# Pyrotechnic Special-effect Material: Building Code Definition

> How the IFC 2009 define pyrotechnic special-effect material, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/pyrotechnic-special-effect-material/
- 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 | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IFC 2009 Explosives and Fireworks (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 2 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Pyrotechnic special-effect material is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Explosives and Fireworks. The code's own words are: “A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results in heat, gas sound, light or a combination of these effects. The chemical reaction functions …” 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 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Explosives and Fireworks (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](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?

**Pyrotechnic Special-effect Material** — IFC 2009, Explosives and Fireworks:

> A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results in heat, gas sound, light or a combination of these effects. The chemical reaction functions without external oxygen.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Pyrotechnic Special-effect Material: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/pyrotechnic-special-effect-material/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IFC 2009 define pyrotechnic special-effect material, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Pyrotechnic Special-effect Material** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Explosives and Fireworks](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/explosives-and-fireworks.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

> A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results in heat, gas sound, light or a combination of these effects. The chemical reaction functions without external oxygen.

## Where pyrotechnic special-effect material 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](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| [Explosives and Fireworks](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/explosives-and-fireworks.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |

## The terms pyrotechnic special-effect material is built out of

The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what pyrotechnic special-effect material covers:

- **[Combustion](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustion.md)** — IRC 2009: In the context of this code, refers to the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat or heat and light.
- **[Detonation](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/detonation.md)** — IBC 2009: An exothermic reaction characterized by the presence of a shock wave in the material which establishes and maintains the reaction.
- **[Chemical](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/chemical.md)** — IFC 2009: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.

## Pyrotechnic Special-effect Material: 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 IFC | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Combustion | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Detonation | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Chemical | |
| 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)
- [Detonation: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/detonation.md)
- [Combustion: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustion.md)
- [Chemical: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/chemical.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 pyrotechnic special-effect material?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Explosives and Fireworks as: “A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results in heat, gas sound, light or a combination of these effects. The chemical reaction functions without external oxygen.” 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 pyrotechnic special-effect material?

In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Definitions 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 HS code for fireworks?

Fireworks is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect for entertainment purposes by combustion, deflagration or detonation that meets the definition of 1.4G fireworks or 1.3G fireworks as set forth herein.” That is not the same as pyrotechnic special-effect material, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

### What is pyrotechnic equipment?

Equipment is a separate defined term. The IRC 2009 defines it as: “All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings. This definition shall also include other systems specifically regulated in this code.” That is not the same as pyrotechnic special-effect material, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A chemical mixture used in the entertainment industry to produce visible or audible effects by combustion, defJagration or detonation. Such a chemical mixture predominantly consists of solids capable of producing a controlled, self-sustaining and self-contained exothermic chemical reaction that results …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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