Building Code Glossary
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.
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
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, 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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Portable Fuel Cell Appliance is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions 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 | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Fuel Gas | 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 — 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 — 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 and the ICC 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
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Isolated: 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 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.
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