location on wall.  
3. Remove heater from wall.  
4. If installing bottom mounting screw into hollow or solid wall, install wall anchor.  
Follow steps 1 through 5 under Attaching To Wall Anchor Method, page 11.  
If installing bottom mounting screw into wall stud, drill hole at marked location  
using 9/64" drill bit.  
5. Replace heater on wall.  
6. Insert bottom anchor screw through back panel into bottom anchor or drilled  
hole (see Figure 11).  
7. Tighten screw until heater is firmly secured to wall. Do not over tighten.  
Note: Do not replace front panel at this time. Replace front panel after making  
gas connections and checking for leaks (see pages 13-15).  
Figure 11 - Installing Bottom Mounting Screw  
12  
100845  
 
CONNECTING  
TO GAS  
NOTICE  
A qualified service person must connect heater to gas supply.  
Follow all local codes.  
SUPPLY  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Never connect heater to private (non-utility) gas wells. This gas is  
commonly known as well-head gas.  
IMPORTANT: Check gas line pressure before connecting heater to gas line. Gas line  
pressure must be no greater than 14 inches of water. If gas line pressure is higher,  
heater regulator damage could occur.  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Use only new, black iron or steel pipe. Internally-tinned copper  
tubing may be used in certain areas. Check your local codes. Use  
pipe 3/8" diameter or greater to allow proper gas volume to heater.  
If pipe is too small, undue loss of pressure will occur.  
Installation must include a manual shutoff valve, ground joint union, and plugged  
1/8" NPT tap. Locate NPT tap within reach for test gauge hook up. NPT tap must  
be upstream from heater (see Figure 12, page 14).  
Apply pipe joint sealant lightly to male threads. This will prevent excess sealant  
from going into pipe. Excess sealant in pipe could result in clogged heater valves.  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Use pipe joint sealant that is resistant to liquid petroleum (LP) gas.  
Install sediment trap in supply line as shown in Figure 12, page 14. Locate sediment  
trap where it is within reach for cleaning. Locate sediment trap where trapped  
matter is not likely to freeze. A sediment trap traps moisture and contaminants. This  
keeps them from going into heater controls. If sediment trap is not installed or is  
installed wrong, heater may not run properly.  
Continued  
13  
100845  
 
IMPORTANT: Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping  
and/or fittings.  
CONNECTING  
TO GAS  
SUPPLY  
Continued  
Pressure  
Regulator  
3/8" NPT  
Pipe Nipple  
Heater  
Cabinet  
Ground Joint  
Union  
Manual  
Shutoff  
Valve *  
Tee Joint  
Reducer  
Test  
Gauge  
Connection *  
Bushing to  
1/8" NPT  
From  
Gas Meter  
(4" W.C. to  
10.5" W.C.  
Pressure)  
1/8" NPT  
Plug Tap  
Tee  
Joint  
Sediment  
Trap  
3" Minimum  
Pipe  
Nipple  
Cap  
Figure 12 - Gas Connection  
* An A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve with 1/8" NPT tap is an acceptable  
alternative to test gauge connection. Purchase the optional A.G.A. design-certified  
manual shutoff valve from your dealer. See Accessory, page 25.  
CHECKING  
GAS  
CONNECTIONS  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Test all gas piping and connections for leaks after installing or  
servicing. Correct all leaks at once.  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Never use an open flame to check for a leak. Apply a mixture of  
liquid soap and water to all joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.  
Correct all leaks at once.  
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM  
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG  
1. Disconnect heater and its individual manual shutoff valve from gas supply  
piping system. Pressures in excess of 1/2 PSIG will damage heater regulator.  
2. Cap off open end of gas pipe where manual shutoff valve was connected.  
3. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or  
opening main gas valve located on or near gas meter.  
14  
100845  
 
4. Check all joints of gas supply piping system. Apply mixture of liquid soap and  
water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.  
5. Correct all leaks at once.  
CHECKING  
GAS  
CONNECTIONS  
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG  
1. Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).  
Continued  
2. Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening main  
gas valve located on or near gas meter.  
3. Check all joints from gas meter to manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14). Apply  
mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.  
4. Correct all leaks at once.  
PRESSURE TESTING HEATER GAS CONNECTIONS  
1. Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure 13).  
2. Open main gas valve located on or near gas meter.  
3. Make sure control knob of heater is in the OFF position.  
4. Check all joints from manual shutoff valve to control valve (see Figure 14).  
Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a  
leak.  
5. Correct all leaks at once.  
6. Light heater (see Operating Heater, pages 16 through 19). Check all other  
internal joints for leaks.  
7. Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19).  
8. Replace front panel.  
Open  
P
Manual  
Shutoff  
Valve  
Closed  
Figure 13 - Manual Shutoff Valve  
Control Valve Location  
Gas Meter  
Manual  
Shutoff  
Valve  
Figure 14 - Checking Gas Joints  
15  
100845  
 
OPERATING  
HEATER  
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
If you do not follow these instructions exactly, a fire or  
explosion may result causing property damage, personal  
injury or loss of life.  
A. This appliance has a pilot which must be lighted by hand. When lighting  
the pilot, follow these instructions exactly.  
B. BEFORE LIGHTING smell all around the appliance area for gas. Be sure  
to smell next to the floor because some gas is heavier than air and will  
settle on the floor.  
WHAT TO DO IF YOU SMELL GAS  
• Do not try to light any appliance.  
• Do not touch any electric 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.  
C. Use only your hand to push in or turn the gas control knob. Never use  
tools. If the knob will not push in or turn by hand, don’t try to repair it,  
call a qualified service technician or gas supplier. Force or attempted  
repair may result in a fire or explosion.  
D. Do not use this appliance if any part has been under water. Immediately  
call a qualified service technician to inspect the appliance and to replace  
any part of the control system and any gas control which has been under  
water.  
LIGHTING INSTRUCTIONS  
1. STOP! Read the safety information above.  
2. Make sure manual shutoff valve is fully open.  
Clockwise  
3. Turn control knob clockwise  
to the OFF position.  
Piezo Ignitor Button  
Control Knob  
OFF  
PILOT  
IGNITOR  
LOW  
HIGH  
Figure 15 - Control Knob In The OFF Position (Model VN12A Shown)  
16  
100845  
 
4. Wait five (5) minutes to clear out any gas. Then smell for gas, including  
near the floor. If you smell gas, STOP! Follow “B” in the safety information  
at the top of page 16. If you don’t smell gas, go to the next step.  
OPERATING  
HEATER  
Continued  
C-clockwise  
5. Press in control knob, and turn counterclockwise  
Keep control knob pressed for five seconds.  
to pilot position.  
Note: You may be running this heater for the first time after hooking up  
to gas supply. If so, the control knob may need to be pressed in for 30  
seconds. This will allow air to bleed from the gas system.  
• If control knob does not pop up when released, contact a qualified  
service person or gas supplier for repairs.  
6. With control knob pressed in, push down and release ignitor button. This  
will light pilot. The pilot is attached to the front of burner. If needed, keep  
pressing ignitor button until pilot lights.  
Note: If pilot does not light, refer to Troubleshooting, pages 21 through  
24. Also contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs.  
Until repairs are made, light pilot with match. To light pilot with match,  
see Manual Lighting Procedure, page 19.  
Ignitor Electrode  
Pilot Burner  
Thermocouple  
Figure 16 - Pilot  
7. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after lighting pilot. After 10  
seconds, release control knob.  
Note: If pilot goes out, repeat steps 3 through 7.  
Continued  
17  
100845  
 
OPERATING  
HEATER  
Continued  
TO SELECT HEATING LEVEL  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
When running heater, set control knob at LOW or HIGH  
locked positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B). Never set  
control knob between locked positions. Poor combustion and  
higher levels of carbon monoxide may result.  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Do not try to adjust heating levels by using the manual  
shutoff valve.  
C-clockwise  
1. Slightly press in control knob and turn counterclockwise  
LOW or HIGH positions (VN12A) or ON position (VN6B).  
to the  
IMPORTANT: Release downward pressure while turning control knob.  
Control knob will lock at the desired position.  
Control  
Knob  
VN6B  
Burner  
Control  
Knob  
VN12A  
Burners  
OFF  
OFF  
PILOT  
ON  
PILOT  
LOW  
OFF  
OFF  
PILOT  
HIGH  
OFF  
Figure 17 - Burner Patterns  
18  
100845  
 
OPERATING  
HEATER  
Continued  
TO TURN OFF GAS TO APPLIANCE  
Shutting Off Heater  
1. Turn control knob clockwise  
Shutting Off Burner Only (pilot stays lit)  
1. Turn control knob clockwise to the PILOT position.  
Clockwise  
to the OFF position.  
Clockwise  
MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE  
1. Remove front panel (see Figure 10, page 12).  
2. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Lighting Instructions, pages 16 and 17.  
3. With control knob pressed in, strike match. Hold match to pilot until pilot  
lights.  
4. Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after pilot is lit. After 10  
seconds, release control knob.  
5. Replace front panel.  
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame pattern often.  
INSPECTING  
BURNER  
PILOT FLAME PATTERN  
Figure 18 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 19 shows an incorrect pilot  
flame pattern. The incorrect pilot flame is not touching the thermocouple. This will  
cause the thermocouple to cool. When the thermocouple cools, the heater will shut  
down.  
Pilot Burner  
Thermocouple  
GOOD PILOT  
GRH/OV 009  
Figure 18 - Correct Pilot Flame Pattern  
Pilot Burner  
Thermocouple  
BAD PILOT  
GRH/OV 010  
Figure 19 - Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern  
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 19  
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, above)  
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24  
Continued  
19  
100845  
 
BURNER FLAME PATTERN  
Figure 20 shows a correct burner flame pattern. Figure 21 shows an incorrect  
burner flame pattern.  
INSPECTING  
BURNER  
Continued  
Figure 20 - Correct Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)  
Figure 21 - Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern (Model VN12A Shown)  
If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 21  
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 19)  
• see Troubleshooting, pages 21 through 24  
CLEANING  
AND  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Turn off heater and let cool before cleaning.  
MAINTENANCE  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
You must keep control areas, burner, and circulating air  
passageways of heater clean. Inspect these areas of heater before  
each use. Have heater inspected yearly by a qualified service  
person. Heater may need more frequent cleaning due to excessive  
lint from carpeting, bedding material, etc.  
ODS/PILOT AND BURNER ORIFICE  
• Use a vacuum cleaner, pressurized air, or small, soft bristled brush to clean.  
CABINET  
Air Passageways  
• Use a vacuum cleaner or pressurized air to clean.  
Exterior  
• Use a soft cloth dampened with a mild soap and water mixture. Wipe the  
cabinet to remove dust.  
20  
100845  
 
TROUBLE-  
SHOOTING  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified  
service person should service and repair heater.  
Note: All troubleshooting  
items are listed in order of  
operation.  
CAUTION  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
Never use a wire, needle, or similar object to clean ODS/pilot. This  
can damage ODS/pilot unit.  
OBSERVED  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE  
CAUSE  
REMEDY  
When ignitor button  
is pressed and control  
knob is pressed in  
and turned to the  
PILOT position,  
there is no spark at  
ODS/pilot  
1. Ignitor electrode posi-  
tioned wrong  
2. Ignitor electrode broken  
3. Ignitor electrode not  
connected to ignitor  
cable  
1. Replace ignitor  
2. Replace ignitor  
3. Reconnect ignitor cable  
4. Ignitor cable pinched or  
wet  
4. Free ignitor cable if  
pinched by any metal or  
tubing. Keep ignitor  
cable dry  
5. Piezo ignitor nut is loose 5. Tighten nut holding  
piezo ignitor to heater  
cabinet. Nut is located  
inside heater cabinet at  
top.  
6. Broken ignitor cable  
7. Bad piezo ignitor  
6. Replace ignitor cable  
7. Replace control valve  
(piezo is part of control  
valve)  
When ignitor button  
is pressed and control  
knob is pressed in  
and turned to the  
PILOT position,  
there is spark at  
ODS/pilot but no  
ignition  
1. Gas supply turned off or  
manual shutoff valve  
closed  
2. Control knob not in  
PILOT position  
1. Turn on gas supply or  
open manual shutoff  
valve  
2. Turn control knob to  
PILOT position  
3. Control knob not pressed 3. Press in control knob  
in while in PILOT  
position  
while in PILOT position  
4. Air in gas lines when  
installed  
4. Continue holding down  
control knob. Repeat  
igniting operation until  
air is removed  
5. ODS/pilot is clogged  
5. Clean ODS/pilot (see  
Cleaning and Mainte-  
nance, page 20) or  
replace ODS/pilot  
assembly  
6. Gas regulator setting is  
not correct  
6. Replace gas regulator  
Continued  
21  
100845  
 
OBSERVED  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE  
CAUSE  
TROUBLE-  
REMEDY  
SHOOTING  
ODS/pilot lights but  
flame goes out when  
control knob is  
released  
1. Control knob not fully  
pressed in  
2. Control knob not  
pressed in long enough  
1. Press in control knob  
fully  
Continued  
2. After ODS/pilot lights,  
keep control knob  
pressed in 10 seconds  
3. Fully open manual  
shut-off valve  
3. Manual shutoff valve  
not fully open  
4. Thermocouple connec-  
tion loose at control  
valve  
4. Hand tighten until  
snug, then tighten 1/4  
turn more  
5. Pilot flame not touch-  
ing thermocouple,  
which allows thermo-  
couple to cool, causing  
pilot flame to go out.  
This problem could be  
caused by one or both  
of the following:  
5. A) Contact local  
natural gas company  
B) Clean ODS/pilot  
(see Cleaning and  
Maintenance, page 20)  
or replace ODS/pilot  
assembly  
A) Low gas pressure  
B) Dirty or partially  
clogged ODS/pilot  
6. Thermocouple dam-  
aged  
6. Replace thermocouple  
7. Replace control valve  
7. Control valve damaged  
1. Clean burner orifice(s)  
(see Cleaning and  
Maintenance, page 20)  
or replace burner  
orifice(s)  
Burner(s) does not  
light after ODS/pilot  
is lit  
1. Burner orifice(s) is  
clogged  
2. Replace burner  
orifice(s)  
3. Contact local natural  
gas company  
2. Burner orifice(s)  
diameter is too small  
3. Inlet gas pressure is  
too low  
1. Contact local natural  
gas company  
Delayed ignition of  
burner(s)  
1. Manifold pressure is  
too low  
2. Clean burner orifice(s)  
(see Cleaning and  
Maintenance, page 20)  
or replace burner  
orifice(s)  
2. Burner orifice(s) is  
clogged  
1. Clean burner orifice(s)  
(see Cleaning and  
Maintenance, page 20)  
or replace burner  
Burner backfiring  
during combustion  
1. Burner orifice(s) is  
clogged or damaged  
orifice(s)  
2. Replace burner  
3. Replace gas regulator  
2. Burner damaged  
3. Gas regulator defective  
22  
100845  
 
POSSIBLE  
CAUSE  
OBSERVED  
PROBLEM  
TROUBLE-  
REMEDY  
SHOOTING  
1. Plaque damaged  
2. Inlet gas pressure is  
too low  
Burner plaque(s) does  
not glow  
1. Replace burner  
2. Contact local natural  
gas company  
Continued  
3. Control knob set  
between locked  
positions  
3. Turn control knob until  
it locks at desired  
setting  
1. Residues from manu-  
facturing processes  
Slight smoke or odor  
during initial opera-  
tion  
1. Problem will stop after  
a few hours of opera-  
tion  
1. Metal expanding while  
heating or contracting  
while cooling  
Heater produces a  
clicking/ticking noise  
just after burner is lit  
or shut off  
1. This is common with  
most heaters. If noise is  
excessive, contact  
qualified service person  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
If you smell gas  
Shut off gas supply.  
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  
neighbors phone. Follow the gas suppliers  
instructions.  
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the  
fire department.  
IMPORTANT: Operating heater where impurities in air exist may create odors.  
Cleaning supplies, paint, paint remover, cigarette smoke, cements and glues, new  
carpet or textiles, etc., create fumes. These fumes may mix with combustion air and  
create odors.  
1. Heater burning vapors  
from paint, hair spray,  
glues, etc. See IMPOR-  
TANT statement above  
2. Gas leak. See Warn-  
ing statement  
Heater produces  
unwanted odors  
1. Ventilate room. Stop  
using odor-causing  
products while heater is  
running  
2. Locate and correct all  
leaks (see Checking Gas  
Connections, page 14)  
above  
1. Not enough fresh air is  
available  
2. Low line pressure  
Heater shuts off in  
use (ODS operates)  
1. Open window and/or  
door for ventilation  
2. Contact local natural  
gas company  
3. ODS/pilot is partially  
clogged  
3. Clean ODS/pilot (see  
Cleaning and Mainte-  
nance, page 20)  
Continued  
23  
100845  
 
TROUBLE-  
WARNING  
WARNING ICON  
G
001  
If you smell gas  
SHOOTING  
Shut off gas supply.  
Continued  
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  
neighbors phone. Follow the gas suppliers  
instructions.  
If you cannot reach your gas supplier, call the  
fire department.  
OBSERVED  
PROBLEM  
POSSIBLE  
CAUSE  
REMEDY  
Gas odor even when  
control knob is in  
OFF position  
1. Gas leak. See Warn-  
ing statement at  
top of page  
1. Locate and correct all  
leaks (see Checking  
Gas Connections, page  
14)  
2. Control valve defec-  
tive  
2. Replace control valve  
Gas odor during  
combustion  
1. Foreign matter be-  
tween control valve  
and burner  
1. Take apart gas tubing  
and remove foreign  
matter  
2. Gas leak. See Warn-  
ing statement at  
top of page  
2. Locate and correct all  
leaks (see Checking  
Gas Connections, page  
14)  
You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting.  
If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323-  
TECHNICAL  
SERVICE 5190.  
VN12A  
VN6B  
6,000  
Natural Only  
Piezo  
SPECIFICATIONS  
BTU (Variable)  
Type Gas  
Ignition  
6,000/12,000  
Natural Only  
Piezo  
Pressure Regulator Setting  
3" W.C.  
3" W.C.  
Inlet Gas Pressure (inches of water)  
Maximum  
Minimum  
10.5"  
4"  
10.5"  
4"  
Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D)  
Heater  
20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5  
25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2  
20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5  
25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2  
Carton  
Weight (pounds)  
Heater  
14  
17  
13  
16  
Shipping  
24  
100845  
 
When gas pressure is too low  
• pilot will not stay lit  
• burner(s) will have delayed ignition  
• heater will not produce specified heat  
When gas quality is bad  
SERVICE  
HINTS  
• pilot will not stay lit  
• burner(s) will produce flames and soot  
• heater will backfire when lit  
You may feel your gas pressure is too low or gas quality is bad. If so, contact your  
local natural gas supplier.  
Note: Use only original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage  
for parts replaced under warranty.  
REPLACEMENT  
PARTS  
Parts Under Warranty  
Contact authorized dealer from whom you purchased this product. If they cannot  
supply original replacement part(s), call DESA International’s Technical Service  
Department at 1-800-323-5190 for referral information.  
When contacting your dealer or DESA International, have ready:  
• your name  
• your address  
• model number of your heater  
• how heater was malfunctioning  
• type of gas used (propane or natural gas)  
• purchase date  
Usually, we will ask you to return the defective part to the factory.  
Parts Not Under Warranty  
Contact authorized dealers of this product. If they cannot supply original replace-  
ment part(s), call DESA International’s Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879 for  
information.  
When calling DESA International, have ready:  
• model number of your heater  
• the replacement part number  
You can purchase a service manual from the address listed on the back page of this  
manual. Send a check for $5.00 payable to DESA International.  
SERVICE  
PUBLICATIONS  
Purchase this heater accessory from your local dealer. If they cannot supply this  
accessory, call DESA International’s Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879 for  
information. You can also write to the address listed on  
the back page of this manual.  
ACCESSORY  
MANUAL SHUTOFF  
VALVE - GA5010  
Manual shutoff valve with 1/8"  
NPT tap.  
25  
100845  
 
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow  
the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual.  
PARTS LIST  
VN6B  
KEY PART  
KEY PART  
NO.  
NUMBER  
DESCRIPTION  
QTY. NO.  
NUMBER  
DESCRIPTION  
QTY.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
098304-01  
099467-01  
099318-03  
098342-01  
099469-01  
M15823-37  
503329  
Screw, #10 x 3/8"  
Front Panel Assembly  
Grill Guard  
2
1
1
2
1
9
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
099057-01  
098276-01  
099468-04  
099415-01  
098303-02  
098508-01  
099393-01  
M11084-26  
099818-01  
097159-02  
098271-03  
Pressure Tap Fitting  
1/8 Pipe Plug  
Cabinet Assembly  
Gas Regulator  
Screw, #6 x 5/16"  
Valve Retainer Nut  
Control Knob  
Screw, #10 x 3/8"  
Internal Tooth Washer  
Piezo Ignitor  
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
Grill Guard Clip  
Reflector Assembly  
Screw Hex #8 x 1/4"  
ODS/Pilot Assembly  
Thermocouple  
Ignitor Electrode  
Burner Assembly  
Injector  
Tubing - Valve to burner  
Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot  
Tubing - Regulator to valve  
Control Valve  
7-1 098514-01  
7-2 098594-01  
099884-01  
8
9
099056-04  
Ignitor Cable  
10  
11  
12  
13  
099390-01  
099387-05  
099391-02  
100829-01  
PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN  
099395-01  
Control Position Label  
23  
1
ILLUSTRATED  
PARTS  
20  
19  
22  
16  
BREAKDOWN  
VN6B  
HEATER EXPLODED VIEW  
24  
8
4
7
18  
6
17  
21  
24  
13  
5
14  
6
11  
3
10  
15  
7-1  
7-2  
9
12  
2
1
ODS/PILOT  
GRHpv013.V  
GRHVP5B  
26  
100845  
 
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow  
the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 25 of this manual.  
PARTS LIST  
VN12A  
KEY PART  
KEY PART  
NO.  
NUMBER  
DESCRIPTION  
QTY. NO.  
NUMBER  
DESCRIPTION  
QTY.  
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
098304-01  
099467-01  
099318-03  
098342-01  
099469-02  
M15823-37  
503329  
Screw, #10 x 3/8"  
Front Panel Assembly  
Grill Guard  
2
1
1
2
1
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
100432-01  
099057-01  
098276-01  
099468-05  
099415-01  
098303-02  
098508-01  
099393-01  
M11084-26  
099818-01  
097159-02  
098271-03  
Control Valve  
Pressure Tap Fitting  
1/8 Pipe Plug  
Cabinet Assembly  
Gas Regulator  
Screw, #6 x 5/16"  
Valve Retainer Nut  
Control Knob  
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
Grill Guard Clip  
Reflector Assembly  
Screw Hex #8 x 1/4"  
ODS/Pilot Assembly  
Thermocouple  
Ignitor Electrode  
Burner Assembly  
Injector  
Tubing - Valve to plaque A  
Pilot Tubing - Valve to pilot  
Tubing - Valve to plaque B  
Tubing - Regulator to valve  
Control Valve  
10 19  
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
7-1 098514-01  
7-2 098594-01  
099884-02  
Screw, #10 x 3/8"  
Internal Tooth Washer  
Piezo Ignitor  
8
9
099056-04  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
099390-02  
099387-05  
099392-01  
099391-02  
100432-01  
Ignitor Cable  
PARTS AVAILABLE - NOT SHOWN  
1
1
099395-02  
Control Position Label  
1
24  
17  
21  
20  
23  
ILLUSTRATED  
PARTS  
BREAKDOWN  
VN12A  
HEATER EXPLODED VIEW  
25  
8
4
A
7
B
19  
6
18  
22  
25  
14  
5
15  
6
11  
3
10  
16  
7-1  
7-2  
9
13  
2
9
12  
1
ODS/PILOT  
GRH/VP's & VN's 2-PLAQUE  
27  
100845  
 
WARRANTY INFORMATION  
KEEP THIS WARRANTY  
Model  
Serial No.  
Date Purchased  
Always specify model and serial numbers when communicating with the factory.  
We reserve the right to amend these specifications at any time without notice. The only warranty applicable is our  
standard written warranty. We make no other warranty, expressed or implied.  
LIMITED WARRANTY  
VANGUARD VENT-FREE RESIDENTIAL GAS HEATERS  
DESA International warrants this product and any parts thereof, to be free from defects in material and  
workmanship for two years from the date of first purchase, provided that the product has been properly  
installed, operated, and maintained in accordance with all applicable instructions. To make a claim under this  
warranty, the bill of sales or proof of purchase must be presented.  
This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers only the cost of parts and  
labor required to restore this heater to proper operating condition. Warranty parts must be obtained through  
authorized dealers of this product and/or DESA International who will provide original factory replacement  
parts. Failure to use original factory replacement parts voids this warranty. The heater must be installed by a  
qualified installer in accordance with all local codes and instructions furnished with the unit.  
This warranty does not apply to parts that are not in original condition because of normal wear and tear, or  
parts that fail or become damaged as a result of misuse, accidents, lack of proper maintenance, alteration,  
tampering, contaminated fuels, or defects caused by improper installation. Travel, transportation, and incidental  
costs associated with warranty repairs are not reimbursable under this warranty and are the responsibility of the  
owner.  
To the full extent allowed by the law of the jurisdiction that governs the sale of the product: this express  
warranty excludes any and all other expressed warranties and limits the duration of any and all implied  
warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose to two years from the  
date of first purchase: and DESA International’s liability is hereby limited to the purchase price of the product  
and DESA International shall not be liable for any other damages whatsoever including indirect, incidental, or  
consequential damages.  
Some states do not allow a limitation of how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of  
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of implied warranties, or exclusion, or limitation  
of damages may not apply to you.  
This warranty provides the original retail purchaser with specific legal rights. For specific information regard-  
ing those rights, please consult the applicable state laws.  
2701 Industrial Drive  
P.O. Box 90004  
Bowling Green, KY 42102-9004  
100845-01  
REV. C  
5/94  
 

The Helman Group Personal Computer C C P 5 1 0 User Manual
Toshiba CRT Television CZ32T31 User Manual
Tricity Bendix Cooktop CSE551 User Manual
Tripp Lite TV Cables N224 01K GY User Manual
Uniden Conference Phone 1360 User Manual
Universal Security Instruments Carbon Monoxide Alarm CD 9000 User Manual
Vax Vacuum Cleaner C91 P2 User Manual
Viper Remote Starter VSM200 User Manual
Watlow Electric Fan WR200 1A User Manual
Weed Eater Lawn Mower 186391 User Manual