# Array: Building Code Definition > How the IFC 2009 define array, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/array/ - 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 | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IFC 2009 High-piled Combustible Storage (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 6 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Array is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in High-piled Combustible Storage. The code's own words are: “The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in High-piled Combustible Storage (IFC 2009), Aerosols (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it. *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? **Array** — IFC 2009, High-piled Combustible Storage: > The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Array: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/array/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IFC 2009 define array, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Array** is defined once in this corpus, in the [High-piled Combustible Storage](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009: > The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage. ## Where array is used in the code The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [High-piled Combustible Storage](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) | IFC 2009 | 10 | | [Aerosols](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) | IFC 2009 | 6 | | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 3 | | [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 | | [Solar Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/solar-systems.md) | IMC 2009 | 2 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about array, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > Where an automatic sprinkler system design utilizes protection based on a closed array, array clearances shall be provided and maintained as specified by the standard used. — [IFC 2009 §2307.4](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) > Level 2 and 3 aerosol containers shall not be stacked more than 6 feet (1829 mm) high from the base of the aerosol array to the top of the aerosol array unless the containers are placed on fixed shelving or otherwise secured in an approved manner. — [IFC 2009 §2806.2.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) > When mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood conforming to the International Building Code to the extent required for the type of roof construction of the building to which the collectors are accessory. — [IMC 2009 §1402.4.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/solar-systems.md) ## Array: 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 IFC | High-piled Combustible Storage | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | High-piled Combustible Storage (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aerosols (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | | | 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) - [High-piled Combustible Storage: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/high-piled-combustible-storage.md) - [Draft Curtain: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/draft-curtain.md) - [Commodity: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/commodity.md) - [Early Suppression Fast-response (ESFR) Sprinkler: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/early-suppression-fast-response-esfr-sprinkler.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 array? The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in High-piled Combustible Storage as: “The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage.” 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 array? In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by High-piled Combustible Storage in the IFC 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 array? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in High-piled Combustible Storage: “The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage.” It is defined in IFC 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Farray%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/array/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt