Whirlpool BFG1F5050T4NOV User Manual

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9
Direct to
outdoors
Vertical ducts
Horizontal ducts
Figure 6
Figure 7
Figure 8
Table 3
Minimum Free Area of Permanent Openings for Ventilation and
Combustion Air Supply - All Air from Outdoors Only.
Based on the total BTUH input rating for all gas utilizing equipment
within the confined space.
Opening
Source
1 Square inch per 4000
BTUH
1 Square inch per 4000
BTUH
1 Square inch per 2000
BTUH
Minimum Free Area
Per Opening
(sq. in.)
Reference
Drawing
Example: A water heater with an input rate of 50,000 BTUH using
horizontal ducts would require each opening to have a minimum
free area of 25 square inches.
Minimum free area = 50,000 BTUH x 1 sq. in. / 2000 BTUH = 25
Sq. Inches.
All Air from Outdoors
Outdoor fresh air can be provided to a confined area either 
directly or by the use of vertical and horizontal ducts. The 
fresh air can be taken from the outdoors or from crawl or 
attic spaces that freely communicate with the outdoors. 
Attic or crawl spaces cannot be closed and must be 
properly ventilated to the outside. 
Ductwork must be of the same cross-sectional area as 
the free area of the opening to which they connect. The 
minimum dimension of rectangular air ducts cannot be less 
than three inches. 
The size of each of the two openings is determined by the 
method in which the air is to be provided. Refer to Table 
3 to calculate the minimum free area for each opening. 
Figures 6, 7, and 8 are typical examples of each method. 
Louvers and Grilles
In calculating free area for ventilation and combustion 
air supply openings, consideration must be given to the 
blocking effect of protection louvers, grilles, and screens. 
These devices can reduce airflow, which in turn may 
require larger openings to achieve the required minimum 
free area. Screens must not be smaller than 1/4” mesh. If 
the free area through a particular design of louver or grille 
is known, it should be used in calculating the specified free 
area of the opening. If the design and free area are not 
known, it can be assumed that most wood louvers will allow 
20 - 25% of free area while metal louvers and grilles will 
allow 60 - 75% of free area. 
Louvers and grilles must be locked open or interconnected 
with the equipment so that they are opened automatically 
during equipment operation. 
Keep louvers and grilles clean and free of debris or other 
obstructions.
*
 
These openings connect directly with the outdoors 
through a ventilated attic, a ventilated crawl space, or 
through an outside wall.
Consult the local codes of your area for specific ventilation 
and combustion air requirements.
Confined
Space
Figure 8
All Air from Outdoors
Using Horizontal Ducts
Outdoor
Air Ducts
Outlet
Inlet
1 sq. inch
per
2000 BTUH
1 sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Confined
Space
Figure 6
All Air from Outdoors; Inlet Air from Ventilated
Crawl Space/Outlet Air to Ventilated Attic
Inlet air
from the
crawl
space
Install above
insulation
Gable vent
to outdoors
Outlet
air to attic
1 Sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Alternate
Air Inlet
Open
Foundation
Vent
Confined
Space
Figure 7
All Air from Outdoors
Through Ventilated Attic
Inlet air duct
1 sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
Install above
insulation
Gable vent
to outdoors
Outlet air
to attic
1 Sq. inch per
4000 BTUH
12” maximum
1 sq. Inch
per
2000 BTUH