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In the absence of local codes concerning air for combus−
tion and ventilation, use the guidelines and procedures in
this section to install G51MP furnaces to ensure efficient
and safe operation. You must consider combustion air
needs and requirements for exhaust vents and gas pip-
ing. A portion of this information has been reprinted with
permission from the National Fuel Gas Code (ANSI−
Z223.1/NFPA 54). This reprinted material is not the com-
plete and official position of the ANSI on the referenced
subject, which is represented only by the standard in its
entirety.
In Canada, refer to the CSA B149 installation codes.
CAUTION
Do not install the furnace in a corrosive or contami-
nated atmosphere. Meet all combustion and ventila-
tion air requirements, as well as all local codes.
All gas-fired appliances require air for the combustion pro-
cess. If sufficient combustion air is not available, the fur-
nace or other appliance will operate inefficiently and un-
safely. Enough air must be provided to meet the needs of all
fuel−burning appliances and appliances such as exhaust
fans which force air out of the house. When fireplaces, ex-
haust fans, or clothes dryers are used at the same time as
the furnace, much more air is required to ensure proper
combustion and to prevent a downdraft. Insufficient air
causes incomplete combustion which can result in carbon
monoxide.
In addition to providing combustion air, fresh outdoor air di-
lutes contaminants in the indoor air. These contaminants
may include bleaches, adhesives, detergents, solvents
and other contaminants which can corrode furnace compo-
nents.
The requirements for providing air for combustion and ven-
tilation depend largely on whether the furnace is installed in
an unconfined or a confined space.
Unconfined Space
An unconfined space is an area such as a basement or
large equipment room with a volume greater than 50 cubic
feet (1.42 m
3
) per 1,000 Btu (.29 kW) per hour of the com-
bined input rating of all appliances installed in that space.
This space also includes adjacent rooms which are not
separated by a door. Though an area may appear to be un-
confined, it might be necessary to bring in outdoor air for
combustion if the structure does not provide enough air by
infiltration. If the furnace is located in a building of tight
construction with weather stripping and caulking around
the windows and doors, follow the procedures in the air
from outside section.
Confined Space
A confined space is an area with a volume less than 50 cubic
feet (1.42 m
3
) per 1,000 Btu (.29 kW) per hour of the com−
bined input rating of all appliances installed in that space. This
definition includes furnace closets or small equipment rooms.
When the furnace is installed so that supply ducts carry air
circulated by the furnace to areas outside the space con-
taining the furnace, the return air
must be
handled by ducts
which are sealed to the furnace casing and which terminate
outside the space containing the furnace. This is especially
important when the furnace is mounted on a platform in a
confined space such as a closet or small equipment room.
Even a small leak around the base of the unit at the platform
or at the return air duct connection can cause a potentially
dangerous negative pressure condition. Air for combustion
and ventilation can be brought into the confined space ei-
ther from inside the building or from outside.
Air from Inside
If the confined space that houses the furnace adjoins a
space categorized as unconfined, air can be brought in by
providing two permanent openings between the two
spaces. Each opening must have a minimum free area of 1
square inch (645 mm
2
) per 1,000 Btu (.29 kW) per hour of
total input rating of all gas−fired equipment in the confined
space. Each opening must be at least 100 square inches
(64516 mm
2
). One opening shall be within 12 inches (305
mm) of the top of the enclosure and one opening within 12
inches (305 mm) of the bottom. See figure 3.
FIGURE 3
EQUIPMENT IN CONFINED SPACE − ALL AIR FROM INSIDE
OPENINGS
(To Adjacent
Unconfined
Space)
NOTE
− Each opening shall have a free area of at least one square
inch per 1,000 Btu (645mm
2
per .29kW) per hour of the total input
rating of all equipment in the enclosure, but not less than 100 square
inches (64516mm.
2).
G51MP
ROOF TERMINATED
EXHAUST PIPE
SIDE WALL
TERMINATED EX-
HAUST PIPE (ALTER-
NATE LOCATION)
