# Draft Hood: Building Code Definition > How the IRC 2009 define draft hood, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/draft-hood/ - Last updated: 2026-09-07 - Data source: 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. ## Key facts | Fact | Value | | --- | --- | | Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IRC 2009 Fuel Gas (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 6 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Draft hood is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A nonadjustable device built into an appliance, or made as part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is designed to (1) provide for ready escape of the flue gases from the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the drafthood, (2) prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance, and …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Definitions (IRC 2009), Chimneys and Vents (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.* ## What does this term mean? **Draft Hood** — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas: > A nonadjustable device built into an appliance, or made as part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is designed to (1) provide for ready escape of the flue gases from the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the drafthood, (2) prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance, and (3) neutralize the effect of stack action of the chimney or gas vent upon operation of the appliance. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Draft Hood: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/draft-hood/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IRC 2009 define draft hood, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Draft Hood** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009: > A nonadjustable device built into an appliance, or made as part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is designed to (1) provide for ready escape of the flue gases from the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the drafthood, (2) prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance, and (3) neutralize the effect of stack action of the chimney or gas vent upon operation of the appliance. ## Where draft hood is used in the code The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 189 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 7 | | [Chimneys and Vents](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/chimneys-and-vents.md) | IRC 2009 | 6 | | [Duct Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/duct-systems.md) | IRC 2009 | 5 | | [Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/specific-appliances-fireplaces-and-solid-fuel-burning-equipment.md) | IMC 2009 | 4 | | [Boilers and Water Heaters](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/boilers-and-water-heaters.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about draft hood, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > The clearance to these appliances shall not interfere with combustion air, draft hood clearance and relief, and accessibility for servicing. — [IRC 2009 §G2409.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) > In no case shall the clearances interfere with combustion air, draft hood or flue terminal relief, or accessibility for servicing. — [IRC 2009 §M2006.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/boilers-and-water-heaters.md) ## The terms draft hood is built out of The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what draft hood covers: - **[Vent Connector](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/vent-connector.md)** — IRC 2009: That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent. - **[Flue Gases](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/flue-gases.md)** — IRC 2009: Products of combustion plus excess air in appliance flues or heat exchangers. - **[Appliance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md)** — 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. - **[Connector](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/connector.md)** — IBC 2009: A mechanical device for securing two or more pieces, parts or members together, including anchors, wall ties and fasteners. - **[Chimney](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/chimney.md)** — IBC 2009: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere. ## Draft Hood: what to open, and in what order Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows. | Check | Where | Confirmed | | --- | --- | --- | | Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Fuel Gas | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Duct Systems (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Vent Connector | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Flue Gases | | | 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md) - [Vent Connector: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/vent-connector.md) - [Flue Gases: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/flue-gases.md) - [Connector: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/connector.md) - [Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md) ## 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](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. ### Source links - [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) - [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the code definition of draft hood? The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A nonadjustable device built into an appliance, or made as part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is designed to (1) provide for ready escape of the flue gases from the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the drafthood, (2) prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance, and (3) neutralize the effect of stack action of the chimney or gas vent upon operation of the appliance.” 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 draft hood? In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Fuel Gas in the IRC 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 a draft hood for? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A nonadjustable device built into an appliance, or made as part of the vent connector from an appliance, that is designed to (1) provide for ready escape of the flue gases from the appliance in the event of no draft, backdraft, or stoppage beyond the drafthood, (2) prevent a backdraft from entering the appliance, and …” It is defined in IRC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fdraft-hood%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/draft-hood/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt