Building Code Glossary
Boiler: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define boiler, 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
Boiler is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).” 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 30 chapters of this corpus, most often in Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels (IMC 2009), Boilers and Water Heaters (IRC 2009), Fuel Gas (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?
Boiler — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Boiler, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C). |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A closed heating appliance intended to supply hot water or steam for space heating, processing or power purposes. Low-pressure boilers operate at pressures less than or equal to 15 pounds per square inch (psi) (103 kPa) for steam and 160 psi (1103 kPa) for water. High-pressure boilers operate at pressures exceeding those pressures. |
Where boiler is used in the code
The term appears in 30 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels | IMC 2009 | 100 |
| Boilers and Water Heaters | IRC 2009 | 50 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 42 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 20 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 18 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 12 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 8 |
| Hydronic Piping | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Existing Structures | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 4 |
18 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about boiler, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
All pressure vessels shall be in accordance with the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed in accordance with the manufacturer's installation instructions.
Every hot water boiler shall have a pressure gauge and a temperature gauge, or combination pressure and temperature gauge.
Front clearance shall be sufficient for servicing the burner and the furnace or boiler.
The terms boiler is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what boiler covers:
- 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.
- Hot Water — IRC 2009: Water at a temperature greater than or equal to 110° P (43°C).
Boiler: 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 | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Boilers and Water Heaters (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Hot Water | |
| 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
- Hot Water: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: 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 boiler?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).” 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 boiler?
In this corpus the term is used across 30 chapters, led by Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels in the IMC 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 boiler?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).” 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 is a boiler in a building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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 is the IRC plumbing code?
Plumbing is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “For the purpose of this code, plumbing refers to those installations, repairs, maintenance and alterations regulated by Chapters 25 through 33.” That is not the same as boiler, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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