Building Code Glossary
Device: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define device, 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
Device is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.” 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 107 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 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?
Device — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Device is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Where device is used in the code
The term appears in 107 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 Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 211 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 190 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 151 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 146 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 127 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 122 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 93 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 93 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 87 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 79 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 77 |
| Wall Construction | IRC 2009 | 60 |
95 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about device, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Any device that has the physical appearance of life safety or fire protection equipment but that does not perform that life safety or fire protection function shall be prohibited.
The operation of any automatic fire detector, sprinkler waterflow device or manual fire alarm box shall automatically sound an alert tone followed by voice instructions giving approved information and directions for a general or staged evacuation in accordance with the building's fire safety and evacuation plans required by Section 404.
The driver, operator or attendant of a tank vehicle shall, before making delivery to a tank, determine the unfilled, available capacity of such tank by an approved gauging device.
The terms device is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what device covers:
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
Device: 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 Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| 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
- System: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: 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 device?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.” 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 device?
In this corpus the term is used across 107 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems 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 are the new building codes in Georgia for 2026?
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 device, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does "device code" mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.” 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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