# Tube Trailer: Building Code Definition > How the IFC 2009 define tube trailer, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/tube-trailer/ - 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 | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) | | Primary source | IFC 2009 Compressed Gases (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 2 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Tube trailer is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Compressed Gases. The code's own words are: “A semitrailer on which a number of tubular gas cylinders have been mounted. A manifold is typically provided that connects the cylinder valves enabling gas to be discharged from one or more tubes or cylinders through a piping and control system.” 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 2 chapters of this corpus, most often in Compressed Gases (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. *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? **Tube Trailer** — IFC 2009, Compressed Gases: > A semitrailer on which a number of tubular gas cylinders have been mounted. A manifold is typically provided that connects the cylinder valves enabling gas to be discharged from one or more tubes or cylinders through a piping and control system. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Tube Trailer: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/tube-trailer/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IFC 2009 define tube trailer, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Tube Trailer** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Compressed Gases](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009: > A semitrailer on which a number of tubular gas cylinders have been mounted. A manifold is typically provided that connects the cylinder valves enabling gas to be discharged from one or more tubes or cylinders through a piping and control system. ## Where tube trailer is used in the code The term appears in 2 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next. | Chapter | Code | Mentions | | --- | --- | --- | | [Compressed Gases](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md) | IFC 2009 | 14 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 | ## The terms tube trailer 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 tube trailer covers: - **[Cylinder](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/cylinder.md)** — IFC 2009: A pressure vessel designed for pressures higher than 40 psia (275.6 kPa) and having a circular cross section. - **[Control](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control.md)** — IRC 2009: A manual or automatic device designed to regulate the gas, air, water or electrical supply to, or operation of, a mechanical system. - **[Piping](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/piping.md)** — IRC 2009: Where used in this code, “piping” refers to either pipe or tubing, or both. - **[System](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)** — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping. ## Tube Trailer: 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 IFC | Compressed Gases | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Compressed Gases (IFC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Cylinder | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Control | | | Confirm the dependent definition | Piping | | | 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) - [Cylinder: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/cylinder.md) - [Control: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/control.md) - [System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md) - [Piping: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/piping.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 tube trailer? The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Compressed Gases as: “A semitrailer on which a number of tubular gas cylinders have been mounted. A manifold is typically provided that connects the cylinder valves enabling gas to be discharged from one or more tubes or cylinders through a piping and control system.” 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 tube trailer? In this corpus the term is used across 2 chapters, led by Compressed Gases 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 is the maximum hydrogen capacity of a tube trailer? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Compressed Gases: “A semitrailer on which a number of tubular gas cylinders have been mounted. A manifold is typically provided that connects the cylinder valves enabling gas to be discharged from one or more tubes or cylinders through a piping and control system.” 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Ftube-trailer%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/tube-trailer/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt