Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Equipment, Existing: Building Code Definition

How the IMC 2009 define equipment, existing, 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

Equipment, existing is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IMC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Scope and Administration (IFC 2009), Scope and Administration (IBC 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. 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?

Equipment, Existing — IMC 2009, Definitions:

Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Equipment, Existing: Building Code Definition — How the IMC 2009 define equipment, existing, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Equipment, Existing is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:

Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.

Where equipment, existing 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
Scope and Administration	IFC 2009	2
Scope and Administration	IBC 2009	1
Definitions	IMC 2009	1

The term in use

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

Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe or deficient because of inadequate means of egress or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or which involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition.

— IFC 2009 §110.1.1

Structures or existing equipment that are or hereafter become unsafe, insanitary or deficient because of inadequate means of egress facilities, inadequate light and ventilation, or which constitute a fire hazard, or are otherwise dangerous to human life or the public welfare, or that involve illegal or improper occupancy or inadequate maintenance, shall be deemed an unsafe condition.

— IBC 2009 §116.1

Equipment, Existing compared with Appliance, Existing

These two are the closest pair in the 2009 I-Codes: about 92 per cent of their defining words are the same. The code states both and compares neither, so the difference is worth naming.

	Wording unique to it
Equipment, Existing (IMC 2009)	equipment
Appliance, Existing (IMC 2009)	appliance

Everything else in the two definitions is shared. If a project turns on which of the two applies, those words are the whole of the test — and a local amendment that edits one of them without editing the other moves the boundary between equipment, existing and appliance, existing.

The terms equipment, existing 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 equipment, existing covers:

Equipment — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
Permit — IBC 2009: An official document or certificate issued by the authority having jurisdiction which authorizes performance of a specified activity.

Equipment, Existing: 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 IMC	Definitions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Scope and Administration (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Scope and Administration (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IMC 2009)
Confirm the dependent definition	Equipment
Confirm the dependent definition	Permit
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 equipment, existing?

The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.” 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 equipment, existing?

In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Scope and Administration 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 is the definition of an existing 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 equipment, existing, which the IMC 2009 defines as “Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

What is the meaning of equipment?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IMC 2009 states, in Definitions: “Any equipment regulated by this code which was legally installed prior to the effective date of this code, or for which a permit to install has been issued.” It is defined in 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.

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