Building Code Glossary
Propellant: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define propellant, 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
Propellant is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Aerosols. The code's own words are: “The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating in a mixture with air.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IFC 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?
Propellant — IFC 2009, Aerosols:
The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating in a mixture with air.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Propellant is defined once in this corpus, in the Aerosols chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating in a mixture with air.
Where propellant 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 63 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Aerosols | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 3 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about propellant, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Storage of explosives and explosive materials, small arms ammunition, small arms primers, propellant-actuated cartridges and smokeless propellants in magazines shall comply with the provisions of this section.
The terms propellant is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what propellant covers:
- Aerosol Container — IBC 2009: A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol.
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Aerosol — IBC 2009: A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.
- Valve — IRC 2009: A device used in piping to control the gas supply to any section of a system of piping or to an appliance.
Propellant: 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 IFC | Aerosols | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aerosols (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Aerosol Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Aerosol | |
| 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
- Aerosol Container: Building Code Definition
- Container: Building Code Definition
- Aerosol: Building Code Definition
- Valve: 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 propellant?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Aerosols as: “The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating in a mixture with air.” 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 propellant?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Explosives and Fireworks in the IFC 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 the definition of a building according to the International Building Code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as propellant, which the IFC 2009 defines as “The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does propellant mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Aerosols: “The liquefied or compressedgas in an aerosol container that expels the contents from an aerosol container when the valve is actuated. A propellant is considered flammable if it forms a flammable mixture with air, or if a flame is self-propagating in a mixture with air.” It is defined in IFC 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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