Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Concealed: Building Code Definition

How the IRC 2009 define concealed, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

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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

Concealed is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].” 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 47 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Exhaust Systems (IMC 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?

Concealed — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:

Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].

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

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Concealed is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].

Where concealed is used in the code

The term appears in 47 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Fire and Smoke Protection Features	IBC 2009	73
Fuel Gas	IRC 2009	31
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	10
Building Planning	IRC 2009	10
Wall Covering	IRC 2009	10
Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings	IPC 2009	9
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	8
Water Supply and Distribution	IRC 2009	8
Scope and Administration	IBC 2009	7
Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	IFC 2009	7
Sanitary Drainage	IRC 2009	7
Types of Construction	IBC 2009	6

35 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

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

Such fire barriers shall be continuous through concealed spaces, such as the space above a suspended ceiling.

— IBC 2009 §707.5

Concealed piping shall not be located in solid partitions and solid walls, unless installed in a chase or casing.

— IRC 2009 §G2415.2

Transition ducts shall be a maximum of 8 feet (2438 mm) in length and shall not be concealed within construction.

— IMC 2009 §504.6.3

The terms concealed 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 concealed covers:

Accessible — IBC 2009: A site, building, facilityor portion thereof that complies with this chapter.
Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.

Concealed: 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	Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fuel Gas (IRC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Building Planning (IRC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Accessible
Confirm the dependent definition	Structure
Confirm the dependent definition	Building
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 concealed?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].” 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 concealed?

In this corpus the term is used across 47 chapters, led by Fire and Smoke Protection Features 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.

What is considered a concealed space?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].” 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.

What are the current building codes in Indiana?

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 concealed, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Rendered inaccessible by the structure or finish of the building. Wires in concealed raceways are considered to be concealed, even though they become accessible upon withdrawing them [see “Accessible (As applied to wiring methods)”].” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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