What size vent pipe is needed for equipment rated at 160,000 Btu located 10 ft from the roof opening?

The correct choice for the size of the vent pipe needed for equipment rated at 160,000 Btu located 10 feet from the roof opening is 5 inches. When determining the appropriate vent size, it is essential to consider both the BTU rating of the equipment and the distance from the vent exit to ensure proper draft and venting capabilities.

For appliances with a high BTU rating, such as 160,000, the venting capacity must be adequate to handle the exhaust gases produced during operation. A 5-inch diameter vent pipe is typically recommended for gas appliances in this BTU range when considerations like the length of the run and overall venting system configuration are made.

Choosing a vent size that is too small can lead to backdrafting, where exhaust gases do not exit properly, potentially causing safety hazards and operational inefficiencies. In contrast, excessively larger vent sizes could lead to inadequate draft characteristics, also impacting performance. Therefore, a 5-inch vent pipe strikes the right balance for the specifications given, accounting for the distance from the equipment to the roof opening.