High heat appliances must maintain clearances to combustibles of not less than how many feet at the side and rear?

High heat appliances need to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from combustibles on the sides and rear to mitigate fire risks and ensure safe operation. This clearance requirement is critical because it helps prevent overheating of surrounding materials that could ignite, which is particularly important when dealing with devices that generate significant heat during operation.

By maintaining a minimum clearance of 10 feet, it allows for adequate airflow and reduces the likelihood of combustion-related incidents, thus ensuring adherence to safety regulations established by the Maine Journeyman Oil Fuel Board. This distance is a standard guideline and reflects best practices in the industry for managing thermal safety.