Building Code Glossary
Manual: Building Code Definition
How the IECC 2009 define manual, 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
Manual is a defined term in the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IECC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 64 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009), Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Manual — IECC 2009, Definitions:
Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Manual is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009:
Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").
Where manual is used in the code
The term appears in 64 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 | IFC 2009 | 286 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 276 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 63 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 60 |
| Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings | IFC 2009 | 52 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 47 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 43 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 34 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 25 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 18 |
52 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about manual, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Automatic fire-extinguishing systems shall be automatically actuated and provided with a manual means of actuation in accordance with Section 904.11.1.
Manual fire alarm, automatic fire-extinguishing and emergency alarm systems in Group H occupancies shall be monitored by an approved supervising station.
Where means of egress doors are operated by power, such as doors with a photoelectric-actuated mechanism to open the door upon the approach of a person, or doors with power-assisted manual operation, the design shall be such that in the event of power failure, the door is capable of being opened manually to permit means of egress travel or closed …
The terms manual 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 manual covers:
- Automatic — IBC 2009: As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products.
Manual: 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 IECC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Automatic | |
| 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
- Automatic: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: 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 manual?
The International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").” 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 manual?
In this corpus the term is used across 64 chapters, led by Fire Protection Systems 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 are the new building codes in Georgia for 2026?
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 manual, which the IECC 2009 defines as “Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is a manual code?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IECC 2009 states, in Definitions: “Capable of being operated by personal intervention (see "Automatic").” It is defined in IECC 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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