Setback for plumbing and exhaust vents on noncommercial

S

SunnyD

Member
Location
California
Occupation
Solar Designer
I am working on a design where the contractor added plumbing and exhaust vents in the middle of the array area and want to know how far a PV module must be from one of those vents. Assume this is in the middle of the roof and the project already has fire path access satisfied on the edges and every 150' of array.

Is there a code that prescribes what the minimum setback should be from a plumbing or exhaust vent to a solar module?
 
SunnyD said:
I am working on a design where the contractor added plumbing and exhaust vents in the middle of the array area and want to know how far a PV module must be from one of those vents. Assume this is in the middle of the roof and the project already has fire path access satisfied on the edges and every 150' of array.

Is there a code that prescribes what the minimum setback should be from a plumbing or exhaust vent to a solar module?
Click to expand...
For plumbing vents, no. For exhaust vents that do not require servicing, I don't think so.
 
I'm a bit confused because your subject line says 'noncommercial' but your post refers to 150ft which is a commercial type requirement. It matters because in my experience this may be enforced differently in each situation. One and two family dwellings subject to the resi code do not require setbacks from any vents. Other installations subject to the fire code require setbacks, possibly from all vents or possibly as ggunn said depending on the fire dept interpretation. To be clear, if the installation is not subject to the resi code it does not strictly matter if the building is 'commercial' or not, fire code would also apply to an apartment building, for example.
 
jaggedben said:
I'm a bit confused because your subject line says 'noncommercial' but your post refers to 150ft which is a commercial type requirement. It matters because in my experience this may be enforced differently in each situation. One and two family dwellings subject to the resi code do not require setbacks from any vents. Other installations subject to the fire code require setbacks, possibly from all vents or possibly as ggunn said depending on the fire dept interpretation. To be clear, if the installation is not subject to the resi code it does not strictly matter if the building is 'commercial' or not, fire code would also apply to an apartment building, for example.
Click to expand...
Thanks for catching that. I meant Non-Residential (Commercial).

I reviewed the fire code and could not find references to module to plumbing vent or exhaust vent clearances. The only clearances I saw in the fire code was for walkway, structural, or for creating new vents in designated areas for a fire event.
 
I have designed many layouts for commercial buildings with vents. For simple plumbing pipes I just leave a minimal gap for the vent, which can be pretty small for flush mounted racking. For exhaust vents which do not require servicing I leave a larger gap, but that is mostly for shading. Anything that requires servicing should have an open pathway to the periphery of the roof or a roof hatch.
 
SunnyD said:
Thanks for catching that. I meant Non-Residential (Commercial).

I reviewed the fire code and could not find references to module to plumbing vent or exhaust vent clearances. The only clearances I saw in the fire code was for walkway, structural, or for creating new vents in designated areas for a fire event.
Click to expand...
Also access hatches and standpipes. But yes, I don't think plumbing vents or other non-servicable, non-fire ventilation related items require clearances. Listen to ggunn.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top