For indoor air quality purposes, the minimum horizontal distance between an economizer or fresh air intake and plumbing vent shall be:

For ensuring optimal indoor air quality, maintaining an appropriate horizontal distance between an economizer or fresh air intake and plumbing vents is crucial. A distance of 10 feet is recommended to minimize the risk of contaminants from the plumbing system entering the fresh air intake.

This separation helps prevent issues such as odors, gases, or other pollutants from the plumbing system from mixing with the incoming fresh air, which is essential for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

Factors influencing this recommendation include the potential for drainage issues, bacteria growth in plumbing systems, and the need for effective ventilation to provide clean air to occupants. By adhering to this guideline, HVAC professionals can help ensure that indoor air quality remains high and that systems operate efficiently without compromising the health of the space. Lower distances may not provide sufficient separation to adequately protect against contamination, which is why a distance of 10 feet is specified as the minimum standard for effective airflow and ventilation management.