Building Code Glossary
Compressed Gas System: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define compressed gas 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
Compressed gas system is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Compressed Gases. The code's own words are: “An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases. It can consist ofa compressedgas container or containers, reactors and appurtenances, including pumps, compressors and connecting piping and tubing.” 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 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Compressed Gases (IFC 2009), Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (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?
Compressed Gas System — IFC 2009, Compressed Gases:
An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases. It can consist ofa compressedgas container or containers, reactors and appurtenances, including pumps, compressors and connecting piping and tubing.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Compressed Gas System is defined once in this corpus, in the Compressed Gases chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases. It can consist ofa compressedgas container or containers, reactors and appurtenances, including pumps, compressors and connecting piping and tubing.
Where compressed gas system 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Pyrophoric Materials | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about compressed gas system, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Compressed gas system controls shall be designed to prevent materials from entering or leaving process or reaction systems at other than the intended time, rate or path.
When the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.8, a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system.
The terms compressed gas system is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what compressed gas 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.
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
Compressed Gas 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 | Compressed Gases | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Compressed Gases (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping | |
| 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
- Container: 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 compressed gas system?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Compressed Gases as: “An assembly of equipment designed to contain, distribute or transport compressed gases. It can consist ofa compressedgas container or containers, reactors and appurtenances, including pumps, compressors and connecting piping and tubing.” 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 compressed gas system?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Compressed Gases 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.
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