Meeting the 50 CFM Requirement: A Guide to Illinois Nail Salon Ventilation Codes

If you are building out a new nail salon in Chicago, Naperville, Arlington Heights, or Hoffman Estates, you are likely dealing with IMC Section 502.20. This code is strictly enforced because it protects the health of your staff and clients from chemical fumes.

The 50 CFM Rule Explained The law requires that every manicure station has a "source capture" system capable of exhausting at least 50 CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute) of air. Simply having a fan in the ceiling isn't enough; you need documented proof that each individual station is pulling the required airflow.

Why "Self-Certification" Doesn't Work Most village health departments and building inspectors require an independent TAB report. They want to see a stamp from a third-party firm like Northwest Energy LLC that has no stake in the construction. We use calibrated anemometers to measure the exact pull at every table, ensuring your salon is 100% compliant with the 2021 IECC and Chicago Building Code.

Our Salon Certification Process:

1. Initial Flow Test: We measure every station's exhaust.

2. System Balancing: We adjust the main exhaust fan to ensure even pull across the room.

3. Certified Documentation: We provide the stamped report you need for your business license and final occupancy.