Medical air compressor air intake shall be located outdoors at a minimum distance above ground level of how many feet?

• A. 10 ft
• B. 20 ft
• C. 25 ft
• D. There is no height requirement

Answer: (B)

Fresh air for a medical air compressor must come from outdoors, and lifting the intake well above ground reduces the chance of drawing in ground-level contaminants such as vehicle exhaust, dust, and water runoff. A minimum height of 20 feet provides a practical clearance from these sources and aligns with common medical gas system guidelines, balancing safety with ease of installation. Lower heights risk intake of exhaust and pollutants, while a much higher height is more conservative than necessary, and there is a greater chance of practical installation challenges.