Ducts shall be constructed of and supported by carbon steel not less than which gauge or stainless steel not less than which gauge?

Ducts shall be constructed of and supported by carbon steel not less than which gauge or stainless steel not less than which gauge?

• A. 14 gauge carbon steel and 16 gauge stainless
• B. 12 gauge carbon steel and 14 gauge stainless
• C. 18 gauge carbon steel and 20 gauge stainless
• D. 16 gauge carbon steel and 18 gauge stainless

Answer: (D)

Ducts in commercial kitchen ventilation must be built with enough thickness to handle heat, grease, and cleaning while maintaining structural integrity. NFPA 96 specifies minimum materials: carbon steel ducts must be at least 16 gauge, and stainless steel ducts must be at least 18 gauge. This combination provides the necessary strength and durability for greasy, hot exhaust and repeated cleanings. The correct choice matches these exact minimums: carbon steel 16 gauge and stainless steel 18 gauge. The other options propose thinner materials in one or both categories (or do not meet the stated minimums), which would not satisfy the standard’s requirements.

Ducts in commercial kitchen ventilation must be built with enough thickness to handle heat, grease, and cleaning while maintaining structural integrity. NFPA 96 specifies minimum materials: carbon steel ducts must be at least 16 gauge, and stainless steel ducts must be at least 18 gauge. This combination provides the necessary strength and durability for greasy, hot exhaust and repeated cleanings.

The correct choice matches these exact minimums: carbon steel 16 gauge and stainless steel 18 gauge. The other options propose thinner materials in one or both categories (or do not meet the stated minimums), which would not satisfy the standard’s requirements.