# WAC 51-52-0202: WAC 51-52-0202. Section 202 — General definitions > Washington · Regulations · In force URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_0202 ## Section - **Citation:** WAC 51-52-0202 - **Heading:** WAC 51-52-0202. Section 202 — General definitions - **Jurisdiction:** Washington - **Kind:** Regulations - **Status:** In force - **Text as of:** August 14, 2026 - **Source:** Compiled text - **Location:** Washington Administrative Code / Title 51 / Chapter 51-52 / Section 51-52-0202 ## Text BALANCED WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION . Any combination of concurrently operating residential dwelling or sleeping unit mechanical exhaust and mechanical supply whereby the total mechanical exhaust airflow rate is within 10 percent or 5 cfm, whichever is greater, of the total mechanical supply airflow rate. NOT BALANCED WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION . A whole house ventilation system serving a dwelling or sleeping unit that is not considered balanced in accordance with the definition in this code for balanced whole house ventilation system . Only other than Group R-2 dwelling and sleeping units are allowed in accordance with Section 403.4.4.1 to have not balanced whole house ventilation systems . DISTRIBUTED WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION . A whole house ventilation system shall be considered distributed when it supplies outdoor air directly (not transfer air) to each dwelling or sleeping unit habitable space, (living room, den, office, interior adjacent room , interior adjoining spaces or bedroom), and exhausts air from all kitchens and bathrooms directly outside. NOT DISTRIBUTED WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION . A whole house ventilation system shall be considered not distributed when either the supply system or the exhaust system is not distributed. Supply systems are not distributed when a habitable space is supplied with outdoor air to ventilate an interior adjacent room or an interior adjoining space . Exhaust systems are not distributed when all bathrooms and kitchens are not exhausted by the whole house ventilation system. If either the supply system or the exhaust system is not distributed, then the ventilation quality adjustment system coefficient adjustment is required in accordance with Section C403.4.3. ENCLOSED KITCHEN . A kitchen whose permanent openings to interior adjacent spaces do not exceed a total of 60 square feet (6 m 2 ). INTERIOR ADJACENT ROOM re not exhausted by the whole house ventilation system. If either the supply system or the exhaust system is not distributed, then the ventilation quality adjustment system coefficient adjustment is required in accordance with Section C403.4.3. ENCLOSED KITCHEN . A kitchen whose permanent openings to interior adjacent spaces do not exceed a total of 60 square feet (6 m 2 ). INTERIOR ADJACENT ROOM . An enclosed room without exterior windows or openings to the outdoors located within a dwelling or sleeping unit that does not have interior unobstructed openings required for an interior adjoining space . INTERIOR ADJOINING SPACE . A room or space without openings to the outdoors that is naturally ventilated from another habitable space by unobstructed fixed openings size in accordance with Section 402.3. LOCAL EXHAUST . An exhaust system that uses one or more fans to exhaust air from a specific room or rooms within a residential dwelling or sleeping unit. PERMANENT CONSTRUCTION . Construction that, if removed, would disturb the structural integrity of the building or the fire-resistance rating of a building assembly. RELIEF AIR . Exhausted return air from a system that provides ventilation for human usage. REPLACEMENT AIR . Outdoor air that is used to replace air removed from a building through an exhaust system. Replacement air may be derived from one or more of the following: Makeup air, supply air, transfer air, and infiltration. However, the ultimate source of all replacement air is outdoor air. When replacement air exceeds exhaust, the result is exfiltration. WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION SYSTEM . A mechanical ventilation system, including fans, controls, and ducts, which replaces, by direct means, air from the habitable rooms with outdoor air . VENTILATION ZONE llowing: Makeup air, supply air, transfer air, and infiltration. However, the ultimate source of all replacement air is outdoor air. When replacement air exceeds exhaust, the result is exfiltration. WHOLE HOUSE VENTILATION SYSTEM . A mechanical ventilation system, including fans, controls, and ducts, which replaces, by direct means, air from the habitable rooms with outdoor air . VENTILATION ZONE . Any indoor area that requires ventilation and comprises one or more spaces with the same occupancy category (see Table 403.3.1.1), occupant density, zone air distribution effectiveness (see Section 403.3.1.1.1.2), and design zone primary airflow per unit area. ## Nearby sections - [WAC 51-52-001 WAC 51-52-001. Authority](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_001.md) - [WAC 51-52-002 WAC 51-52-002. Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_002.md) - [WAC 51-52-003 WAC 51-52-003. International Mechanical Code](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_003.md) - [WAC 51-52-004 WAC 51-52-004. Conflict between International Mechanical Code and State Energy Code chapter 51-11C WAC](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_004.md) - [WAC 51-52-007 WAC 51-52-007. Exceptions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_007.md) - [WAC 51-52-008 WAC 51-52-008. 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Section 403 — Mechanical ventilation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_0403.md) - [WAC 51-52-0404 WAC 51-52-0404. Section 404—Enclosed parking garages and automobile repair facilities](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_0404.md) --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_ADC_51_52_0202. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.