Building Code Glossary
Conduit Body: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define conduit body, 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
Conduit body is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are …” 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 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Electrical Definitions (IRC 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?
Conduit Body — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Conduit Body is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.
Where conduit body is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 41 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about conduit body, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
A box or conduit body shall be installed at each conductor splice point, outlet, switch point, junction point and pull point except as otherwise permitted in Sections E3905.1.1 through E3905.1.6.
The terms conduit body 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 conduit body covers:
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
- Cover — IBC 2009: Distance between surface of reinforcing bar and edge of member.
Conduit Body: 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 | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Cover | |
| 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 conduit body?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are not classified as conduit bodies.” 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 conduit body?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution in the IRC 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 a conduit body?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A separate portion of a conduit or tubing system that provides access through a removable cover(s) to the interior of the system at a junction of two or more sections of the system or at a terminal point of the system. Boxes such as FS and FD or larger cast or sheet metal boxes are …” 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.
Related pages
- Conditioned Floor Area: Building Code Definition
Conditioned Floor Area — IRC 2009 definition: The horizontal projection of the floors associated with the conditioned space.
- Conditioned Space: Building Code Definition
Conditioned Space — IRC 2009 definition: For energy purposes, space within a building that is provided with heating and/or cooling equipmentor systems …
- Conductor: Building Code Definition
Conductor — IPC 2009 definition: A pipe inside the building that conveys storm water from the roof to a storm or …
- Congregate Living Facilities: Building Code Definition
Congregate Living Facilities — IBC 2009 definition: A building or part thereof that contains sleeping units where residents share bathroom and/or kitchen facilities.
- Connector: Building Code Definition
Connector — IBC 2009 definition: A mechanical device for securing two or more pieces, parts or members together, including anchors, wall …
- Constantly Attended Location: Building Code Definition
Constantly Attended Location — IBC 2009 definition: A designated location at a facility staffed by trained personnel on a continuous basis where alarm …