Building Code Glossary
Refrigeration System, Self-contained: Building Code Definition
How the IMC 2009 define refrigeration system, self-contained, 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
Refrigeration system, self-contained is a defined term in the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.” 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 Scope and Administration (IBC 2009), Definitions (IMC 2009), Scope and Administration (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?
Refrigeration System, Self-contained — IMC 2009, Definitions:
A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Refrigeration System, Self-contained is defined once in this corpus, in the Definitions chapter of the International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009:
A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.
Where refrigeration system, self-contained 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope and Administration | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Scope and Administration | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| Scope and Administration | IRC 2009 | 1 |
The terms refrigeration system, self-contained is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what refrigeration system, self-contained covers:
- Refrigerant — IRC 2009: A substance used to produce refrigeration by its expansion or evaporation.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
Refrigeration System, Self-contained: 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 | Scope and Administration (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Scope and Administration (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Refrigerant | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| 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
- Refrigerant: Building Code Definition
- System: 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 refrigeration system, self-contained?
The International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.” 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 refrigeration system, self-contained?
In this corpus the term is used across 4 chapters, led by Scope and Administration 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.
What is a self-contained refrigeration system?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IMC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A complete factory-assembled and tested system that is shipped in one or more sections and has no refrigerant-containing parts that are joined in the field by other than companion or block valves.” It is defined in IMC 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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