How many feet from the appliance must the shutoff valves be located?

The requirement for shutoff valves to be located a certain distance from an appliance is grounded in safety and accessibility considerations. In the case of gas and certain fluid systems, the general standard is set at 6 feet from the appliance. This distance ensures that the shutoff valve is easily reachable in case of an emergency while remaining far enough away from the appliance to minimize the risk of any potential hazards, including fire or gas leaks.

This positioning also facilitates easier maintenance and inspection of both the appliance and the shutoff mechanism without the need for tools or involving extensive maneuvering around the appliance itself. Proper placement of shutoff valves enhances safety protocols in various installations by ensuring that operators can quickly turn off the supply, should the need arise, without having to navigate close to potentially dangerous conditions.