What is the maximum height for air inlets or exhaust openings in fuel-dispensing areas above the floor?

The maximum height for air inlets or exhaust openings in fuel-dispensing areas above the floor is specified as 18 inches. This height is critical for safety and efficiency. Placing openings at this elevation helps ensure that any potential spills or vapors are effectively vented away from the areas where they could pose a hazard, such as around fuel dispensers.

When air inlets or exhausts are positioned too high, they may not be able to function effectively given that heavier-than-air vapors can settle closer to the ground. Keeping the openings at a lower elevation ensures that fresh air is drawn in, and any hazardous vapors are expelled, thus maintaining a safer environment in gas stations or fuel-dispensing sites.

This height requirement aligns with safety standards aimed at minimizing the risk of fire or explosion due to fuel vapors. Understanding these specifications is key to compliance with the North Carolina Mechanical Code and ensuring the safety of operations in fuel-dispensing environments.