Building Code Glossary
Explosive: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define explosive, 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
Explosive is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special).” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 26 chapters of this corpus, most often in Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 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?
Explosive — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Explosive, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special). |
| IFC 2009 | Explosives and Fireworks | A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special). |
Where explosive is used in the code
The term appears in 26 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 535 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 88 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 23 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 22 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 12 |
| Unstable (reactive) Materials | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 9 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 6 |
14 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about explosive, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks and small arms ammunition.
Safeguards shall be provided to minimize the risk of and limit damage from a fire or explosion involving explosive hazardous materials whereby such fire or explosion could endanger or lead to the endangerment of people or property.
Electrical equipment and appliances used in operations that generate explosive or flammable vapors, fumes or dusts shall be interlocked with the ventilation system so that the equipment and appliances cannot be operated unless the ventilation fans are in operation.
The terms explosive is built out of
The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what explosive covers:
- Detonating Cord — IFC 2009: A flexible cord containing a center core of high explosive used to initiate other explosives.
- Explosion — IBC 2009: An effect produced by the sudden violent expansion of gases, which may be accompanied by a shock wave or disruption, or both, of enclosing materials or structures.
- Fireworks — IBC 2009: Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation that meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.
- Chemical — IFC 2009: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Explosive: 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 IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Detonating Cord | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Explosion | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Fireworks | |
| 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
- Detonating Cord: Building Code Definition
- Fireworks: Building Code Definition
- Explosion: Building Code Definition
- Chemical: 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 explosive?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter cord, igniters and display fireworks, 1.3G (Class B, Special).” 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 explosive?
In this corpus the term is used across 26 chapters, led by Explosives and Fireworks 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 a building according to the International 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 explosive, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is the definition of a corridor in the 2018 IBC Code?
Corridor is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “An enclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel to an exit.” That is not the same as explosive, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion. The term includes, but is not limited to, dynamite, black powder, pellet powder, initiating explosives, detonators, safety fuses, squibs, detonating cord, igniter …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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