INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
WARNING
Fire Hazard
Use a heavy metal vent.
Do not use a plastic vent.
Do not use a metal foil vent.
Failure to follow these instructions can result in death or fire.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, this dryer MUST BE EXHAUSTED OUTDOORS.
NOTE: This guide is intended to aid licensed HVAC or Architectural Engineers who design single and
Outside Exhaust
The four basic reasons for exhausting a dryer outdoors are detailed in this section:
1.To meet codes requirements.
2.To remove moisture from laundry area.
3.To avoid lint accumulation in laundry area.
4.To remove excess heat from laundry area.
Codes Requirements
The following codes should be reviewed to ensure dryer vent systems are in compliance:
1.International Mechanical Code: In the 2000 version, sections 504 and 913.
2.International Fuel Gas Code: In the 2003 version, section 614.
3.UL 2158 Electric Clothes Dryer Standard references venting requirements in paragraph 7.3.
4.ANSI Z21.5.1 - Gas Clothes Dryers.
5.Other sections of these codes may also apply to
There are other codes requiring dryers to be exhausted when installed in confined spaces where specified clearances from combustible surfaces cannot be met. See the Installation Instructions that came with your dryer for spacing requirements.
Local codes and ordinances that exist must also be met. Consult your local building inspector for more information.
Improper venting can cause moisture and lint to collect indoors, which may result in:
Moisture damage to woodwork, furniture, paint, wallpaper, carpets, etc.
Housecleaning problems and health problems.
Moisture
A normal towel load contains some residual water when it is removed from the washer. The dryer must remove this water and discharge it from the drum. When the dryer is not exhausted outside, this moist air will be recirculated through the heating source, reducing the dryer’s efficiency.
Exhausting moisture into the room can also cause damage to walls, floors, picture hangers, and cause condensation on windows and walls in cold weather.
Lint
Even though the dryer is equipped with a lint screen, fine particles of lint can get through the screen and be exhausted out of the dryer. Proper venting of the dryer will keep lint from accumulating in the laundry area.
Heat
In order to remove moisture from the garments in the dryer, heat is generated to vaporize the water. Exhausting the dryer outdoors removes excess heat from the laundry area of the building.
Central Exhaust System Requirements
The following guidelines should be considered in the design of any central exhaust system:
■Exhaust individual dryers to the central exhaust duct system with proper size vents to assure adequate performance of each dryer. The dryer has 4" (102 mm) exhaust duct connections. Four inch (102 mm) diameter aluminum vent should be used to connect each dryer to the central vent.
■Install weighted dampers on each individual dryer exhaust duct. These dampers may be used for balancing out the overall duct system.
■Provide for a maximum of 0.1" (2.5 mm) of water column vacuum in the central exhaust duct and a maximum of
0.6" (15 mm) of water column back pressure at the connection of each dryer exhaust vent at any time that the dryer is in operation. See “Venting Requirements” for instructions on how to measure water column back pressure.
■Design the central duct system for sufficient capacity to handle the maximum number of dryers operated at one time.
■Consider moisture, lint and air temperature in the design of the central duct system. Maximum exhaust temperature of the dryer will not exceed 200°F (93.3°C) when the dryer is operated according to the instructions provided with the dryer.
■Provide for periodic inspection and
4