Building Code Glossary
Regulator: Building Code Definition
How the IRC 2009 define regulator, 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 is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Fuel Gas. The code's own words are: “A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).” 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 17 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 — IRC 2009, Fuel Gas:
A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Regulator is defined once in this corpus, in the Fuel Gas chapter of the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009:
A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).
Where regulator is used in the code
The term appears in 17 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 | 79 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 21 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Chimneys and Vents | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Welding and Other Hot Work | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IRC 2009 | 3 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
5 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about regulator, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where used, a drafthoodor a barometric draft regulator shall be installed in the same room or enclosure as the applianceserved so as to prevent any difference in pressure between the hood or regulator and the combustion air supply.
The protection is allowed to be an integral part of the regulator.
Where required, draft regulators shall be installed in the same room or enclosure as the appliance so that no difference in pressure will exist between the air at the regulator and the combustion air supply.
The terms regulator 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 regulator covers:
- Appliance — IRC 2009: Utilization equipment, normally built in standardized sizes or types, that is installed or connected as a unit to perform one or more functions such as clothes washing, air conditioning, food mixing, deep frying, etc.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Regulator: 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 | Chimneys and Vents (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Appliance | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Device | |
| 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?
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?
The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Fuel Gas as: “A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).” 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?
In this corpus the term is used across 17 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.
What do building codes regulate?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as regulator, which the IRC 2009 defines as “A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does regulator mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IRC 2009 states, in Fuel Gas: “A device for controlling and maintaining a uniform gas supply pressure, either pounds-to-inches water column (MP regulator) or inches-to-inches water column (appliance regulator).” 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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