Dryer Vent Code Requirements

As important together with helpful as the building codes are, they can sometimes live somewhat confusing or difficult to sympathise. However, that doesn’t exempt us from following them.

In this article, I become through all the unlike dryer vent code requirements together with explicate what they mean and why they are and then important.

Manufacturers decide dryer venting. If unspecified, codes use. Dryers necessitate independent venting systems, terminating outside, away from home openings. Ducts must live smoothen, 0.0157" thick, 4" inward diameter, and sufficiently long. Booster fans in addition to vent screens are prohibited. Backdraft dampers are mandatory.

Where to Find the Dryer Vent Code

The International Residential Code (IRC) has a whole department dedicated to the clothes dryer exhausts (Section M1502). It covers everything from what size in addition to textile the ducting should live to whether or not it is allowed to purpose booster fans. It even covers ductless dryers.

The IRC applies inward all of the states of the U.S.A. with the exception of Wisconsin. On top of these 49 states, the code also applies inwards the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, as well as the U.due south. Virgin Islands.

Ductless Dryers Are Legal

Ductless dryers, better known every bit ventless dryers, purpose hot air to dry out wearing apparel just equally vented models make. The difference is that ventless dryers, such equally condensers or oestrus pump dryers, can cool this air and collect the condensed wet inwards a H2O collection tank rather than exhaust it exterior.

If y'all accept i of these dryers, then yous don’t postulate to worry almost the code. These dryers are nonetheless safety even though they make not take whatsoever vents. As long as your ventless dryer is labeled as well as listed according to the IRC, it is code compliant (Section M1502.2).

Manufacturer Instructions Take Precedence

Since different dryers are designed differently, their installation as well as functioning requirements tin can vary.

The principal role of the IRC is to set up rules that help ensure people’sec safety. However, the code could non possibly cover all the specific requirements for each and every dryer. Nor could it go along upwards with every youngster advancement in technology.

At the same time, the manufacturers know their appliances meliorate than anyone. They can provide the nigh reliable installation instructions to ensure safe too forbid whatsoever potential problems with the dryer, together with naturally, it is in their involvement to make then.

That is why the IRC Section M1502.one states that:

“Clothes dryers shall be exhausted inward accordance amongst the manufacturer’s instructions.”

This means that if the manufacturer prohibits venting the dryer through a soffit, venting this specific dryer through a soffit would be against the code, even though the IRC itself doesn’t explicitly prohibit this practise. However, if the manufacturer allows venting through a soffit, then doing and then is code compliant.

It is besides important to bank note that if the manufacturer doesn’t clarify sure installation requirements, such as what duct cloth should as well as shouldn’t be used, the possessor should automatically follow the IRC’s more generalized guidelines.

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