Building Code Glossary
Conversion Burner: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define conversion burner, 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
Conversion burner is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A unit consisting of a burner and its controls for installation in an appliance originally utilizing another fuel.” The IMC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment (IMC 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.
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?
Conversion Burner — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A unit consisting of a burner and its controls for installation in an appliance originally utilizing another fuel.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Conversion Burner, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | A unit consisting of a burner and its controls for installation in an appliance originally utilizing another fuel. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A burner designed to supply gaseous fuel to an appliance originally designed to utilize another fuel. |
Where conversion burner is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment | IMC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about conversion burner, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where a draft hood is required with a conversion burner, it shall be of a listed or approved type.
The terms conversion burner 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 conversion burner covers:
- 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.
- Burner — IRC 2009: A device for the final conveyance of the gas, or a mixture of gas and air, to the combustion zone.
Conversion Burner: 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 | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Specific Appliances, Fireplaces and Solid Fuel-burning Equipment (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Burner | |
| 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 conversion burner?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A unit consisting of a burner and its controls for installation in an appliance originally utilizing another fuel.” 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 conversion burner?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Fuel Gas 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 an oil to gas conversion burner?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A unit consisting of a burner and its controls for installation in an appliance originally utilizing another fuel.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 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
- Control, Limit: Building Code Definition
Control, Limit — IRC 2009 definition: An automatic control responsive to changes in liquid flow or level, pressure, or temperature for limiting …
- Control: Building Code Definition
Control — IRC 2009 definition: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to …
- Conventional Light-frame Construction: Building Code Definition
Conventional Light-frame Construction — IBC 2009 definition: A type of construction whose primary structural elements are formed by a system of repetitive wood-framing …
- Cooking Unit, Counter-mounted: Building Code Definition
Cooking Unit, Counter-mounted — IRC 2009 definition: A cooking appliance designed for mounting in or on a counter and consisting of one or …
- Core: Building Code Definition
Core — IRC 2009 definition: The light-weight middle section of the structural insulated panel composed of foam plastic insulation, which provides …
- Corridor: Building Code Definition
Corridor — IBC 2009 definition: An enclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel to an …