Gas Fitter Practice Test

Where should the condensate line of a condensing furnace terminate?

1. On the floor near the drain

2. Outside the building

3. Through the concrete floor

4. To an open floor drain

The correct answer is: To an open floor drain

The condensate line of a condensing furnace should terminate to an open floor drain because this allows for the efficient and safe disposal of the condensate produced during the process of combustion. Condensing furnaces are designed to extract heat from exhaust gases, which results in water vapor forming as a byproduct. This water vapor condenses into liquid, creating condensate that needs to be drained away properly to prevent any potential damage to the furnace or the surrounding area. Directing the condensate to an open floor drain ensures that it is securely handled and minimizes the risk of standing water, which could lead to leaks or water damage in the property. An open floor drain is specifically designed to accommodate wastewater, making it an appropriate and practical choice for this purpose. Additionally, this setup allows for proper drainage in case of heavy condensate flow, especially during peak operation of the furnace. Terminating the condensate line in other locations might not effectively manage the discharge of water. For example, if the condensate line were to be placed on the floor near a drain, it may not provide the same level of assurance against blockage or water pooling. Likewise, venting the line outside could expose it to freezing conditions, leading to potential blockages and system malfunctions. Similarly