# Portable Fuel Cell Appliance: Building Code Definition > How the IMC 2009 define portable fuel cell appliance, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/portable-fuel-cell-appliance/ - 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 | IMC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IMC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 3 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Portable fuel cell appliance is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A fuel cell generator of electricity, which is not fixed in place. A portable fuel cell appliance utilizes a cord and plug connection to a grid-isolated load and has an integral fuel supply.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IMC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IMC 2009), Scope and Administration (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. *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? **Portable Fuel Cell Appliance** — IMC 2009, Definitions: > A fuel cell generator of electricity, which is not fixed in place. A portable fuel cell appliance utilizes a cord and plug connection to a grid-isolated load and has an integral fuel supply. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Portable Fuel Cell Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/portable-fuel-cell-appliance/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IMC 2009 define portable fuel cell appliance, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Portable Fuel Cell Appliance** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/definitions.md) chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009: > A fuel cell generator of electricity, which is not fixed in place. A portable fuel cell appliance utilizes a cord and plug connection to a grid-isolated load and has an integral fuel supply. ## Where portable fuel cell appliance is used in the code The term appears in 3 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](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/definitions.md) | IMC 2009 | 2 | | [Scope and Administration](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/scope-and-administration.md) | IMC 2009 | 1 | | [Fuel Gas](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/fuel-gas.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms portable fuel cell appliance is built out of The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what portable fuel cell appliance covers: - **[Appliance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md)** — 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. - **[Isolated](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/isolated.md)** — IRC 2009: (As applied to location.) Not readily accessible to persons unless special means for access are used. ## Portable Fuel Cell Appliance: 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 IMC | Definitions | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IMC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Isolated | | | 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) - [Appliance: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/appliance.md) - [Isolated: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/isolated.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 portable fuel cell appliance? The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A fuel cell generator of electricity, which is not fixed in place. A portable fuel cell appliance utilizes a cord and plug connection to a grid-isolated load and has an integral fuel supply.” 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 portable fuel cell appliance? In this corpus the term is used across 3 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Fportable-fuel-cell-appliance%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/portable-fuel-cell-appliance/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt