Emergency Responder Radio Communication System
Emergency responders, whether a firefighter, police officer, or emergency medical personnel, need to communicate with each other to do their jobs and maintain public safety. They rely on portable radios that work by transmitting and receiving electromagnetic waves, which are unfortunately easily disrupted and weakened by physical barriers—similar to how cell phones encounter weaker or no signal indoors. A communication systems needs to be in place to enhance signal quality for emergency responders communication
Keeping emergency responders connected.
An Emergency Responder Radio Communications System (ERRCS) is a communication infrastructure, similar to a DAS, installed within a building specifically to enhance coverage quality for emergency responders radio communications.
Due to its critical role in facilitating emergency responders communication, it must pass an acceptance testing, which is approved by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ, e.g., fire marshal) to ensure its compliance with local and federal requirements before deployment.
Project Stages
Pre-Construction Consulting
Our engineers will analyze building schematics to conduct predictive modeling to identify potential areas of coverage loss.
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Intelibs will also begin the work of identifying public safety officials in authority and planning for the building's fire rating, which is essential to ERRCS survivability.
Permit Acquisition and Approval
Intelibs will provide detailed plans, including A&E drawings, equipment specifications, and wiring diagrams, to the Fire Marshal to acquire design approval and securing permits for installation.
Coordination with Key Stakeholders
​Intelibs will contact the appropriate public safety departments (Fire, Police, EMT) and determine the radio services that are required to be covered by the ERRCS for each department.
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Until project completion, and during annual recertification, Intelibs will manage all engagement with public safety officials.
System Installation and Integration
Intelibs ensures that ERRCS installation comply with electrical and fire safety codes, as well as any other applicable installation requirement.
Site Survey and RF Survey
When an ERRCS consultation is needed for a constructed building, our engineers will conduct a signal assessment of the location to determine signal coverage quality in the building and its surroundings.
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This stage also aids our engineers in developing preliminary design plan based on building structure and layout.
Commissioning and Testing
The system will be tested to ensure that it delivers optimal signal performance.
Testing items include, verifying two-way communication between public safety radios in the building and surrounding area, and signal testing in all critical areas.
Other FAQs.
When is the best time to plan for ERRCS?
Due to ERRCS' mandated nature for new buildings, it is ideal for building owners to incorporate ERRCS planning during the design and pre-construction stages .
By engaging our RF engineers early in the process, predictive modelling can be performed using building plans to identify potential areas of coverage loss. Additionally, early planning for the ERRCS allows for more time and consideration for all aspects of the installation, such as conduit infrastructure, space allocation, and the placement of the system.
How do I know if my building needs an ERRCS?
For New York State, the NYS Fire Code 2020, Section 510, mandates that new buildings provide wireless communications for first responders. In addition to new buildings, a building to undergo renovation may also be required to install ERRCS.
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Intelibs can help you determine whether your building needs an ERRCS by conducting a site survey. Contact Intelibs today to learn more about ERRCS.