How far must exhaust outlets terminate from adjacent buildings and property lines?

The requirement for exhaust outlets to terminate a specific distance from adjacent buildings and property lines is designed to ensure safety and minimize the potential for harmful fumes or gases to affect nearby structures or individuals. In the case of a distance of 10 feet, this is considered a standard measurement that provides an adequate buffer zone. It helps to prevent the buildup of exhaust gases near windows, doors, and other openings of adjacent buildings, which could pose health risks or lead to other hazardous situations.

By adhering to the 10-foot distance requirement, the mechanical systems are allowed to operate efficiently while adhering to safety standards set forth in the mechanical code. This distance also takes into account factors such as wind direction, building height, and exhaust type to further protect occupants and the integrity of nearby structures.

Other distances, such as 5 feet or 7 feet, may not provide sufficient separation to prevent the recirculation of exhaust or ensure adequate dispersal, while a larger distance like 15 feet may be viewed as unnecessarily restrictive in most typical applications. Thus, the 10-foot requirement strikes a balance between safety, practicality, and compliance with the mechanical code.