Building Code Glossary
Pressure-limiting Device: Building Code Definition
How the IMC 2009 define pressure-limiting device, 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
Pressure-limiting device is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A pressure-responsive mechanism designed to stop automatically the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.” 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 4 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels (IMC 2009), Definitions (IMC 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?
Pressure-limiting Device — IMC 2009, Definitions:
A pressure-responsive mechanism designed to stop automatically the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Pressure-limiting Device is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:
A pressure-responsive mechanism designed to stop automatically the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.
Where pressure-limiting device is used in the code
The term appears in 4 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 | 2 |
| Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Refrigeration | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about pressure-limiting device, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
All pressure vessels shall be protected with a pressure relief valve or pressure-limiting device as required by the manufacturer's installation instructions for the pressure vessel.
The means used to build up the test pressure shall have either a pressure-limiting device or a pressure-reducing device and a gauge on the outlet side.
Pressure-limiting Device: 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 | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Boilers, Water Heaters and Pressure Vessels (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Refrigeration (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.
Where can you explore related guidance?
- Explore all glossary guidance
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition
- Dwelling Unit: 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 pressure-limiting device?
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A pressure-responsive mechanism designed to stop automatically the operation of the pressure-imposing element at a predetermined pressure.” 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 pressure-limiting device?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 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.
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