Vanguard VP5C & VP10 Infrared Vent-free Propane/LP Gas Heater User Manual
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
WARNING: This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air (oxygen) from the room in which it is installed. Provisions for adequate combustion must be provided. Refer to page 3 of this manual.
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
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.
Save this manual for future reference.
SAFETY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT: Read this Owner’s Manual carefully and completely before trying to assemble, operate, or service this heater. Improper use of this heater can cause serious injury or death from burns, fire, explosion, and carbon monoxide poisoning
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of carbon monoxide poisoning resemble the flu, with headaches, dizziness, or nausea. If you have these signs, the heater may not be working properly. Get fresh air at once! Have heater serviced. Some people are more affected by carbon monoxide than others. These include pregnant women, persons with heart or lung disease or anemia, those under the influence of alcohol, and those at high altitudes.
Propane/LP Gas: Propane/LP gas is odorless. An odor-making agent is added to propane/LP gas. The odor helps you detect a propane/LP gas leak. However, the odor added to propane/LP gas can fade. Propane/ LP gas may be present even though no odor exists.
Make certain you read and understand all Warnings. Keep this manual for reference. It is your guide to safe and proper operation of this heater
- 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.
- Do not place propane/LP supply tank(s) inside any structure. Locate propane/ LP supply tank(s) outdoors.
- 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 - Heater model VP10 shall not be installed in a bathroom.
- 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 - Always run heater with control knob at LOW or HIGH locked positions (VP10) or ON position (VP5C). Never set control knob between locked positions. Poor combustion may result.
- 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 Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.
- Keep all air openings in the front and bottom of heater clear and free of debris. This will insure enough air for proper combustion.
- If heater shuts off, do not relight until you provide fresh, outside air. If heater keeps shutting off, have it serviced.
- Do not run heater
• where flammable liquids or vapors are used or stored
• under dusty conditions - Never place any objects on the heater.
- 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.
- Carefully supervise young children when they are in same room with heater.
- Make sure grill guard is in place before running heater.
- Do not use heater if any part has been under water. Immediately call a qualified 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.
- Turn off heater and let cool before servicing. Only a qualified service person should service and repair heater.
- Operating heater above elevations of 4,500 feet could cause pilot outage.
- To prevent performance problems, do not use propane fuel tank of less than 100 lb. capacity.
PRODUCT IDENTIFICATION
Figure 1 – Vent-Free Propane/LP Gas Heater (Model VP10 Shown)
LOCAL CODES
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*.
*Available from:
American National Standards Institute, Inc.
1430 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
National Fire Protection Association, Inc.
Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
UNPACKING
- Remove heater from carton.
- Remove all protective packaging applied to heater for shipment.
- Check heater for any shipping damage. If heater is damaged, promptly inform dealer where you bought heater.
PRODUCT FEATURES
SAFETY PILOT
This heater has a pilot with an Oxygen Depletion Sensor Shutoff System (ODS). The ODS/pilot is a required feature for ventfree 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.
AIR FOR COMBUSTION AND 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 fuelburning appliances.
PROVIDING ADEQUATE VENTILATION
The following is exerpts from National Fuel Gas Code. NFPA 54/ANSI Z223.1, Section 5.3, Air for Combustion and 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 4 and 5 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 continuous water vapor retarder with a rating of one perm (6×10-11 kg per pa-sec-m2 ) or less with openings gasketed or sealed and
b. weather stripping has been added on openable windows and doors 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 additional fresh air. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 5.
If your home does not meet all of the three criteria above, proceed to Determining Fresh-Air Flow For Heater Location.
Confined and Unconfined Space
The National Fuel Gas Code (ANSIZ2123.1, 1992 Section 5.3) 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 m3 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.
* Adjoining rooms are communicating only if there are doorless passageways or ventilation grills between them.
DETERMINING FRESH-AIR FLOW FOR HEATER LOCATION
Determining if You Have a Confined or Unconfined Space:
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.
- Determine the volume of the space
(length x width x height).
Length x Width x Height =
______ cu. ft. (volume of space)
Example: Space size
20 ft. (length) x 16 ft. (width) x 8 ft.
(ceiling height) =
2560 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. - 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: 2560 cu. ft. (volume of space) ÷ 50 cu. ft. = 51.2 or 51,200 (maximum Btu/Hr the space can support) - Add the Btu/Hr of all fuel burning appliances in the space.
Vent-free heater _________ Btu/Hr
Gas water heater* ________ Btu/Hr
Gas furnace ____________ Btu/Hr
Vented gas heater ________ Btu/Hr
Gas fireplace logs ________ Btu/Hr
Other gas
appliances* + ___________ Btu/Hr
Total = ________________ Btu/Hr
Example: Gas water heater
40,000 Btu/Hr
Vent-free heater + 10,000 Btu/Hr
Total = 50,000 Btu/Hr
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances. Direct-vent draws combustion air from the outdoors and vents to the outdoors. - 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 5.
B. Vent room directly to the outdoors. See Ventilation Air From Outdoors, page 5.
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.
VENTILATION AIR
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). 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.
Figure 2 – Ventilation Air from Inside Building
Ventilation Air From Outdoors
Provide extra fresh air by using ventilation grills or ducts. You must 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.
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.
Figure 3 – Ventilation Air from Outdoors
INSTALLING TO WALL
NOTICE: A qualified service person must install heater. Follow all local codes.
CHECK GAS TYPE
Use only propane/LP gas. If your gas supply is not propane/LP, 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.
- external regulator (supplied by installer, see page 8)
- piping (check local codes)
- sealant (resistant to propane/LP gas)
- manual shutoff valve *
- ground joint union
- test gauge connection * (see Figure 13, page 8)
- 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. The optional A.G.A. design-certified manual shutoff valve can be purchased from your dealer. See Accessory, page 15.
LOCATING HEATER
This heater is designed to be mounted on a wall
- in a bathroom (VP10 only)
- 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
IMPORTANT: Vent-free heaters add moisture to the air. Although this is beneficial, installing heater in rooms without enough ventilation air may cause mildew to form from too much moisture. See Fresh Air for Combustion and Ventilation, pages 3 through 5.
- heater pilot and burner must be at least 18 inches above floor
- locate heater where movingvehicle will not hit it
For convenience and efficiency, install heater
- where there is easy access for operation, inspection, and service
- in coldest part of room
Figure 4 – Mounting Clearances As Viewed From Front of Heater
INSTALLING HEATER TO WALL
Marking Screw Locations
- Determine where you will locate heater.
you can, provide greater clearances from floor and joining wall. - Mark two mounting screw locations on wall (see Figure 5).
Figure 5 – Mounting Screw Locations
Installing Two Mounting Screws
Note: Wall anchors and mounting screws are in hardware package. The hardware package is provided with heater.
Attaching to wall stud method
For attaching mounting screw to wall stud
- Drill hole at marked location using 9/ 64″ drill bit.
- Insert mounting screw into wall stud.
- 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).
- Drill holes at marked locations using
5/16″ drill bit. For solid walls (concrete or masonry), drill at least 1 1/4″ deep. - Fold wall anchor (see Figure 6).
Figure 6 – Folding Anchor
- Insert wall anchor (wings first) into hole. Tap anchor flush to wall.
- 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.
- Tighten two screws until 1/16″ space (thickness of penny) is between screwheads and wall (see Figure 8).
Figure 8 – Tightening Anchors
Placing Heater On Mounting Screws
- Locate two keyhole slots on back panel of heater (see Figure 9).
- Place large openings of slots over screwheads. Slide heater down until screws are in small portion of slots.
Figure 9 – Location Of Keyhole Slots On Back Panel Of Heate
Removing Front Panel Of Heater
- Remove two screws near bottom corners of front panel.
- Lift straight up on grill guard until it stops. Grill guard will slide up about 1/4″.
- Pull bottom of front panel forward, then down.
Figure 10 – Removing Front Panel Of Heater
Installing Bottom Mounting Screw
- Locate bottom mounting hole. This hole is near bottom on back panel of heater (see Figure 11).
- Mark screw location on wall.
- Remove heater from wall.
- If installing bottom mounting screw into hollow or solid wall, install wall anchor. Follow steps 1 through 5 under Attaching To Wall Anchor Method. If installing bottom mounting screw into wall stud, drill hole at marked location using 9/64″ drill bit.
- Replace heater on wall.
- Insert bottom anchor screw through back panel into bottom anchor or drilled hole (see Figure 11).
- 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 8 and 9).
Figure 11 – Installing Bottom Mounting Screw
CONNECTING TO GAS SUPPLY
NOTICE: A qualified service person must connect heater to gas supply. Follow all local codes.
The installer must supply an external regulator. The external regulator will reduce incoming gas pressure. You must reduce incoming gas pressure to between 11 and 14 inches of water. If you do not reduce incoming gas pressure, heater regulator damage could occur. Install external regulator with the vent pointing down as shown in Figure 12. Pointing the vent down protects it from freezing rain or sleet.
Figure 12 – External Regulator With Vent Pointing Down
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 13).
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.
Install sediment trap in supply line as shown in Figure 13. 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
IMPORTANT: Hold pressure regulator with wrench when connecting it to gas piping and/or fittings.
Figure 13 – 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 15.
CHECKING GAS CONNECTIONS
PRESSURE TESTING GAS SUPPLY PIPING SYSTEM
Test Pressures In Excess Of 1/2 PSIG
- Disconnect heater and its individual manual shutoff valve from gas supply piping system. Pressures in excess of 1/2 PSIG will damage heater regulator.
- Cap off open end of gas pipe where manual shutoff valve was connected.
- Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening
propane/LP supply tank valve. - 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
Test Pressures Equal To or Less Than 1/2 PSIG
- Close manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14).
- Pressurize supply piping system by either using compressed air or opening
propane/LP supply tank valve. - Check all joints from propane/LP supply tank to manual shutoff valve (see
Figure 15). Apply mixture of liquid
soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles
forming show a leak. - Correct all leaks at once
PRESSURE TESTING HEATER GAS CONNECTIONS
- Open manual shutoff valve (see Figure 14).
- Open propane/LP supply tank valve.
- Make sure control knob of heater is in the OFF position.
- Check all joints from manual shutoff valve to control valve (see Figure 15). Apply mixture of liquid soap and water to gas joints. Bubbles forming show a leak.
- Correct all leaks at once.
- Light heater (see Operating Heater, pages 9 through 11). Check all other internal joints for leaks.
- Turn off heater (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 10).
- Replace front panel.
Figure 14 – Manual Shutoff Valve
Figure 15 – Checking Gas Joints
OPERATING HEATER
FOR YOUR SAFETY READ BEFORE LIGHTING
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
- STOP! Read the safety information above.
- Make sure manual shutoff valve is fully open.
- Turn control knob clockwise Clockwise
Figure 16 – Control Knob In The OFF Position (Model VP10 Shown) - 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, column 3, page 9. If you don’t smell gas, go to the next step.
- Press in control knob, and turn counterclockwise
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. - 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 12 through 14.
Also contact a qualified service person or gas supplier for repairs. Until repairs are made, light pilot with match, see Manual Lighting Procedure, page 11
Figure 17 – Pilot
- 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.
TO SELECT HEATING LEVEL
1. Slightly press in control knob and turn counterclockwise 
IMPORTANT: Release downward pressure while turning control knob. Control knob will lock at the desired position.
Control VP10
Knob Burners
Control VP5C
Knob Burners
Figure 18 – Burner Patterns
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
MANUAL LIGHTING PROCEDURE
- Remove front panel (see Figure 10, page 7).
- Follow steps 1 through 5 under Lighting Instructions, page 10.
- With control knob pressed in, strike match. Hold match to pilot until pilot lights.
- Keep control knob pressed in for 10 seconds after pilot is lit. After 10 seconds, release control knob.
- Replace front panel.
INSPECTING BURNER
Check pilot flame pattern and burner flame pattern often.
PILOT FLAME PATTERN
Figure 19 shows a correct pilot flame pattern. Figure 20 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.
Figure 19 – Correct Pilot Flame Pattern
Figure 20 – Incorrect Pilot Flame Pattern
If pilot flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 20
• turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 10)
• see Troubleshooting, pages 12 through 14
BURNER FLAME PATTERN
Figure 21 shows a correct burner flame pattern. Figure 22 shows an incorrect burner flame pattern.
Figure 21 – Correct Burner Flame Pattern (Model VP10 Shown)
Figure 22 – Incorrect Burner Flame Pattern (Model VP10 Shown)
If burner flame pattern is incorrect, as shown in Figure 22
- turn heater off (see To Turn Off Gas to Appliance, page 10)
- see Troubleshooting, pages 12 through 14
CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE
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
TROUBLESHOOTING
Note: All troubleshooting items are listed in order of operation.
OBSERVED PROBLEM
When ignitor button is pressed and control knob is pressed in and turned to the PILOT position, there is no spark at ODS/pilot
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
POSSIBLE CAUSE
- Ignitor electrode positioned wrong
- Ignitor electrode broken
- Ignitor electrode not connected to ignitor cable
- Ignitor cable pinched or wet
- Piezo ignitor nut is loose
- Broken ignitor cable
- Bad piezo ignitor
- Gas supply turned off or manual shutoff valve closed
- Control knob not in PILOT position
- Control knob not pressed in while in PILOT position
- Air in gas lines when installed
- Depleted gas supply
- ODS/pilot is clogged
- Gas regulator setting is not correct
REMEDY
- Replace ignitor
- Replace ignitor
- Reconnect ignitor cable
- Free ignitor cable if pinched by any metal or tubing. Keep ignitor cable dry
- Tighten nut holding piezo ignitor to heater cabinet. Nut is located inside heater cabinet at top
- Replace ignitor cable
- Replace piezo ignitor
- Turn on gas supply or open manual shutoff valve
- Turn control knob to PILOT position
- Press in control knob while in PILOT position
- Continue holding down control knob. Repeat igniting operation until air is removed
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/ pilot assembly
- Replace gas regulator
OBSERVED PROBLEM
ODS/pilot lights but flame goes out when control knob is released
Burner(s) does not light after ODS/pilot is lit
Delayed ignition of burner(s)
Burner backfiring during combustion
Burner plaque(s) does not glow
Slight smoke or odor during initial operation
Heater produces a clicking/ticking noise just after burner is lit or shut off
POSSIBLE CAUSE
- Control knob not fully pressed in
- Control knob not pressed in long enough
- Manual shutoff valve not fully open
- Thermocouple connection loose at control valve
- Pilot flame not touching thermocouple, which allows thermocouple to cool, causing pilot flame to go out. This problem could be caused by one or both of the following:
A) Low gas pressure
B) Dirty or partially clogged ODS/ pilot - Thermocouple damaged
- Control valve damaged
- Burner orifice(s) is clogged
- Burner orifice(s) diameter is too small
- Inlet gas pressure is too low
- Manifold pressure is too low
- Burner orifice(s) is clogged
- Burner orifice(s) is clogged or damaged
- Inlet gas pressure is too low
- Burner damaged
- Gas regulator defective
- Plaque damaged
- Inlet gas pressure is too low
- Control knob set between locked positions
- Residues from manufacturing processes
- Metal expanding while heating or contracting while cooling
REMEDY
- Press in control knob fully
- After ODS/pilot lights, keep control knob pressed in 10 seconds
- Fully open manual shut-off valve
- Hand tighten until snug, then tighten 1/4 turn more
- A) Contact local propane/LP gas company
B) Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11) or replace ODS/ pilot assembly - Replace thermocouple
- Replace control valve
- Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11) or replace burner orifice(s)
- Replace burner orifice(s)
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11) or replace burner orifice(s)
- Clean burner orifice(s) (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11) or replace burner orifice(s)
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Replace burner
- Replace gas regulator
- Replace burner
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Turn control knob until it locks at desired setting
- Problem will stop after a few hours of operation
- This is common with most heaters. If noise is excessive, contact qualified service person
- 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
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.
OBSERVED PROBLEM
Heater produces unwanted odors
Heater shuts off in use (ODS operates)
Gas odor even when control knob is in OFF position
Gas odor during combustion
Moisture/condensation noticed on windows
POSSIBLE CAUSE
- Heater burning vapors from paint, hair spray, glues, etc. (See IMPORTANT statement above)
- Low fuel supply
- Gas leak. See Warning statement
above
- Not enough fresh air is available
- Low line pressure
- ODS/pilot is partially clogged
- Gas leak. See Warning statement at top of page
- Control valve defective
- Foreign matter between control valve and burner
- Gas leak. See Warning statement at top of page
- Not enough combustion/ventilation air
REMEDY
- Ventilate room. Stop using odor-causing products while heater is running
- Refill supply tank
- Locate and correct all leaks (see Checking Gas Connections, page 9)
- Open window and/or door for ventilation
- Contact local propane/LP gas company
- Clean ODS/pilot (see Cleaning and Maintenance, page 11)
- Locate and correct all leaks (see Checking Gas Connections, page 9)
- Replace control valve
- Take apart gas tubing and remove foreign matter
- Locate and correct all leaks (see Checking Gas Connections, page 9)
- Refer to Air for Combustion and Ventilation requirements (page 3)
SPECIFICATIONS
VP10 VP5C
Btu (Variable): 5,500/10,000, 5,500
Type Gas: Propane/LP Only, Propane/LP Only
Ignition: Piezo, Piezo
Pressure Regulator Setting: 8″ W.C., 8″ W.C.
Inlet Gas Pressure (inches of water):
Maximum: 14″, 14″
Minimum: 11″, 11”
Dimensions, Inches (H x W x D):
Heater: 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5, 20 1/2 x 13 1/2 x 5
Carton: 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2, 25 x 16 11/16 x 7 1/2
Weight (pounds):
Heater: 14 , 13
Shipping: 18, 17
TECHNICAL SERVICE
You may have further questions about installation, operation, or troubleshooting.
If so, contact DESA International’s Technical Service Department at 1-800-323 5190.
SERVICE HINTS
When gas pressure is too low
• pilot will not stay lit
• burner(s) will have delayed ignition
• heater will not produce specified heat
• propane/LP gas supply may be low
When gas quality is bad
• 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 propane/LP gas supplier.
REPLACEMENT PARTS
Note: Use only original replacement parts. This will protect your warranty coverage for parts replaced under warranty.
Parts Under Warranty
Contact authorized dealer from whom you purchased this product. If they are unable to 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/LP 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 replacement part(s), call DESA International’s Parts Department at 1-800-972-7879 for referral information.
When calling DESA International, have ready:
- model number of your heater
- the replacement part number
SERVICE PUBLICATIONS
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.
ACCESSORY
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.
MANUAL SHUTOFF VALVE -GA5010
Manual shutoff valve with 1/8″ NPT tap.
PARTS LIST Model VP5C
This list contains replaceable parts used in your heater. When ordering parts, follow the instructions listed under Replacement Parts on page 15 of this manual.
KEY NO.: PART NUMBER: DESCRIPTION: QTY.:
1, 098304-01, Screw #10 x 3/8″, 2
2, 099467-03, Front Panel Assembly, 1
3, 099318-03, Grill Guard, 1
4, 101108-01, Grill Guard Clip, 2
5, 099469-01, Reflector Assembly, 1
6, M15823-37, Screw Hex #8 x 1/4″, 9
7, 099059-03, ODS/Pilot Assembly, 1
7-1, 098514-01, Thermocouple, 1
7-2, 098594-01, Ignitor Electrode, 1
8, 099884-01, Burner Assembly, 1
9, 099056-01, Injector, 1
10, 099390-01, Tubing – Valve to burner, 1
11, 099387-05, Pilot Tubing – Valve to pilot, 1
12, 099391-02, Tubing – Regulator to valve, 1
13, 100829-01, Control Valve, 1
14, 099057-01, Pressure Tap Fitting 1
15, 098276-01, 1/8 Pipe Plug, 1
16, 099468-10, Cabinet Assembly, 1
17, 099415-02, Gas Regulator, 1
18, 098303-02, Screw #6 x 5/16″, 2
19, 098508-01, Valve Retainer Nut, 1
20, 099393-02, Control Knob, 1
21, M11084-26, Screw #10 x 3/8″, 2
22, 099818-01, Internal Tooth Washer, 1
23, 102445-01, Piezo Ignitor, 1
24, 098271-03, Ignitor Cable, 1
PARTS AVAILABLE – NOT SHOWN
099395-08, Control Position Label, 1
100642-02, Assembly, Hardware, 1
PARTS LIST Model VP10
KEY NO.: PART NUMBER: DESCRIPTION: QTY.:
1, 098304-01, Screw #10 x 3/8″, 2
2, 099467-03, Front Panel Assembly, 1
3, 099318-03, Grill Guard, 1
4, 101108-01, Grill Guard Clip, 2
5, 099469-01, Reflector Assembly, 1
6, M15823-37, Screw Hex #8 x 1/4″, 10
7, 099059-03, ODS/Pilot Assembly, 1
7-1, 098514-01, Thermocouple, 1
7-2, 098594-01, Ignitor Electrode, 1
8, 099884-02, Burner Assembly, 1
9, 099056-01, Injector, 2
10, 099390-02, Tubing – Valve to plaque A, 1
11, 099387-05, Pilot Tubing – Valve to pilot, 1
12, 099392-01, Tubing – Valve to plaque B, 1
13, 099391-02 Tubing – Regulator to valve, 1
14, 100432-01, Control Valve, 1
15, 099057-01, Pressure Tap Fitting, 1
16, 098276-01, 1/8 Pipe Plug, 1
17, 099468-08, Cabinet Assembly, 1
18, 099415-02, Gas Regulator, 1
19, 098303-02, Screw #6 x 5/16″, 2
20, 098508-01, Valve Retainer Nut, 1
21, 099393-02, Control Knob, 1
22, M11084-26, Screw #10 x 3/8″, 2
23, 099818-01, Internal Tooth Washer, 1
24, 102445-01, Piezo Ignitor, 1
25, 098271-03, Ignitor Cable, 1
PARTS AVAILABLE – NOT SHOWN
099395-07, Control Position Label, 1
100642-02, Assembly, Hardware, 1
WARRANTY INFORMATION
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.
KEEP THIS WARRANTY
Model ________________________
Serial No ________________________
Date Purchased________________________
LIMITED WARRANTY
VANGUARD VENT-FREE RESIDENTIAL GAS HEATERS
DESA International warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and components for three (3) 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 Sale or cancelled check must be presented.
This warranty is extended only to the original retail purchaser. This warranty covers the cost of part(s) required to restore this heater to proper operating condition and an allowance for labor when provided by a DESA Authorized Service Center. Warranty part(s) 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 or defects caused by improper installation. Travel, diagnostic cost, labor, transportation and any and all such other costs related to repairing a defective heater will be 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 THREE (3) YEARS ON ALL COMPONENTS 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 on how long an implied warranty lasts or an exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation on implied warranties, or exclusion or limitation on damages may not apply to you.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights that vary from state to state. For information about this warranty write: