Interpretation #7530

The requester does not indicate if this is an enclosed area, but we assume that it is as washers and dryers are not typically placed in open areas. The placement of electrical appliances below the design flood elevation is prohibited. The use of enclosed areas below the design flood elevation is limited to parking, building access, or storage per Section R322.2.2. Further, the code prohibits the placement of plumbing appliances below the design flood elevation unless they are designed for such locations. In R322.1.6, The definition of plumbing appliance specifically includes clothes washers and water heaters. Protection of the electrical system would encompass not placing a clothes dryer in such a location. As to the required elevation, the answer is above the Design Flood Elevation (DFE).