CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

Unless otherwise listed or specified, how far must a gas fired air conditioner or heat pump located indoors be from combustible construction materials?

1. 12 inches

2. 18 inches

3. 24 inches

4. 36 inches

The correct answer is: 18 inches

The correct distance that a gas-fired air conditioner or heat pump must be located from combustible construction materials is 18 inches. This requirement is primarily to ensure safety and compliance with building codes, which aim to minimize the risk of fire hazards. The distance helps to create a buffer zone that reduces the chances of heat transfer to combustible materials, which could potentially ignite in the presence of an operational heating appliance. Typically, building codes outline these kinds of specifications to protect structures and occupants from fire risks associated with heating equipment. By setting this distance at 18 inches, the codes provide a standardized measure that contractors and builders must adhere to, ensuring consistent safety practices across various installations. Distances that are less than 18 inches could lead to increased risks, while greater distances, like 24 or 36 inches, might be unnecessarily conservative unless specific safety concerns warrant them. Thus, in the absence of other specifications, 18 inches is the critical dimension established by codes for the safe placement of indoor gas-fired heating and cooling equipment near combustible materials.