# Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plant: Building Code Definition

> How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define stationary fuel cell power plant, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/stationary-fuel-cell-power-plant/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IRC 2009, IMC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IRC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 3 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Yes (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Stationary fuel cell power plant is a defined term in the International Residential Code (IRC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically-operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place.” The IMC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Special Fuel-burning Equipment (IRC 2009), Definitions (IMC 2009), Definitions (IRC 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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plant** — IRC 2009, Definitions:

> A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically-operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plant: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/stationary-fuel-cell-power-plant/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IRC 2009, IMC 2009 define stationary fuel cell power plant, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plant**, in identical words.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IRC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically-operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place. |
| IMC 2009 | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/definitions.md) | A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place. |

## Where stationary fuel cell power plant 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Special Fuel-burning Equipment](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/special-fuel-burning-equipment.md) | IRC 2009 | 4 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/imc-2009/definitions.md) | IMC 2009 | 1 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/definitions.md) | IRC 2009 | 1 |

## Stationary Fuel Cell Power Plant: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IRC | Definitions | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IMC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Fuel-burning Equipment (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IMC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IRC 2009) | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [Construction Documents: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/construction-documents.md)
- [Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/registered-design-professional.md)
- [Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dwelling-unit.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of stationary fuel cell power plant?

The International Residential Code (IRC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A self-contained package or factory-matched packages which constitute an automatically-operated assembly of integrated systems for generating useful electrical energy and recoverable thermal energy that is permanently connected and fixed in place.” 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 stationary fuel cell power plant?

In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Special Fuel-burning Equipment 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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