Building Code Glossary
Control, Limit: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define control, limit, 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
Control, limit is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.” 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 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?
Control, Limit — IRC 2009, Definitions:
An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Control, Limit is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.
Where control, limit is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 16 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about control, limit, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Atmospheric tanks having a capacity greater than 500 gallons (1893 L) and which contain hazardous material liquids shall be equipped with a liquid-level limit control or other approved means to prevent overfilling of the tank.
The terms control, limit is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what control, limit covers:
- Automatic — IBC 2009: As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products.
- 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.
- Control — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
Control, Limit: 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 | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Automatic | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Control | |
| 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
- Automatic: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Control: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: 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 control, limit?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.” 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 control, limit?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Hazardous Materials-general Provisions 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.
What is the definition of a control area?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Control Area, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Spaces within a building where quantities of hazardous materials not exceeding the maximum allowable quantities per control area are stored, dispensed, used or handled. See also the definition of "Outdoor control area" in the International …” 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 control, limit, which the IRC 2009 defines as “An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is the definition of control limits?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting the operation of an appliance.” 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.
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