EXHAUST SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
Use only 4 inch (10.2 cm) diameter (minimum) rigid or flexible metal duct and approved vent hood which has a
The following are specific requirements for proper and safe operation of your dryer. Failure to follow these instructions can create excessive drying times and fire hazards.
Do not install a clothes dryer with flexible plastic venting materials. If your present system is made up
of plastic duct or metal foil duct, replace it with a rigid or flexible metal duct. Flexible venting materials are known to collapse, be easily crushed and trap lint. These conditions will obstruct
clothes dryer airflow and increase the risk of fire. Ensure the present duct is free of any lint prior to installing dryer duct.
INCORRECT 
INCORRECT
CORRECT | CORRECT |
- Risk of Fire - A clothes dryer must be exhausted outdoors. Do not exhaust dryer into a chimney, a wall, a ceiling, an attic, a crawl space or any concealed space of a building. A clothes dryer produces combustible lint. If the dryer is not exhausted outdoors, some fine lint will be expelled into the laundry area. An accumulation of lint in any area of the home can create a health and fire hazard. The dryer must be connected to an exhaust outdoors. Regularly inspect the outdoor exhaust opening and remove any accumulation of lint around the outdoor exhaust opening and in the surrounding area.
Do not allow combustible materials (for example: clothing, draperies/curtains, paper) to come in contact with exhaust system. The dryer MUST NOT be exhausted into a chimney, a wall, a ceiling, or any concealed space of a building which can accumulate lint, resulting in a fire hazard.
Exceeding the length of duct pipe or number of elbows allowed in the "MAXIMUM LENGTH" charts can cause an accumulation of lint in the exhaust system. Plugging the system could create a fire hazard, as well as increase drying times.
Do not screen the exhaust ends of the vent system, nor use any screws, rivets or other fastening means that extend into the duct and catch lint to assemble the exhaust system. Lint can become caught in the screen, on the screws or rivets, clogging the duct work and creating a fire hazard as well as increasing drying times. Use an approved vent hood to terminate the duct outdoors, and seal all joints with duct tape. All male duct pipe fittings MUST be installed downstream with the flow of air.
Explosion hazard. Do not install the dryer where gasoline or other flammables are kept or stored. If the dryer is installed in a garage, it must be a minimum of 18 inches (45.7 cm) above the floor. Failure to do so can result in death, explosion, fire or burns. The exhaust system back pressure MUST not exceed 0.6 inches (1.52 cm) of water column, measured with an inclined manometer at the point the exhaust connects to the dryer. The exhaust system should be inspected and cleaned a minimum of every 18 months with normal usage. The more the dryer is used, the more often you should check the exhaust system and vent hood for proper operation.
The maximum length of the exhaust system depends upon the type of duct used, number of elbows and type of exhaust hood.
The maximum length for both rigid and flexible duct is shown in the chart below.
EXHAUST DUCT LENGTHS
EXHAUST HOOD TYPE
Number |
|
|
of 90° |
|
|
Turns |
|
|
4” | Louvered | 2.5” |
(10.2 CM) | (6.35 CM) |
MAXIMUM LENGTH OF
DIAMETER RIGID METAL DUCT
| 0 | 56 ft. (17.07 m) | 42 ft. (12.8 m) |
| 1 | 46 ft. (14.02 m) | 36 ft. (10.97 m) |
| 2 | 34 ft. (10.36 m) | 28 ft. (8.53 m) |
| 3 | 32 ft. (9.75 m) | 18 ft. (5.48 m) |
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Do not install flexible plastic or flexible foil venting material. If installing
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