KitchenAid 30" Retractable Downdraft System with Interior Blower Motor Use & Care Manual

Observe all governing codes and ordinances.
Ensure that the electrical installation is adequate and in 

conformance with National Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 (latest 

edition) or CSA Standards C22.1-94, Canadian Electrical Code, 

Part 1 and C22.2 No. 0-M91 (latest edition) and all local codes 

and ordinances.
If codes permit and a separate ground wire is used, it is 

recommended that a qualified electrician determine that  

the ground path is adequate.
A copy of the above code standards can be obtained from:

National Fire Protection Association 

1 Batterymarch Park 

Quincy, MA 02169-7471

CSA International 

8501 East Pleasant Valley Road 

Cleveland, OH 44131-5575

 

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A 120-volt, 60 Hz., AC-only, 15-amp, fused electrical  

circuit is required.

 

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If the house has aluminum wiring, follow the procedure 

below:
1.  Connect a section of solid copper wire to the pigtail leads.
2.  Connect the aluminum wiring to the added section 

of copper wire using special connectors and/or tools 

designed and UL listed for joining copper to aluminum.

Follow the electrical connector manufacturer's recommended 

procedure. Aluminum/copper connection must conform with 

local codes and industry accepted wiring practices.

 

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Wire sizes and connections must conform with the rating of 

the appliance as specified on the model/serial/rating plate. 

The model/serial/rating plate is located on the front of the 

downdraft vent, above the wiring box cover.

 

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Wire sizes must conform to the requirements of the National 

Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70 (latest edition) or CSA 

Standards C22. 1-94, Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1  

and C22.2 No. 0-M91 (latest edition) and all local codes  

and ordinances.

IMPORTANT: Make sure there is proper clearance within the wall 

or floor before making exhaust vent cutouts.

 

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Use heavy (rigid) metal vent.

 

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Venting system must terminate to the outside.

 

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Do not terminate the vent system in an attic or other 

enclosed area.

 

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Do not use 4" (10.2 cm) laundry-type wall caps.

 

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Do not install 2 elbows together.

 

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Do not use plastic or metal foil vent.

 

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The length of vent system and number of elbows should  

be kept to a minimum to provide efficient performance.

 

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Use no more than three 90° elbows.

 

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Make sure there is a minimum of 24" (61 cm) of straight vent 

between the elbows if more than one elbow is used.

 

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Use clamps or duct tape to seal all joints in the vent system.

 

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Use caulking tape to seal the exterior wall or floor opening 

around cap.

 

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Do not cut joist or stud. If vent cutout falls over a joist  

or stud, a supporting frame must be constructed.

Flexible metal vent is not recommended. If it is used, calculate 

each foot of flexible vent as 2 ft (0.6 m) of rigid metal vent.
Flexible elbows count twice as much as standard elbows.
Recommended vent system length:
For either interior-mounted or exterior-mounted blower 

installations, the vent system length should not exceed the 

maximum lengths listed in the “Maximum Length of Vent 

System” chart. See “Calculating Vent System Length” in the 

“Venting Methods” section in the Installation Instructions.

An additional backdraft damper should be installed to minimize 

backward cold airflow and a thermal break should be installed 

to minimize conduction of outside temperatures as part of the 

vent system. The damper should be on the cold air side of the 

thermal break.
The break should be as close as possible to where the vent 

system enters the heated portion of the house.

Local building codes may require the use of makeup air systems 

when using ventilation systems greater than specified CFM of 

air movement. The specified CFM varies from locale to locale. 

Consult your HVAC professional for specific requirements in  

your area.