ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion Building Codes for Electricians Dryer Venting

Does the Building code require Metal venting for Dryers? (Residential Occupancy) Or is that a Manufacturer's recomendation?

Bill

I'm pretty sure the IRC requires it except at the appliance. I'll check tommorrow for you.

Hi Bill. Section M1501.1 of the 2000 IRC states that the duct shall be metal.

Is that solid ducting, or the Spiral-wound expanding type? The latter is very common here for dryer vents and such like.

bill,
the umc section 504.3.2.1 says"domestic clothes dryer moisture exhaust ducts shall be of metal and shall have smooth interior surfaces"exception allows up to 6' of approved flexible duct to connect to the metal duct.flexible portion not to be concealed.

How new is this requirement?

I can swear there's still plastic dryer venting kits on the store shelves, or that there was recently.

Bill

Bill: I'm not sure how new this requirement is, sorry.

In regards to your statement about product availability, this should not surprise you. Take a trip some time to a big box (or other) hardware store and see how many non-compliant items you find. The plumbing department, for example, has many, many items that do not comply.

How many Electricians among us install the venting for Dryers and Exhaust Fans?

I've always maintained that it really wasn't my job and would only do it if no one else would or could. What have you seen, who usually does it?

Bill Addiss

[This message has been edited by Bill Addiss (edited 12-17-2003).]

In my area, venting requires a seperate permit. The owner-occupant or an HVAC contractor are the credentials required to pull the permit.

I have never done the venting, I may supply the exhaust fan but not the venting.

I only see the HVAC guys do that or once in a while the GC.