Building Code Glossary
Refrigerated Room or Space: Building Code Definition
How the IMC 2009 define refrigerated room or space, 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
Refrigerated room or space is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A room or space in which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within the room or space to below 68°F (20°C).” 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 Means of Egress (IBC 2009), Means of Egress (IFC 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.
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?
Refrigerated Room or Space — IMC 2009, Definitions:
A room or space in which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within the room or space to below 68°F (20°C).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Refrigerated Room or Space is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:
A room or space in which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within the room or space to below 68°F (20°C).
Where refrigerated room or space 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about refrigerated room or space, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Travel distance shall be determined as specified in Section 1016.1, but all portions of a refrigerated room or space shall be within 150 feet (45 720 mm) of an exit or exit access door where such rooms are not protected by an approved automatic sprinkler system.
The terms refrigerated room or space 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 refrigerated room or space covers:
- Evaporator — IMC 2009: That part of the system in which liquid refrigerant is vaporized to produce refrigeration.
Refrigerated Room or Space: 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 | Means of Egress (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Means of Egress (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Evaporator | |
| 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
- Evaporator: Building Code Definition
- Building: Building Code Definition
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
- Registered Design Professional: 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 refrigerated room or space?
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A room or space in which an evaporator or brine coil is located for the purpose of reducing or controlling the temperature within the room or space to below 68°F (20°C).” 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 refrigerated room or space?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Means of Egress in the IBC 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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