Whirlpool W10100920D Specification Guide

INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS

WARNING: 

To reduce the risk of fire, this dryer MUST BE 

EXHAUSTED OUTDOORS.
NOTE: This guide is intended to aid licensed HVAC or 
Architectural Engineers who design single and multi-dryer unit 
venting systems for Whirlpool Corporation dryers sold in the 
United States. Whirlpool Corporation provides required airflow 
and back pressure specifications, measured at the connection 
between the vent system and the dryer’s vent pipe, for use in the 
design of dryer vent systems. Whirlpool does not design multi-
dryer vent systems, nor does Whirlpool review or provide 
approvals for vent systems designed by third-party engineering 
firms.

The four basic reasons for exhausting a dryer outdoors are 
detailed in this section:
1. To meet codes requirements.
2. To remove moisture from laundry area.
3. To avoid lint accumulation in laundry area.
4. To remove excess heat from laundry area.

The following codes should be reviewed to ensure dryer vent 
systems are in compliance:
1. International Mechanical Code: 2009 version, sections 504 

and 913.

2. National Fuel Gas Code.
3. UL 2158 Electric Clothes Dryer Standard references venting 

requirements.

4. ANSI Z21.5.1 - Gas Clothes Dryers.
5. Other sections of these codes may also apply to multi-dryer 

vent systems.

There are other codes requiring dryers to be exhausted when 
installed in confined spaces where specified clearances from 
combustible surfaces cannot be met. See the Installation 
Instructions for the specific dryer model being used or considered 
for spacing requirements.

Local codes and ordinances that exist must also be met. Consult 
your local building inspector for more information.

A normal towel load contains some residual water when it is 
removed from the washer. The dryer must remove this water and 
discharge it from the drum. When the dryer is not exhausted 
outside, this moist air will be recirculated through the dryer, 
reducing its efficiency.
Exhausting moisture into the room can also cause damage to 
walls, floors, picture hangers, and cause condensation on 
windows and walls in cold weather.

Even though the dryer is equipped with a lint screen, fine particles 
of lint will pass through the screen and be exhausted out of the 
dryer. Proper venting of the dryer will keep lint from accumulating 
in the laundry area.

In order to remove moisture from the garments in the dryer, heat is 
generated to vaporize the water. Exhausting the dryer outdoors 
removes excess heat from the laundry area of the building.

The following guidelines should be considered in the design of 
any central exhaust system:

■

Exhaust individual dryers to the central exhaust duct system 
with proper size vents to assure adequate performance of 
each dryer. The dryer has 4" (102 mm) exhaust duct 
connections. Connect each dryer to the central vent with a 4" 
(102 mm) diameter aluminum vent.

■

Install weighted dampers on each individual dryer exhaust 
duct. These dampers may be used for balancing out the 
overall duct system.

■

Design the central duct system for sufficient capacity to 
handle the maximum number of dryers operated at one time.

■

Consider moisture, lint and air temperature in the design of the 
central duct system. Maximum exhaust temperature of the 
dryer will not exceed 200°F (93.3°C) when the dryer is 
operated according to the instructions provided with the dryer.

■

Provide for periodic inspection and clean-out of lint 
accumulated in the central duct system. 

Venting systems for Whirlpool dryers must meet the following 
requirements:

■

The capacity to handle up to 230 CFM (cubic feet per minute) 
of air flow for each dryer in the system.

■

A minimum back pressure of -0.1" (-2.5 mm) water column 
(vacuum) when measured at the connection to the dryer.