/ Field knowledge · IMC 502.11
A projector collar capped in the return is not 502.11.
A projector room is not a restroom with a ceiling grille. IMC 502.11: if the projector has an exhaust collar, hard-connect it and size it to the manufacturer. Without a collar: electric-arc lamps ≥ 200 cubic feet per minute (cfm) per lamp; xenon ≥ 300 cfm per lamp, and the housing ≤ 130°F. Do not tie projection exhaust into other exhaust or return. A capped collar in the ceiling plenum is the miss 502.11 is written to catch.
Educational 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) 502.11 from Daily Code Talk (same post as 502.12–502.20). Confirm the adopted edition. Distinct from 502.20 nail stations and 502.12 coating. This is not a projector-room design.
- Has a factory exhaust collar: hard-connect it. Size per the manufacturer — not a guess from a toilet-fan table.
- No collar: electric-arc ≥ 200 cfm per lamp. Xenon ≥ 300 cfm per lamp, housing ≤ 130°F.
- Dedicated path to outdoors. Do not manifold into house exhaust or return.
On the set: note the lamp type and count, the collar (or the 200/300 cfm basis), and that the duct is dedicated. The exhaust schedule should list exhaust type, design basis, and the IMC section — in plain language, not a code dump.
A xenon projector with a capped collar in the return plenum
Heat and ozone stay in the booth. 130°F on the housing is the inspection item. Count lamps. Per lamp, not per room.
Source: Daily Code Talk — IMC 502.11–502.20 · tool: Collar / cfm-per-lamp screen · coating: 502.12 · salon: 502.20.
What to send
Lamp type and count, whether the projector has a factory exhaust collar, and whether that duct goes outdoors or into the return.
If the projector collar is capped in the ceiling
Send the cut sheet and the ceiling plan. Masterbuild will say whether 502.11 still has no hard-connected collar — or 502.11 still dumps into the return.
Send Project Background+1 (786) 398-6940 · osmany.portal@masterbuildconsulting.com
Masterbuild provides engineering services under a written scope. Nothing on this page is project-specific engineering advice, a code interpretation for your project, or a representation about permit approval. Confirm the adopted edition. 200 cfm per electric-arc lamp, 300 cfm per xenon lamp, 130°F housing, and a dedicated outdoor path are 2024 IMC 502.11 education from Daily Code Talk — not a projector-room design. This page is not legal advice.