Detroit Radiant DSCS Single Stage Patio Heater: focused overhead warmth for your patio
The Detroit Radiant DSCS Single Stage Patio Heater is a compact overhead gas heater for covered or open patios, not indoor rooms. Its box housing is about 48 inches long and sheds wind and rain. It mounts on a ceiling or wall. Choose brushed stainless steel or black powder coated steel on this page. It runs on a piped gas line, natural gas or propane, so there is no tank to refill. Detroit Radiant Products is a family owned company founded in 1955 that builds its heaters in Warren, Michigan.
Single stage means full output whenever it is on. Pick 31,000 BTUs with natural gas or propane for roughly an 8 by 8 foot area, or 34,000 BTUs with natural gas only for about 9 by 9 feet. Radiant heat warms people and surfaces directly, like sunshine, instead of warming the air, so it works outdoors. This line gives a focused patch of warmth. Warranty coverage is one year on controls and five years on the burner. Want a low setting? See the Detroit Radiant DSCD Two Stage Patio Heater. The Detroit Radiant DSCS Single Stage Patio Heater ships free from My Cozy Outdoors with No Sales Tax (except WY) and the full manufacturer warranty.
Specifications
SKU: DSCS-31, DSCS-34, DSCS-31-SS, DSCS-34-SS
| Specification |
Value |
| Model |
DSCS-31[-SS] or DSCS-34[-SS] — exact model per selected Heat Output + Finish |
| Stage |
Single Stage |
| BTU/h (High / Low) |
31,000 / 31,000 or 34,000 / 34,000 (per Heat Output) |
| Gas Type |
Natural Gas or Propane (31,000 BTU/h); Natural Gas only (34,000 BTU/h) |
| Finish |
Stainless Steel or Black (select above) |
| Natural Gas Models |
31,000 & 34,000 BTU/h |
| Propane Gas Models |
31,000 BTU/h |
| Certification |
ETL ANSI Z83.26 Standard |
| Limited Warranty |
1-year on controls, 5-year on burner |
| Gas Connections |
1/2” NPT |
| Gas Connections — Manifold |
6” Natural or 10” Propane |
| Gas Connections — Minimum |
7” Natural or 11” Propane |
| Gas Connections — Maximum |
14” Natural or 14” Propane |
| Volts |
24 VAC/60 Hz Single Phase |
| Amps |
0.65 starting, 0.48 running |
| Control Voltage |
24 VAC |
| Operational Costs |
On average, operating a gas-fired heater with a 20-lb. propane cylinder costs upwards of 4 to 5 times more than operating on natural gas. Consult your local utility provider for a fuel cost analysis. |
| Dimensions |
48.4″ L x 9.0″ W x 10.9″ H |
| Weight |
59 lbs (65 lbs with the PH-BKT bracket) |
| Shipping |
Box 54″ x 17″ x 15″; Detroit Radiant recommends truckline for two or more units |
| Mounting Height |
8 to 12 ft (31,000 BTU/h) or 8.5 to 13 ft (34,000 BTU/h); minimum 6.5 ft above the floor; typical height above patrons 2 to 6 ft |
| Approximate Area Heated |
8 x 8 ft (31,000 BTU/h) or 9 x 9 ft (34,000 BTU/h) |
| Clearances to Combustibles (0°) |
18″ sides, 12″ ends, 13″ top, 48″ below; 8″ minimum top clearance under a non-combustible ceiling |
| Clearances to Combustibles (30°) |
36″ front, 18″ back, 12″ ends, 18″ top, 40″ below; between 0° and 30° use the larger figure |
| Gas Connection |
1/2″ NPT adapter fitting; specify natural gas or propane at order |
| Controls |
24 V from a field-supplied Class 2 transformer (40 VA runs up to 2 heaters, 96 VA up to 5); one transformer per thermostat |
FAQ
Natural gas or propane, and which output?
The Heat Output selector offers 31,000 BTU per hour on natural gas or propane and 34,000 on natural gas only, then a Fuel Type pick and a stainless or black finish, each with any price difference shown. The brochure rates the 31,000 unit for roughly an 8 by 8 foot area and the 34,000 for about 9 by 9 feet.
How high and at what angle does it mount?
The brochure gives mounting heights of 8 to 12 feet for the 31,000 BTU model and 8.5 to 13 feet for the 34,000, level or tilted up to 30 degrees; the adjustable 0 to 30 degree bracket is on the Accessories selector in black or stainless. Chains, threaded rod or hangers also work. Clearances at 0 degrees are 18 inches to the sides, 13 above and 48 below.
Can it go under a covered patio or indoors?
Outdoors only for homes. The manual says it is not approved for any indoor residential use and is ETL certified to ANSI Z83.26 for outdoor use, so a covered patio is fine as long as the published clearances are kept; under a non-combustible ceiling an 8 inch minimum top clearance still applies to protect the controls.
What electrical does it need?
Only 24 volts AC from a field-supplied NEC Class 2 transformer; the heater draws 0.65 amps starting and 0.48 running. The 96 VA transformer on the Accessories selector powers up to five heaters, and the manual specifies 18 AWG thermostat wire with the transformer mounted outside the controls compartment. Ignition is direct spark.
Does it need a thermostat?
Not necessarily. The manual explains that in an open outdoor area a thermostat may never be satisfied, so a switch or timer is the preferred control; a thermostat suits partially enclosed patios with wind breaks. Detroit Radiant notes that wind is the biggest variable outdoors, so plan wind barriers where you can.
Is it built for weather?
The Features tab lists a wind and rain protected design with a black-coated aluminized or brushed stainless housing, and the brochure adds potted, water-resistant 24 volt circuitry. The manual still asks for an annual inspection after exposure to rain and high wind. Warranty per the Specifications tab is 1 year on controls and 5 years on the ceramic burner.
How does it compare with the two-stage version?
This is the single stage DSCS: full output whenever it is on. The DSCD sister model on our Detroit Radiant gas patio heaters page adds a 28,000 BTU low fire. Both share the 48.4 inch housing, 59 pound weight and the same clearances, so the choice is about control, not size.