What is the minimum horizontal clearance required from the outlet (fan housing) to any combustible structure?

The correct answer is based on the guidelines set forth by the NFPA 96 standard. Specifically, this standard dictates that there must be a minimum horizontal clearance of 5 feet from the outlet of the fan housing to any combustible structure. This requirement is critical to prevent any potential ignition of combustible materials due to heat generated by the exhaust system and to ensure that the airflow is not obstructed, which could lead to inefficiencies or fire hazards.

Maintaining this distance helps to ensure safe ventilation and reduces the risk of fire by limiting the exposure of combustibles to potentially hot exhaust air. Clearances are determined based on safety measures to protect against fire hazards that can result from heat accumulation or hot surfaces in proximity to combustible materials.

Other clearance distances, while they may be associated with different types of installations or systems, are not in alignment with the specific requirements established for commercial cooking operations as outlined in NFPA 96. Therefore, the 5-foot requirement is essential not only for compliance but also for ensuring the safety of the cooking environment.