For direct vent appliances, where must the intake and exhaust be located?

For direct vent appliances, the intake and exhaust must be located on the same horizontal plane to ensure that the system operates efficiently and safely. This configuration allows the appliance to draw in fresh air from the outside while simultaneously expelling combustion gases without mixing them with the intake air.

Positioning both the intake and exhaust in the same horizontal plane minimizes the risk of backdraft and ensures a consistent flow, which is critical for maintaining combustion efficiency and preventing the improper venting of dangerous gases. This arrangement is particularly important in minimizing the risk of recirculating combustion gases, which could occur if the exhaust were positioned higher or lower relative to the intake.

By adhering to this requirement, direct vent appliances can function as intended, providing reliable heat while maintaining safety standards.