Building Code Glossary
Appliance: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define appliance, 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 is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “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.” 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 85 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), General Regulations (IMC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Appliance — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Appliance, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Electrical Definitions | 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. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A device or apparatus that is manufactured and designed to utilize energy and for which this code provides specific requirements. |
Where appliance is used in the code
The term appears in 85 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 | 985 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 165 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 142 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 134 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 129 |
| General Mechanical System Requirements | IRC 2009 | 119 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IMC 2009 | 117 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 111 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 101 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 94 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 94 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 67 |
73 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about appliance, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where means for isolation of vibration of an appliance is installed, an approved means for support and restraint of that appliance shall be provided.
The approval and installation of fuel gas distribution piping and equipment, fuel gas-fired appliances and fuel gas-fired appliance venting systems shall be in accordance with the International Fuel Gas Code.
It shall be unlawful for any person to remove, tamper with or otherwise disturb any fire hydrant, fire detection and alarm system, fire suppression system, or other fire appliance required by this code except for the purpose of extinguishing fire, training purposes, recharging or making necessary repairs, or when approved by the fire code official.
The terms appliance is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what appliance covers:
- Utilization Equipment — IRC 2009: Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, heating' lighting or similar purposes.
- Air Conditioning — IMC 2009: The treatment of air so as to control simultaneously the temperature, humidity, cleanness and distribution of the air to meet the requirements of a conditioned space.
- Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Appliance: 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 | Electrical Definitions | |
| 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 | General Regulations (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Utilization Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Air Conditioning | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| 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
- Utilization Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Air Conditioning: Building Code Definition
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Device: 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?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “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.” 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?
In this corpus the term is used across 85 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 an appliance?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “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.” 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.
What does IRC mean in building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as appliance, which the IRC 2009 defines as “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.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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