To which type of material should hoods and exhaust systems have a clearance of at least 3 inches?

Hoods and exhaust systems should maintain a clearance of at least 3 inches from limited combustible materials to ensure fire safety and compliance with the NFPA 96 standards. Limited combustible materials have specific properties that allow them to reduce the likelihood of fire spread compared to combustible materials. Maintaining this clearance is essential because it minimizes the risk of heat transfer that could lead to ignition or damage to those materials in the vicinity of cooking operations.

While combustible materials necessitate a greater distance to mitigate fire risk, and non-combustible materials do not require the same degree of clearance, the focus on limited combustible materials highlights the need for a precautionary approach. Ensuring this clearance helps create a safer cooking environment by mitigating potential fire hazards associated with high temperatures and cooking emissions.