Thread: Gas range venting

Can someone tell me if gas ranges have to vent to the exterior? The over-the-range microwave does not vent to the exterior.

Thank You

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Do not believe it is a requirement. Check your local codes. But You can always recommend it be done. I do.

Thanks David

As far as I know it is not a code requirement. However, you might well find it in the manufacturer's installation instructions, particularly with the commercial style ranges.

I believe it is a new requirement in the 2006 IRC from what I read. I don't have the reference number on me, and OR is still using the 2003 version..... so you would need to check to be sure. For older homes, I don't believe there is a requirement

Not to my knowledge.

I think the theory is if you pass out while cooking dinner, somebody will eventually get hungry and come find you. Hopefully, before you're dead.

Hi,

I lived 17 years of my life in a home with a gas stove in the kitchen with a pilot light on 24/7/365. Nobody in my family ever got ill or even got a head ache from the gas stove. When they're adjusted right, just like properly adjusted furnaces, they don't produce dangerous amounts of CO.

The thing you need to ensure your cilents understand is that if an over-the-stove exhaust fan doesn't vent to the exterior that they read the instructions and installed the proper baffles and the charcoal filters or the fan will be completely useless.

ONE TEAM - ONE FIGHT!!!

Mike

Texas requires absence of range exhaust vent to be reported as in need of repair.

Commercial range, I think yes. Folks are installing monster 8 burner 5 mill BTU ranges in their trophy kitchens. But what for I can't guess because the trophy wife doesn't know how to cook anyway?

Originally Posted by Jerry McCarthy

Commercial range, I think yes.

Commercial ranges are not allowed to be installed in residential kitchens.

"Commercial type", yes - those which 'look like' commercial ones ... just not true "commercial" ones.

From the 2006 IRC (and it has been in older editions). (underlining is mine)

- G2447.2 (623.2) Prohibited location.

Cooking appliances designed, tested, listed and labeled for use in commercial occupancies shall not be installed within dwelling units or within any area where domestic cooking operations occur.

Not required that I know of.
It sounds like it's a combo micro/vent unit (GE etc) I would check to make sure that the motor is properly rotated.
On the micro/vent units the motor on the top can be rotated to exhaust up into ductwork or forward to come out of the vents (usually at the top front ot the unit). If the motor isn't rotated properly the unit will be louder and motor usually burns out prematurely.

No requirement under the IRC. FYI, ANSI Stds. allow up to 800ppm carbon monoxide from ranges. And you just thought it was the tryptophan in the turkey making you sleepy.

As previously stated, "when installed and operating properly"..... Tell me when you find that. These things have a horrible track record for CO production.

Failure to ventilate the kitchen can lead to what appears to be black soot all over the house. I'm gotten lab reports back that the black stuff is charred food particles stuck to soybean cooking oil. All because of no ventilation.

If they ventilate, then it should comply with ASHRAE 62.2 for MUA. Whoever sucks air out of a home is responsible for providing MUA to replace it. Otherwise, uncompensated exhaust fans can depressurize the home and backdraft atmospherically vented appliances. These fans don't always capture all the aerosolized byproducts of cooking but they are pretty good at backdrafting open fireplaces.

Bob

Like the others I don't believe it's a requirement but I would certainly mention it to my clients. Some cultures in fact consider a vent to the exterior a must because of the types of food they typically cook. For example I do a good number of inspections for Indian clients, my community has a large Indian population, and without exception they want that done right away because of the spices used in cooking.

But I wouldn't call it out as something that SHOULD be done but rather an option your client might be interested in.

I agree I think I've dealt with this before. I thuoght it was code but after doing some researce the code books diferit back to the mfg.

They are not required to vent to the exterior unless equipped with a grill.

In Section 1504 of the 2003 IRC, (bottom of page 305), it refers to open "broilers". I am assuming "broiler" does not mean an range cook-top ? because if it did, a range exhaust would be required ? Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range.

Markus KellerNot required that I know of.
It sounds like it's a combo micro/vent unit (GE etc) I would check to make sure that the motor is properly rotated.
On the micro/vent units the motor on the top can be rotated to exhaust up into ductwork or forward to come out of the vents (usually at the top front ot the unit). If the motor isn't rotated properly the unit will be louder and motor usually burns out prematurely.03-28-2008 06:17 PM

Just an added note: I have been caught identifying this type as "internally vented" and the motor or diverter installed incorrectly because the air did not blow out the front of the unit. No visible duct from above, in the wall cabinet. Some of these are able to be ducted out the back of the unit to the exterior. Keep and eye out for the additional vent in the attic or on the exterior wall if you see this condition.

Originally Posted by Gene South

In Section 1504 of the 2003 IRC, (bottom of page 305), it refers to open "broilers". I am assuming "broiler" does not mean an range cook-top ? because if it did, a range exhaust would be required ? Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range.

Gene,

"Maybe "broiler" means one of those kitchen BBQ attachments that are sometimes seen on a range."

Basically correct.

Here is an example: http://www.electroluxusa.com/files/u...install_en.pdf

See warning in section 4 Safety, second bullet down.

Then, in section 9, see figure 5, the left hand unit in that appliance would be an "open-top broiler".

If it has one of those, it should have a range hood above it.

Don't know how you would vent ( direct vent ) as they are not built with a means to duct.

Originally Posted by Jim Zborowski

Don't know how you would vent ( direct vent ) as they are not built with a means to duct.

Jim,

Not understanding what you are referring to.

Ventilation for ranges and hot plates in dwelling units - bnl 17-05/07-06
Interpretations of State and Local Building Codes
1994 Uniform Building Code: Chapter 7
Revision Date: January 1996
City of San Diego
Development Services Department
Plan Review Division
Permit Center • 1222 First Avenue • MS-401
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-6250
Building Newsletter 7-6


I. Ventilation Not Required

The Uniform Mechanical Code does not require ventilation for gas and electric ranges or hot plates in dwelling units.

II. Standards If Provided

Where such ventilation is provided, however, the following standards must be met.

Ventilation for Ranges or Hot Plates in Dwelling Units

A. Ducts used for domestic kitchen range ventilation shall be of metal with smooth interior surfaces and they must comply with the Uniform Mechanical Code.

B. Exhaust ducts shall terminate outside the building and shall be equipped with back draft dampers.

C. Listed hoods must comply with manufacturer’s recommendations.

This information is available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.
To request this information in alternative format, call (619) 236-7703 or (800) 735-2929 (TT)
Page 1 of 1

Originally Posted by Patrick O'Connor

Ventilation for ranges and hot plates in dwelling units - bnl 17-05/07-06
Interpretations of State and Local Building Codes
1994 Uniform Building Code: Chapter 7
Revision Date: January 1996
City of San Diego
Development Services Department
Plan Review Division
Permit Center • 1222 First Avenue • MS-401
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 236-6250
Building Newsletter 7-6


I. Ventilation Not Required

The Uniform Mechanical Code does not require ventilation for gas and electric ranges or hot plates in dwelling units.

II. Standards If Provided

Where such ventilation is provided, however, the following standards must be met.

Ventilation for Ranges or Hot Plates in Dwelling Units

A. Ducts used for domestic kitchen range ventilation shall be of metal with smooth interior surfaces and they must comply with the Uniform Mechanical Code.

B. Exhaust ducts shall terminate outside the building and shall be equipped with back draft dampers.

C. Listed hoods must comply with manufacturer’s recommendations.

This information is available in alternative formats for persons with disabilities.
To request this information in alternative format, call (619) 236-7703 or (800) 735-2929 (TT)
Page 1 of 1

????

A current post to a 4-1/2 year old thread providing 16 year old code information ... ????

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

????

A current post to a 4-1/2 year old thread providing 16 year old code information ... ????

That's the great thing about these forums - I was looking for this info - found this post - I went on the net and found info still current standards in this city and thought to share it-

Originally Posted by Patrick O'Connor

That's the great thing about these forums - I was looking for this info - found this post - I went on the net and found info still current standards in this city and thought to share it-

Patrick,

Thank you ... those are the current standards used in your city? I know that some cities are not current on codes, but I did not think they would would on a 1996 code.

I though California went to the IBC and may have now even gone with the IRC - I thought that was statewide.

Thank you for that information.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

I though California went to the IBC and may have now even gone with the IRC - I thought that was statewide.

Hi Jerry,

CA is using a modified IBC and IRC. California Building Code and California Residential Code. This uses the International codes as models, but modifies some stuff. Mostly political decisions where some state department wanted their say and didn't like the model code.

In past years, it used to be that each municipality adopted and enforced the code, but I'm not sure about that now. I seem to recall that the state requires local municipalities to enforce the current California code, but I could be wrong about that. I find it difficult to believe that any major city would not enforce the current code. According to their website, San Diego enforces the 2010 California codes.

Originally Posted by Gunnar Alquist

I seem to recall that the state requires local municipalities to enforce the current California code, but I could be wrong about that.

Gunnar,

That's what I thought too, but I too could be wrong. That's what threw me for a loop on his code reference.

I find it difficult to believe that any major city would not enforce the current code. According to their website, San Diego enforces the 2010 California codes.

Which makes providing that 1996 code section even more confusing ... ?

California has NEVER adopted the mechnical or plumbing chapters of any "International" or ICC code.

Continue to use the Uniform codes for both Mechanical and Plumbing, specifically ammended for california.

The California Mechanical Code is UMC based, and the California Plumbing Code is UPC based.

Further California has not adopted any electrical chapter of the IBC or IRC. The California Electrical Code is NEC based, but heavily ammended specifically for California.

Fire and life safety requirements are further SFM. Localities may adopt and enforce stricter requirements. This includes requirements from former stricter codes, which newer "editions" statewide are more lax. (Such as, for example all of the I-codes - the UBC, the UMC and the UPC remain stricter).

Oregon & Washintgon have specific air quality requirements in separate code ammendments/adoptions which "go beyond" "generic" IRC requirements.

I don't know about California, but much of San Diego County is using the 2010 California codes. However, there are some places out in the boondocks that are still using, shall we say, older codes.

A couple of years ago I was having a discussion with a seller who also happened to be the AHJ. He had issues with many things in my report. When I gave him various code sections for reinforcement (and to make my Clients comfortable with my own recommendations), he just looked at me, spit into his spit cup, and said, "Well, Sonny, that's just not the way we do things out here."

My Client pulled out of the transaction.

How about gas clothes dryers? Are there similar issues with them?

Washington State:

WAC - 302.2 Source Specific Ventilation Requirements: 302.2.1 Source Specific Ventilation: Source specific exhaust ventilation is required in each kitchen, bathroom, water closet, laundry room, indoor swimming pool, spa, and other rooms where excess water vapor or cooking odor is produced.....302.2.3 Source Specific Ventilation Ducts: Source specific ventilation ducts shall terminate outside the building.


I believe this is an adaptation of the 2006 IRC ? It doesn't single out gas ranges, it's anything that emits a cooking odor. But who determines what is "excessive"?

(bold and underlining are mine)

Originally Posted by Jim Hintz

Washington State:

WAC - 302.2 Source Specific Ventilation Requirements: 302.2.1 Source Specific Ventilation: Source specific exhaust ventilation is required in each kitchen, bathroom, water closet, laundry room, indoor swimming pool, spa, and other rooms where excess water vapor or cooking odor is produced.....302.2.3 Source Specific Ventilation Ducts: Source specific ventilation ducts shall terminate outside the building.


I believe this is an adaptation of the 2006 IRC ? It doesn't single out gas ranges, it's anything that emits a cooking odor. But who determines what is "excessive"?

Jim,

You saw where that is not addressing any gas appliance, any combustion air issues, or any by-products of combustion venting, right?

That specifically *only* addresses: "where excess water vapor or cooking odor is produced"