Building Code Glossary
Energized: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define energized, 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
Energized is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.” 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 17 chapters of this corpus, most often in General Requirements (IRC 2009), Building Services and Systems (IFC 2009), Devices and Luminaires (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?
Energized — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Energized is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.
Where energized is used in the code
The term appears in 17 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Devices and Luminaires | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 3 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Refrigeration | IMC 2009 | 2 |
5 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about energized, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Approved enclosures shall guard energized parts that are operating at 50 volts or more against accidental contact.
A barrier shall be used around energized parts to prevent operator exposure when making manual adjustments or switching.
Electrical equipment and wiring and other electrically conductive material likely to become energized shall be installed in a manner that creates a low-impedance circuit facilitating the operation of the overcurrent device.
Energized: 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 | General Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Services and Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Devices and Luminaires (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Electrical Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| 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
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: Building Code Definition
- Bathroom: 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 energized?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.” 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 energized?
In this corpus the term is used across 17 chapters, led by General Requirements 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 considered energized work?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.” 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?
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 energized, which the IRC 2009 defines as “Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is an energized electrical work permit?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Permit, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity.” 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
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