Building Code Glossary
Cabinet: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define cabinet, 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
Cabinet is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 42 chapters of this corpus, most often in Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009), Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009), Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Cabinet — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Cabinet is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.
Where cabinet is used in the code
The term appears in 42 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 145 |
| Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | IFC 2009 | 98 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 86 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 75 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 68 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 58 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 51 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 35 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 30 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 28 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 26 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 22 |
30 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about cabinet, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The portion of the workstation that serves as a cabinet for HPM gases and HPM flammable liquids shall be noncombustible and, if of metal, shall be not less than 0.0478-inch (18 gage) (1.2 mm) steel.
Smokeless powder in quantities exceeding 20 pounds (9 kg) but not exceeding 50 pounds (23 kg) kept in a wooden box or cabinet having walls of at least 1 inch (25 mm) nominal thickness shall be allowed to be stored in occupancies limited to Group R-3.
Where a gas cabinet is used to increase the maximum allowable quantity per control area or when the location of compressedgases in gas cabinets is provided to comply with the provisions of Chapter 37, the gas cabinet shall be in accordance with Sections 2703.8.6.1 through 2703.8.6.3.
The terms cabinet is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what cabinet covers:
- Enclosure — IRC 2009: The case or housing of apparatus, or the fence or walls surrounding an installation, to prevent personnel from accidentally contacting energized parts or to protect the equipment from physical damage.
Cabinet: 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 | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Enclosure | |
| 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
- Enclosure: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: 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 cabinet?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.” 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 cabinet?
In this corpus the term is used across 42 chapters, led by Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities 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 the International Building Code (IBC)?
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 cabinet, which the IRC 2009 defines as “An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does cabinet mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “An enclosure designed either for surface or flush mounting and provided with a frame, mat or trim in which a swinging door or doors are or may be hung.” It is defined in IRC 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.
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