Commercial Bathroom Exhaust Fan Code Requirements

1 cubic foot per minute 0 0004719 m 3 s.

Commercial bathroom exhaust fan code requirements. Every bathroom requires an openable window that provides at least 1 5 square ft of air flow area when open 2006 irc 303 3 or mechanical type ventilation. Bathroom exhaust fan venting code summary section r303 3. Local exhaust systems shall be provided in kitchens bathrooms and toilet rooms and shall have the capacity to exhaust the minimum airflow rate determined in accordance with table 403 3 2 3. The exhaust from a bathroom or kitchen in a residential dwelling shall not be considered to be a hazardous or noxious contaminant.

The illustration above demonstrates the use of a ceiling exhaust fan mounted in the rest room exhausting the stale air. According to the code this circuit may be a 15 amp circuit if it serves just lighting but it should be a 20 amp circuit if it is also serving a vent fan. General lighting fan circuit required. 50 cfm intermittent or 20 cfm continuous operation 2006 irc 303 3x.

Required bathroom vent fan ventilation rate in cfm. Where a source of contaminant is located within 10 feet 3048 mm horizontally of an intake opening such opening shall be located a minimum of 2 feet 610 mm below the contaminant source. Every occupied space shall be ventilated by natural means in accordance with section 402 or by mechanical means in accordance with section 403. 25 or 50 cfm ft for hotels motels resorts and dormitories and a slightly more modest 20 50 cfm for private dwellings.

Spaces meeting exhaust requirements of bathrooms are exempted from above provisions. This exhaust air can be routed either to the roof using ductwork and a roof vent or to the side of your building using ductwork and a hooded wall vent. Bathrooms must have windows when this section is adopted by a community it essentially says that for venting purposes bathrooms must have windows that open. Table 403 3 2 3 minimum required local exhaust rates for group r 2 r 3 and r 4 occupancies for si.

A commercial restroom will require air to be changed 8 12 times an hour depending on the size of the facility and your local code. Each bathroom should have a circuit for lighting and an exhaust fan.