Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Enclosed: Building Code Definition

How the IRC 2009 define enclosed, 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.

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Direct answer

Enclosed is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.” 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 71 chapters of this corpus, most often in Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 2009), Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 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?

Enclosed — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:

Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Enclosed: Building Code Definition — How the IRC 2009 define enclosed, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Enclosed is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.

Where enclosed is used in the code

The term appears in 71 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Means of Egress	IBC 2009	75
Means of Egress	IFC 2009	60
Fire and Smoke Protection Features	IBC 2009	51
Fire Protection Systems	IBC 2009	51
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	48
Building Planning	IRC 2009	41
Fire Protection Systems	IFC 2009	39
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	24
Elevators and Conveying Systems	IBC 2009	18
Refrigeration	IMC 2009	18
General Building Heights and Areas	IBC 2009	14
Commercial Energy Efficiency	IECC 2009	14

59 further chapters mention the term.

The term in use

How the code actually writes about enclosed, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

Platform lifts on an accessible means of egress shall not be installed in a fully enclosed hoistway.

— IBC 2009 §1007.5.1

Such required safe dispersal areas shall not be located less than 50 feet (15 240 mm) from the enclosed space.

— IFC 2009 §1008.2.1

A shaft enclosure that does not extend to the underside ofthe roofsheathing, deck or slab ofthe building shall be enclosed at the top with construction of the same fire-resistance rating as the topmost floor penetrated by the shaft, but not less than the fire-resistance rating required for the shaft enclosure.

— IBC 2009 §708.12

The terms enclosed 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 enclosed covers:

Energized — IRC 2009: Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.

Enclosed: 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	Means of Egress (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Means of Egress (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Energized
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.

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 enclosed?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.” 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 enclosed?

In this corpus the term is used across 71 chapters, led by Means of Egress in the IBC 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 considered an enclosed building?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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 does "partially enclosed" mean?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.” 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.

What does IRC mean in building code?

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 enclosed, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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