Building Code Glossary
Regulator, Pressure: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define regulator, pressure, 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
Regulator, pressure is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A device placed in a gas line for reducing, controlling and maintaining the pressure in that portion of the piping system downstream of the device.” 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 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in Fuel Gas (IRC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 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?
Regulator, Pressure — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A device placed in a gas line for reducing, controlling and maintaining the pressure in that portion of the piping system downstream of the device.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Regulator, Pressure is defined once in this corpus, in the Fuel Gas chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device placed in a gas line for reducing, controlling and maintaining the pressure in that portion of the piping system downstream of the device.
Where regulator, pressure is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 21 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about regulator, pressure, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The pipe size for each section of higher pressure gas piping shall be determined using the longest length of piping from the point of delivery to the most remote line pressure regulator.
A line pressure regulator that reduces gas pressure from the range of greater than 0.5 psig (3.4 kPa) and less than or equal to 5 psig (34.5 kPa) to a lower pressure.
The terms regulator, pressure 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 regulator, pressure covers:
- Piping System — IRC 2009: All fuel piping, valves and fittings from the outlet of the point ofdeliveryto the outlets of the appliance shutoff valves.
- Piping — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both.
- System — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Regulator, Pressure: 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 | Fuel Gas | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Compressed Gases (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping System | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Piping | |
| 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
- Piping System: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
- Piping: Building Code Definition
- Device: 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 regulator, pressure?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A device placed in a gas line for reducing, controlling and maintaining the pressure in that portion of the piping system downstream of the device.” 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 regulator, pressure?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by Fuel Gas 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.
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