An outside air inlet for a non-residential portion of a building can have a screen with openings but must be smaller than what size?

The correct answer is that the screen openings for an outside air inlet in a non-residential portion of a building must be smaller than 1/4 inch. This requirement is primarily for ensuring that the air entering the building is adequately filtered, preventing larger debris, insects, and other contaminants from entering the ventilation system. By limiting the size of the openings to less than 1/4 inch, it helps maintain better air quality inside the building and enhances the performance of the HVAC system. This regulation also aligns with best practices for air intake design in commercial and industrial applications, promoting safety and efficiency.

Larger openings would compromise the effectiveness of the screen, potentially allowing unwanted materials into the air supply and affecting overall indoor air quality. This distinction is vital in non-residential settings, where ventilation systems may be more complex and require stricter adherence to standards to ensure proper operation and health compliance.