Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Collector: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009 define collector, 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.

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Direct answer

Collector is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009), Solar Systems (IRC 2009), Solar Systems (IMC 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?

Collector — IBC 2009, Wood:

A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Collector: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009 define collector, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Collector is defined once in this corpus, in the Wood chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.

Where collector is used in the code

The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	28
Solar Systems	IRC 2009	24
Solar Systems	IMC 2009	21
Explosives and Fireworks	IFC 2009	12
Structural Tests and Special Inspections	IBC 2009	8
Plastic	IBC 2009	4
Flammable Finishes	IFC 2009	3
Wood	IBC 2009	2
Definitions	IBC 2009	1

The term in use

How the code actually writes about collector, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

A delivery pipe from a cyclone collector shall not convey refuse directly into the firebox of a boiler, furnace, dutch oven, refuse burner, incinerator or other appliance.

— IMC 2009 §511.1.2

Collectors shall be listed and labeled to show the manufacturer's name, model number, serial number, collector weight, collector maximum allowable temperatures and pressures, and the type of heat transfer fluids that are compatible with the collector.

— IRC 2009 §M2301.3.1

When mounted on or above the roof covering, the collector array and supporting construction shall be constructed of noncombustible materials or fire-retardant-treated wood conforming to the International Building Code to the extent required for the type of roof construction of the building to which the collectors are accessory.

— IMC 2009 §1402.4.1

The terms collector 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 collector covers:

Diaphragm — IBC 2009: A horizontal or sloped system acting to transmit lateral forces to the vertical-resisting elements.
System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.

Collector: 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	Wood
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Solar Systems (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Solar Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Diaphragm
Confirm the dependent definition	System
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.

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 collector?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.” 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 collector?

In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Exhaust Systems 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 most common building code violation?

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 collector, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

What is a garbage collector?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “A horizontal diaphragm element parallel and in line with the applied force that collects and transfers diaphragm shear forces to the vertical elements of the lateral-force-resisting system and/or distributes forces within the diaphragm.” It is defined in IBC 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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