What is the minimum horizontal distance for a mechanical air intake opening from a chimney or exhaust termination?

The minimum horizontal distance for a mechanical air intake opening from a chimney or exhaust termination is established to ensure proper ventilation and to prevent contamination of the incoming air. Positioning the air intake too close to a chimney or exhaust can result in the intake drawing in combustion gases, smoke, or other pollutants, which can negatively affect indoor air quality and create health hazards.

A distance of 10 feet is typically recommended in many building codes and ventilation standards to allow for adequate dissipation of potentially harmful exhaust emissions. This spacing helps reduce the risk of backdrafts and ensures that the air being drawn into the system remains clean and safe for the occupants of the building.

Setting this distance too short, such as 5 feet, may not provide enough clearance for the proper dispersal of exhaust, while longer distances such as 15 or 20 feet may exceed necessary requirements without additional benefit, potentially complicating the installation or design of ventilation systems unnecessarily.