Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Plastic, Approved: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009 define plastic, approved, 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.

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Direct answer

Plastic, approved is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Plastic. The code's own words are: “Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Solar Systems (IMC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009), Plastic (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.

What does this term mean?

Plastic, Approved — IBC 2009, Plastic:

Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Plastic, Approved: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009 define plastic, approved, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Plastic, Approved is defined once in this corpus, in the Plastic chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.

Where plastic, approved is used in the code

The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

Chapter	Code	Mentions
Solar Systems	IMC 2009	5
Definitions	IBC 2009	1
Plastic	IBC 2009	1
Hydronic Piping	IMC 2009	1
Traps	IRC 2009	1

The term in use

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

Piping for heating panels shall be standard-weight steel pipe, Type L copper tubing, polybutylene or other approved plastic pipe or tubing rated at 100 psi (689 kPa) at 180°F (82°C).

— IMC 2009 §1209.1

Approved materials for traps include lead, cast iron, cast or drawn brass, or approved plastic.

— IRC 2009, Traps

Plastic, Approved: 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	Plastic
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Solar Systems (IMC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Definitions (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Plastic (IBC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Hydronic Piping (IMC 2009)
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.

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 plastic, approved?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Plastic as: “Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.” 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 plastic, approved?

In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Solar Systems in the IMC 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 7 different types of plastic codes?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Plastic: “Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.” It is defined in IBC 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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