# Identified: Building Code Definition

> How the IRC 2009 define identified, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/identified/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IRC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IRC 2009 Electrical Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 84 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Identified is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “(As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 84 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), General Requirements (IRC 2009), Wood (IBC 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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Identified** — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:

> (As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Identified: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/identified/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IRC 2009 define identified, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Identified** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Electrical Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/electrical-definitions.md) chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:

> (As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.

## Where identified is used in the code

The term appears in 84 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Power and Lighting Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/power-and-lighting-distribution.md) | IRC 2009 | 29 |
| [General Requirements](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-requirements.md) | IRC 2009 | 24 |
| [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) | IBC 2009 | 22 |
| [Wall Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 18 |
| [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| [Roof-ceiling Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/roof-ceiling-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 15 |
| [Devices and Luminaires](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/devices-and-luminaires.md) | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IBC 2009 | 13 |
| [Fire Protection Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/fire-protection-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| [Building Planning](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md) | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 13 |
| [Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 12 |

_72 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

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

> A wiring device with integral enclosure identified for the use, having brackets that securely fasten the device to walls or ceilings of conventional on-site frame construction, for use with nonmetallic-sheathed cable, shall be permitted in lieu of a box or conduit body.

— [IRC 2009 §E3905.1.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/power-and-lighting-distribution.md)

> Equipment not identified for outdoor use and equipment identified only for indoor use, such as "dry locations," "indoor use only" "damp locations," or enclosure Type 1, 2, 5, 12, 12K and/or 13, shall be protected against permanent damage from the weather during building construction.

— [IRC 2009 §E3404.5](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/general-requirements.md)

> Sawn lumber used for load-supporting purposes, including end-jointed or edge-glued lumber, machine stress-rated or machine-evaluated lumber, shall be identified by the grade mark of a lumber grading or inspection agency that has been approved by an accreditation body that complies with DOC PS 20 or equivalent.

— [IBC 2009 §2303.1.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md)


## The terms identified 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 identified covers:

- **[Equipment](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/equipment.md)** — 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.

## Identified: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wall Construction (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Equipment: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/equipment.md)
- [Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md)
- [Plenum: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/plenum.md)
- [Outlet: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/outlet.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of identified?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “(As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.” 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 identified?

In this corpus the term is used across 84 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution 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 definition of a 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 identified, which the IRC 2009 defines as “(As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

### What does identified mean?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “(As applied to equipment.) Recognizable as suitable for the specific purpose, function, use, environment, application, etc., where described in a particular code requirement.” It is defined in IRC 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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