Building Code Glossary
Chimney Connector: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define chimney connector, 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
Chimney connector is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.” The IMC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Masonry (IBC 2009), Chimneys and Vents (IMC 2009), Chimneys and Vents (IRC 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?
Chimney Connector — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Chimney Connector, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Definitions | A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney. |
Where chimney connector is used in the code
The term appears in 7 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about chimney connector, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The lining shall start 2 feet (610 mm) or more below the lowest chimney connector entrance.
A chimney connector or vent connector shall not pass through any floor or ceiling.
The clearance reduction methods specified in Table 308.6 shall not be utilized to reduce the clearances required for chimney connector pass-throughs as specified in Section 803.10.4.
The terms chimney connector 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 chimney connector 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.
- Chimney — IBC 2009: A primarily vertical enclosure containing one or more passageways for conveying flue gases to the outside atmosphere.
Chimney Connector: 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 | Masonry (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Chimneys and Vents (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Services and Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Chimney | |
| 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?
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 chimney connector?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A pipe that connects a fuel-burning appliance to a chimney.” 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 chimney connector?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Masonry 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.
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