Source: HVAC Equations, Data, and Rules of Thumb

PA RT

8
Ventilation Rules of Thumb

h v a c e q u at i o n s , d ata , a n d r u l e s o f t h u m b

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8.01 Minimum Outdoor Air Requirements 2003 IMC,

2006 IMC, and ASHRAE Standard 62.1-­2001

Minimum Ventilation Rates

Max. Occupant Load (1) Outdoor Air CFM/Person
Occupancy Classification
People per 1,000 SF SF/Person (2)
Correctional Facilities
Cells Without Plumbing Fixtures 20 50 20
Cells With Plumbing Fixtures 20 50 20
Dining Halls 100 10 15
Guard Stations 40 25 15
Dry Cleaners, Laundries
Coin Operated Dry Cleaner 20 50 15
Coin Operated Laundries 20 50 15
Commercial Dry Cleaner 30 33 30
Commercial Laundry 10 100 25
Storage, Pick-Up 30 33 35
Education
Auditoriums 150 6 15
Classrooms 50 20 15
Corridors - - 0.10 CFM/SF
Laboratories 30 33 20
Libraries 20 50 15
Locker Rooms - - 0.50 CFM/SF
Music Rooms 50 20 15
Smoking Lounges 70 14 60
Training Shops 30 33 20
Food and Beverage Service
Bars, Cocktail Lounges 100 10 30
Cafeteria, Fast Food 100 10 20
Dining Rooms 70 14 20
15 1.5 CFM/SF Min.
Kitchens (cooking) 20 50
Exhaust
Hospitals, Nursing, and Convalescent Homes
Autopsy Rooms - - 0.50 CFM/SF
Medical Procedure Rooms 20 50 15
Operating Rooms 20 50 30
Patient Rooms 10 100 25
Physical Therapy 20 50 15
Recovery and ICU 20 50 15
Hotels, Motels, Resorts, and Dormitories
Assembly Rooms 120 8 15
Bathrooms - - 35 CFM/Room
Bedrooms - - 30 CFM/Room
Conference Rooms 50 20 20
Dormitory Sleeping Areas 20 50 15
Gambling Casinos 120 8 30
Living Rooms - - 30 CFM/Room
Lobbies 30 33 15
Offices
Conference Rooms 50 20 20
Office Spaces 7 143 20
Reception Areas 60 17 15
Telecommunication Centers and Data Entry 60 17 20
Private Dwellings (Single and Multiple)
0.35 AC/hr. or
Living Areas (5) - 15 CFM/Person
whichever is greater

(Continued)

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Minimum Ventilation Rates (Continued )

Max. Occupant Load (1) Outdoor Air CFM/Person
Occupancy Classification
People per 1,000 SF SF/Person (2)
100 CFM Intermittent
Kitchens - -
25 CFM Continuous
Mechanical Exhaust
Toilet Rooms and Bathrooms - - 50 CFM Intermittent
20 CFM Continuous
Garages (Separate for Each Dwelling) - - 100 CFM/Car
1.5 CFM/SF
Garages (Common for Multiple Units) - - See paragraph on
Parking Garages
Public Spaces
Corridors and Utilities - - 0.05 CFM/SF
Elevators Elevator Car - - 1.00 CFM/SF
Locker Rooms Dressing Rooms - - 0.50 CFM/SF
75 CFM per
Toilet Rooms - - 50 CFM per
Public Restrooms Water Closet or Urinal
Mechanical Exhaust
Shower Rooms (per shower head) - - 50 CFM Intermittent
20 CFM Continuous
Smoking Lounges 70 14 60
Retail Stores, Sales Floors, and Show Room Floors
- -
Basement and Street Levels 0.30 CFM/SF
30 33
Dressing Rooms - - 0.20 CFM/SF
- -
Malls and Arcades 0.20 CFM/SF
20 50
- -
Shipping and Receiving 0.15 CFM/SF
10 100
Smoking Lounges 70 14 60
- -
Storage Rooms 0.15 CFM/SF
15 66
- -
Upper Floors 0.20 CFM/SF
20 50
- -
Warehouses 0.05 CFM/SF
5 200
Specialty Shops
Automotive Service Stations 1.5 CFM/SF
Automotive Motor-Fuel Dispensing - - See paragraph 8.02 on
Stations (8) Parking Garages below
Barber Shops 25 40 15
Beauty Shops 25 40 25
Clothiers, Furniture - - 0.30 CFM/SF
Embalming Room (8) - - 2.0 CFM/SF
Florists 8 125 15
Hardware, Drugs, Fabrics 8 125 15
25
50 CFM Intermittent
Nail Salon (8) - -
20 CFM Continuous
per Station
Pet Shops - - 1.00 CFM/SF
Reducing Salons 20 50 15
Supermarkets 8 125 15
Sports and Amusement
Ballrooms and Discos 100 10 25
Bowling Alley (seating areas) 70 14 25
Game Rooms 70 14 25

(Continued)

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Minimum Ventilation Rates (Continued )

Max. Occupant Load (1) Outdoor Air CFM/Person
Occupancy Classification
People per 1,000 SF SF/Person (2)
Ice Arenas - - 0.50 CFM/SF
Playing Floors, Gymnasiums 30 33 20
Spectator Areas 150 6 15
Swimming Pools (pool and deck areas) - - 0.50 CFM/SF
Storage
1.5 Cfm SF
Repair Garages, Enclosed Parking Garages - - See paragraph on
Parking Garages
- -
Warehouses 0.05 CFM/SF
5 200
Theaters
Auditoriums 150 6 15
Lobbies 150 6 20
Stages, Studios 70 14 15
Ticket Booths 60 16 20
Transportation
Platforms 100 10 15
Vehicles 150 6 15
Waiting Rooms 100 10 15
Workrooms
Bank Vaults 5 200 15
- -
Darkrooms 0.50 CFM/SF
10 100
Duplicating, Printing - - 0.50 CFM/SF
Meat Processing 10 100 15
Pharmacy 20 50 15
Photo Studios 10 100 15

Notes:
1 Maximum occupant load is based on the net floor ­area.
2 Outdoor air is expressed in CFM per person unless otherwise indicated. When indicated in CFM/SF, the ventila-
tion rate is based on the floor area being ­ventilated.
3 Bold and italicized items are 2006 IMC ­changes.
4 Bold and underlined items are ASHRAE Standard 62-2001 ­changes.
5 Based on number of bedrooms: First bedroom, two people; each additional bedroom, one ­person.
6 When the ventilation system serves multiple spaces with different ventilation requirements, the following mul-
tiple space equations must be ­used.

Y  X/(1  X  Z)

where:

Y  Vot/Vst  Corrected fraction of outdoor air in system ­supply.

X  Von/Vst  Uncorrected fraction of outdoor air in system ­supply.
Z  Voc/Vsc 
Fraction of outdoor air in critical space. The critical space is the space with the greatest
required fraction of outdoor air in the supply to this ­space.
Vot  Corrected total outdoor airflow ­rate.
Vst  Total supply flow rate, the sum of all supply for all branches of the ­system.
Von  Sum of outdoor airflow rates for all the branches on the ­system.
Voc  Outdoor airflow rate required in critical ­spaces.
Vsc  Supply flow rate in critical ­space.
7 The multiple space equation usually increases the minimum outdoor airflow required by 30 to 50 ­percent.
8 This category is not in ASHRAE Standard 62.1-­2001.

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B. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-­2004

MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES

Outdoor Air Rate (1) Default Values (2)
Occupancy
Category People Area Occupant Density CFM CFM
CFM/Person CFM/SF People/1,000 SF per Person per SF
Correctional Facilities
Cell 5.0 0.12 25 10 0.25
Day Room 5.0 0.06 30 7 0.21
Guard Stations 5.0 0.06 15 9 0.14
Booking/Waiting 7.5 0.06 50 9 0.44
Educational Facilities
Daycare (through age 4) 10.0 0.18 25 17 0.43
Classrooms (ages 5 to 8) 10.0 0.12 25 15 0.37
Classrooms (ages 9 plus) 10.0 0.12 35 13 0.47
Lecture Classroom 7.5 0.06 65 8 0.55
Lecture Hall (fixed seats) 7.5 0.06 150 8 1.19
Art Classroom 10.0 0.18 20 19 0.38
Science Laboratories 10.0 0.18 25 17 0.43
Wood/Metal Shop 10.0 0.18 20 19 0.38
Computer Lab 10.0 0.12 25 15 0.37
Media Center 10.0 0.12 25 15 0.37
Music/Theater/Dance 10.0 0.06 35 12 0.41
Multiuse Assembly 7.5 0.06 100 8 0.8
Food and Beverage Service
Restaurant Dining Rooms 7.5 0.18 70 10
Cafeteria/Fast Food 7.5 0.18 100 9 0.93
Bars/Cocktail Lounges 7.5 0.18 100 9 0.93
General
Conference/Meeting 5.0 0.06 50 6 0.31
Corridors - 0.06 - - 0.06
Storage Rooms - 0.12 - - 0.12
Hotel, Motels, Resorts, Dormitories
Bedroom/Living Room 5.0 0.06 10 11 0.11
Barracks Sleeping Areas 5.0 0.06 20 8 0.16
Lobbies/Prefunction 7.5 0.06 30 10 0.29
Multipurpose Assembly 5.0 0.06 120 6 0.66
Office Buildings
Office Space 5.0 0.06 5 17 0.09
Reception Areas 5.0 0.06 30 7 0.21
Telephone/Data Entry 5.0 0.06 60 6 0.36
Main Entry Lobbie 5.0 0.06 10 11 0.11
Miscellaneous Spaces
Bank Vault/Safe Deposit 5.0 0.06 5 17 0.09
Computer (not printing) 5.0 0.06 4 20 0.08
Pharmacy (prep area) 5.0 0.18 10 23 0.23
Photo Studios 5.0 0.12 10 17 0.17
Shipping/Receiving - 0.12 - - 0.12
Transportation Waiting 7.5 0.06 100 8 0.81
Warehouses - 0.06 - - 0.06
Public Assembly Spaces
Auditorium Seating Area 5.0 0.06 150 5 0.81

(Continued)

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MINIMUM VENTILATION RATES (Continued )

Outdoor Air Rate (1) Default Values (2)
Occupancy
Category People Area Occupant Density CFM CFM
CFM/Person CFM/SF People/1,000 SF per Person per SF
Places of Religious Worship 5.0 0.06 120 6 0.66
Courtrooms 5.0 0.06 70 6 0.41
Legislative Chambers 5.0 0.06 50 6 0.31
Libraries 5.0 0.12 10 17 0.17
Lobbies 5.0 0.06 150 5 0.81
Museums (children’s) 7.5 0.12 40 11 0.42
Museums/Galleries 7.5 0.06 40 9 0.36
Retail
Sales (except as below) 7.5 0.12 15 16 0.23
Mall Common Areas 7.5 0.06 40 9 0.36
Barber Shop 7.5 0.06 25 10 0.27
Beauty and Nail Salons 20.0 0.12 25 25 0.62
Pet Shops (animal areas) 7.5 0.18 10 26 0.26
Supermarkets 7.5 0.06 8 15 0.12
Coin-Operated Laundries 7.5 0.06 20 11 0.21
Sports And Entertainment
Sports Arena (play areas) - 0.30 - - 0.30
Gym, Stadium (play area) - 0.30 30 - 0.30
Spectator Areas 7.5 0.06 150 8 1.18
Swimming Pool (pool and
- 0.48 - - 0.48
decks)
Disco/Dance Floors 20.0 0.06 100 21 2.06
Health Club/Aerobics Rooms 20.0 0.06 40 22 0.86
Health Club/Weight Rooms 20.0 0.06 10 26 0.26
Bowling Alley (seating) 10.0 0.12 40 13 0.52
Gambling Casinos 7.5 0.18 120 9 1.08
Game Arcades 7.5 0.18 20 17 0.33
Sages, Studios 10.0 0.06 70 11 0.76
Healthcare Facilities
Patient Rooms 25 - 10 25 -
Medical Procedure Rooms 15 - 20 15 -
Operating Rooms 30 - 20 30 -
Recovery and ICU 15 - 20 15 -
Autopsy Rooms - 0.50 20 - 0.50
Physical Therapy 15 - 20 15 -
Residential Facilities (Single, Multiple)
0.35 AC/hr.
Living Rooms 15 CFM/P
whichever is greater
100 CFM Intermittent
Kitchens
25 CFM Continuous
50 CFM Intermittent
Baths, Toilets
20 CFM Continuous
Garages—separate for each dwelling unit 100 CFM per Car
Garages—common for several units 1.5 CFM/SF

Notes:
1 Outdoor air rates are based on ­no-­smoking occupancies. Total outdoor air rate for the space is the sum of the
people airflow rate and the area airflow rate. Airflow rates based on the net occupiable ­space.
2 Default occupant densities should be used when occupancies are not known. Default outdoor air values are
based on default occupancy ­density.
3 Outdoor air volumes must be corrected as ­follows:

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VOZ  RPPZ  RAAZ Outdoor airflow for each ­zone.

VOZCOR  VOZ/EZ Final step for Single Zone and 100 percent OA ­Systems.
VOS  VOZ1COR  VOZ2COR   Outdoor airflow for a multiple space ­system—­sum of outdoor air-­
flows for each ­zone.
Zp  VOZCOR/VPZ Fraction of outside air for each ­zone—­OA corrected divided by SA ­(worst-­case
zone used in selection of EV).
VOSCOR  VOS/EV Final step for Multiple Zone ­Systems.
VOZ  Volume of outdoor air ­uncorrected.
VOACOR  Volume of outdoor air corrected for ventilation ­effectiveness.
RP  Outdoor airflow rate for ­people.
PZ  People per ­zone.
RA  Outdoor airflow rate per ­area.
AZ  Area of the ­zone.
EZ  Zone air distribution effectiveness factor from following ­table.
Zp  Percentage of outside air for each ­zone—­OA divided by ­SA
VPZ  Supply airflow to the ­zone.
VOS  Volume of outdoor air for a multiple space ­system.
VOSCOR  Volume of outdoor air for a multiple space system ­corrected.

Zone Air Distribution Effectiveness

Air Distribution Configuration EZ
Ceiling supply of cool air. 1.0
Ceiling supply of warm air and floor return. 1.0
Ceiling supply of warm air at least 158F above space temperature and ceiling return. 0.8
Ceiling supply of warm air less than 158F above space temperature and ceiling return provided that
1.0
the 150 fpm supply air jet reaches to within 4.5 feet of the floor level.
Ceiling supply of warm air less than 158F above space temperature and ceiling return provided that
0.8
the supply air jet is less than 150 fpm.
Floor supply of cool air and ceiling return provided that the 150 fpm supply jet reaches at least 4.5
1.0
feet above the floor. Note: Most underfloor air distribution systems comply with this provision.
Floor supply of cool air and ceiling return, provided low velocity displacement ventilation achieves
1.2
unidirectional flow and thermal stratification.
Floor supply of warm air and floor return. 1.0
Floor supply of warm air and ceiling return. 0.7
Makeup supply drawn in on the opposite side of the room from the exhaust and/or return. 0.8
Makeup supply drawn in near to the exhaust and/or return location. 0.5

System Ventilation Efficiency Table

Max ZP
EV
Zone with Max % OA
#0.25 0.9
#0.35 0.8
#0.45 0.7
#0.55 0.6
.0.55 See ASHRAE Standard

4.  Occupancy schedule by time of day and CO2 sensors may be used to reduce the outdoor
airflow below minimums calculated using the procedure ­above.

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MINIMUM EXHAUST RATES

Exhaust Rate
Occupancy Category Comments
CFM/Unit CFM/SF
Art Classrooms - 0.70
Auto Repair Rooms - 1.50 Engine exhaust should be provided separately.
Barber Shop - 0.50
Beauty Shop and Nail Salons - 0.60
Cell with Toilet - 1.00
Darkrooms - 1.00
Additional ventilation may be required in arenas
Arena - 0.50
where combustion equipment is expected.
Kitchen—commercial - 0.70
Kitchenettes - 0.30
Locker Rooms - 0.50
Locker/Dressing Rooms - 0.25
Parking Garages - 0.75 Exhaust is not required if 50% of the sides are open.
Janitor, Trash, Recycle - 1.00
Pet Shops (animal areas) - 0.90
Copy, Printing Rooms - 0.50
Science Lab Classrooms - 1.00
Rate is per water closet or urinal. Provide higher
rate where periods of heavy use are expected
Toilets—Public 50/70 -
(theaters, schools, sports facilities). Use lower rate
where use is intermittent.
Single occupancy toilets. Lower rate is for con-
Toilets—Private 25/50 - tinuous operation; higher rate is for intermittent
operation.
Woodwork Shop/Classroom - 0.50

A. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004: Return Air, Transfer Air, or Exhaust Air

­Classifications
1.  Class 1: Air with low contaminant concentration, low ­sensory-­irritation intensity, and inof-­
fensive odor. Class 1 air may be recirculated or transferred to any space. This ­includes:
a. Offices.
b. Reception/waiting ­areas.
c. Telephone/data ­entry.
d. Lobbies.
e. Conference/meeting ­rooms.
f. Corridors.
g. Storage ­rooms.
h. Break ­rooms.
i. Coffee ­stations.
j. Equipment ­rooms.
k. Mechanical ­rooms.
l. Electrical/telephone ­closets.
m. Elevator machine ­rooms.
n. Laundry rooms within dwelling ­units.
o. Sports ­arena.
p. Correctional facility day room and guard ­station.
q. Educational facilities: classrooms, lecture classrooms, lecture halls, computer lab,
media center, music/theater/dance studios, multiuse ­assembly.
r. Hotels, motels, resorts, dormitories: bedrooms, living rooms, barracks, sleeping quar-­
ters, lobbies, prefunction spaces, multipurpose ­assembly.

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s. Computer ­rooms.
t. Photo ­studios.
u. Shipping/receiving ­rooms.
v. Transportation waiting ­rooms.
w. Public assembly spaces: auditorium seating area, places of religious worship, court-­
rooms, legislative chambers, libraries, lobbies, museums/galleries (all types).
x. Mall common ­areas.
y. Supermarkets.
z. Sports and entertainment: sports arena (play area), spectator areas, disco/dance
floors, bowling alleys, gambling casinos, game arcades, stages, ­studios.
2.  Class 2: Air with moderate contaminant concentration, mild ­sensory-­irritation intensity,
or mildly offensive odors. Air that is not harmful or objectionable but is inappropri-­
ate for transfer or recirculation to spaces used for different purposes. Class 2 air may
be recirculated within the space of origin but may not be recirculated or transferred
to Class 1 spaces. Class 2 air may be recirculated or transferred to other Class 2 or Class
3 spaces with the same occupancy and use, or where contaminants are from similar
sources and will not react to form more hazardous contaminants. This ­includes:
a. Kitchens (commercial) and ­kitchenettes.
b. Toilet/bath rooms (public and private).
c. Locker ­rooms.
d. Locker/dressing ­rooms.
e. Central laundry ­rooms.
f. Science ­laboratories.
g. University and college ­laboratories.
h. Art ­classrooms.
i. Retail sales ­areas.
j. Barber ­shops.
k. Beauty and nail ­salons.
l. Prison cells with ­toilets.
m. Darkrooms.
n. Pet shops (animal areas).
o. Copy printing ­rooms.
p. Wood/metal shop ­classrooms.
q. Correctional facility booking/waiting ­areas.
r. Food and beverage services: restaurant dining rooms, cafeterias, fast food establish-­
ments, bars, cocktail ­lounges.
s. Bank vaults/safe deposit ­vaults.
t. Pharmacy preparation ­areas.
u. Warehouses.
v. Coin-­operated ­laundries.
w. Gym/stadium (play areas).
x. Swimming pools and ­decks.
y. Health club/aerobics ­rooms.
z. Health club/weight ­rooms.
3. Class 3: Air with significant contaminant concentration, significant ­sensory-­irritation
intensity, or offensive odor. Class 3 air may be recirculated within the space of origin
only and cannot be recirculated to any other space. This ­includes:
a. Commercial kitchen hoods other than grease ­hoods.
b. Residential kitchen vented ­hoods.
c. Refrigeration machinery ­rooms.
d. Boiler ­rooms.
e. Soiled laundry storage ­areas.
f. Janitor ­closets.
g. Trash/recycle ­rooms.
h. General chemical/biological ­laboratories.
i. Daycare sick ­rooms.

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4. Class 4: Air with highly objectionable fumes or gases or with potentially dangerous
particle, ­bio-­aerosols, or gases, at such high concentrations as to pose a health hazard.
Class 4 air shall not be recirculated or transferred to any space or recirculated within the
space of origin. This ­includes:
a. Commercial kitchen grease ­hoods.
b. Laboratory ­hoods.
c. Paint spray ­booths.
d. Diazo printing equipment ­discharges.
e. Chemical storage ­rooms.
f. Auto repair ­rooms.
g. Parking ­garages.

B. ASHRAE Standard 62.2-­2004

1. Outdoor air must be provided to each dwelling unit in accordance with the following ­table.

Number of Bedrooms
Floor Area Square Feet
0–1 2–3 4–5 6–7 >7
<1,500 30 45 60 75 90
1,501–3,000 45 60 75 90 105
3,001–4,500 60 75 90 105 120
4,501–6,000 75 90 105 120 135
6,001–7,500 90 105 120 135 150
>7,500 105 120 135 150 165

Notes:
1 In lieu of the preceding table, the following equation may be used to determine the minimum outdoor air
­quantity.

QOA  0.01 3 AFLOOR  7.5 3 (NBR 1 1)

QOA  Quantity of Outdoor Air—­CFM.

AFLOOR  Floor Area of ­Residence—­Square ­Feet.

NBR  Number of ­Bedrooms—­Minimum of ­1.

2 Exhaust ­Requirements
a. Intermittent:
1. Kitchen: 100 ­CFM.
2. Bathroom: 50 ­CFM.
b. Continuous:
1. Kitchen: 5.0 ­AC/hr.
2. Bathroom: 20 ­CFM.

B. 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care ­Facilities––­AIA Com-
mittee on Architecture for Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human ­Services

Pressure Minimum Minimum Total All Air Exhaust to

Area Designation
Relationship OA AC/hr. AC/hr. Outdoors
Nursing Units
Patient Rooms 0 2 6 -
Toilet Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Newborn Nursery Suites 0 2 6 -
Protective Environment Rooms (PERs) Pos 2 12 -
PER Alcove or Anterooms Pos - 10 Yes
Isolation Rooms (IRs) Neg 2 12 Yes
(IR) Alcove or Anterooms Neg - 10 Yes
Patient Corridors 0 - 2 -

(Continued)

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Pressure Minimum Minimum Total All Air Exhaust to

Area Designation
Relationship OA AC/hr. AC/hr. Outdoors
Obstetrical Facilities
Delivery Rooms Pos 3 15 -
Labor/Delivery/Recovery - 2 6 -
Labor/Delivery/Recovery/Postpartum - 2 6 -
Emergency, Surgery, and Critical Care
Operating/Surgical Cystoscopic Rooms Pos 3 15 -
Recovery Rooms 0 2 6 -
Critical and Intensive Care 0 2 6 -
Intermediate Care 0 2 6 -
Newborn Intensive Care 0 2 6 -
Treatment Rooms 0 - 6 -
Trauma Rooms Pos 3 15 -
Bronchoscopy Neg 2 12 Yes
Triage Neg 2 12 Yes
ER Waiting Rooms Neg 2 12 Yes
Procedure Rooms Pos 3 15 -
Laser Eye Rooms Pos 3 15 -
X-Ray (Surgical/Critical Care and
Pos 3 15 -
Catheterization)
Anesthesia Gas Storage Neg - 8 Yes
Support Areas
Medication Rooms Pos - 4 -
Clean Workrooms or Clean Holding Pos - 4 -
Soiled Workrooms or Soiled Holding Neg - 10 Yes
Diagnostic and Treatment Areas
Examination Rooms 0 - 6 -
Treatment Rooms 0 - 6 -
Physical Therapy and Hydrotherapy Neg - 6 -
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Rooms 0 2 6 -
Endoscopic Instrument Processing Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Imaging: X-Ray (Diagnostic and Treatment) 0 - 6 -
Imaging: Darkrooms Neg - 10 Yes
Imaging: Waiting Rooms Neg 2 12 Yes
Laboratory: General 0 - 6 -
Laboratory: Biochemistry Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Cytology Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Glass Washing Neg - 10 Yes
Laboratory: Histology Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Microbiology Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Nuclear Medicine Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Pathology Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Serology Neg - 6 Yes
Laboratory: Sterilizing Neg - 10 Yes
Autopsy Rooms Neg - 12 Yes
Non-Refrigerated Body-Holding Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Service Areas
Pharmacies Pos - 4 -
Food Preparation Centers 0 - 10 -

(Continued)

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Pressure Minimum Minimum Total All Air Exhaust to

Area Designation
Relationship OA AC/hr. AC/hr. Outdoors
Warewashing Neg - 10 Yes
Dietary Day Storage Neg - 2 -
Laundry, General 0 - 10 Yes
Soiled Linen (Sorting and Storage) Neg - 10 Yes
Clean Linen Storage Pos - 2 -
Soiled Linen and Trash Chute Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Bedpan Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Bathrooms Neg - 10 -
Housekeeping Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Sterilizing and Supply
ETO Sterilizer Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Sterilizer Equipment Rooms Neg - 10 Yes
Central Medical and Surgical Supply: Soiled or
Neg - 6 Yes
Decontamination Rooms
Central Medical and Surgical Supply: Clean
Pos - 4 -
Workrooms
Central Medical and Surgical Supply: Sterile
Pos - 4 -
Storage

Notes:
1 Pos  Positive Pressure ­Relationship
2 Neg  Negative Pressure ­Relationship
3 0  Neutral Pressure ­Relationship

8.02 Enclosed Parking ­Garages

A. 2003 IMC and 2006 ­IMC

1. Ventilation ­rates:
a. Minimum: 0.05 ­CFM/SF.
b. Design: 1.5 ­CFM/SF.
2. Mechanical ventilation systems may reduce the 1.5 CFM/SF ventilation requirement
when the system operates automatically upon detection of a concentration of CO of
25 ppm by approved automatic detection ­devices.

B. Enclosed Parking Garage Design ­Recommendations

1. Exhaust 1.5 CFM/SF at one end of the garage on each floor using a masonry plenum
or ductwork (a ­floor-­to-­floor exhaust plenum is normally easier because ­floor-­to-­floor
heights are generally limited in a garage and ductwork does not fit). Exhaust 1/2 of the
air high and 1/2 of the air low. This will remove contaminants that are heavier than air
(flammable vapors) and contaminants that are lighter than air (carbon monoxide).
2. Supply approximately 1.5 CFM/SF at the other end of the garage on each floor using
a masonry plenum or ductwork (a ­ floor-­to-­floor supply plenum is normally easier
because ­floor-­to-­floor heights are generally limited in a garage and ductwork does not
fit). Supply 1/2 of the air high and 1/2 of the air low. This exhaust and supply design
will provide a sweeping air motion through the garage. Depending on the location of
the entrances and exits to the garage, the supply quantity may be reduced to allow air
to enter through the entrances and exits provided that short circuiting of the supply
air is ­prevented.
3. Utilize VFDs to control the speed and the airflow of the fan based on CO detection
system. Note that the minimum garage ventilation rate is only 4 percent of the design
airflow (0.05 CFM/SF divided by 1.5 CFM/SF). A single fan operated by a VFD will only

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turn down to about 25 percent. Use at least two fans with VFDs; this will permit a turn-­
down of 12.5 percent and will allow for partial capacity in the event of fan ­failure.
4. Garages should not be heated. The volume of air, even under code minimum airflow
requirements, has a substantial impact and is a waste of ­energy.

8.03 Outside Air Intake and Exhaust ­Locations

A. 2003 ­IMC
1. Intakes or exhausts—10 feet from lot lines, buildings on same lot or center line of street
or public ­way.
2. Intakes—10 feet from any hazardous or noxious contaminant (plumbing vents, chim-­
neys, vents, stacks, alleys, streets, parking lots, loading docks). When within 10 feet,
intake must be a minimum of 2 feet below any source of ­contaminant.
3. Exhausts—­shall not create a nuisance or be directed onto ­walkways.
4. Opening ­protection:
a. Protect intake and exhaust openings with corrosion resistant screens, louvers, or ­grilles.
b. Exhaust openings: between 1/4 and 1/2 opening ­screens.
c. Intake ­openings—­residential: between 1/4 and 1/2 opening ­screens.
d. All other intake openings: between 1/4 and 1 opening ­screens.

B. 2006 ­IMC
1. Requirements are the same as the 2003 IMC, except the distances are indicated to be
measured horizontally and as indicated in the ­following.
2. The exhaust from a bathroom or kitchen in a residential dwelling shall not be considered
to be a hazardous or noxious ­contaminant.

C. NFPA ­90A
1. Outside air intakes shall be located to avoid drawing in combustible material or flam-­
mable ­vapor.
2. Outside air intakes shall be protected with corrosion resistant screens not larger than
1/2 ­mesh.
3. Outside air intakes shall be located to minimize the hazard from fires in other structures.
Intakes shall be equipped with a fire damper when protection from fire hazards is ­required.
4. Outside air intake shall be located so as to minimize the introduction of smoke into the
building. Intakes shall be equipped with a smoke damper when protection from smoke
hazards is ­required.

D. ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2004—–Air Intake Minimum Separation ­Distances

  1. Significantly contaminated exhaust (high contaminant concentration, significant
­sensory-­irritation intensity, offensive odor): 15 ­feet.
  2. Noxious or dangerous exhaust air with highly objectionable fumes or gases and or exhaust
air with potentially dangerous contaminants (laboratory exhaust, fumes, gases, potentially
dangerous particles, ­bio-­aerosols, gases at high concentrations to be harmful): 30 ­feet.
  3. Vents, chimneys, flues, and other combustion appliance discharge: 15 ­feet.
  4. Garage entry, automobile loading area, ­drive-­in queue: 15 ­feet.
  5. Truck loading area or dock, bus parking idling area: 25 ­feet.
  6. Driveway, street, or parking area: 5 ­feet.
  7. Street or thoroughfare with high traffic volume: 25 ­feet.
  8. Roof, landscaped grade or other surface directly below intake: 1 foot (or expected aver-­
age snow depth, whichever is greater).
  9. Garbage storage/pickup area, dumpsters: 15 ­feet.
10. Cooling tower intake or basin: 15 ­feet.
11. Cooling tower exhaust: 25 ­feet.

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12. Class 1 air: 10 feet (the author’s interpretation of Class 1 air).

13. Class 2 air: 15 feet (the author’s interpretation of Class 2 air).
14. Class 3 air: 15 feet (see item number 1 preceding the definition of Class 3 air).
15. Class 4 air: 30 feet (see item number 2 preceding the definition of Class 4 air).
E. 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Health Care ­Facilities—–AIA Com-
mittee on Architecture for Health and U.S. Department of Health and Human ­Services
1. Fresh air intakes shall be located at least 25 feet from exhaust outlets of ventilating sys-­
tems, combustion equipment stacks, ­medical-­surgical vacuum systems, plumbing vents,
or areas that may collect vehicular exhaust or other noxious fumes. Prevailing winds
and/or proximity to other structures may require greater ­clearances.
2. Plumbing and vacuum vents that terminate at a level above the top of the air intake may
be as close as 10 ­feet.
3. The bottom of outdoor air intakes serving central systems shall be as high as practical, but
at least 6 feet above ground level, or if installed above the roof, 3 feet above roof ­level.
4. Relief air is exempt from the 25 foot separation requirement. Relief air is designed as air
that otherwise could be returned to an air handling unit from the occupied space but is
being discharged to the outdoors to maintain building pressure, such as during outside
air economizer ­operation.
5. Exhaust outlets from areas that may be contaminated shall be above roof level and
arranged to minimize recirculation of exhaust air into the ­building.
6. The bottom air supply, return, and exhaust air distribution devices shall be at least
3 inches above the ­floor.

8.04 Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)

A. Causes of Poor ­IAQ

1. Inadequate ventilation—50 percent of all IAQ problems are due to lack of ­ventilation.
2. Poor intake/exhaust ­locations.
3. Inadequate filtration or dirty ­filters.
4. Intermittent ­airflow.
5. Poor air ­distribution.
6. Inadequate ­operation.
7. Inadequate ­maintenance.

B. IAQ Control ­Methods

1. Control temperature and ­humidity.
2. Ventilation—­dilution.
3. Remove pollution ­source.
4. Filtration.

C. IAQ ­Factors
1. Thermal ­environment.
2. Smoke.
3. Odors.
4. Irritants—­dust.
5. Stress problems (perceptible, ­nonperceptible).
6. Toxic ­gases—­carbon monoxide, carbon ­dioxide.
7. Allergens—­pollen.
8. Biological ­contaminants—­bacteria, mold, pathogens, legionella, ­micro-­organisms, ­fungi.

D. CO2 Levels and ­IAQ

1. Outdoor background level: 350 PPM CO2 ­avg.
2. ASHRAE Standard 62 recommends: 1000 PPM CO2 ­max.

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3. OSHA and U.S. Air Force standard: 650 PPM CO2 ­max.
4. Human discomfort begins: 800–1000 PPM ­CO2.
5. Long-­term health effects: >12,000 PPM ­CO2.

8.05 Effects of Carbon ­Monoxide

A. Effects of Various Concentrations of Carbon Monoxide with Respect to Time are

shown in the following ­table.

Concentration of Carbon Monoxide in PPM ±

Hours of Exposure
Barely Perceptible Sickness Deadly
0.5 600 1000 2000
1.0 200 600 1600
2 100 300 1000
3 75 200 700
4 50 150 400
5 35 125 300
6 25 120 200
7 25 100 200
8 25 100 150

B. Carbon Monoxide Concentration versus Time versus Symptoms are shown in the
following ­table.

Concentration of
Inhalation Time Toxic Symptoms Developed
CO in the Air

Short term ASHRAE recommended maximum allowable concentration for short

9 PPM
exposure term exposure in living area.

The maximum allowable concentration for a continuous exposure, in

35 PPM 8 hours
any 8-hour period, according to federal law.
Slight headache, tiredness, dizziness, nausea; maximum CO concentra-
200 PPM 2–3 hours
tion exposure at any time as prescribed by OSHA
1–2 hours Frontal headaches
400 PPM after 3 hours Life threatening
--- Maximum PPM in flue gas (on a free air basis) according to EPA and AGA
45 minutes Dizziness, nausea, and convulsions
800 PPM 2 hours Unconscious
2–3 hours Death
20 minutes Headache, dizziness, nausea
1,600 PPM
1 hour Death
5–10 minutes Headache, dizziness, nausea
3,200 PPM
30 minutes Death
1–2 minutes Headache, dizziness, nausea
6,400 PPM
10–15 minutes Death
12,800 PPM 1–3 minutes Death

C. Carbon monoxide is lighter than air (specific gravity is 0.968).

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8.06 Toilet ­Rooms

A. ASHRAE Standard 62-2001: 50 CFM/Water Closet and ­Urinal

B. 2003IMC: 75 CFM/Water Closet and ­Urinal

C. 2006 IMC: 75 CFM/Water Closet and ­Urinal

D. Recommended Design ­Requirements

1. 2.0 ­CFM/[Link].
2. 10 ­AC/hr.
3. 100 CFM/water closet and ­urinal.
4. Toilet room ­ventilation:
a. For toilet rooms with high fixture densities (stadiums, auditoriums), the 75 CFM/water
closet and urinal ­dictates.
b. For toilet rooms with ceiling heights over 12 feet, the 10 AC/hr. ­dictates.
c. For toilet rooms with ceiling heights 12 feet and under, the 2.0 CFM/[Link]. ­dictates.
d. If toilet rooms are designed for a 100 CFM/water closet or urinal, you will always
meet the 2.0 CFM/[Link]. and the 10 AC/hr. recommended airflow ­requirements.

8.07 Electrical ­Rooms

A. Recommended Minimum Ventilation ­Rate

1. 2.0 ­CFM/[Link].
2. 10.0 ­AC/hr.
3. 5 CFM/KVA of ­transformer.

B. Electrical Room Design ­Guidelines

1. Determine heat gain from transformers, panelboards, and other electrical equipment
contained in the electrical room. Then, determine required airflow for ventilation or
tempering of ­space.
2. Generally, electrical equipment rooms only require ventilation to keep equipment from
overheating. Most electrical rooms are designed for 958F to 1048F; however, consult the
electrical engineer for equipment temperature tolerances. If space temperatures 908F
and below are required by equipment, air conditioning (tempering) of the space will be
­required.
3. If outside air is used to ventilate the electrical room, the electrical room design tempera-­
ture will be 108F to 158F above outside summer design ­temperatures.
4. If conditioned air from an adjacent space is used to ventilate the electrical room, the
electrical room temperature can be 108F to 208F above the adjacent ­spaces.

8.08 Mechanical ­Rooms

A. Recommended Minimum Ventilation ­Rate

1. 2.0 ­CFM/[Link].
2. 10.0 ­AC/hr.

B. Mechanical Equipment Room Design ­Guidelines

1. Determine heat gain from motors, pumps, fans, transformers, panelboards, and other
mechanical and electrical equipment contained in the mechanical room. Then, deter-­
mine the required airflow for the ventilation or tempering of ­space.
2. Generally, mechanical equipment rooms only require ventilation. Most mechanical
rooms are designed for 958F to 1048F; however, verify mechanical equipment temperature

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tolerances. If space temperatures below 908F are required by mechanical equipment, air
conditioning (tempering) of the space will be ­required.
3. A number of products (DDC control panels, variable frequency drives, other electronic
components) will perform better if the mechanical room is tempered in lieu of just ven-­
tilating the ­room.
4. If outside air is used to ventilate the mechanical room, the mechanical room design
temperature will be 108F to 158F above outside summer design ­temperatures.
5. If conditioned air from an adjacent space is used to ventilate the mechanical room, the
mechanical room temperature can be 108F to 208F above the adjacent ­spaces.

C. Boiler Rooms—–Cleaver Brooks 10 ­CFM/BHP

1. 8 CFM/BHP combustion ­air.
2. 2 CFM/BHP ­ventilation.
3. 1 BHP  34,500 ­Btuh.

D. Chiller Rooms—–ASHRAE Standard 15-­2001

1. See ASHRAE Standard 15-2001 for complete refrigeration system ­requirements.
2. Scope:
a. To establish safeguards for life, limb, health, and ­property.
b. To define practices that are consistent with ­safety.
c. To prescribe safety ­standards.
3. Application: The standard applies to all refrigerating systems and heat pumps used
in institutional, public assembly, residential, commercial, industrial, and ­ mixed-­use
occupancies, and to parts and components added after adoption of this ­code.
4. Refrigerant classification is shown in the following ­table:

Safety Group
Higher Flammability A3 B3
B2
Lower Flammability A2
Ammonia
A1
No Flame Propagation B1
R-11, R-12,
R-123
R-22, R-134a
Lower toxicity Higher toxicity

5. Requirements for refrigerant ­use:

a. Requirements for refrigerant use are based on the probability that the refrigerant
will enter occupied space and one type of occupancy (institutional, public assembly,
residential, commercial, industrial, and ­mixed-­use).
b. The total amount of refrigerant permitted to be installed in a system is determined by
the type of occupancy, the refrigerant group, and the probability that refrigerant will
enter the occupied ­space.
c. Refrigerant systems, piping, and associated appurtenances shall not be installed in or
on stairways, stair landings, entrances, or ­exits.
d. Refrigeration system components shall not interfere with free passage through public
hallways, and limitations regarding size are based on refrigerant ­type.
6. Service ­provisions:
a. All serviceable components of refrigerating systems shall be safely ­accessible.
b. Properly located stop valves, liquid transfer valves, refrigerant storage tanks, and ade-­
quate venting are required when needed for safe servicing of ­equipment.
c. Refrigerant systems with more than 6.6 lbs. of refrigerant (except Group A1) require
stop valves ­at:

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1) The suction inlet of each compressor, compressor unit, or condensing ­unit.

2) The discharge outlet of each compressor, compressor unit, or condensing ­unit.
3) The outlet of each liquid ­receiver.
d. Refrigerant systems with more than 110 lbs. of refrigerant require stop valves ­at:
1) The suction inlet of each compressor, compressor unit, or condensing ­unit.
2) The discharge outlet of each compressor, compressor unit, or condensing ­unit.
3) The inlet of each liquid receiver, except for ­self-­contained systems or where the
receiver is an integral part of the condenser or condensing ­unit.
4) The outlet of each liquid ­receiver.
5) The inlet and outlet of condensers when more than one condenser is used in ­parallel.
e. Stop valves shall be suitably ­labeled.
7. Installation ­requirements:
a. Air ducts passing through machinery rooms shall be of tight construction and shall
have no openings in such ­rooms.
b. Refrigerant piping crossing an open space that affords passageway in any building
shall not be less than 73 above the ­floor.
c. Passages shall not be obstructed by refrigerant ­piping.
d. Refrigerant piping shall not be placed in, or pass through, any elevator, dumbwaiter,
or other shaft containing moving objects or in any shaft that has openings to living
quarters or main ­exits.
e. Refrigerant piping shall not be placed in exits, lobbies, or stairways, except where
such refrigerant piping may pass across an exit if there are no joints in the section in
the ­exit.
f. Refrigerant piping shall not be installed vertically through floors from one story to
another except as ­follow:
1) Basement to first floor, top floor to mechanical equipment penthouse or ­roof.
2) For the purpose of interconnecting separate pieces of equipment. The piping may
be carried in an approved, rigid and tight, continuous ­fire-­resistive pipe, duct, or
shaft having no openings into floors not served by the refrigerating system or car-­
ried exposed on the outer wall of the ­building.
8. Refrigeration equipment room ­requirements:
a. Provide proper space for service, maintenance, and ­operation.
b. Minimum clear headroom shall be 73.
c. Doors shall be outward opening, ­self-­closing, ­fire-­rated, and tight fitting. No other
openings shall be permitted in equipment rooms (except doors) that will permit pas-­
sage of refrigerant to other part of the ­building.
d. Refrigeration equipment rooms require a refrigerant detector located in the equip-­
ment room set to alarm and start the ventilation system when the level reaches the
refrigerant’s toxicity level. The alarm shall annunciate visual and audible alarms
inside the refrigerating machinery room and outside each entrance to the refrigerat-­
ing machinery ­room.
e. Periodic test of alarm and sensors are ­required.
f. Mechanical rooms shall be vented to the ­outdoors.
g. Mechanical ventilation shall be capable of exhausting the air quantity determined
by the formula in Part 5. The exhaust quantity depends on the amount of refrig-­
erant contained in the system. To obtain a reduced airflow for normal ventila-­
tion, multiple fans, multispeed fans, or fans with variable frequency drives may
be ­used.
h. Minimum ventilation rate shall be 0.5 CFM per square foot of machine room area or
20 CFM per ­person.
i. No open flames that use combustion air from the machinery room shall be installed
where any refrigerant other than carbon dioxide, R-718, or ammonia is ­used.
j. There shall be no ­flame-­producing device or continuously operating hot surface over
8008F permanently installed in the ­room.
k. Walls, floors, and ceilings shall be tight and of ­non-­combustible construction with a
minimum 1-hour fire resistance ­rating.

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l. The machinery room shall have a door that opens directly to the outside air or
through a vestibule equipped with ­self-­closing, ­tight-­fitting ­doors.
m. All machinery room wall, floor, and ceiling penetrations shall be ­sealed.
n. Where Groups A2, A3, B2, and B3 refrigerants are used, the machinery room shall
conform to Class I, Division 2 of the National Electric Code. Groups A1 and B1 are
exempt from this ­requirement.
o. Emergency shutdown of the refrigeration equipment shall be provided immediately
outside the machinery room ­door.
p. Ventilation fans shall have a separate switch immediately outside the machinery
room door so they can be activated in an ­emergency.
q. Refrigeration compressors, piping, equipment, valves, switches, ventilation equip-­
ment, and associated appurtenances shall be labeled in accordance with ANSI/
ASME ­A13.1.

8.09 Combustion ­Air

A. 2003 IMC and 2006 ­IMC

1. Inside ­air:
a. Building cannot be of unusually tight ­construction.
b. Room or space with ­fuel-­burning appliance must be an unconfined ­space.
c. If air is used from adjacent ­spaces:
1) Number of openings: Two openings are ­required—­one within 1 foot of the ceiling
of the room, and one within 1 foot of the ­floor.
2) Opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square inch
for each 1,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating (the
sum of all appliances within the room), 100 square inches ­minimum.
2. Outdoor ­air:
a. Number of openings: Two openings are ­required—­one within 1 foot of the ceiling of
the room, and one within 1 foot of the ­floor.
b. Direct opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square
inch for each 4,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating (the
sum of all appliances within the room).
c. Horizontal duct opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to
1.0 square inch for each 2,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input
rating (the sum of all appliances within the room).
d. Vertical opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square
inch for each 4,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating (the
sum of all appliances within the room).
3. Forced combustion air ­supply:
a. Where combustion air is provided by mechanical means, the system shall deliver a
minimum of 1.0 CFM per 2,400 Btu/hr. (0.42 CFM per 1,000 Btu/hr.) of the com-­
bined fuel appliance input rating (the sum of all appliances within the room).
b. Appliances shall be interlocked with the makeup air unit to prevent operation if the
makeup air unit is not ­operating.
4. Direct connection (sealed combustion):
a. Appliances must be listed and labeled for the direct combustion air ­connection.
b. Appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ installation
­instructions.
5. Combustion air ­ducts:
a. Galvanized steel ­construction.
b. Minimum ­cross-­sectional dimension of 3 ­inches.
c. Unobstructed ­termination.
d. Same ­cross-­sectional area as free area of the ­openings.
e. Sever a single appliance ­enclosure.

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f. Separate ducts must be provided for the upper and lower combustion air openings
from source to ­discharge.
g. Ducts, serving the upper combustion air opening, cannot slope downward toward
the source of combustion ­air.
6. Opening ­protection:
a. Metal louver: Maximum 75 percent free ­area.
b. Wood louvers: Maximum 25 percent free ­area.
c. Dampers (fire, smoke, control): Dampers shall be interlocked to operate with the
appliance. Manually operated dampers are not ­permitted.

B. 2003 IFGC, 2006 IFGC, and NFPA 54––2006 National Fuel Gas ­Code
1. Inside ­air:
a. Minimum required space volume: 50 ft.3 per 1,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­ fuel-
­burning appliance input ­capacity.
b. Number of openings: Two openings are ­required—­one within 1 foot of the ceiling of
the room, and one within 1 foot of the ­floor.
c. Opening size on the same story: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to
1.0 square inch for each 1,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input
rating (the sum of all appliances within the room), 100 square inches ­minimum.
d. Opening size on the different stories: The net free area of each opening shall be equal
to 2.0 square inches for each 1,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­ fuel-­burning appli-­
ance input rating (the sum of all appliances within the room), 100 square inches
­minimum.
2. Outdoor ­air:
a. Two permanent opening ­methods:
1) Number of openings: Two openings are ­required—­one within 1 foot of the ceiling
of the room and one within 1 foot of the ­floor.
2) Direct opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square
inch for each 4,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating
(the sum of all appliances within the room).
3) Horizontal duct opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to
1.0 square inch for each 2,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­ fuel-­burning appliance
input rating (the sum of all appliances within the room).
4) Vertical opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square
inch for each 4,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating
(the sum of all appliances within the room).
b. One permanent opening ­method:
1) Number of openings: One opening is ­required—­one within 1 foot of the ­ceiling.
2) The appliance will have at least 1 inch clearance on the sides and back of the appli-­
ance, and 6 inches in front of the ­appliance.
3) The opening shall directly communicate with the outdoors or shall communicate
through vertical or horizontal ducts to the ­outdoors.
4) Opening size: The net free area of each opening shall be equal to 1.0 square inch
for each 3,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance input rating (the
sum of all appliances within the room).
3. Forced combustion air ­supply:
a. Where combustion air is provided by mechanical means, the system shall deliver a
minimum of 0.35 CFM per 1,000 Btu/hr. of the combined ­fuel-­burning appliance
input rating (the sum of all appliances within the room).
b. Appliances shall be interlocked with a makeup air unit to prevent operation if the
makeup air unit is not ­operating.
4. Direct ­connection:
a. Appliances must be listed and labeled for a direct combustion air ­connection.
b. Appliances must be installed in accordance with the manufacturers’ installation
­instructions.

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5. Combustion air ­ducts:

a. Galvanized steel ­construction.
b. Minimum ­cross-­sectional dimension of 3 ­inches.
c. Unobstructed ­termination.
d. Same ­cross-­sectional area as the free area of the ­openings.
e. Serves a single appliance ­enclosure.
f. Separate ducts must be provided for the upper and lower combustion air openings
from source to ­discharge.
g. Ducts that serve the upper combustion air opening cannot slope downward toward
the source of the combustion ­air.
h. The bottom of the combustion air opening shall be a minimum of 12 inches above ­grade.
6. Opening ­protection:
a. Metal louver: Maximum 75 percent free ­area.
b. Wood louvers: Maximum 25 percent free ­area.
c. Dampers (fire, smoke, control): Dampers shall be interlocked to operate with the
appliance. Manually operated dampers are not ­permitted.

8.08 Hazardous ­Locations

A. Hazardous location requirements for electrical and electronic equipment are defined
in the 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC - NFPA 70), Articles 500 through ­510.

B. Hazardous ­Classifications
1. Class I: Class I locations are those spaces where flammable gases or vapors are, or where they
may be present in the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable ­mixtures.
a. Class I locations are subdivided into four groups based on the type of flammable
gases or ­vapors:
1) Group A: ­Acetylene.
2) Group B: Flammable gas (hydrogen, ethylene oxide, propylene oxide); flammable
­liquid-­produced vapor, or combustible ­liquid-­produced vapor mixed with air that
may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG)
value less than or equal to 0.45 mm or a minimum igniting current ratio (MIC
ratio) less than or equal to ­0.40.
3) Group C: Flammable gas (Ethyl Ether, Ethylene); flammable ­ liquid-­produced
vapor, or combustible ­ liquid-­produced vapor mixed with air that may burn or
explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap (MESG) value greater
than 0.45 mm, or less than or equal to 0.75 mm, or a minimum igniting current
ratio (MIC ratio) greater than 0.40 and less than or equal to ­0.80.
4) Group D: Flammable gas (Acetone, Ammonia, Butane, Gasoline, Propane); flam-­
mable ­liquid-­produced vapor, or combustible ­liquid-­produced vapor mixed with
air that may burn or explode, having either a maximum experimental safe gap
(MESG) value greater than 0.75 mm or a minimum igniting current ratio (MIC
ratio) greater than ­0.80.
b. Class I locations are also subdivided into two ­divisions:
1) Class I, Division ­1:
a) Locations where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors can
exist under normal operating conditions; ­or
b) Locations where ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors may exist
frequently because of repair or maintenance operations or because of leakage; ­or
c) Locations where breakdown or faulty operation of equipment or processes
might release ignitable concentrations of flammable gases or vapors, and
might cause the simultaneous failure of electric ­equipment.
2) Class I, Division ­2:
a) Locations where volatile flammable liquids or flammable gases are handled,
processed, or used, but in which the liquids, vapors, or gases will normally

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be confined within closed containers or closed systems where they can escape
only in case of an accidental rupture or breakdown of such containers or sys-­
tems, or in the case of abnormal operation or equipment; ­or
b) Locations where ignitable concentrations of gases or vapors are normally prevented
by positive mechanical ventilation, and have the potential to become hazardous
through failure or abnormal operation of the ventilating equipment; ­or
c) Locations that are adjacent to Class I, Division 1 locations, and to which ignit-­
able concentrations of gases or vapors might occasionally be communicated
unless such communication is prevented by adequate positive pressure ven-­
tilation from a source of clean air, and effective safeguards against ventilation
failure are ­provided.
2. Class II: Class II locations are spaces or areas that contain combustible ­dusts.
a. Class II locations are subdivided into four groups based on the type of combustible ­dusts:
1) Group E: Atmospheres containing combustible metal dusts, including aluminum,
magnesium, and their commercial alloys, or other combustible dusts whose particle
size, abrasiveness, and conductivity present similar hazards in the use of electrical
­equipment.
2) Group F: Atmospheres containing combustible carbonaceous dusts that have more
than 8 percent total entrapped volatiles or have been sensitized by other materials so
that they present an explosion hazard (coal, carbon black, charcoal, and coke dust).
3) Group G: Atmospheres containing combustible dusts not included in Group E
or F, such as flour, grain, wood, plastic, and ­chemical.
b. Class II, Division ­1:
1) Locations in which combustible dust is in the air under normal operating condi-­
tions in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, ­or
2) Locations where mechanical failure or abnormal operation of machinery or equip-­
ment might cause such explosive or ignitable mixtures to be produced, and might
also provide a source of ignition through the simultaneous failure of electrical
equipment, through the operation of protection devices, or from other causes, ­or
3) Locations in which Group E combustible dusts must be present in quantities suf-­
ficient to be ­hazardous.
c. Class II, Division ­2:
1) Locations in which combustible dust due to abnormal operations may be present in
the air in quantities sufficient to produce explosive or ignitable mixtures, ­or
2) Locations where combustible dust accumulations are present but are normally
insufficient to interfere with the normal operation of electrical equipment or
other apparatus, but could (as a result of infrequent malfunctioning of handling
or processing equipment) become suspended in the air, ­or
3) Locations in which combustible dust accumulations on, in, or in the vicinity of the
electrical equipment could be sufficient to interfere with the safe dissipation of
heat from electrical equipment, or could be ignitable by abnormal operation or the
failure of electrical ­equipment.
3. Class III: Class II locations are spaces or areas that contain easily ignitable fibers or fly-­
ings, but where such fibers or flyings are not likely to be in suspension in the air in
quantities sufficient to produce ignitable ­mixtures.
a. Class III, Division 1: Locations in which easily ignitable fibers or materials producing
combustible flyings are handled, manufactured, or ­used.
b. Class III, Division 2: Locations in which easily ignitable fibers are stored or handled
other than in the process of ­manufacturing.

C. Hazardous Location Protection ­Techniques

  1. Purged and pressurized systems: Spaces and equipment are pressurized at pressures
above the external atmosphere with noncontaminated air or other nonflammable gas
to prevent explosive gases or vapors from entering the ­enclosure.
  2. Intrinsically safe systems: Electrical circuits are designed so that they do not release suf-­
ficient energy to ignite an explosive ­atmosphere.

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  3. Explosion-­proof equipment: ­Explosion-­proof equipment is designed and built to with-­

stand an internal explosion without igniting the surrounding ­atmosphere.
  4. Nonicendive circuits, components, and equipment: Circuits designed to prevent any arc
or thermal effect produced, under intended operating conditions of the equipment or
produced by opening, shorting, or grounding of the field wiring, is not capable, under
specified test conditions, of igniting the flammable gas, vapor, or ­dust-­air ­mixtures.
  5. Oil immersed equipment: The arcing portions of the equipment are immersed in an oil at a
depth that the arc will not set off any hazardous gases or vapors above the surface of the ­oil.
  6. Hermetically sealed equipment: The equipment is sealed against the external atmo-­
sphere to prevent the entry of hazardous gases or ­vapors.
  7. Dust-­ignition-­proof equipment: ­Dust-­ignition-­proof equipment is designed and built
to exclude dusts and, where installed and protected, will not permit arcs, sparks, or heat
generated or liberated inside the enclosure to cause ignition of the exterior accumula-­
tions or atmospheric suspensions of a specified dust on or in the ­enclosure.
  8. Dust-­tight equipment: ­Dust-­tight equipment is design to prevent the entrance of dust
into ­equipment.
  9. Combustible gas detection system: Gas detection equipment shall be listed for detec-­
tion of the specific gas or vapor to be ­encountered.
10. Classification versus Protection Techniques is shown in the following ­table:

Protection Class I Class II Class III

Techniques Div 1 Div 2 Div 1 Div 2 Div 1 Div 2
Purged and Pressurized X X X X X X
Intrinsically Safe Systems X X X X X X
Explosion-Proof Equipment X X X X X X
Nonincendive Circuits,
N/A X N/A X X X
Components, and Equipment
Hermetically Sealed Equipment N/A X N/A X X X
Oil Immersed Equipment N/A X N/A X X X
Dust-Ignition-Proof Equipment N/A N/A X X X X
Dust-Tight Equipment N/A N/A N/A X X X
Combustible Gas Detection Systems X X N/A N/A N/A N/A

Notes:
1 X  Appropriate to the ­classification.
2 N/A  Not acceptable to the ­classification.

A. Ventilation ­Requirements
1. Ventilation, natural or mechanical, must be sufficient to limit the concentrations of
flammable gases or vapors to a maximum level of 25 percent of their Lower Flammable
Limit/Lower Explosive Limit (LFL/LEL).
2. Minimum ventilation required: 1.0 CFM/sq. ft. of floor area or 6.0 air changes per hour,
whichever is greater. If a reduction in the classification is desired, the airflow must be
four times the airflow just ­specified.
g 3. Recommendation: Ventilate all hazardous locations with 2.0 CFM/sq. ft. of floor area
or 12 air changes per hour minimum with half the airflow supplied and exhausted high
(within 6 inches of the ceiling or structure) and half the airflow supplied and exhausted
low (within 6 inches of the floor).
4. A ventilation rate that is a minimum of four times the ventilation rate required to pre-­
vent the space from exceeding the maximum level of 25 percent LFL/LEL using fugitive
emissions ­calculations.
5. Ventilate the space so accumulation pockets for ­ lighter-­than-­air or ­ heavier-­than-­air
gases or vapors are ­eliminated.
6. Monitoring of the space is recommended to assure that the 25 percent LFL/LEL is not
­exceeded.

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B. Hazardous Location ­Definitions

  1. Boiling Point. The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmo-­
spheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch ­absolute.
  2. Combustible Liquids. Liquids having flash points at or above 1008F. Combustible liquids
shall be subdivided as Class II or Class III liquids as ­follows:
a. Class II. Liquids having flash points at or above 1008F and below 1408­F.
b. Class IIIA. Liquids having flash points at or above 1408F and below 2008­F.
c. Class IIIB. Liquids having flash points at or above 2008­F.
  3. Explosion. An effect produced by the sudden violent expansion of gases, which can be
accompanied by a shockwave or disruption, or both, of enclosing materials or struc-­
tures. An explosion might result from chemical changes such as rapid oxidation, defla-­
gration, or detonation; decomposition of molecules, and runaway polymerization; or
physical changes such as pressure tank ­ruptures.
  4. Explosive. Any chemical compound, mixture, or device, the primary or common pur-­
pose of which is to function by ­explosion.
  5. Flammable. Any material capable of being ignited from common sources of heat or at
a temperature of 6008F or ­less.
  6. Flammable Compressed Gas. An air/gas mixture that is flammable when the gas is 13 percent
or less by volume or when the flammable range of the gas is wider than 12 percent regardless
of the lower limitation determined at atmospheric temperature and ­pressures.
  7. Flammable Liquids. Liquids having flash points below 1008F and having vapor pres-­
sures not exceeding 40 pounds per square inch absolute at 1008F. Flammable liquids
shall be subdivided as Class IA, IB, and IC as ­follows:
a. Class IA. Liquids having flash points below 738F and having boiling points below
1008­F.
b. Class IB. Liquids having flash points below 738F and having boiling points above
1008­F.
c. Class IC. Liquids having flash points at or above 738F and below 1008­F.
  8. Flammable Solids. A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of
causing a fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or
retaining heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature
below 2128F, or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a
serious ­hazard.
  9. Flash Point. The minimum temperature in 8F at which a flammable liquid will give off
sufficient vapors to form an ignitable mixture with air near the surface or in the con-­
tainer, but will not sustain ­combustion.
10. Noncombustible. A material that, in the form in which it is used and under the con-­
ditions anticipated, will not ignite, burn, support combustion, or release flammable
vapors when subject to fire or ­heat.
11. Pyrophoric. A material that will spontaneously ignite in air at or below 1308­F.

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