Building Code Glossary
Raceway: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define raceway, 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
Raceway is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Electrical Definitions. The code's own words are: “An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IRC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 16 chapters of this corpus, most often in Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009), Services (IRC 2009), Wiring Methods (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?
Raceway — IRC 2009, Electrical Definitions:
An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Raceway is defined once in this corpus, in the Electrical Definitions chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,
Where raceway is used in the code
The term appears in 16 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Power and Lighting Distribution | IRC 2009 | 91 |
| Services | IRC 2009 | 34 |
| Wiring Methods | IRC 2009 | 32 |
| General Requirements | IRC 2009 | 18 |
| Class 2 Remote-control, Signaling and Power-limited Circuits | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 12 |
| Devices and Luminaires | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Electrical Definitions | IRC 2009 | 8 |
| Swimming Pools | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Branch Circuit and Feeder Requirements | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 3 |
4 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about raceway, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where a luminaire is listed to be used as a raceway, a box or conduit body shall not be required for wiring installed therein.
Conductors other than service conductors shall not be installed in the same service raceway or service cable.
All conductors of a circuit, including equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors, shall be contained in the same raceway, trench, cable or cord.
The terms raceway is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what raceway covers:
- Enclosed — IRC 2009: Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or walls that will prevent persons from accidentally contacting energized parts.
Raceway: 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 IRC | Electrical Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Power and Lighting Distribution (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Services (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wiring Methods (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Enclosed | |
| 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
- Enclosed: Building Code Definition
- Appliance: Building Code Definition
- Plenum: Building Code Definition
- Outlet: 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 raceway?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Electrical Definitions as: “An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,” 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 raceway?
In this corpus the term is used across 16 chapters, led by Power and Lighting Distribution 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.
What is a raceway in a building?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,” It is defined in IRC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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.
What is the definition of a raceway?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Electrical Definitions: “An enclosed channel of metal or nonmetallic materials designed expressly for holding wires, cables, or busbars, with additional functions as permitted in this code. Raceways include, but are not limited to, rigid metal conduit,” It is defined in IRC 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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