Massachusetts Unrestricted Construction Supervisor License Practice Test

How far away must mechanical air intake openings be located from any plumbing vents?

1. 15 feet

2. 20 feet

3. 10 feet

4. 2x the height of the vent

The correct answer is: 10 feet

The correct choice indicates that mechanical air intake openings must be located at least 10 feet away from any plumbing vents. This requirement is primarily based on health and safety regulations that address potential contamination. When air intakes are too close to plumbing vents, there is a risk that sewer gases, odors, or other harmful substances could be drawn into the building's ventilation systems. The 10-foot distance helps to reduce this risk by ensuring that the air intake is sufficiently separated from sources of potential pollution, thereby promoting better air quality within the building. In practice, adhering to this guideline is part of maintaining proper building codes and ensuring that the mechanical systems operate efficiently and safely. The other distances indicated, such as 15 feet, 20 feet, or 2 times the height of the vent, while they could contribute to maintaining hygiene, do not specifically align with the standard regulation of a minimum of 10 feet that has been established for this purpose.