Building Code Glossary
Bulk Oxygen System: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define bulk oxygen system, 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
Bulk oxygen system is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids. The code's own words are: “An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) of oxygen at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) including unconnected reserves on hand at the site. The bulk oxygen system terminates at the point …” 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 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 2009), Special Piping and Storage Systems (IPC 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?
Bulk Oxygen System — IFC 2009, Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids:
An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) of oxygen at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) including unconnected reserves on hand at the site. The bulk oxygen system terminates at the point where oxygen at service pressure first enters the supply line. The oxygen containers can be stationary or movable, and the oxygen can be stored as a gas or liquid.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Bulk Oxygen System is defined once in this corpus, in the Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) of oxygen at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) including unconnected reserves on hand at the site. The bulk oxygen system terminates at the point where oxygen at service pressure first enters the supply line. The oxygen containers can be stationary or movable, and the oxygen can be stored as a gas or liquid.
Where bulk oxygen system 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Special Piping and Storage Systems | IPC 2009 | 1 |
Bulk Oxygen System compared with Bulk Hydrogen Compressed Gas System
These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 49 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.
| Wording unique to it | |
|---|---|
| Bulk Oxygen System (IFC 2009) | oxygen, safety, interconnecting, 20, 000, cubic, feet, 566, normal, temperature, ntp, hand |
| Bulk Hydrogen Compressed Gas System (IFC 2009) | consisting, but, limited, relief, 400, ft3, sct, 11, compressed, hydrogen, integral, either |
Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between bulk oxygen system and bulk hydrogen compressed gas system.
The terms bulk oxygen system 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 bulk oxygen system covers:
- 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.
- Service — IRC 2009: The conductors and equipment for delivering energy from the serving utility to the wiring system of the premises served.
- 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).
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
Bulk Oxygen System: 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 IFC | Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Piping and Storage Systems (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Service | |
| 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
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Service: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
- Piping: 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 bulk oxygen system?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids as: “An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) of oxygen at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) including unconnected reserves on hand at the site. The bulk oxygen system terminates at the point where oxygen at service pressure first enters the supply line. The oxygen containers can be stationary or movable, and the oxygen can be stored as a gas or 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 bulk oxygen system?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids 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.
Related pages
- Built-up Roof Covering: Building Code Definition
Built-up Roof Covering — IBC 2009 definition: Two or more layers of felt cemented together and surfaced with a cap sheet, mineral aggregate …
- Bulk Hydrogen Compressed Gas System: Building Code Definition
Bulk Hydrogen Compressed Gas System — IFC 2009 definition: An assembly of equipment, consisting of, but not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure re…
- Bulk Liquefied Hydrogen Gas System: Building Code Definition
Bulk Liquefied Hydrogen Gas System — IFC 2009 definition: An assembly of equipment, consisting of, but not limited to, storage containers, pressure regulators, pressure rel…
- Bulk Plant or Terminal: Building Code Definition
Bulk Plant or Terminal — IFC 2009 definition: That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines …
- Bulk Transfer: Building Code Definition
Bulk Transfer — IFC 2009 definition: The loading or unloading of flammable or combustible liquids from or between tank vehicles, tank cars …
- Bullet Resistant: Building Code Definition
Bullet Resistant — IFC 2009 definition: Constructed so as to resist penetration of a bullet of 150-grain M2 ball ammunition having a …