Building Code Glossary
Plastic, Thermoplastic: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define plastic, thermoplastic, 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
Plastic, thermoplastic is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.” The IMC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IMC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 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, Thermoplastic — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Plastic, Thermoplastic, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IRC 2009 | Fuel Gas | A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature. |
| IMC 2009 | Definitions | A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature. |
Where plastic, thermoplastic 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 1 |
Plastic, Thermoplastic: 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 | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 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.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Code Official: Building Code Definition
- Code: Building Code Definition
- Fuel Gas: Building Code Definition
- Vent: 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 plastic, thermoplastic?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.” 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, thermoplastic?
In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Definitions 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 is thermoplastic plastic?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A plastic that is capable of being repeatedly softened by increase of temperature and hardened by decrease of temperature.” 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.
Related pages
- Piping: Building Code Definition
Piping — IRC 2009 definition: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
- Plastic, Approved: Building Code Definition
Plastic, Approved — IBC 2009 definition: Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications speci…
- Plastic Glazing: Building Code Definition
Plastic Glazing — IBC 2009 definition: Plastic materials that are glazed or set in frame or sash and not held by mechanical …
- Platform: Building Code Definition
Platform — IBC 2009 definition: A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other …
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
Plenum — IRC 2009 definition: A compartment or chamber to which one or more air ducts are connected and that forms …
- Plosophoric Material: Building Code Definition
Plosophoric Material — IFC 2009 definition: Two or more unmixed, commercially manufactured, prepackaged chemical substances including oxidizers, flammable liquids or solids…