Building Code Glossary
Boiling Point: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define boiling point, 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
Boiling point is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes …” The IFC 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 10 chapters of this corpus, most often in Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (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?
Boiling Point — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Boiling Point, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid. |
| IFC 2009 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psia) (101 kPa) or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid. |
Where boiling point is used in the code
The term appears in 10 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 11 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about boiling point, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).
— IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification
Liquids having a flash point below 73°F (23°C) and having a boiling point below 100°F (38°C).
— IFC 2009, Flammable and Combustible Liquids
The terms boiling point 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 boiling point covers:
- Atmospheric Pressure — IRC 2009: The pressure of the weight of air and water vapor on the surface of the earth, approximately 14.7 pounds per square inch (psia) (101 kPa absolute) at sea level.
- Vapor Pressure — IFC 2009: The pressure exerted by a volatile fluid as determined in accordance with ASTM D 323.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Boiling Point: 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 IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Atmospheric Pressure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Vapor Pressure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | |
| 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
- Atmospheric Pressure: Building Code Definition
- Vapor Pressure: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: 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 boiling point?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D 86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid.” 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 boiling point?
In this corpus the term is used across 10 chapters, led by Use and Occupancy Classification in the IBC 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 a simple definition of boiling point?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes …” It is defined in IBC 2009, 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.
Related pages
- Boarding House: Building Code Definition
Boarding House — IBC 2009 definition: A building arranged or used for lodging for compensation, with or without meals, and not occupied …
- Boiler Room: Building Code Definition
Boiler Room — IMC 2009 definition: A room primarily utilized for the installation of a boiler.
- Boiler: Building Code Definition
Boiler — IRC 2009 definition: A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to …
- Bond Beam: Building Code Definition
Bond Beam — IBC 2009 definition: A horizontal grouted element within masonry in which reinforcement is embedded.
- Bonding Jumper: Building Code Definition
Bonding Jumper — IRC 2009 definition: A reliable conductor to ensure the required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically …
- Braced Wall Line: Building Code Definition
Braced Wall Line — IBC 2009 definition: A series of braced wall panels in a single story that meets the requirements of Section …