Building Code Glossary
Draft Hood: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define draft hood, 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
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, 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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Draft Hood is defined once in this corpus, in the Fuel Gas 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 | IRC 2009 | 189 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Duct Systems | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment | IMC 2009 | 4 |
| Boilers and Water Heaters | 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.
In no case shall the clearances interfere with combustion air, draft hood or flue terminal relief, or accessibility for servicing.
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 — IRC 2009: That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.
- Flue Gases — IRC 2009: Products of combustion plus excess air in appliance flues or heat exchangers.
- 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.
- Connector — IBC 2009: A mechanical device for securing two or more pieces, parts or members together, including anchors, wall ties and fasteners.
- Chimney — 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 and the ICC 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
- Vent Connector: Building Code Definition
- Flue Gases: Building Code Definition
- Connector: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: 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 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.
Related pages
- Door, Balanced: Building Code Definition
Door, Balanced — IBC 2009 definition: A door equipped with double-pivoted hardware so designed as to cause a semicounter balanced swing action …
- Dormitory: Building Code Definition
Dormitory — IBC 2009 definition: A space in a building where group sleeping accommodations are provided in one room, or in …
- Draft Curtain: Building Code Definition
Draft Curtain — IFC 2009 definition: A structure arranged to limit the spread of smoke and heat along the underside of the …
- Draft Regulator: Building Code Definition
Draft Regulator — IRC 2009 definition: A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the …
- Draft: Building Code Definition
Draft — IRC 2009 definition: The pressure difference existing between the appliance or any component part and the atmosphere, that causes …
- Draftstop: Building Code Definition
Draftstop — IBC 2009 definition: A material, device or construction installed to restrict the movement of air within open spaces of …