Building Code Glossary
Draft Regulator: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define draft regulator, 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
Draft regulator is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.” 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 Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009), Definitions (IRC 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?
Draft Regulator — IRC 2009, Definitions:
A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Draft Regulator is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.
Where draft regulator 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 10 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about draft regulator, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where used, a drafthoodor a barometric draft regulator shall be installed in the same room or enclosure as the applianceserved so as to prevent any difference in pressure between the hood or regulator and the combustion air supply.
The terms draft regulator 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 draft regulator 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.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
- Draft — IRC 2009: The pressure difference existing between the appliance or any component part and the atmosphere, that causes a continuous flow of air and products of combustion through the gas passages of the appliance to the atmosphere.
Draft Regulator: 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 | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Services and Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Draft | |
| 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
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Draft: 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 draft regulator?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.” 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 draft regulator?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 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 a calibrated draft control type RC?
Control is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.” That is not the same as draft regulator, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A device that functions to maintain a desired draft in the appliance by automatically reducing the draft to the desired value.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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