AC Condenser source of ignition?

hrjrkr

I'm planning on putting my ac condenser about 5' away from the exhaust vent for the 90% + gas furnace because of limited space. I was told the it should be no less than 10' because the condenser is a source of ignition. I understand that there is a source of ignition at the condenser because of the contacts but what is it going to ignite? The fumes coming out of the exhaust of the furnace? Let's say for the sake of argument that the fumes coming out of the furnace exhaust is that combustible why would the AC condenser be running at the same time. Can you run the AC and the heat at the same time?
Thanks

sdsheatcool

In my area the 10' rule of ignition applies to a propane tank and the condenser being the source of ignition. There should be no problem putting the unit 5' away from the vent. The only thing you may find is: If the condensing unit is down wind from the vent, You may see some premature oxidization of the aluminum fins of the coil in the area of exhaust contact( the exhaust is still acidic ).

Plumber101

To my knowledge there is nothing in the code that restricts you from doing what you want to do. The only distance from the exhaust is made to window and dorrs.

I had to place an exhaust 3' over and 2' to the side of a condenser and passed inspection.

Also, a condenser for a heat pump will run were as if yours is just a/c then your condenser shouldn't run for heat.

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beenthere

The concern is not that the furnace and A/C will be running at the same time.

The concern is that if the gas valve fails. And leaks through. It could cause gas to come out of the flue or intake pipe, and the condenser then igniting the raw gas.

However, I don't recall there being a 10' requirement for it.

Termite

Me either.

But the manufacturers' installation literature may dictate that supposed requirement.