What is the minimum horizontal separation required for Cat IV forced mechanical vents from other building openings?

The minimum horizontal separation of 10 feet or the option to have the exhaust vent 2 feet above adjacent building openings is based on safety and ventilation principles in mechanical systems. This requirement is set to ensure that potentially harmful exhaust gases, which can contain carbon monoxide and other pollutants, do not enter occupied spaces.

By maintaining a distance of 10 feet horizontally, the design minimizes the risk of cross-contamination between the exhaust from forced mechanical vents and air intakes or openings of adjacent buildings. Alternatively, positioning the vent outlet 2 feet above nearby openings can effectively prevent back-drafting of exhaust back into habitable areas, further enhancing occupant safety.

The focus on these distances is to safeguard against negative impacts on indoor air quality while ensuring that the exhaust effectively disperses into the atmosphere without re-entering the building or flowing into nearby structures.