What is the minimum distance required from a furnace to an oil storage tank?

The minimum distance required from a furnace to an oil storage tank is designed to ensure safety and minimize the risk of fire hazards. In this context, a separation of 2 feet represents an appropriate standard distance that balances safety with practical considerations for maintenance and accessibility. This distance helps to reduce the risk of heat from the furnace igniting the oil or causing other dangerous situations, while still allowing for a reasonable buffer for monitoring and servicing the tank.

Maintaining this distance is important because it minimizes the chance of flammable vapors igniting near the heat source, which could lead to a catastrophic failure. Additionally, local building codes and safety regulations typically set such distances based on industry standards, creating guidelines that must be adhered to for the safe operation of appliances and fuel storage systems.

Choosing a smaller distance could compromise safety, making the area more susceptible to fire hazards. Thus, the established standard of 2 feet is an effective compromise to ensure both safety and functionality in environments where furnaces and fuel storage tanks coexist.