How close to an occupants workstation can a diffuser be located?
Although local thermal conditions in the direct path of the incoming air flow from a floor diffuser may be acceptable for short-term occupancy, and when under individual control by the occupant, air velocities may be too high and temperatures too low (under cooling conditions) to satisfy the thermal comfort preferences of a large majority of occupants. For this reason, during the placement of diffusers a clear zone is typically defined that is not recommended for long-term occupancy. This zone is defined as an imaginary cylinder, diameter 0.9-1.8 m (3-6 ft), centered on each diffuser – actual dimensions may vary according to manufacturer’s data. Therefore, office furniture layouts should take this into consideration and maintain a distance of at least half the diameter of the clear zone between occupants seating and any diffusers in the proximity of their workspace.
