Building Code Glossary
Clothes Dryer: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define clothes dryer, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Direct answer
Clothes dryer is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air.” The IMC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heat. Dryer classifications are as follows:” The IMC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IRC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.
Content and cited inputs reviewed by Scott Barrington, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Clothes Dryer — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Clothes Dryer, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heat. Dryer classifications are as follows: |
Where clothes dryer is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 42 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 31 |
| Exhaust Systems | IRC 2009 | 18 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 6 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Ventilation | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about clothes dryer, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where a clothes dryer exhaust duct penetrates a wall or ceiling membrane, the annular space shall be sealed with noncombustible material, approved fire caulking or a noncombustible dryer exhaust duct wall receptacle.
Fire dampers shall not be installed in clothes dryer exhaust duct systems.
In the absence of fitting equivalent length calculations from the clothes dryer manufacturer, Table M1502.4.4.1 shall be used.
The terms clothes dryer is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what clothes dryer covers:
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
Clothes Dryer: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list |
A research aid, not a code determination. The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Code: Building Code Definition
- Fuel Gas: Building Code Definition
Sources and method
Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The ICC code library publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of clothes dryer?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.
Which parts of the code depend on clothes dryer?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Exhaust Systems in the IMC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.
What is the code for venting a dryer?
Venting is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “Removal of combustion products to the outdoors.” That is not the same as clothes dryer, which the IRC 2009 defines as “An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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