18
Support of Vent Stack
The weight of the vent stack or chimney must not rest
on the heater vent connection. Support must be pro-
vided in compliance with applicable codes. The vent
should also be installed to maintain proper clearances
from combustible materials. Use insulated vent pipe
spacers where the vent passes through combustible
roofs and walls.
Vent Terminal Location
1. Condensate can freeze on the vent cap. Frozen
condensate on the vent cap can result in a blocked
flue condition.
2. Give special attention to the location of the vent
termination to avoid possibility of property dam-
age or personal injury.
3. Gases may form a white vapor plume in winter.
The plume could obstruct a window view if the ter-
mination is installed near windows.
4. Prevailing winds, in combination with below-freez-
ing temperatures, can cause freezing of conden-
sate and water/ice build-up on buildings, plants or
roofs.
5. The bottom of the vent terminal and the air intake
shall be located at least 12 in. above grade, includ-
ing normal snow line.
6. Un-insulated single-wall metal vent pipe shall not
be used outdoors in cold climates for venting gas-
fired equipment.
7. Through-the-wall vents for Category II and IV
appliances and non-categorized condensing appli-
ances shall not terminate over public walkways or
over an area where condensate or vapor could
create a nuisance or hazard or could be detrimen-
tal to the operation of regulators, relief valves, or
other equipment. Where local experience indi-
cates that condensate is a problem with Category
I and III appliances, this provision shall also apply.
8. Locate and guard vent termination to prevent acci-
dental contact by people or pets.
9. DO NOT terminate vent in window well, stairwell,
alcove, courtyard or other recessed area.
NOTE:
During winter months check the vent cap
and make sure no blockage occurs from build-up of
snow or ice.
10. DO NOT terminate above any door, window, or
gravity air intake. Condensate can freeze, causing
ice formations.
11. Locate or guard vent to prevent condensate from
damaging exterior finishes. Use a rust-resistant
sheet metal backing plate against brick or mason-
ry surfaces.
12. DO NOT extend exposed vent pipe outside of
building beyond the minimum distance required
for the vent termination. Condensate could freeze
and block the vent pipe.
U.S. Installations
Refer to the latest edition of the National Fuel Gas
Code.
Vent termination requirements are as follows:
1. Vent must terminate at least 4 ft below, 4 ft hori-
zontally from or 1 ft above any door, window or
gravity air inlet to the building.
2. The vent must not be less than 7 ft above grade
when located adjacent to public walkways.
3. Terminate vent at least 3 ft above any forced air
inlet located within 10 ft.
4. Vent must terminate at least 4 ft horizontally, and
in no case above or below unless 4 ft horizontal
distance is maintained, from electric meters, gas
meters, regulators, and relief equipment.
5. Terminate vent at least 6 ft away from adjacent
walls.
6. DO NOT terminate vent closer than 5 ft below roof
overhang.
7. The vent terminal requires a 12 in. vent terminal
clearance from the wall.
8. Terminate vent at least 1 ft above grade, including
normal snow line.
9. Multiple direct vent installations require a 4 ft
clearance between the ends of vent caps located
on the same horizontal plane.
WARNING:
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
requires that sidewall vented heaters, installed in
every dwelling, building or structure used in whole or
in part for residential purposes, be installed using
special provisions as outlined on page 47 of this
manual.
