Building Code Glossary
Flame Safeguard: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define flame safeguard, 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
Flame safeguard is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.” 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 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 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.
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?
Flame Safeguard — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Flame Safeguard, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burner or group of burners when the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners. |
Where flame safeguard is used in the code
The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about flame safeguard, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Decorative appliances for installation in approvedsolid fuel-burning fireplaces, with the exception of those tested in accordance with ANSI Z21.84, shall utilize a direct ignition device, an ignitor or a pilot flame to ignite the fuel at the main burner, and shall be equipped with a flame safeguard device.
The terms flame safeguard is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what flame safeguard covers:
- Main Burner — IRC 2009: A device or group of devices essentially forming an integral unit for the final conveyance of gas or a mixture of gas and air to the combustion zone, and on which combustion takes place to accomplish the function for which …
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
- Burner — IRC 2009: A device for the final conveyance of the gas, or a mixture of gas and air, to the combustion zone.
Flame Safeguard: 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 | Fuel Gas | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Main Burner | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Burner | |
| 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
- Main Burner: Building Code Definition
- Device: Building Code Definition
- Burner: 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 flame safeguard?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.” 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 flame safeguard?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Fuel Gas 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 the purpose of a flame eye sensor in a boiler?
Boiler is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “A self-contained appliance from which hot water is circulated for heating purposes and then returned to the boiler, and which operates at water pressures not exceeding 160 pounds per square inch gage (psig) (1102 kPa gauge) and at water temperatures not exceeding 250°F (121°C).” That is not the same as flame safeguard, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is a flame safeguard system?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A device that will automatically shut off the fuel supply to a main burneror group of burnerswhen the means of ignition of such burners becomes inoperative, and when flame failure occurs on the burner or group of burners.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 2009. It is not the same as System, which the IFC 2009 defines separately as “An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.” 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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