INSTALLATION AND
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
STANDARD SERIES
Unvented Decorative Gas Fireplaces
P/N 903590 REV. N 12/2007
MODELS
VF4000-CHN-2
VF4000-CMN-2
VF4000-CHP-2
VF4000-CMP-2
FOR USE ONLY WITH DECORATIVE TYPE UNVENTED ROOM
HEATERS.
INSTALLER: Leave this manual with the appliance.
CONSUMER: Retain this manual for future reference.
DO NOT BUILD A WOOD FIRE.
WARNING: IMPROPERINSTALLATION, ADJUSTMENT, AL-
TERATION, SERVICE OR MAINTENANCE CAN CAUSE IN-
JURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. REFER TO THIS MANUAL.
FOR ASSISTANCE OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CON-
SULT A QUALIFIED INSTALLER, SERVICE AGENCY OR THE
GAS SUPPLIER.
US
WARNING: DO NOT BURN WOOD OR OTHER MATERIAL IN
THESE APPLIANCES.
WARNING:IFTHEINFORMATIONINTHISMANUAL
IS NOT FOLLOWED EXACTLY, A FIRE OR EXPLO-
SIONMAYRESULTCAUSINGPROPERTYDAMAGE,
PERSONAL INJURY OR LOSS OF LIFE.
CAREFULLY REVIEW THE INSTRUCTIONS SUPPLIED WITH
THE DECORATIVE TYPE UNVENTED ROOM HEATER FOR
THE MINIMUM FIREPLACE SIZE REQUIREMENT.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: Do not store or use gasoline
orotherflammablevaporsorliquidsinthevicinity
of this or any other appliance.
DO NOT INSTALL THE APPLIANCE IN THIS FIREBOX, UN-
LESS THIS FIREBOX MEETS THE MINIMUM DIMENSIONS
REQUIRED FOR THE INSTALLATIONS.
FOR YOUR SAFETY: What to do if you smell gas:
This is an unvented gas-fired heater. It uses air
(oxygen) from the room in which it is installed.
Provisions for adequate combustion and ventila-
tion air must be provided. Refer to Combustion
and Ventilation Air Section, Page 3.
• DO NOT light any appliance.
• DO NOT touch any electrical switches.
• DO NOT use any phone in your building.
• Immediately call your gas supplier from a
neighbor’s phone.
Follow your gas suppliers instructions.
• If your gas supplier cannot be reached, call the
fire department.
Due to high temperatures, the appliance should be located out
of traffic and away from furniture or draperies.
Do not place clothing or other materials on or near this appli-
ance.
Installation and service must be performed by a
qualified installer, service agency or the gas sup-
plier.
IMPORTANT: READ AND UNDERSTAND THESE INSTRUCTIONS
COMPLETELY BEFORE INSTALLING YOUR UNVENTED ROOM
HEATERS.
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• The heater must be isolated from the gas
supply piping system by closing its individual
manualshut-offvalveduringanypressuretest-
ing of the gas supply piping system at test
pressures equal to or less than 1/2 psig.
•Vent-FreeappliancesmayNOTbeinstalledin
bedrooms or bathrooms.
WARNING: FAILURETOCOMPLYWITH
THE INSTALLATION AND OPERATING
INSTRUCTIONS PROVIDED IN THIS
DOCUMENT WILL RESULT IN AN IM-
PROPERLY INSTALLED AND OPERAT-
ING UNVENTED ROOM HEATER, VOID-
ING ITS WARRANTY. ANY CHANGE TO
THIS HEATER AND/OR ITS OPERATING
CONTROLSISDANGEROUS. IMPROPER
INSTALLATIONORUSEOFTHISHEATER
CANCAUSESERIOUSINJURYORDEATH
FORM FIRE, BURNS, EXPLOSION OR
CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING.
• A working smoke detector must be installed
in the area where vent-free appliances are
installed.
• Any safety screen or guard removed for
servicing the heater must be replaced prior to
operating the heater.
Seller of unvented propane or natural gas-
fired supplemental room heaters shall pro-
vide to each purchaser a copy of 527 CMR 30
upon sale of the unit.
• Keep heater area clear and free from com-
bustible materials, gasoline and other flam-
mable vapors and liquids.
New York:
These fireplaces are approved for installation
in the US state of New York, but not in New
York City.
• Do not use these appliances if any part has
been under water. Immediately call a qualified
professional service technician to inspect the
applianceandtoreplaceanypartsofthecontrol
system and any gas control which have been
under water.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: Early signs of
carbon monoxide poisoning are similar to the
fluwithheadaches, dizzinessand/ornausea. If
you have these signs, obtain fresh air immedi-
ately. Turn off the gas supply to the heater and
haveitservicedbyaqualifiedprofessional, as
it may not be operating correctly.
COMBUSTION AND VENTILATION AIR
These heaters shall not be installed in a con-
fined space. The heater may be located in
unusually tight construction provided the
space is unconfined, or if confined, is pro-
vided with two permanent openings commu-
nicating directly with an additional room(s)
of sufficient volume so that the combined
volume of all connected spaces meets the
criteria for an unconfined space, (National
Fuel Gas Code ANSI Z223.1 (latest edition),
Section 5.3). Generally 50 ft 3 per 1,000 BTU
input of all operating appliances in the space.
• Input ratings are shown in BTU per hour and
are for elevations up to 7,000 feet. Operating
heateraboveelevationsof7,000feetmaycause
ODS pilot outage.
• Due to high temperatures, the heater should
belocatedoutoftrafficandawayfromfurniture
and draperies.
• Ensure that the heater is clean when operat-
ing.Excessivedustaccumulationontheburner
and logs will increase the amount of carbon
monoxide formation and could lead to carbon
monoxide poisoning and death.
• Children and adults should be alerted to the
hazardofhighsurfacetemperaturesandshould
stay away to avoid burns or clothing ignition.
CODES
• Young children should be carefully super-
vised when they are in the same room with
the heater.
The National Fuel Gas Code defines a con-
fined space as a space whose volume is less
than 50 ft 3 per 1,000 BTU/Hr (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 ft 3 per 1,000 BTU/Hr (4.8 m3 per kw)
of the aggregate input rating of all appliances
installed in that space. Rooms communicat-
ing directly with the space in which the appli-
ances are installed, through openings not
furnishedwithdoors,areconsideredapart of
the unconfined space.
Adhere to all local codes or in their absence the
latest edition of The National Fuel Gas Code
ANSIZ223.1orNFPA54whichcanbeobtained
from The American National Standards Insti-
tute, Inc. (1430 Broadway, New York, NY,
10018)orNationalFireProtectionAssociation,
Inc. (Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA, 02269).
• Do not place clothing or other flammable
material on or near the heater for the purpose
of drying.
• Installation and repair should be done by a
qualified service person. The heater should be
inspected before use and at least annually by a
professionalserviceperson.Morefrequentclean-
ing may be required due to excessive lint from
carpeting, bedding material, etc. It is important
that control compartments, burners and circulat-
ing air passageways of the heater be kept clean.
Massachusetts And New York Require-
ments
These appliances are approved for installation
in the following USA locations listed in the
following:
Unusually tight construction is defined as con-
struction where:
• Allow the heater to cool before servicing.
Always shut off any electricity or gas to the
heater while performing service work.
Massachusetts:
a. wall and ceilings exposed to the outside
atmosphere have a continuous water vapor
retarder with a rating or one perm or less with
openings gasketed or sealed, and
These fireplaces are approved for installation
in the US state of Massachusetts if the follow-
ing additional requirements are met-
• Do not install the VF4000 series heaters in a
bedroom or bathroom.
• Installation and repair must be done by a
plumber or gas fitter licensed in the Common-
wealth of Massachusetts.
b. weather stripping has been added on oper-
able windows and doors, and
• The installation must conform with local
codes or, in the absence of local codes with the
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1.
c. caulkingorsealantsareappliedtoareassuch
as joints around window and door frames,
between sole plates and floors, between wall-
ceiling joints, between wall panels, at penetra-
tions for plumbing, electrical, and gas lines,
and at other openings.
• The flexible gas line connector used shall not
exceed 36 inches (92 centimeters) in length.
• The heater and its individual shut-off valve
must be disconnected from the gas supply
pipingsystemwhileperforminganytestsofthe
gas supply piping system at pressures in ex-
cess of 1/2 psig.
• The individual manual shut-off must be a T-
handle type valve.
3
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Usethefollowingequationstodetermineifyou
have a confined or unconfined space.
• This appliance may be installed in an after-
market* manufactured (Mobile) Home, where
not prohibited by state or local codes.
*Aftermarket: Completion of sale, not for pur-
pose of resale, from the manufacturer.
WARNING: IF THE AREA IN WHICH THE
HEATERMAYBEOPERATEDISSMALLER
THAN THAT DEFINED AS AN UNCON-
FINED SPACE, PROVIDE ADEQUATE
COMBUSTIONANDVENTILATIONAIRBY
ONE OF THE METHODS DESCRIBED IN
THE NATIONAL FUEL GAS CODE, ANSI
Z223.1 1992, SECTION 5.3 OR APPLI-
CABLE LOCAL CODES.
1. Determine the volume of space — ft 3.
Length x Width x Height = _____ ft 3
(Includeadjoiningroomswithdoorlesspas-
sageways or ventilation grills between
rooms.)
• Minimizemodificationstoexistingconstruc-
tion.RefertoFigure1 forlocationsuggestions.
Example:20' (L)x16' (W)x8' (H)=2560ft 3
2. Divide the volume of space by 50 ft 3 to
determine the maximum BTU/Hr the space
can support.
Your options are:
a. Rework equations adding the space of ad-
joiningroom(s).Iftheextravolumeprovides
an unconfined space, then remove door or
add ventilation grills between rooms. Refer
to National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1
1992, Section 5.3.
______ (volume of space – ft 3)/ 50 ft 3
=
(Maximum BTU/Hr the space can support)
Example: 2560 ft 3 / 50 ft 3 = 51.2
or 51,200 BTU/Hr the space can support.
b. Vent room directly to the outdoors. Refer to
National Fuel Gas Code, ANSI Z223.1 1992,
Section 5.3.
Figure 1
3. Add the BTU/Hr of all the fuel burning appli-
ances in the space.
To ensure even heat distribution, it is best to
positiontheheatercentrallyagainstthelongest
wall of the room. Make sure there is adequate
ventilation where the heater is installed. The
gas appliance will shut off if the oxygen level
falls below 18%.
c. Install a lower BTU/Hr heater, to make the
area an unconfined space.
Vent-Free heater
Gas appliance #1*
Gas appliance #2
_______ BTU/Hr
_______ BTU/Hr
+ _______ BTU/Hr
If the actual BTU/Hr used is less than the
maximum BTU/Hr the space can support, then
thespaceisanunconfinedspace.Youwillneed
no additional fresh air ventilation for an uncon-
fined space.
Total = _______ BTU/Hr
Theseappliancesareuniquelysuitedforinstal-
lations requiring a utility shelf positioned di-
rectly above the fireplace. Utility shelves like
these are commonly used for locating televi-
sion sets and decorative plants.
Example:
VF4000 Vent-free heater 25,000 BTU/Hr
Gas appliance #1
(water heater)
34,000 BTU/Hr
LOCATION OF FIREPLACE
Total = 59,000 BTU/Hr
Carefully select the best location for installa-
tion of your VF4000 series Unvented Room
Heater. The following factors should be taken
into consideration:
To provide for the lowest possible shelf sur-
face, combustible materials used to support a
utility shelf directly above these appliances
should be positioned just above the appliance
top spacers. The minimum height from the
base of the VF4000 to the underside of com-
bustible materials used to construct a utility
shelf is 37-1/4” (946 mm).
* Do not include direct-vent gas appliances.
Direct-vent is sealed combustion and draws
combustion air from the outdoors.
4. Compare the maximum BTU/Hr the space
can support with the actual amount of BTU/
Hr used.
• Clearance to side wall, ceiling, woodwork
and windows.
• Location must not be affected by drafts
caused by kitchen exhaust fans, return air reg-
isters for forced air furnaces/air conditioners,
windows or doors.
_________ BTU/Hr
(max. the space can support)
_________ BTU/Hr
The appliance should be mounted on a fully
supported base extending the full width and
depth of the unit. The appliance may be located
on or near conventional construction materi-
als. However, if installed on combustible mate-
rials, such as carpeting, vinyl tile, etc., a metal
or wood barrier covering the entire bottom
surface must be used.
(actualamountofBTU/Hrused)
• Installation must provide adequate ventila-
tion and combustion air.
Example:
51,200 BTU/Hr
(max. the space can support)
59,000 BTU/Hr
• Do not install the VF4000 series heaters in a
sleeping room or bathroom.
(actualamountofBTU/Hrused)
If the appliance is to be elevated above floor
level, a solid continuous platform must be
constructed.
• Neverobstructthefrontopeningoftheheater
or restrict the flow of combustion and ventila-
tion air.
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 sup-
port. You must provide additional fresh air.
WARNING: MAINTAIN MINIMUM
CLEARANCES.
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION NOT TO SCALE.
4
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Donotinstallinthevicinityofgasolineorother
flammable liquids. The heater must be kept
clear and free from these combustible materi-
alsandmaynotbelocatednearwheretheyare
stored.
Note: Combustible wall finish materials and/or
surround materials must not be allowed to
encroach the area defined by the appliance
front face (black sheet metal). Never allow
combustible materials to be positioned in front
of or overlapping the appliance front face.
Note:Thefollowingstepsrepresentthenormal
sequence of installation. Each installation is
unique, however, and might require a different
sequence.
CAUTION:HEATERSCREATEWARMAIRCUR-
RENTS. THESE CURRENTS MOVE HEAT TO
WALLSURFACESNEXTTOHEATER. INSTALL-
INGHEATERNEXTTOVINYLORCLOTHWALL
COVERINGS OR OPERATING HEATER WHERE
IMPURITIES IN THE AIR (SUCH AS TOBACCO
SMOKE) EXISTS, MAY DISCOLOR WALLS.
Clearances
6" Clearance
to Combustible
Side Wall
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL VF SE-
RIES UNVENTED ROOM HEATERS IN
SLEEPING QUARTERS, OR IN RECRE-
ATIONAL VEHICLES.
Max. Projection (See Fig. 2)
37-1/2" Min.
to Ceiling
Step 1. Position heater in desired location
(freestanding, onto surround base or into pre-
pared framing) and secure.
(953 mm)
WARNING: DO NOT INSTALL THE VF
UNVENTED ROOM HEATER:
Combustible
Mantel
• WHERE CURTAINS, FURNITURE,
CLOTHING OR OTHER FLAMMABLE
OBJECTS ARE LESS THAN 42" FROM
THEFRONTOFTHEUNVENTEDROOM
HEATER.
(See Fig. 2)
Step2. Plumbgasline.(Gasconnectionsshould
onlybeperformedbyanexperienced,licensed/
certified tradesman.)
Figure 3
Step3. Assemblelogsandtest flameappear-
ance.
• IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS.
• IN WINDY OR DRAFTY AREAS.
PREINSTALLATION
Step 4. Complete finish wall material, sur-
round and optional hearth extension to your
individual taste.
Check that all listed parts have been received.
Ensure the minimum clearances shown in
Figures 2 and 3 are maintained.
Carefully inspect the heater case and contents
for shipping damage and immediately inform
the dealer from whom you purchased the gas
fireplace if any damage is found.
Minimum clearance to combustibles are:
INSTALLATION STEPS
Built-In Systems
Appliance:
side and back - 0"
floor - 0"
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW FANS TO
BLOW DIRECTLY INTO THE FIREPLACE.
AVOID ANY DRAFTS THAT ALTER
BURNER FLAME PATTERNS.
The appliance is shipped with all gas controls
and components installed and pre-wired. Re-
move the shipping carton. The nailing flanges
are installed at each side of the appliance back-
wardswhenshippedfromthefactorytoprotect
the unit from shipping damage. Remove the
nailing flanges and retain for use when install-
ing the appliance in framing. Remove three
screws and remove the screen panel. Remove
the logs and set aside.
adjacent wall - 6"
ceiling - 37-1/2” (953 mm)
Combustible
Finished Wall
Materials
12"
( mm)
WARNING: DO NOT USE A BLOWER IN-
SERT, HEAT EXCHANGER INSERT OR
OTHER ACCESSORY NOT APPROVED
FOR USE WITH THIS HEATER.
10''
Header
Spacer
26"
8''
6''
( mm)
22-1/2"
( mm)
Check Gas Type
Do not burn solid fuels in this listed unvented
gas room heater.
18-5/8"
( mm)
1/4" Gap
Required
2-1/2"
( mm)
14-1/2"
( mm)
Thisappliancecanonlybeconnectedtothegas
type specified on the appliance data plate. This
appliance can not be modified in the field for a
different gas type. If the gas type to be used is
not the one specified contact the dealer to
obtain the correct gas appliance.
Step 1. Frame VF4000 appliance enclosures
as illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6.
8"
( mm)
Top of Appliance
Top of Door Frame
Note: Theframeddepth(15-1/2"for aflat wall,
29" for a corner VF4000) must always be
measured from a finished surface. If a wall
covering such as drywall is to be attached to
the rear wall, then the dimension must be
measured from the drywall surface.
VF Series
Figure 2
Note: Illustrations shown in this manual reflect
“typical” installationswithnominaldimensions
and are for design and framing reference only.
Actual installations may vary due to individual
design preferences. However, always maintain
minimum clearances to combustible materials
and do not violate any specific installation re-
quirements.
A hearth extension is not required with this
appliance. If a hearth extension is used, do not
blockthelowercontrolcompartmentdoor.Any
hearth extensions used is for appearance only
and does not have to conform to standard
hearth extension installation requirements.
Note: Framing dimensions in Figures 4 - 6
are calculated for a nailing flange depth of
1/2" (13 mm).
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION NOT TO SCALE.
5
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Back Wall of
Chase/Enclosure
Including Finishing
Materials If Any.
Outside Wall
15-1/2"
(394mm)
Control Valve
(Standard)
37" (940mm)
Lower Control
Compartment Door
Figure 4
Back Wall of
3"
7"
Chase/Enclosure
Including Finishing
Materials If Any.
(76 mm)
(178 mm)
Figure 9
41"
Secure all joints tightly using appropriate
tools and sealing compounds (ensure pro-
pane resistant compounds are used in
propane applications).
(1041mm)
13-1/2"
Figure 7
(343mm)
29"
(737mm)
The gas control valve is located in the lower
control compartment. To access the valve
open the lower control compartment door
(Figure 9 ).
Turn on gas supply and test for gas leaks,
using a gas leak test solution (also referred to
as bubble leak solution).
37" (940mm)
58-1/2" (1486mm)
The regulator has a 3/8" NPT thread inlet port
and is fitted with a 3" (76 mm) long nipple, ³⁄₈"
NPT on both ends. Plan the connections ac-
cordingly.
Note: Usingasoapywater solution(50%dish
soap, 50% water) is an effective leak test
solution but it is not recommended, because
the soap residue that is left on the pipes/
fittingscanresultincorrosionovertime. Never
use an open flame to check for leaks.
Figure 5
We recommend that the gas line be routed for
the right side of the appliance to ensure ad-
equate access to the rear lower compartment
for installation and servicing of the optional
FAB-1100 blower.
37-1/4"
(946 mm)
Gas Flex Line Kit, Model GFLV
3/8" NPT x 3/8"
Flare Fitting
1/2" x 3/8" Flare
Shut-Off Valve
Gas Valve
15-1/2"
(394 mm)
37"
(940 mm)
3/8" Flex Tubing
Figure 6
Step2. Routea1/2"(13mm)gaslinealongthe
left or right side framing (Figure 7 ).
3/8" Nipple, Standard
with all Units
All appliances have a 3" long 3/8" NPT nipple
installed at the regulator. To quickly and easily
complete the gas line routing, use the gas flex
line kit, Model GFLV.
3/8" Union
3/8" Close Nipple
Gas Stub
Step3. Positionapplianceintopreparedfram-
ing, secure with 6d nails at the nailing flange
along each side.
3/8" Shut-Off Valve
1/2" x 3/8" Reducer
Step 4. Connecting Gas Line – Make gas line
connections. All codes require a shut-off valve
mountedinthesupplyline. Figure8 illustrates
two methods for connecting the gas supply.
Installation methods and materials must be in
compliance with local codes.
Figure 8
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION NOT TO SCALE.
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A. Light the appliance (refer to safety and
lighting instructions on pages 14 and 16).
Step 6. Installing the Optional Forced Air
Blower Kit Wiring – A receptacle plate is
provided for the installation of the FAB-1100
forced air blower kit (optional). Electrical
power must be provided to this plate to oper-
ate the blower.
VF4000-CMN/P Series
Optional Wiring Diagram
If any of the original wire as supplied must be replaced, it
must be replaced with Type AWM 105°C – 18 GA. wire.
B. Brush all joints and connections with the
gas leak test solution to check for leaks. If
bubbles are formed, or gas odor is detected,
turn the gas control knob to the “OFF” posi-
tion. Either tighten or refasten the leaking
connection and retest as described above.
From Thermocouple
Optional ON/OFF
Wall Switch/Rocker Switch
*
*
Route a 3-wire, 120Vac power line with con-
trol switch to the lower left front corner of the
appliance. Supplywiresaretobeconnectedto
the outlet as shown in Figure 12, ensuring that
thepolarity(asdeterminedbythecolorsofthe
wires) is exactly as shown. The black and red
wire loop must be left intact, with the mating
connectors connected.
Thermopile
C. When the gas lines are tested and leak free,
be sure to rinse off the leak testing solution.
D. When the gas lines are tested and leak free,
observe the individual tongues of flame on the
burner. Make sure all ports are open and
producing flame evenly across the burner. If
any ports are blocked, or partially blocked,
clean out the ports.
Factory Wired
Field Wired
* For Rocker Switch Attachment Only.
Figure 11
An external regulator must be used on all pro-
pane (L.P.G.) heaters, in addition to the regula-
torfittedtotheheater,toreducethesupplytank
pressure to 13" w.c. (maximum).
OFF/ON Blower
Wall Switch
To Fuse or
Circuit Breaker
Black
120V
AC
Receptacle
White
WARNING: CONNECTING DIRECTLY TO
AN UNREGULATED PROPANE TANK CAN
CAUSE AN EXPLOSION.
}
60Hz
Fireplace
Junction Box
Blower Wiring Diagram
Step 5. Installing the Optional Remote Wall
Switch (VF4000-CMN/P models only) – The
millivolt system comes from the factory wired
as shown in Figure 10. Select a convenient
locationfortheremotewallswitchandconnect
the wiring to the appliance (Figure 11 ).
Ground Wire
Connection
White
(Supply)
Blower
(Lower)
Outlet
CAUTION: DO NOT CONNECT THE OPTIONAL
REMOTESWITCHTOA120VPOWERSUPPLY.
120 Vac
60 Hz
Bipolar
Terminal
Screw
Note: The optional rocker switch is mounted to
the appliance and wired in the same way as the
remote wall switch.
Black
Wire
Black
(Supply)
VF4000-CMN/P Series
Wiring Diagram
If any of the original wire as supplied must be replaced, it
must be replaced with Type AWM 105°C – 18 GA. wire.
From Thermocouple
Mating
Connectors
*
*
Thermopile
Red Wire
Figure 12
Note: Supply wires may be alternatively connected to the outlet using the screw terminals,
howevertheblacksupplywiremustbegangedwiredtothesameterminalthatthepre-wiredblack
wireisattachedtoandthewhitesupplywiremustbeconnectedtotheoppositesideoftheoutlet.
* For Rocker or ON/OFF Wall Switch Attachment Only.
Figure 10
NOTE: DIAGRAMS & ILLUSTRATION NOT TO SCALE.
7
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