12
Combustion Air Supply continued-
Confined Spaces
Confined spaces are spaces defined as having less than 50 feet³
(1.41 m³)
of
space per 1,000 BTU
(.29kw)
per hour of input.
Unconfined Spaces
In unconfined spaces in buildings, infiltration may be adequate to provide air
for combustion, ventilation and dilution of flue gases. However, in buildings of
tight construction (for example, weather stripping, heavily insulated, caulked,
vapor barrier, etc.), additional air may need to be provided using the methods
described above under CONFINED SPACES: All Air From Outdoors or
SPECIALLY ENGINEERED INSTALLATIONS.
All Air From Inside the Building:
The confined space shall be provided with
two permanent openings communicating directly with an additional room(s) of
sufficient volume so that the combined volume of all spaces meets the criteria
for an unconfined space. The total input of all gas utilization equipment
installed in the combined space shall be considered in making this
determination. Each opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 inch²
(6.45
cm²)
per 1000 BTU
(.29 kw)
per hour of the total input rating of all gas
utilization equipment in the confined space, but not less than 100 square
inches
(645 cm²)
. One opening shall be within 12 inches
(31 cm)
of the top
and one within 12 inches
(31 cm)
of the bottom of the enclosure.
All Air From Outdoors
: The confined space shall be provided with two
permanent openings, one commencing within 12 inches
(31 cm)
of the top and
one commencing within 12 inches
(31 cm)
from the bottom of the enclosure.
The openings shall communicate directly, or by ducts, with the outdoors or
spaces (crawl or attic) that freely communicate with the outdoors.
1. When directly communicating with the outdoors, each opening shall have
a minimum free area of 1 inch²
(6.45 cm²)
per 4000 BTU
(1.2 kw)
per hour
of total input rating of all equipment in the enclosure.
2. When communicating with the outdoors through vertical ducts, each
opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 inch²
(6.45 cm²)
per 4000
BTU
(1.2 kw)
per hour of total input rating of all equipment in the
enclosure.
3. When communicating with the outdoors through horizontal ducts, each
opening shall have a minimum free area of 1 inch²
(6.45 cm²)
per 2000
BTU
(.6 kw)
per hour of total input rating of all equipment in the enclosure.
4. When ducts are used, they shall be of the same cross-sectional area as
the free area of the openings to which they connect. The minimum
dimension of rectangular air ducts shall be not less than 3 inches
(7.5 cm).
Specially Engineered Installations
The requirements noted under CONFINED SPACES above shall not
necessarily govern when special engineering, approved by the authority having
jurisdiction, provides an adequate supply of air for combustion, ventilation, and
dilution of flue gases.
