SBN TANK TYPE COMMERCIAL GAS WATER HEATER
SERVICE HANDBOOK
A fresh supply of
Make-Up Air – Direct Communication
(Not Direct Vent)
Two openings are required: one within 12 inches of the top of the enclosure and one within 12 inches of the bottom of the enclosure. Each opening must have a free area of not less than 1 square inch per 4,000 BTUH of the total input of all appliances within the enclosure.
The lower opening primarily provides combustion air. The upper opening provides vent dilution air and acts as a relief opening for flue gases should the vent become obstructed or a downdraft condition occur. Additionally, when the heater is installed in a confined space and communicating with the outdoor air, one permanent opening, beginning within 12 inches (30 cm) of the top of the enclosure, must be permitted where the equipment has clearances of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the sides and back, and 6 inches (16 cm) from the front of the appliance. The opening must directly communicate with the outdoors and must communicate through a vertical or horizontal duct to the outdoors or spaces (crawl or attic) that freely communicate with the outdoors, and must have a minimum free area of a) 1 square inch per 3,000 BTUH (7cm2 per kW) of the total input of all equipment located in the enclosure and b) not less than the sum of the areas of all vent connectors in the confined space.
Technical Training Department | 7 | ©2003 |
Ashland City, Tennessee