North Carolina Home Inspector Practice Exam

How many inches above the floor must all sources of flame in the garage be raised?

1. 12"

2. 15"

3. 18"

4. 24"

The correct answer is: 18"

The requirement for raising sources of flame above the floor in a garage is designed to minimize the risk of ignition from flammable vapors, which tend to settle near the ground. In this context, the correct height is 18 inches above the floor. This specification is consistent with safety standards that recognize the importance of keeping any potential ignition sources well above the level where flammable liquids or vapors may accumulate. This height ensures that items such as water heaters, furnaces, and other appliances that produce flame do not pose an increased risk of ignition in environments where combustible materials could be present. The safety standards for garages specifically address these conditions to protect property and prevent potential emergencies, reinforcing the necessity of compliance with this height regulation. Other options such as 12 inches, 15 inches, or 24 inches do not align with the established safety protocols that have determined the optimal height for minimizing fire risks in these spaces.