How far must each appliance be provided with a shutoff valve from the appliance?

The requirement for providing a shutoff valve near each appliance is crucial for safety and convenience during maintenance or emergency situations. A distance of 6 feet is standard for many types of appliances, particularly gas appliances. This distance allows enough space to safely shut off gas or water supply without needing to access the appliance directly. It also minimizes the risk of accidents and ensures that service technicians can quickly isolate the appliance if necessary.

Having a shutoff valve located at this distance helps in reducing the hassle in service situations, where immediate access to the valve without having to move any appliances is vital. Additionally, adhering to local building codes typically reflects this standard practice to promote safety in residential and light commercial HVAC systems.