It's been said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. Whatever. There is something to be said, however, about doing things right. The many quotes around "do a job, big or small" come to mind and truly resonate with the team here at InOvate Technologies.
In the spirit of providing you full details on how the Dryerbox® truly helps "Finish the Laundry Right," here are just a few of its design advantages.
Safety Advantages
1. Versus Plastic Imitator (Disallowed by Code)
The International Code Council has taken steps with the 2007 Mechanical Code Supplement to protect the wall cavity behind a known ignition source: the dryer. With the update to section 504.2, it is no longer acceptable to install plastic dryer exhaust duct receptacles. Specifically, the adjustment states that noncombustible material or a noncombustible dryer exhaust duct receptacle is required.
The Dryerbox Has You CoveredAs you know, the Dryerbox is (and always has been) constructed of 22 gauge aluminized steel which exceeds the requirements mandated under the supplement. In fact, it is the only nationally distributed in-wall receptacle that meets the new code requirements. Learn more about the Danger of Plastic HERE.
Where a clothes dryer exhaust duct penetrates a wall or ceiling membrane, the annular space shall be sealed with noncombustible material, approved fire caulking, or a noncombustible dryer exhaust duct wall receptacle. Ducts that exhaust clothes dryers shall not penetrate or be located within any fireblocking, draftstopping of any wall, floor / ceiling or other assembly required by the International Building Code to be fire-resistance rated, unless such duct is constructed of galvanized steel or aluminum of the thickness specified in Section 603.4 and the fire-resistance rating is maintained in accordance with the International Building Code. Fire dampers, combination fire / smoke dampers and any similar devices that will obstruct the exhaust flow, shall be prohibited in clothes dryer exhaust ducts.
2. Versus Plastic and Metal Imitators
The Dryerbox is the only receptacle that allows for installation down to the floor so the flex hose can sweep cleanly into the wall without any crush point.
Dryerbox Advantage
Design allows for installation down to the floor so the flex hose can sweep cleanly into the Dryerbox.
Extension rim provides a reveal to make an exact baseboard finish easy.
Always install the Dryerbox for a cleaner, more professional finish.
Imitator Design Problems
Trim ring forces contractors to install several inches above the floor (as is also indicated in instructions). Above the baseboard, overhang of flex hose creates a crush-point and the dryer has to be placed further from the wall.
The trim ring also competes with the finished floor and makes baseboard installation a guessing game.
New Model 480 Shown Painted
There's a bit of engineering magic to the Dryerbox that makes for a cleaner, more professional looking finish. A couple of the patented secrets to this magic can be seen in the angled base of the Dryerbox—which starts from the floor plate—and the drywall extension rim. Recently, a company tried to duplicate this Dryerbox magic, but they cannot include these important features because of patent protection.
The Danger of Plastic
There's a reason building code prohibits the imitator's plastic version. Click HERE to learn more about how dangerous it actually is.
More Detail on Preventing Fires
Plastic is specifically prohibited for dryer receptacles by the International Code Council to protect the wall cavity behind a known fire source. In the event of a dryer fire (of which, there are more than 14,000 a year in the US alone), plastic receptacles are proven to accelerate fire spread into the wall. The Dryerbox, which has been tested by UL and can be installed as part of a 1-Hour rated firestop system, protects the cell of the wall.
The photos below are from laboratory tests and show just how quickly plastic receptacles exacerbate a fire compared to how the 22 gauge aluminized steel construction stops flame spread.
Plastic Version 1
Time Elapsed for Fire to Penetrate Wall Cavity
43 Seconds
Plastic Version 2
Time Elapsed for Fire to Penetrate Wall Cavity
1 Minute 20 Seconds
The Dryerbox
Time Elapsed for Fire to Penetrate Wall Cavity
NO Penetration
