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Earlier editions: 20222019

Chapter 8 — CHIMNEYS AND VENTS

802.10 Vent Connectors for Category I Appliances.

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2025 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

Italicized text is a California amendment to the model code, as printed in the official publication.

A vent connector shall be used to connect an appliance to a gas vent, chimney, or single-wall metal pipe, except where the gas vent, chimney, or single-wall metal pipe is directly connected to the appliance. [NFPA 54:12.11.1]

802.10.1 Materials. A vent connector shall be made of

noncombustible, corrosion-resistant material capable of

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TABLE 802.7.3.3 CLEARANCE FOR CONNECTORS* [NFPA 54: TABLE 12.8.4.4]
MINIMUM DISTANCE FROM COMBUSTIBLE MATERIAL (inches)
APPLIANCE LISTED TYPE B GAS
VENT MATERIAL
LISTED TYPE L
VENT MATERIAL
SINGLE-WALL
METAL PIPE
FACTORY-BUILT
CHIMNEY SECTIONS
Listed appliance with draft hoods and appliance listed for use
with Type B gas vents
As listed As listed 6 As listed
Residential boilers and furnaces with listed gas conversion
burner and with draft hood
6 6 9 As listed
Residential appliances listed for use with Type L vents Not permitted As listed 9 As listed
Listed gas-fired toilets Not permitted As listed As listed As listed
Unlisted residential appliances with draft hood Not permitted 6 9 As listed
Residential and low-heat appliance other than those above Not permitted 9 18 As listed
Medium-heat appliance Not permitted Not permitted 36 As listed

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm

  • These clearances shall apply unless the installation instructions of a listed appliance or connector specify different clearances, in which case the listed clearances shall apply.

160 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

CHIMNEYS AND VENTS

withstanding the vent gas temperature produced by the appliance and of sufficient thickness to withstand physical damage. [NFPA 54:12.11.2.1]

802.10.1.1 Unconditioned Space. Where the vent connector used for an appliance having a draft hood or a Category I appliance is located in or passes through an unconditioned space, attic, or crawl space, that portion of the vent connector shall be listed Type B, Type L, or listed vent material having equivalent insulation qualities.

Exception: Single-wall metal pipe located within the exterior walls of the building and located in an unconditioned space other than an attic or a crawl space having a local 99 percent winter design temperature of 5°F (-15°C) or higher. {NFPA 54:12.11.2.2}

802.10.1.2 Residential-Type Appliances. Vent connectors for residential-type appliances shall comply with the following:

(1) Vent connectors for listed appliances having draft hoods, appliances having draft hoods and equipped with listed conversion burners, and Category I appliances that are not installed in attics, crawl spaces, or other unconditioned spaces shall be one of the following:

(a) Type B or Type L vent material.

(b) Galvanized sheet steel not less than 0.018 of an inch (0.457 mm) thick.

(c) Aluminum (1100 or 3003 alloy or equivalent) sheet not less than 0.027 of an inch (0.686 mm) thick.

(d) Stainless steel sheet not less than 0.012 of an inch (0.305 mm) thick.

(e) Smooth interior wall metal pipe having resistance to heat and corrosion equal to or greater than that of Section 802.10.1.2(1)(b), Section 802.10.1.2(1)(c), or Section 802.10.1.2(1)(d).

(f) A listed vent connector.

(2) Vent connectors shall not be covered with insulation.

Exception: Listed insulated vent connectors shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s

installation instructions. {NFPA 54:12.11.2.3}

802.10.1.3 Nonresidential Low-Heat Appli- ances. A vent connector for a nonresidential low-heat

appliance shall be a factory-built chimney section or steel pipe having resistance to heat and corrosion equivalent to that for the appropriate galvanized pipe as specified in Table 802.10.1.3. Factory-built chimney sections shall be joined together in accordance with the chimney manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.11.2.4]

TABLE 802.10.1.3

MINIMUM THICKNESS FOR GALVANIZED STEEL VENT

CONNECTORS FOR LOW-HEAT APPLIANCES

[NFPA 54: TABLE 12.11.2.4]

DIAMETER OF CONNECTOR
(inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS
(inches)

Less than 6
0.019
6 to less than 10 0.023


10 to 12 inclusive
0.029


14 to 16 inclusive
0.034

Over 16
0.056

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 0.000645 m [2]

802.10.1.4 Medium-Heat Appliances. Vent connectors for medium-heat appliances shall be constructed of factory-built, medium-heat chimney sections or steel of a thickness not less than that specified in Table 802.10.1.4 and shall comply with the following:

(1) A steel vent connector for an appliance with a vent gas temperature in excess of 1000°F (538°C) measured at the entrance to the connector shall be lined with medium-duty fire brick or the equivalent.

(2) The lining shall be at least 2 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (64 mm) thick for a vent connector having a diameter or greatest cross-sectional dimension of 18 inches (457 mm) or less. (3) The lining shall be at least 4 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (114 mm) thick laid on the 4 [1] ⁄ 2 inches (114 mm) bed for a vent connector having a diameter or greatest cross-sectional dimension greater than 18 inches (457 mm). (4) Where factory-built chimney sections are installed, they shall be joined together in accordance with the chimney manufacturer’s instructions. [NFPA 54:12.11.2.5]

TABLE 802.10.1.4 MINIMUM THICKNESS FOR STEEL VENT CONNECTORS FOR MEDIUM-HEAT APPLIANCES [NFPA 54: TABLE 12.11.2.5]

VENT CONNECTOR SIZE

VENT CONNECTOR SIZE

VENT CONNECTOR SIZE


DIAMETER
(inches)
AREA
(square inches)
MINIMUM THICKNESS
(inches)


Up to 14
Up to 154 0.053

Over 14 to 16
154 to 201 0.067

Over 16 to 18
201 to 254 0.093

Over 18
Larger than 254 0.123

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 0.000645 m [2]

802.10.2 Size of Vent Connector. A vent connector for an appliance with a single draft hood or for a Category I fan-assisted combustion system appliance shall be sized and installed in accordance with Section 803.0 or engineering methods. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.1]

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square inch = 0.000645 m [2]

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CHIMNEYS AND VENTS

TABLE 802.8.1

THROUGH-THE-WALL DIRECT VENT TERMINATION CLEARANCES

[NFPA 54: TABLE 12.9.1]

FIGURE
CLEARANCE
CLEARANCE LOCATION MINIMUM CLEARANCES FOR
DIRECT VENT TERMINALS
MINIMUM CLEARANCES
FOR NON-DIRECT VENT
TERMINALS
A Clearance above finished grade
level, veranda, porch, deck, or
balcony
12 inches 12 inches
B Clearance to window or door
that is openable
6 inches for Appliances≤ 10 000 Btu/hr
9 inches for Appliances > 10 000 Btu/hrs≤ 50 000 Btu/hr
12 inches for Appliances > 50 000 Btu/hrs≤ 150 000 Btu/hr
Appliances > 150 000 Btu/hr, in accordance with the appliance
manufacturer’s instructions and not less than the clearances
specified for non-direct vent terminals in row B
4 feet below or to side
of opening or 1 foot
above opening
C Clearance to non-openable win-
dow
None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer
D Vertical clearance to ventilated
soffit located above the terminal
within a horizontal distance of 2
feet from the center line of the
terminal
None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer
E Clearance to unventilated soffit None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer
F Clearance to outside corner of
building
None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer
G Clearance to inside corner of
building
None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer None unless otherwise specified by the appliance manufacturer
H Clearance to non-mechanical air
supply inlet to building and the
combustion air inlet to any other
appliance
Same clearance as specified for row B Same clearance as specified for row B
I Clearance to a mechanical air
supply inlet
10 feet horizontally from inlet or 3 feet above inlet 10 feet horizontally from inlet or 3 feet above inlet
J Clearance above paved sidewalk
or paved driveway located on
public property or other areas
where condensate or vapor can
cause a nuisance or hazard
7 feet and not located above public walkways or other areas where
condensate or vapor can cause a nuisance or hazard
7 feet and not located above public walkways or other areas where
condensate or vapor can cause a nuisance or hazard
K Clearance to underside of
veranda, porch, deck, or balcony
12 inches where the area beneath the veranda, porch, deck, or balcony is
open on not less than two sides. The vent terminal is prohibited in this
location where only one side is open.
12 inches where the area beneath the veranda, porch, deck, or balcony is
open on not less than two sides. The vent terminal is prohibited in this
location where only one side is open.

For SI Units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 foot = 304.8 mm, 1000 British thermal units per hour = 0.293 kW

162 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

CHIMNEYS AND VENTS

FIGURE 802.8.1 « EXIT TERMINALS OF MECHANICAL DRAFT AND DIRECT VENT VENTING SYSTEMS

[NFPA 54: FIGURE 12.9.1]

802.10.2.1 Manifold. Where a single appliance having more than one draft hood outlet or flue collar is installed, the manifold shall be constructed according to the instructions of the appliance manufacturer. Where there are no instructions, the manifold shall be designed and constructed in accordance with engineering methods. As an alternative method, the effective area of the manifold shall equal the combined area of the flue collars or draft hood outlets, and the vent connectors shall have a minimum 1 foot (305 mm) rise. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.2]

802.10.2.2 Size. Where two or more appliances are connected to a common vent or chimney, each vent connector shall be sized in accordance with Section 803.0 or engineering methods. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.3]

As an alternative method applicable only where all of the appliances are draft hood-equipped, each vent connector shall have an effective area not less than the area of the draft hood outlet of the appliance to which it is connected. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.4] 802.10.2.3 Height. Where two or more appliances are vented through a common vent connector or vent manifold, the common vent connector or vent mani

fold shall be located at the highest level consistent with available headroom and clearance to combustible

material and sized in accordance with Section 803.0 or engineering methods. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.5]

As an alternative method applicable only where there are two draft hood-equipped appliances, the effective area of the common vent connector or vent manifold and all junction fittings shall be not less than the area of the larger vent connector plus 50 percent of the area of the smaller flue collar outlet.

[NFPA 54:12.11.3.6]

802.10.2.4 Size Increase. Where the size of a

vent connector is increased to overcome installation limitations and obtain connector capacity equal to the appliance input, the size increase shall be made at the appliance draft hood outlet. [NFPA 54:12.11.3.7]

802.10.3 Two or More Appliances Connected to a Single Vent. Where two or more openings are provided into one chimney flue or vent, either of the following shall apply:

(1) The openings shall be at different levels.

(2) The connectors shall be attached to the vertical portion of the chimney or vent at an angle of 45 degrees or less relative to the vertical. [NFPA 54:12.11.4.1]

CHIMNEYS AND VENTS

appliances, from the appliance outlet to the junction with the common vent or another connector, shall be 100 percent of the height of the chimney or vent.

[NFPA 54:12.11.9.2]

802.10.9 Support. A vent connector shall be supported for the design and weight of the material employed to maintain clearances and prevent physical damage and separation of joints. [NFPA 54:12.11.10]

802.10.10 Chimney Connection. Where entering a flue in a masonry or metal chimney, the vent connector shall be installed above the extreme bottom to avoid stop page. Where a thimble or slip joint is used to facilitate removal of the connector, the connector shall be firmly attached to or inserted into the thimble or slip joint to prevent the connector from falling out. Means shall be employed to prevent the connector from entering so far as to restrict the space between its end and the opposite wall of the chimney flue. [NFPA 54:12.11.11.1 – 12.11.11.3] 802.10.11 Inspection. The entire length of a vent connector shall be readily accessible for inspection, cleaning, and replacement. [NFPA 54:12.11.12]

802.10.12 Fireplaces. A vent connector shall not be connected to a chimney flue serving a fireplace unless the fireplace flue opening is permanently sealed. [NFPA 54:12.11.13]

802.10.13 Passage Through Ceilings, Floors, or Walls. A vent connector shall not pass through a ceiling, floor, or fire-resistance-rated wall. A single-wall metal pipe connector shall not pass through an interior wall.

Exceptions:

(1) Vent connectors made of listed Type B or Type L vent material and serving listed appliances with draft hoods and other appliances listed for use with Type B gas vents that pass through walls or partitions constructed of combustible material shall be installed

with not less than the listed clearance to combustible

material.

(2) Vent connectors shall be permitted to pass through ceilings, floors, or walls in accordance with Section 802.7.3.1 and Section 802.7.3.5.

802.10.13.1 Medium-Heat Appliances. Vent connectors for medium-heat appliances shall not pass through walls or partitions constructed of combustible material. [NFPA 54:12.11.14.2]

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Contents — California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4)
  1. Chapter 1 — GENERAL CODE PROVISIONS
  2. Chapter 2 — DEFINITIONS
  3. Chapter 3 — GENERAL REGULATIONS
  4. Chapter 4 — VENTILATION AIR
  5. Chapter 5 — EXHAUST SYSTEMS
  6. Chapter 6 — DUCT SYSTEMS
  7. Chapter 7 — COMBUSTION AIR
  8. Chapter 8 — CHIMNEYS AND VENTS
  9. Chapter 9 — INSTALLATION OF SPECIFIC APPLIANCES
  10. Chapter 10 — BOILERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS
  11. Chapter 11 — REFRIGERATION
  12. Chapter 12 — HYDRONICS
  13. Chapter 13 — FUEL GAS PIPING
  14. Chapter 14 — PROCESS PIPING
  15. Chapter 15 — SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS
  16. Chapter 16 — STATIONARY POWER PLANTS
  17. Chapter 17 — GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS AND AMBIENT TEMPERATURE…
  18. Chapter 18 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  19. Appendix A — RESIDENTIAL PLAN EXAMINER REVIEW FORM FOR HVAC SY…
  20. Appendix B — PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO PLACE GAS EQUIPMENT …
  21. Appendix C — INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) FUEL-FIR…
  22. Appendix D — FUEL SUPPLY: MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND R…
  23. Appendix E — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  24. Appendix F — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION …
  25. Appendix G — EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF OUTDOOR AIR RATE
  26. Appendix H — PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
  27. Appendix I — INDOOR HORTICULTURAL FACILITIES
  28. Appendix J — CLEAN AIR DELIVERY

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