HVAC Journeyman Practice Exam 2025 - Free HVAC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Relief valves are crucial safety devices designed to prevent excessive pressure buildup in a system. Proper piping for these valves is essential to ensure that any discharging gas or fluid is released safely and effectively.

Discharging the relief valve at least 6 feet from a window or door mitigates the risk of the potentially hazardous gas or fluid entering occupied spaces in the building. This distance helps to minimize exposure to individuals nearby while ensuring that the discharge is directed away from areas where people may gather or work. This safety practice reduces the chances of asphyxiation or other harmful effects from escaping gases.

In addition, this practice aligns with standard safety codes and regulations, which emphasize the need for safe discharge locations that do not interfere with building occupants' health and safety. Discharging closer to windows or doors could allow harmful substances to enter the building, creating an unsafe environment. Therefore, ensuring that the discharge point is positioned at a safe distance away from these entry points significantly contributes to a safer HVAC system operation.