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Chapter 5 — EXHAUST SYSTEMS

511.1 Exhaust Fans for Commercial Cooking Opera-

California Mechanical Code (Title 24, Part 4) · 2022 edition · updated 2026-09-10 · California

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

tions. Exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with Section 511.1.1 through Section 511.1.6. Exhaust fans shall comply with UL 762 and be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

511.1.1 Upblast Fans. Upblast fans with motors surrounded by the airstream shall be hinged and supplied with flexible weatherproof electrical cable, and service hold-open retainers. Installation shall conform to the requirements of Section 510.9. Upblast fans shall have a drain directed to a readily accessible and visible grease receptacle not to exceed 1 gallon (4 L). [NFPA 96:8.1.2.1

  • 8.1.2.3]

EXHAUST SYSTEMS

Notes:

  1. Fresh air intake (FAI) applies to an air intake, including an operable door or window.
  2. Example: (a) FAIs 1 and 5 are on the same plane of exhaust or lower: 10 feet (3048

mm) min. between closest edges. (b) FAIs 2, 3, and 4 are above plane of exhaust fan:

10 feet + 0.25 feet (3048 mm + 76 mm) per degree between closest edges.

FIGURE 510.9.2 EXHAUST TERMINATION DISTANCE FROM FRESH AIR INTAKE

(FAI) OR OPERABLE DOOR OR WINDOW

[NFPA 96: FIGURE 7.8.3]

511.1.2 In-Line Exhaust Fans. In-line fans shall be of the type with the motor located outside the airstream and with belts and pulleys protected from the airstream by a greasetight housing. In-line fans shall be connected to the exhaust duct by flanges securely bolted as shown in Figure 511.1.2(1) through Figure 511.1.2(4), or by a system specifically listed for such use. Flexible connectors shall not be used. [NFPA 96:8.1.3.1 – 8.1.3.3]

511.1.2.1 Accessibility. If the design or positioning of the fan allows grease to be trapped, a drain directed to a readily accessible and visible grease receptacle not exceeding 1 gallon (4 L), shall be provided. In-line exhaust fans shall be located in easily accessible areas of adequate size to allow for service or removal. Where the duct system connected to the

2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE 107

EXHAUST SYSTEMS

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = (°F-32)/1.8

FIGURE 511.1.2(1) TYPICAL SECTION OF DUCT-TO-FAN CONNECTION-BUTT JOINT METHOD

[NFPA 96: FIGURE 8.1.3.2(a)]

FIGURE 511.1.2(2) TYPICAL SECTION OF DUCT-TO-FAN CONNECTION-OVERLAPPING METHOD

[NFPA 96: FIGURE 8.1.3.2(b)]

fan is in an enclosure, the space or room in which the exhaust fan is located shall have the same fire resistance rating as the enclosure. [NFPA 96:8.1.3.4

 - 8.1.3.6]

511.1.3 Utility Set Exhaust Fans. Utility set exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with Section 511.1.3.1 through Section 511.1.3.3. 511.1.3.1 At the Rooftop. Fans installed at the rooftop termination point shall be in accordance with the following: (1) Section 510.9.1 and Section 510.9.1.2.

(2) Vibration isolation connectors shall be permit ted. (3) A drain shall be directed to a readily accessible

and visible grease receptacle not to exceed 1 gallon (4 L). 511.1.3.2 Within the Building. Fans installed within the building shall be in accordance with the following: (1) Located in an accessible area of adequate size to

allow for service or removal. [NFPA 96:8.1.4.2] (2) Flexible connectors shall not be used. [NFPA

96:8.1.4.5]

For SI units: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, °C = (°F-32)/1.8)

FIGURE 511.1.2(3) TYPICAL SECTION OF DUCT-TO-FAN

CONNECTION–SEALANT METHOD

[NFPA 96: FIGURE 8.1.3.2(c)]

FIGURE 511.1.2(4) TYPICAL SECTION OF DUCT-TO-FAN CONNECTION-DIRECT

TO FAN INLET CONE METHOD

[NFPA 96: FIGURE 8.1.3.2(d)]

108 2022 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE

(3) Exhaust fans shall have a drain directed to a

readily accessible and visible grease receptacle not to exceed 1 gallon (4 L). [NFPA 96:8.1.4.6] 511.1.3.3 Duct Systems. Where the duct system connected to the fan is in an enclosure, the space or room in which the exhaust fan is located shall have the same fire resistance rating as the enclosure. The fan shall be connected to the exhaust duct by flanges securely bolted as shown in Figure 511.1.2(1) through Figure 511.1.2(4) or by a system specifically listed for such use. [NFPA 96:8.1.4.3, 8.1.4.4] 511.1.4 Construction. Exhaust fan housings shall be constructed of carbon steel not less than 0.060 inch (1.524 mm) (No. 16 MSG) in thickness, of stainless steel not less than 0.048 of an inch (1.219 mm) (No. 18 MSG) in thickness, or, if listed, in accordance with the terms of the listing. [NFPA 96:8.1.5] 511.1.5 Openings. Openings for cleaning, servicing, and inspection shall conform to the requirements of Section 510.3.2. Clearances shall conform to the requirements of Section 507.4 through 507.4.3.3, or Section 510.7.3 and Section 510.7.4 if installed within an enclosure. [NFPA 96:8.1.6.1, 8.1.6.2] 511.1.6 Standard. All wiring and electrical equipment shall comply with California Electrical Code . [NFPA 96:8.1.7]

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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
    Overview
    1. 501.1 Applicability. This chapter includes requirements for
    2. 502.1 Exhaust Opening Protection. Exhaust openings
    3. 502.2 Termination of Exhaust Ducts. Exhaust ducts
    4. 503.1 General. Motors and fans shall be sized to provide
    5. 503.2 Fans. Parts of fans in contact with explosive or flammab…
    6. 504.1 General. Where not specified in this chapter, exhaust
    7. 504.2 Independent Exhaust Systems. Single or combined mechanic…
    8. 504.3 Domestic Range. Ducts used for domestic kitchen
    9. 504.4 Clothes Dryers. A clothes dryer exhaust duct shall not
    10. 504.5 Heat (Energy) Recovery Ventilators. Heat
    11. 504.6 Gypsum Wallboard Ducts. Bathroom and laundry
    12. 505.1 General. A mechanical ventilation or exhaust system
    13. 505.2 Incompatible Materials. Incompatible materials
    14. 505.3 Flammability Limit. Unless the circumstances stipulated …
    15. 505.4 Air-Moving Devices. Air-moving devices shall be
    16. 505.5 Generating Flames, Sparks, or Hot Materials.
    17. 505.6 Fire Dampers. Fire dampers shall be permitted to be
    18. 505.7 Fire Detection and Alarm Systems. Unless the
    19. 505.8 Product-Conveying Ducts Classification. Product-conveyin…
    20. 505.9 Minimum Velocities and Circulation. The velocity and cir…
    21. 505.10 Makeup Air. Makeup air shall be provided to replenish a…
    22. 505.11 Hoods and Enclosures. Hoods and enclosures shall
    23. 505.12 Pharmacies – Compounding Area of Par-
    24. 506.1 Materials. Materials used in product-conveying duct
    25. 506.2 Construction. Ducts used for conveying products
    26. 506.3 Penetrations. Exhaust ducts shall not pass through
    27. 506.4 Condensate. Joints in duct construction shall be liquidt…
    28. 506.5 Fittings. Fittings in Class 2, 3, and 4 systems shall be
    29. 506.6 Explosion Venting. Ducts conveying explosive dusts
    30. 506.7 Supports. Supports shall be of noncombustible materials,…
    31. 506.8 Fire Protection. Sprinklers or other fire-protection
    32. 506.9 Protection from Physical Damage. Ducts
    33. 506.10 Duct Clearances. Unless the conditions stipulated
    34. 506.11 Clearance Reduction Methods. It shall be permitted to p…
    35. 507.1 Type I Hood Exhaust System. Exhaust systems
    36. 507.2 Exhaust System. Cooking equipment used in
    37. 507.3 Listed Devices. Penetrations shall be sealed with
    38. 507.4 Clearance. Where enclosures are not required, hoods,
    39. 507.5 Drawings. A drawing(s) of the exhaust system installatio…
    40. 507.6 Notification of Change. If required by the Authority Hav…
    41. 507.7 Pharmaceutical Compounding Exhaust Dis-
    42. 508.1 Where Required. Type I hoods shall be installed at
    43. 508.2 Listed Type I Hood Assemblies. Listed hood
    44. 508.3 Construction of Type I Hoods. The hood or that
    45. 508.4 Supports. Hoods shall be secured in place [OSHPD
    46. 508.5 Hood Size. Hoods shall be sized in accordance with
    47. 508.6 Solid-Fuel Hood Assemblies. Where solid-fuel
    48. 508.7 Exhaust Outlets. An exhaust outlet within an
    49. 509.1 Grease Removal Devices. Listed grease filters or
    50. 509.2 Installation. The distance between the grease removal
    51. 509.3 Solid-Fuel Grease Removal Devices. Where
    52. 510.1 General. Ducts shall not pass through fire walls.
    53. 510.2 Clearance. Clearance between ducts and combustible
    54. 510.3 Openings. Openings shall be provided at the sides or
    55. 510.4 Listed Grease Ducts. Listed grease ducts shall be
    56. 510.5 Other Grease Ducts. Other grease ducts shall comply with…
    57. 510.6 Exterior Installations. The exterior portion of the
    58. 510.7 Interior Installations. In all buildings more than one
    59. 510.8 Underground Installations. Grease ducts installed
    60. 510.9 Termination of Type I Hood Exhaust System.
    61. 510.10 Solid-Fuel Duct Systems. Where solid-fuel cooking equip…
    62. 511.1 Exhaust Fans for Commercial Cooking Opera-
    63. 511.2 Airflow. The air velocity through a duct shall be not
    64. 511.3 Makeup Air. The makeup air quantity shall prevent
    65. 511.4 Common Duct (Manifold) Systems. Master
    66. 511.5 Solid-Fuel Air Movement Requirements. Where
    67. 512.1 Dampers. Dampers shall not be installed in exhaust
    68. 512.2 Electrical Equipment. Wiring systems of any type
    69. 512.3 Other Equipment. Fume incinerators, thermal recovery uni…
    70. 512.4 Solid-Fuel Auxiliary Equipment. Where solid fuel
    71. 513.1 General. Fire-extinguishing equipment for the protection…
    72. 513.2 Types of Equipment. Fire-extinguishing equipment
    73. 513.3 Simultaneous Operation. Fixed pipe extinguishing
    74. 513.4 Fuel and Electric Power Shutoff. Upon activation of
    75. 513.5 Manual Activation. All systems shall have both automatic…
    76. 514.2 Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance. Maintenance of the…
    77. 513.6 System Annunciation. Upon activation of an automatic fir…
    78. 513.7 Special Design and Application. Hoods containing
    79. 513.8 Review and Certification. Where required, complete
    80. 513.9 Installation Requirements. Installation of systems
    81. 513.10 Portable Fire Extinguishers. Portable fire extinguisher…
    82. 513.11 Maintenance. Portable fire extinguishers shall be
    83. 513.12 Solid-Fuel Fire-Extinguishing Equipment.
    84. 514.1 Operating Procedures. Exhaust systems shall be
    85. 514.3 Inspection for Grease Buildup. The entire exhaust
    86. 514.4 Cleaning of Exhaust Systems. If, upon inspection,
    87. 514.5 Cooking Equipment Maintenance. Inspection and
    88. 515.1 Cooking Equipment. Cooking equipment shall be
    89. 515.2 Operating Controls. Deep-fat fryers shall be equipped
    90. 516.1 General Requirements. Recirculating systems containing o…
    91. 516.2 Design Restrictions. All recirculating systems shall
    92. 516.3 Interlocks. The recirculating system shall be provided
    93. 516.4 Location and Application Restrictions. The
    94. 516.5 Additional Fire Safety Requirements. In addition to the …
    95. 516.6 Use and Maintenance. Automatic or manual covers on cooki…
    96. 517.1 Venting Application. Venting requirements of solidfuel c…
    97. 517.2 Location of Appliances. Every appliance shall be
    98. 517.3 Hoods for Solid-Fuel Cooking. Hoods shall be sized
    99. 517.4 Exhaust Systems for Solid-Fuel Cooking. Where
    100. 517.5 Grease Removal Devices for Solid-Fuel Cook-
    101. 517.6 Air Movement for Solid-Fuel Cooking. Exhaust
    102. 517.7 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment for Solid-Fuel
    103. 517.8 Other Safety Requirements. Metal-fabricated solidfuel co…
    104. 518.1 General. Downdraft appliance ventilation system
    105. 518.2 Ventilation System. The downdraft appliance ventilation …
    106. 518.3 Fire-Extinguishing Equipment. For fire-extinguishing equ…
    107. 518.4 Airflow Switch or Transducer. An airflow switch or
    108. 518.5 Surface Materials. Any surface located directly
    109. 519.1 Where Required. Type II hoods shall be installed
    110. 519.2 Construction of Type II Hoods. Type II hoods
    111. 519.3 Dishwashing Appliances. The net airflow for Type
    112. 519.4 Type II Exhaust Duct Systems. Ducts and
    113. 519.5 Termination of Type II Hood Exhaust System.
    114. 519.6 Makeup Air. Makeup air shall be provided in accordance w…
  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 — REFERENCED STANDARDS
  18. Appendix A — RESIDENTIAL PLAN EXAMINER REVIEW FORM FOR HVAC SY…
  19. Appendix B — PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED TO PLACE GAS EQUIPMENT …
  20. Appendix C — INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF OIL (LIQUID) FUEL-FIR…
  21. Appendix D — FUEL SUPPLY: MANUFACTURED/MOBILE HOME PARKS AND R…
  22. Appendix E — SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
  23. Appendix F — GEOTHERMAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
  24. Appendix G — SIZING OF VENTING SYSTEMS AND OUTDOOR COMBUSTION …
  25. Appendix H — EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF OUTDOOR AIR RATE

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