What should the spacing be between cleanout openings in inaccessible sections of grease ducts?

The spacing between cleanout openings in inaccessible sections of grease ducts is established to facilitate maintenance and ensure the system remains operable and effectively serves its purpose. The correct answer, which indicates that cleanout openings should be placed no more than 20 feet apart, is based on best practices in mechanical code to ensure that grease and residue can be adequately accessed and removed without requiring excessive disruption to the system.

Regular maintenance and cleaning of grease ducts are crucial to prevent grease buildup, which can lead to blockages and fire hazards. By limiting the distance between cleanouts to 20 feet, it ensures that any accumulated grease can be easily accessed, reducing the risk of fire and maintaining proper airflow. This standard ultimately contributes to the safety and efficiency of the mechanical system.

Applying this spacing rule helps create a balanced approach to system maintenance, allowing for enough access points that do not compromise the integrity of the ductwork while still ensuring thorough cleaning capabilities.