Building Code Glossary
Outlet: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define outlet, 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
Outlet is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” The IMC 2009 words it differently, in Definitions: “A threaded connection or bolted flange in a piping system to which a gas-burning appliance is attached.” 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 78 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Exhaust Systems (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?
Outlet — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Outlet, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Electrical Definitions | A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A threaded connection or bolted flange in a piping system to which a gas-burning appliance is attached. |
Where outlet is used in the code
The term appears in 78 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 | 143 |
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 132 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 75 |
| Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings | IPC 2009 | 37 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 34 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 33 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 27 |
| Plumbing Fixtures | IRC 2009 | 24 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 23 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 19 |
| Fire and Smoke Protection Features | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Traps, Interceptors and Separators | IPC 2009 | 15 |
66 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about outlet, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where two or more meters are installed on the same premises, but supply separate consumers, the piping systems shall not be interconnected on the outlet side of the meters.
Receptacles shall be installed so that no point measured horizontally along the floor line in any wall space is more than 6 feet 1829 mm, from a receptacle outlet.
The maximum length of the exhaust duct shall be 35 feet (10 668 mm) from the connection to the transition duct from the dryer to the outlet terminal.
The terms outlet 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 outlet covers:
- Utilization Equipment — IRC 2009: Equipment that utilizes electric energy for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, heating' lighting or similar purposes.
- Piping System — IRC 2009: All fuel piping, valves and fittings from the outlet of the point ofdeliveryto the outlets of the appliance shutoff valves.
- Equipment — 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.
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
Outlet: 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 | Electrical Definitions | |
| 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 | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fixtures, Faucets and Fixture Fittings (IPC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Utilization Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping System | |
| 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
- Utilization Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Piping System: Building Code Definition
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: 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 outlet?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” 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 outlet?
In this corpus the term is used across 78 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 code for an outlet?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment.” It is defined in IRC 2009, IMC 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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