Lancaster Convention Center

[Tommahawk]

As you can see in the first picture, the Lancaster Convention Center Occupancy rating is for "Residential". I took these pictures because I believe this to be incorrect. Residential sprinkler systems are only rated up to 4 stories under NFPA 13. Did someone make a mistake? From the 4th floor down there aren't any type of specifications printed out. From the 5th floor up they are labeled...... Anyone want to discuss?

[EagleFA]

Call King's Fire Protection - 717.766.2270 (edit: or email: info@kingsfire.com)

Perhaps they can shed some light on the subject, project specifications, etc.

[Chief 66]

I think the issue is the label. The occupancy classification would indeed be residential. But the sprinklers need to be designed to a different standard.

As you noted, NFPA 13 residential sprinkler standards only apply up to 4 story buildings. I think you would need to review the drawings noted on the label to determine which design standard was used for the system. Generally when the term "residential sprinklers" are used, people are referring to the 13D systems which are life safety orientated and allow plastic pipe and smaller flow heads and no monitoring.

I know this is not a 13D system.

[Greg]

What Glenn said!

[wgmiller]

My guess is the "Occupancy Classification" on the tag should refer to the IFC's definition of what the structure's purpose is. In the case of the hotel portion, it would be "R-1":


R-1 Residential occupancies containing sleeping units where the occupants are primarily transient in nature, including:
Boarding houses (transient)
Hotels (transient)
Motels (transient)

As far as the convention center portion, my guess is it would fall under: "A-3"

A-3 Assembly uses intended for worship, recreation or amusement and other assembly uses not classified elsewhere in Group A, including, but not limited to:

Amusement arcades
Art galleries
Bowling alleys
Community halls
Courtrooms
Dance halls (not including food or drink consumption)
Exhibition halls
Funeral parlors
Gymnasiums (without spectator seating)
Indoor swimming pools (without spectator seating)
Indoor tennis courts (without spectator seating)
Lecture halls
Libraries
Museums
Places of religious worship
Pool and billiard parlors
Waiting areas in transportation terminals

There is also probably a small "A-2" portion which would cover the bar...