Reliable radio communication for first responders is an essential part of building safety. In many jurisdictions, if the radio signal is not strong enough within a building, an Emergency Responder Radio System (ERRS) must be installed to boost the signal. As building codes and local requirements have evolved, ERRS has become an important component of life safety in many public and commercial facilities.
Installing an ERRS is a detailed process – here are the four key steps you should know:
Phase 1: Initial ERRS Testing & Assessment
Before an ERRS can be designed and installed, the building’s existing radio coverage must first be evaluated. If the signal is adequate, a system might not even be needed. A building is ready for initial testing when the core and shell are complete.
In technical terms, the initial test is called an “RF survey.” In order to gauge the strength of the radio signal, a technician puts the building’s floorplans into an RF (radio frequency) spectrum analyzer. They then walk through the building with the analyzer and stop at strategic locations to capture the signal strength. This especially focuses on stairwells, bathrooms, and other places that most commonly have weak signals.
After this testing is complete, a report is prepared with the results. This is a multi-page document that includes the floorplan broken down by which areas have adequate or inadequate coverage, and if the technician would consider the building to have “passed” or “failed” overall.
Though the report says “passed” or “failed,” the results need to be submitted to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to officially determine if an ERRS is required. The AHJ is responsible for overseeing compliance with applicable building and safety codes, issuing necessary permits, conducting inspections, and ensuring that projects meet required safety standards. In Columbus, the Columbus Fire Department serves as the AHJ for fire code enforcement and local fire-safety requirements.
If the AHJ determines based on the results that an ERRS is required, then the project moves on to phase two.
Phase 2: Design
After testing is complete, the system design process starts.
It is unlikely that every area of a building failed the initial test. Therefore, the best practice is to wait until the initial test is complete to start the system design, so that it can be tailored to only cover the areas that need it. This helps prevent excessive signal boosting, reduces interference, and helps lower the cost of the system.
To complete the design, in addition to the initial test results, the engineer needs to know desired locations for key equipment. They work with the client to determine where the head-end equipment, roof penetration, and the riser path will be located. The engineer may need to do a site visit to verify that the desired locations are feasible.
Once all of that information is collected, the engineer can get to work designing the ERRS.
Phase 3: Installation
After the design is complete, it is time for ERRS installation. Proper installation ensures the system performs as designed and that the building meets applicable code requirements.
The components of an ERRS are:
Bi-directional amplifier (BDA)
Battery backup unit (BBU)
Outdoor donor antenna
Indoor antennas
Cabling infrastructure
After these components are installed according to the design, a system retest is conducted to verify that the ERRS is functioning properly and providing the necessary radio coverage throughout the building. If any issues are identified during testing, adjustments will be made until the building passes final inspections.
Once the installation team finishes, the AHJ conducts a final inspection to give a stamp of approval.
Phase 4: Annual Testing
Radio signal strength can change over time, even with a properly designed ERRS. Factors like new radio towers, construction in neighboring buildings, and more can impact the effectiveness of the ERRS.
In order to ensure continued functionality, the AHJ requires an annual inspection of the ERRS. Every five years, a full retest needs to be completed and submitted to the AHJ.
Are you planning to renovate or build a new commercial facility in Ohio? Integrated Building Systems can help.
We offer comprehensive ERRS services, from initial testing and system design to installation and inspections. Here is a detailed look at our 5-step ERRS process, including the timeline we follow from the initial test through installation.
Contact us to learn more about our ERRS services and schedule testing for your building.