Newer construction

[David C. Macy]

2005 Model house.

Are floor outlets permitted? I dont see the need as there was a wall outlet within 4-6 feet. (Pictured)

The dryer vent was the length of the house. I dont believe dryers are designed to push that amount of air. Are there codes to the distance a dryer vent is?

The double wall vent was touching the wooden material and I noted as a concern.(Pictured)

Thanks

Dave

[Greg Bell]

Hi David,

The dryer vent is not allowed to be longer than 25 ft. You have to deduct 2.5 ft for a 45 degree turn and 5 ft for a 90. Those are from memory I would have to look it up to make sure.

[Raymond N. Newman]

David,

if I would like to confuse you I would just refer you to NEC Art. 220. However, I spare you the headaches and let you know that the maximum number of outlets is not defined for a residential house even so you could get the impression after reading the article.

Looking at your picture I want to add that you can not count floor recepticles as part of the required outlets unless it is 18in to the wall and second that in hallways >= 10ft you need to have only one also not counting the floor ones.

Raymond

[Joseph Burkeson, CMI]

Originally Posted by dmacy

The double wall vent was touching the wooden material and I noted as a concern.

Clearance to Combustibles. A 1-inch clearance (air space) to combustible materials must be maintained, when using Round B-Vent, regardless of the pipe diameter.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Hi David!

I hope that this helps.

International Residential Code


RECEPTACLES

E3801.2.1 Spacing.
Receptacles shall be installed so that no point along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet (1829 mm), measured horizontally, from an outlet in that space. Receptacles shall, insofar as practicable, be spaced equal distances apart.


E3801.2.2 Wall space.
As used in this section, a wall space shall include the following:
1. Any space that is 2 feet (610 mm) or more in width, (including space measured around corners), and that is unbroken along the floor line by doorways, fireplaces, and similar openings.
2. The space occupied by fixed panels in exterior walls, excluding sliding panels.
3. The space created by fixed room dividers such as railings and freestanding bar-type counters.


E3801.2.3 Floor receptacles.
Receptacle outlets in floors shall not be counted as part of the required number of receptacle outlets except where located within 18 inches (457 mm) of the wall.



E3801.10 Hallways.
Hallways of 10 feet (3048 mm) or more in length shall have at least one receptacle outlet. The hall length shall be considered the length measured along the centerline of the hall without passing through a doorway.



CLOTHES DRYERS EXHAUST
M1501.1 General.
Dryer exhaust systems shall be independent of all other systems, shall convey the moisture to the outdoors and shall terminate on the outside of the building. Exhaust duct terminations shall be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions. Screens shall not be installed at the duct termination. Exhaust ducts shall not be connected with sheet-metal screws or fastening means which extend into the duct. Exhaust ducts shall be equipped with a backdraft damper. Exhaust ducts shall be constructed of minimum 0.016-inch-thick (0.406 mm) rigid metal ducts, having smooth interior surfaces with joints running in the direction of air flow.

Flexible transition ducts used to connect the dryer to the exhaust duct system shall be limited to single lengths, not to exceed 8 feet (2438 mm) in length and shall be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 2158A. Transition ducts shall not be concealed within construction.
Exception: This section shall not apply to listed and labeled condensing (ductless) clothes dryers.


M1501.2 Exhaust duct size.
The diameter of the exhaust duct shall be as required by the clothes dryer's listing and the manufacturer's installation instructions.

M1501.3 Length limitation.
The maximum length of a clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not exceed 25 feet (7620 mm) from the dryer location to the wall or roof termination. The maximum length of the duct shall be reduced 2.5 feet (762 mm) for each 45-degree (0.79 rad) bend and 5 feet (1524 mm) for each 90-degree (1.6 rad) bend. The maximum length of the exhaust duct does not include the transition duct.
Exceptions:
1. Where a clothes dryer booster fan is installed and listed and labeled for the application, the maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the booster fan manufacturer's installation instructions. Where a clothes dryer booster fan is installed and not readily accessible from the room in which the dryer is located, a permanent identifying label shall be placed adjacent to where the exhaust duct enters the wall. The label shall bear the words "This dryer exhaust system is equipped with a remotely located booster fan."
2. Where the make and model of the clothes dryer to be installed is known and the manufacturer's installation instructions for such dryer are provided to the building official, the maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions.



M1306
CLEARANCES FROM COMBUSTIBLE CONSTRUCTION
M1306.2 Clearance reduction.
Reduction of clearances shall be in accordance with the appliance manufacturer's instructions and Table M1306.2. Forms of protection with ventilated air space shall conform to the following requirements:

1. Not less than 1-inch (25.4 mm) air space shall be provided between the protection and combustible wall surface.

2. Not less than 1-inch (25.4 mm) air space shall be provided between the protection and combustible wall surface.. Air circulation shall be provided by having edges of the wall protection open at least 1 inch (25.4 mm).

3. If the wall protection is mounted on a single flat wall away from corners, air circulation shall be provided by having the bottom and top edges, or the side and top edges open at least 1 inch (25.4 mm).

4. Wall protection covering two walls in a corner shall be open at the bottom and top edges at least 1 inch (25.4 mm).

[jclark1]

Geez, I think all that info was given in previous answers, and in a much more reasonable amount of space.

[Frank M. Carrio, CMI]

Hi James!

With all due respect, the previous answers were correct. Yet, we live in a litigious society and in order to protect yourself and your client there is nothing wrong with including details such as “exceptions” and or details.

If you treat all inspections as if they are “Going to Trial” then you will be better off for it. When it comes to a so-called “Negative comment” in a report too many Real Estate agents will challenge an inspector and ask them “Where did you get that information?
It is better to able to quote “Chapter & Verse.


International Residential Code
RECEPTACLES
E3801.2.1 Spacing.

E3801.2.2 Wall space.

E3801.2.3 Floor receptacles.

E3801.10 Hallways.


M1306

Clearances from Combustible Construction
M1306.2 Clearance reduction




Clothes Dryer Exhaust
M1501.1 General.
M1501.2 Exhaust duct size.




M1501.3 Length limitation.

As times and technology change there are exceptions to every rule. Example;
Exceptions:
1. Where a clothes dryer booster fan is installed and listed and labeled for the application, the maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the booster fan manufacturer's installation instructions. Where a clothes dryer booster fan is installed and not readily accessible from the room in which the dryer is located, a permanent identifying label shall be placed adjacent to where the exhaust duct enters the wall. The label shall bear the words "This dryer exhaust system is equipped with a remotely located booster fan."

2. Where the make and model of the clothes dryer to be installed is known and the manufacturer's installation instructions for such dryer are provided to the building official, the maximum length of the exhaust duct, including any transition duct, shall be permitted to be in accordance with the dryer manufacturer's installation instructions.


You will find that one of the many benefits of being a member of NACHI is that you will find knowledgeable and experienced inspectors {like the two listed above} who are willing to take the time and effort to help their fellow inspectors.

This is also a good way for you to build your Technical Database / library.

I wish you well, and Good Luck in your Home Inspection Business.

[jclark1]

Thanks Frank. I couldn't agree more, this message board alone is worth the price of admission. It's a great resource

[David C. Macy]

More questions about new construction.

I cant find the information on when the condensate from the air conditioner needed to go to a bowl and then a sealed drain. The one today was spilling on the floor.

I have seen numerous half baths we no heat source in the room. I take it it is allowable to be heated from the other rooms. Is this correct?

Thanks

Dave

[Marcel R. Cyr]

David;

I believe that condensate drains should be directed to indirected waste.

Marcel