Building Code Glossary
Fire Safety Functions: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define fire safety functions, 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
Fire safety functions is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Fire Protection Systems. The code's own words are: “Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire.” The IFC 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 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?
Fire Safety Functions — IBC 2009, Fire Protection Systems:
Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Fire Safety Functions, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire. |
| IFC 2009 | Fire Protection Systems | Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread ofthe harmful effects of fire. |
Where fire safety functions is used in the code
The term appears in 4 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about fire safety functions, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Automatic fire detectors utilized for the purpose of performing fire safety functions shall be connected to the building's fire alarm control unit where a fire alarm system is required by Section 907.2.
The wiring to the auxiliary devices and equipment used to accomplish the above fire safety functions shall be monitored for integrity in accordance with NFPA 72.
The terms fire safety functions 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 fire safety functions covers:
- Building — IBC 2009: Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.
- Control — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system.
Fire Safety Functions: 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 | Fire Protection Systems | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Fire Protection Systems | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Building | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Control | |
| 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?
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 fire safety functions?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Fire Protection Systems as: “Building and fire control functions that are intended to increase the level of life safety for occupants or to control the spread of harmful effects of fire.” 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.
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