Where gas piping is required to be purged to the outdoors, the point of discharge must be at least ______ feet from building openings.

The requirement for the discharge point of gas piping purged to the outdoors to be at least 10 feet from building openings is based on safety considerations. This distance helps to ensure that any gas that is discharged does not enter the building through doors, windows, or other openings, reducing the risk of an explosive or harmful atmosphere forming inside the space.

The 10-foot distance is a standard precaution in many plumbing and gas codes, aimed at minimizing the risk of gas accumulation in or around living or working spaces. This precautionary measure is vital for protecting the health and safety of occupants and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards governing gas handling and plumbing practices.

Choosing a distance shorter than 10 feet could increase the danger of gas infiltration into the building, while a greater distance is typically unnecessary given common safety practices. Therefore, 10 feet strikes an appropriate balance between safety and feasibility in gas piping installations.