Building Code Glossary
Tank, Primary: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define tank, primary, 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
Tank, primary is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The code's own words are: “A listed atmospheric tank used to store liquid. See "Primary containment."” 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 Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Definitions (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?
Tank, Primary — IFC 2009, Flammable and Combustible Liquids:
A listed atmospheric tank used to store liquid. See "Primary containment."
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Tank, Primary is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A listed atmospheric tank used to store liquid. See "Primary containment."
Where tank, primary 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about tank, primary, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The construction of a protected above-ground tank and its primary tank shall be in accordance with Section 3404.2.7.
The terms tank, primary is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what tank, primary covers:
- Primary Containment — IFC 2009: The first level of containment, consisting of the inside portion of that container which comes into immediate contact on its inner surface with the material being contained.
- Listed — IBC 2009: Equipment, materials, products or services included in a list published by an organization acceptable to the code official and concerned with evaluation of products or services that maintains periodic inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation …
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
Tank, Primary: 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 | Flammable and Combustible Liquids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Primary Containment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Listed | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | |
| 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
- Primary Containment: Building Code Definition
- Listed: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: 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 tank, primary?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable and Combustible Liquids as: “A listed atmospheric tank used to store liquid. See "Primary containment."” 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 tank, primary?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids 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.
What does the military acronym "tank" mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids: “A listed atmospheric tank used to store liquid. See "Primary containment."” It is defined in IFC 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.
Related pages
- System: Building Code Definition
System — IFC 2009 definition: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting …
- Tank, Atmospheric: Building Code Definition
Tank, Atmospheric — IFC 2009 definition: A storage tank designed to operate at pressures from atmospheric through 1.0 pound per square inch …
- Tank, Portable: Building Code Definition
Tank, Portable — IFC 2009 definition: A packaging of more than 60-gallon (227 L) capacity and designed primarily to be loaded into …
- Tank, Stationary: Building Code Definition
Tank, Stationary — IFC 2009 definition: Packaging designed primarily for stationary installations not intended for loading, unloading or attachment to a transport …
- Tank Vehicle: Building Code Definition
Tank Vehicle — IFC 2009 definition: A vehicle other than a railroad tank car or boat, with a cargo tank mounted thereon …
- Tank: Building Code Definition
Tank — IFC 2009 definition: A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).