Openings in machinery rooms are permitted when ducts and air handlers operate at pressures lower than the room and are _____.

Openings in machinery rooms are permissible under certain conditions when ducts and air handlers operate at lower pressures than the surrounding room. This is crucial in ensuring that any potential contaminants or undesirable conditions created by the machinery do not enter the surrounding areas. When these openings are sealed, it provides a necessary barrier that prevents the infiltration of unconditioned air, contaminants, or odors from the machinery room into other parts of the facility. Sealing helps maintain both the effectiveness of the pressure differential and the overall efficiency of the ventilation system.

The sealing of these openings also helps minimize the amount of energy lost and contributes to maintaining specific environmental conditions within the space. It is vital in industrial and mechanical systems where maintaining precise environmental control is necessary for operational efficiency and safety.