Can I vent my dust collector outside?

Last updated on November 16th, 2022 at 10:45 am

What is venting a dust collector?

Venting your dust collector helps create negative pressure inside of it, which pulls the dust and debris out of the machine. Negative pressure in a dust collector causes suction at the machine’s outlet. This can cause difficulties by pulling more dust than intended out of your work area. Venting dust is an important task that needs to when woodworking. It is also completed to prevent a severe accident like a dust explosion. Some types of wood may release hazardous chemicals. This is especially true for wood that has been chemically preserved. If these chemicals are not well disposed of, they can be toxic. 

This problem is common when dust is released into the air. If you have oxygen within the explosive range of the dust venting, then any tiny source of ignition can cause fatal injury. Dust venting is a well-known preventative measure that avoids combining gas and ignition. They are hard for woodworkers to remove all possible ignition sources altogether. 

The best way to be safe is to avoid flammable dust concentrations and eliminate all ignition sources. This is why you need to consider the options available to protect against the potential hazardous force of dust combustion.

Why might you want to do it?

Many professional woodworkers are required by law to do this. Many organizations have invested millions into ensuring the chance of a dust explosion is severely lowered. It is beneficial because not only does it protect lives, but it also lowers maintenance costs.

In the case of a non-professional, you might feel that the red tape doesn’t apply to you, but it shouldn’t be ignored. Finding the appropriate way to vent your dust collector could potentially spare you from an explosion. Take proper care and time to plan this out in a way that will not harm you or your environment. The harsh chemicals in the wood your process can damage the plants in the area. This danger is vital to consider if you operate in a place with many green plants.  

Conditions for a Dust Explosion 

• Oxygen is key to fanning the explosion.
• Enclosed space will make it hard for the fire to fizzle out on its own
• Even tiny sparks can function as an ignition source

A combustible dust concentration level will determine the right conditions for an explosion. Regardless of how well you prepare, it is almost impossible to predict this. Elements such as metals and solid organic materials (e.g., grain, wood, flour, etc.) are heavily soaked in chemicals when used commercially. These elements and a few other non-metallic inorganic materials are considered highly combustible. If you are using a very fine particulate, you have a high chance of combustibility. This frequency is because of the higher ratio of surface area to volume.

Venting into a closet

Venting into a closet raises the danger level, as there is more material for ignition and little chance of escape. A closet is an amateur option to vent your dust. It is not well thought out and can result in serious accidents. Small enclosed spaces are one of the leading causes of dust explosions. This is because, over time, the pressure builds up, and it is impossible to prevent any possible sparks that could ignite it entirely. If your closet is made from wood and an explosion occurs there, then there is a chance the entire room could be lost to fire. Ensuring appropriate airflow will be vital in whichever technique you choose to vent your dust collector. 

Heating and cooling costs

Venting a dust collector’s heating and cooling costs often discourage people from performing the safety measure. Many experts will argue you are better off paying to keep your dust ventilation system cool and operational than not. This benefit is because the cost of an explosion is steep. There can also be loss of life or severe injury. 

Risks when venting outside

Destroying Plants

When wood is preserved, it is soaked in potent chemicals that lock up all moisture in the wood. This chemical is used to prevent any water from coming out and prevent the wood from rotting. When you begin to operate on this wood, you will release all the highly compressed moisture that has been combined with strong chemicals. Releasing this into your backyard will no doubt negatively influence your yard. The soil in the ground will become full of harsh chemicals over time, preventing any further growth. Plants and flowers could begin to wither. In summary, you could end up killing the land. 

Poor Visual Aesthetic 

Aside from your plants dying, there is a good chance it will look unpleasant to have the venter outside. This operation will require you to have a large piece of land available. If not, it will be visible to your neighbors, and it can become an eyesore over time. 

Animals & Pets 

If you have any animals roaming the area, venting outside can cause physical health. It will fill the air with harmful dust that has a lot of chemicals in it. If you continuously expose the animals to this toxic atmosphere, they will undoubtedly be harmed. 

How to vent a dust collector outside

You can build a small shed to keep your venting system if you have the land. This will help with the above problems and also allow for proper airflow and room to expand dust collection services. Make sure that your dust collector has enough power to function well and remove all the particles from the air.

You will need to buy a dust collector and place it outside. Be prepared to bear with the noise involved. There is, fortunately, no need for you to buy a cyclone in this process. The best kind is a bag-type unit that will tolerate the hot/cold climate. As far away from the house as possible is best and out of the routes of any animals. 

Putting dust collector in closet

The easiest way to vent your dust collector is by putting it in a closet. This will help reduce noise, and you can use any excess electricity to heat or cool yourself. You do not need ventilation systems or expensive equipment for this method.