Arkansas HVACR NewsMagazine May 2023

HVACR NewsMagazine May 2023

Code REgulation Legislation News

Bathroom Exhaust We know why--but the how is changing — again! A NEW UPDATE!!

Bath Duct / Vent Piping A NEW UPDATE Options If it can always be seen — • Class 1 Flexible Duct If it will be covered • 28 or 30 Guage

If it were just about odors, we could go back to the days of stricking a match after a job was done; however, humidity is the most important reason for good bathroom exhaust. While one would think this is eazy peazy, code seems to be finding its way. Now this “ain’t easy” for anyone. Code officials, like you, want a settled, official statement from ICC, IRC and any other “C” that thinks they need to chim e in on “stuff” that we need to know and do. What are we to do? In a communication to all inspectors, Tony Woodard, Ark ansas Chief Inspector, said, “Effective January 1, 2023, any single-family dwelling permit will have to meet IMC 2021/IRC2021. That did seem simple. We only need to know what those codes required. Oh my, but proofing that many words is easier said than done. The digital version of the 2021 IRC calls for the metal to be 28 guage; however, the printed version takes you steps leading back to Chapter 16 of the IMC, Table 1601.1 which can be a tad confusing as well. SO, our program has made life more clear, simple, and easy for we HVAC folk. If the bath duct can be seen, it can be Class 1 Flexible Duct. If it will be covered up, it must be either 28 or 30 guage.

The thing I like most about the Chief Inspectors latest email was the statement, “We are goi ng to make bath exhaust simple:…” Back to 30 guage or Class 1 Flexible?? Doesn’t get any easier than that.