Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Evaporative Cooler: Building Code Definition

How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define evaporative cooler, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

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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

Evaporative cooler is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A device used for reducing air temperature by the process of evaporating water into an airstream.” The IMC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A device used for reducing the sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of evaporation of water into an airstream.” The IMC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Duct Systems (IMC 2009), Heating and Cooling Equipment (IRC 2009), Scope and Administration (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

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?

Evaporative Cooler — IRC 2009, Definitions:

A device used for reducing air temperature by the process of evaporating water into an airstream.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Evaporative Cooler: Building Code Definition — How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define evaporative cooler, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Evaporative Cooler, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

Code	Where it is defined	Definition
IRC 2009	Definitions	A device used for reducing air temperature by the process of evaporating water into an airstream.
IMC 2009	Definitions	A device used for reducing the sensible heat of air for cooling by the process of evaporation of water into an airstream.

Where evaporative cooler is used in the code

The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Duct Systems	IMC 2009	3
Heating and Cooling Equipment	IRC 2009	3
Scope and Administration	IBC 2009	2
Definitions	IMC 2009	2
Power and Lighting Distribution	IRC 2009	2
Scope and Administration	IMC 2009	1
Definitions	IRC 2009	1
Scope and Administration	IRC 2009	1

The terms evaporative cooler 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 evaporative cooler covers:

Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.

Evaporative Cooler: 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
Read the definition in the adopted IMC	Definitions
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Duct Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Heating and Cooling Equipment (IRC 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	Device
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 evaporative cooler?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A device used for reducing air temperature by the process of evaporating water into an airstream.” 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 evaporative cooler?

In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Duct Systems in the IMC 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 evaporative cooler?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A device used for reducing air temperature by the process of evaporating water into an airstream.” It is defined in IRC 2009, 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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