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Operable Fireplace in Lower School

Kendra

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Joined
Aug 25, 2017
Messages
72
Location
Philadelphia
I am working on a Lower School and we designed the lobby to have a hearth at the center, but remain more symbolic than realistic. Now the school wants it to be operable - potentially electric. Does this affect the fire rating of the adjacent walls. What other code issues might this raise?
 
If electric only for show,,, No Heat,,, should not.

If the wall in that area is already rated, than the rating needs to be maintained.
 
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Electric should be fine.

Fuel fired would require make up air and carbon monoxide detection.

Should not affect fire rating, but you might want to give the sprinkler folks a heads up.
 
The lobby walls are not currently rated because there are other means of egress and it is a one story building. Let me know if that changes anything!
 
The lobby walls are not currently rated because there are other means of egress and it is a one story building. Let me know if that changes anything!


Electric or gas fired

Or just one of those decoration/ fake fires??
 
In most scenarios, it will not - always consult AHJ. Recommend that you identify what fuel source is to be used and if possible, the listing for the specific appliance.
 
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