A device that retards the flow of vent gases should not be installed in which of the following?

A device that retards the flow of vent gases, such as a damper, should not be installed in a vent connector. The vent connector's primary purpose is to facilitate the safe and efficient expulsion of combustion gases from appliances to the outdoors. If a device that restricts or retards the flow is placed in the vent connector, it can lead to backdrafting or the accumulation of harmful gases, which poses significant safety hazards, including the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

In contrast, installing such a device in locations like a gas meter, gas appliance, or gas pipeline is not directly analogous, as those areas require unobstructed gas flow for proper operation and safety, but they are not specifically designed for venting combustion byproducts. Therefore, the vent connector distinctly requires unimpeded gas flow to ensure that vent gases are expelled efficiently and safely.