Building Code Glossary
Appliance, Vented: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define appliance, vented, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
Direct answer
Appliance, vented is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outside atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system.” The IMC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Definitions (IMC 2009), Definitions (IRC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Appliance, Vented — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outside atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Appliance, Vented, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outside atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outdoor atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system. |
Where appliance, vented is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 17 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about appliance, vented, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
See Section G2403 for the definitions of these vented appliance categories.
A self-contained, automatically controlled, vented appliance having integral means for circulation of air against 0.2 inch w.c.
The terms appliance, vented is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what appliance, vented covers:
- Vent System — IRC 2009: Piping installed to equalize pneumatic pressure in a drainage system to prevent trap seal loss or blow-back due to siphonage or back pressure.
- Combustion — IRC 2009: In the context of this code, refers to the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat or heat and light.
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
- Approved — IBC 2009: Acceptable to the code official or authority having jurisdiction.
- Chimney — IBC 2009: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.
Appliance, Vented: what to open, and in what order
Every row is a document this term depends on. The ICC code library and the ICC adoption maps cover the middle rows.
| Check | Where | Confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Vent System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Combustion | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| 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
- Vent System: Building Code Definition
- Combustion: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Approved: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
Frequently asked questions
What is the code definition of appliance, vented?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outside atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system.” 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 appliance, vented?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Fuel Gas in the IRC 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 is the definition of a fuel-fired appliance?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “An appliance designed and installed in such a manner that all ofthe products of combustion are conveyed directly from the appliance to the outside atmosphere through an approved chimney or vent system.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009. 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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- Appliance, Existing: Building Code Definition
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- Appliance: Building Code Definition
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- Approved Agency: Building Code Definition
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- Approved Source: Building Code Definition
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