Interpretation #7151

Published March 19, 2013

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Original Request

Code Version
2010
Code
MECHANIC
Code Description
Mechanical
Chapter
5
Section
501.2.2
Topic
exhaust outlets

Question

Is it the intent of the mechanical code to require the 4" dryer exhaust outlets and 3" bathroom exhaust outlets located on an exterior wall of a 3 story apartment building to use wall caps that meet the AMCA Standard 550 for water infiltration in the High Velocity wind zone, also, if no manufacturer can meet this requirement for a wall cap, would an approved tested louver be required?

Answer Published 03/19/2013 at 2:45 PM

No. Miami-Dade County requires louvers installed in
commercial installation meet AMCA 550.

The code section in question requires louvers meet AMCA
550, not wall caps(unless they are a louver). This may
explain why there seem to be no vent caps complying with
the standard.

Commentary

None.