# Accessible, Readily: Building Code Definition

> How the IRC 2009 define accessible, readily, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/accessible-readily/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IRC 2009 Electrical Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 33 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Accessible, readily is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 33 chapters of this corpus, most often in Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Accessible, Readily** — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:

> Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Accessible, Readily: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/accessible-readily/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IRC 2009 define accessible, readily, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Accessible, Readily** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

> Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.

## Where accessible, readily is used in the code

The term appears in 33 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Commercial Energy Efficiency](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/iecc-2009/commercial-energy-efficiency.md) | IECC 2009 | 10 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| [Flammable Finishes](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md) | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| [Aviation Facilities](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aviation-facilities.md) | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| [Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| [Swimming Pools](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/swimming-pools.md) | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| [Water Supply and Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/water-supply-and-distribution.md) | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| [Residential Energy Efficiency](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/iecc-2009/residential-energy-efficiency.md) | IECC 2009 | 3 |

_21 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about accessible, readily, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> All pool heaters shall be equipped with a readily accessible on-off switch to allow shutting off the heater without adjusting the thermostat setting.

— [IECC 2009 §504.7.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/iecc-2009/commercial-energy-efficiency.md)

> Spray booths shall be installed so that all parts of the booth are readily accessible for cleaning.

— [IFC 2009 §1504.3.2.5](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md)

> A portable fire extinguisher shall be readily accessible from either side of the vehicle.

— [IFC 2009 §1105.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aviation-facilities.md)


## Accessible, Readily compared with Readily Accessible

These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 81 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.

| | Wording unique to it |
| --- | --- |
| **Accessible, Readily** (IRC 2009) | inspections, etc |
| [Readily Accessible](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/readily-accessible.md) (IECC 2009) | inspection, equipment, see, accessible |

Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between accessible, readily and readily accessible.

## The terms accessible, readily is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what accessible, readily covers:

- **[Ready Access](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/ready-access.md)** — IPC 2009: That which enables a fixture, appliance or equipment to be directly reached without requiring the removal or movement of any panel, door or similar obstruction and without the use ofa portable ladder, step stool or similar device.

## Accessible, Readily: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Ready Access | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Ready Access: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/ready-access.md)
- [Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md)
- [Plenum: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/plenum.md)
- [Outlet: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outlet.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of accessible, readily?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on accessible, readily?

In this corpus the term is used across 33 chapters, led by Commercial Energy Efficiency in the IECC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What does the NEC code define as "readily accessible"?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspections, without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders, etc.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Readily Accessible, which the IECC 2009 defines separately as “Capable of being reached quickly for operation, renewal or inspection without requiring those to whom ready access is requisite to climb over or remove obstacles or to resort to portable ladders or access equipment (see …” Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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