Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Vent Connector: Building Code Definition

How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define vent connector, 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.

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Direct answer

Vent connector is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.” The IMC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “The pipe that connects an approved fuel-fired appliance to a vent.” 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 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009), Definitions (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?

Vent Connector — IRC 2009, Definitions:

That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Vent Connector: Building Code Definition — How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define vent connector, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Vent Connector, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IRC 2009	Definitions	That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.
IMC 2009	Definitions	The pipe that connects an approved fuel-fired appliance to a vent.

Where vent connector is used in the code

The term appears in 7 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	185
Chimneys and Vents	IRC 2009	8
Definitions	IRC 2009	6
Chimneys and Vents	IMC 2009	5
Definitions	IMC 2009	5
Building Services and Systems	IFC 2009	2
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	1

The term in use

How the code actually writes about vent connector, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

Vent connector size, material, construction and installation shall be in accordance with Section G2427.

— IRC 2009 §G2426.2

A chimney connector or vent connector shall not pass through any floor or ceiling.

— IRC 2009 §M1803.3.1

All branch connections to the vent connector shall be made in accordance with the vent manufacturer's instructions.

— IMC 2009 §803.4

The terms vent connector 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 vent connector covers:

Venting System — IRC 2009: A continuous open passageway from the flue collar or draft hood of an appliance to the outside atmosphere for the purpose of removing flue or vent gases.
Flue Collar — IRC 2009: The portion of a fuel-burning appliance designed for the attachment of a draft hood, vent connector or venting system.
Draft Hood — 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 …
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.
Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.

Vent Connector: 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	Definitions
Read the definition in the adopted IMC	Definitions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fuel Gas (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Chimneys and Vents (IMC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Venting System
Confirm the dependent definition	Flue Collar
Confirm the dependent definition	Draft Hood
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.

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 vent connector?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.” 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 vent connector?

In this corpus the term is used across 7 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 the definition of a vent connector?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 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.

What is the minimum slope for a vent connector toward the vent or chimney?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “That portion of a venting system which connects the flue collar or draft hood ofan appliance to a vent.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009. It is not the same as Chimney, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.” 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.

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