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

In Residential work is the Bathroom Fan vented directly to the outside or just into the attic?

I've seen a lot that just vent into the attic. Upon exploring our New NY Residential code (based on 2000 IRC) it seems that they must be vented directly to the outside. (R303.3 Exception) Is this a new requirement?

Bill

How many times have I been in an attic (too many times) to see the vent sitting there, or no vent at all, just the fan. As far as I am aware, the venting was always to vent outside the building.

Bill
It is good to see you have a copy of the NYSRBC (and refer to it), do you have any other of the NYS code volumes?

Pierre

[This message has been edited by PCBelarge (edited 01-04-2004).]

Hi Bill and Pierre, in the south in the 70's and 80's it was common to just vent into the attic. I don't know if it was just an ignored code or not. Sometime in the 80's it was changed or atleast enforced to vent all the way to the exterior.

Roger

Pierre,

Many times I've seen the vent hose pointed towards a vent in the attic, but not actually breaking through to the outside. I was actually surprised to see the requirement there.

IMO; in NY the existence of Building codes is still a new idea to most in the Electrical field. Until the recent adoption of the International Codes I had never seen a NY Building Code and still have no idea where the old ones were sold.

We sell the codes in our 'Store' here so I have access to all of them, but I have a copy of the Residential at my desk that I've tried to look into from time to time. I also have a copy of the New 2003 International Existing Building Code that I'd like to delve into when I get a chance just to see what might be coming.

Do you know if the numbering system in the NY codes follow the International codes? I keep forgetting to get the books side by side to compare them.

Bill

The venting must go to the outside.

The problem I often encounter is people purchasing the "ventless" type of exhaust fan, which are not permitted.

Roger,

Sorry, I didn't see you sneak in there.

Thanks for the response. I actually was looking to see if any language about switching the Bath Fan was included and was surprised to find the venting requirement.

Bill

Ryan,

What type of Fan are you talking about?
Do you mean for Range Hoods?

Bill

Hi Bill, no need for an appology. I didn't have much to offer, but will investigate local codes tomorrow.

What did you find about switching?

Roger

Roger,

I didn't see anything about switching of the Bathroom Fan, only that one is necessary.

BTW, it seems like I'm studying a new language here when I look in these codes.

Glazing areas in Windows?


Bill

Bill, that must be in the Bill Gates section.

Roger