Building Code Glossary
Special Industrial Explosive Device: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define special industrial explosive device, 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
Special industrial explosive device is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Explosives and Fireworks. The code's own words are: “An explosive power pack containing an explosive charge in the form of a cartridge or construction device. The term includes but is not limited to explosive rivets, explosive bolts, explosive charges for driving pins or studs, cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools and charges of explosives used in automotive air bag inflators, jet tapping of open …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 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?
Special Industrial Explosive Device — IFC 2009, Explosives and Fireworks:
An explosive power pack containing an explosive charge in the form of a cartridge or construction device. The term includes but is not limited to explosive rivets, explosive bolts, explosive charges for driving pins or studs, cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools and charges of explosives used in automotive air bag inflators, jet tapping of open hearth furnaces and jet perforation of oil well casings.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Special Industrial Explosive Device is defined once in this corpus, in the Explosives and Fireworks chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An explosive power pack containing an explosive charge in the form of a cartridge or construction device. The term includes but is not limited to explosive rivets, explosive bolts, explosive charges for driving pins or studs, cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools and charges of explosives used in automotive air bag inflators, jet tapping of open hearth furnaces and jet perforation of oil well casings.
Where special industrial explosive device 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 2 |
The terms special industrial explosive device 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 special industrial explosive device covers:
- Explosive — IBC 2009: A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Special Industrial Explosive Device: 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 IFC | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Explosive | |
| 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 special industrial explosive device?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Explosives and Fireworks as: “An explosive power pack containing an explosive charge in the form of a cartridge or construction device. The term includes but is not limited to explosive rivets, explosive bolts, explosive charges for driving pins or studs, cartridges for explosive-actuated power tools and charges of explosives used in automotive air bag inflators, jet tapping of open hearth furnaces and jet perforation of oil well casings.” 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 special industrial explosive device?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Definitions in the IFC 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.
Related pages
- Spa or Hot Tub: Building Code Definition
Spa or Hot Tub — IRC 2009 definition: A hydromassage pool, or tub for recreational or therapeutic use, not located in health care facilities …
- Special Amusement Building: Building Code Definition
Special Amusement Building — IBC 2009 definition: A special amusement bUilding is any temporary or permanent building or portion thereof that is occupied …
- Special Flood Hazard Area: Building Code Definition
Special Flood Hazard Area — IBC 2009 definition: The land area subject to flood hazards and shown on a Flood Insurance Rate Map or …
- Special Inspection: Building Code Definition
Special Inspection — IBC 2009 definition: Inspection as herein required of the materials, installation, fabrication, erection or placement of components and connections …
- Special Structural Wall: Building Code Definition
Special Structural Wall — IBC 2009 definition: A cast-in-place or precast wall complying with the requirements of 21 .1.3 through 21.1.7,21.9 and 21.10 …
- Specific Gravity: Building Code Definition
Specific Gravity — IRC 2009 definition: As applied to gas, specific gravity is the ratio of the weight of a given volume …