All Air from Outdoors
Outdoor fresh air can be provided to a confined area either directly or by the use of vertical and horizontal ducts. The fresh air can be taken from the outdoors or from crawl or attic spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors. Attic or crawl spaces cannot be closed and must be properly ventilated to the outside.
Ductwork must be of the same
The size of each of the two openings is determined by the method in which the air is to be provided. Refer to Table 3 to calculate the minimum free area for each opening. Figures 6, 7, and 8 are typical examples of each method.
Louvers and Grilles
In calculating free area for ventilation and combustion air supply openings, consideration must be given to the blocking effect of protection louvers, grilles, and screens. These devices can reduce airflow, which in turn may require larger openings to achieve the required minimum free area. Screens must not be smaller than 1/4” mesh. If the free area through a particular design of louver or grille is known, it should be used in calculating the specified free area of the opening. If the design and free area are not known, it can be assumed that most wood louvers will allow 20 - 25% of free area while metal louvers and grilles will allow 60 - 75% of free area.
Louvers and grilles must be locked open or interconnected with the equipment so that they are opened automatically during equipment operation.
Keep louvers and grilles clean and free of debris or other obstructions.
Table 3
Minimum Free Area of Permanent Openings for Ventilation and Combustion Air Supply - All Air from Outdoors Only.
Based on the total BTUH input rating for all gas utilizing equipment within the confined space.
Opening | Minimum Free Area | Reference |
Per Opening | ||
Source | (sq. in.) | Drawing |
Direct to | 1 Square inch per 4000 | Figure 6 |
outdoors | BTUH |
|
Vertical ducts | 1 Square inch per 4000 | Figure 7 |
| BTUH |
|
Horizontal ducts | 1 Square inch per 2000 | Figure 8 |
| BTUH |
|
Example: A water heater with an input rate of 50,000 BTUH using horizontal ducts would require each opening to have a minimum free area of 25 square inches.
Minimum free area = 50,000 BTUH x 1 sq. in. / 2000 BTUH = 25 Sq. Inches.
*These openings connect directly with the outdoors through a ventilated attic, a ventilated crawl space, or through an outside wall.
Consult the local codes of your area for specific ventilation and combustion air requirements.
| Gable vent |
| to outdoors |
| Install above |
| insulation |
Confined | Outlet |
Space | air to attic |
| 1 Sq. inch per |
| 4000 BTUH |
Alternate | Inlet air |
from the | |
Air Inlet | crawl |
| space |
1 sq. inch per | Open |
4000 BTUH | Foundation |
| Vent |
Figure 6
All Air from Outdoors; Inlet Air from Ventilated
Crawl Space/Outlet Air to Ventilated Attic
| Gable vent |
| to outdoors |
| Install above |
| insulation |
Confined | Outlet air |
to attic | |
Space | 1 Sq. inch per |
| 4000 BTUH |
| Inlet air duct |
| 1 sq. inch per |
| 4000 BTUH |
Figure 7 | 12” maximum |
All Air from Outdoors |
|
Through Ventilated Attic |
|
| 1 sq. inch |
| per |
| 2000 BTUH |
Confined | Outlet |
Space |
|
| Outdoor |
| Air Ducts |
| Inlet |
Figure 8 | 1 sq. Inch |
All Air from Outdoors | per |
Using Horizontal Ducts | 2000 BTUH |
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