Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

Buildings Requiring Radio Coverage Surveys

Per IFC 510 Emergency Responders Radio Coverage the follow buildings will require a survey as outlined below:

• For any structure with an overall square footage of 12,000 square feet
• For any structure with a height of 30’ or more above grade level
• For any structure with a level below grade
• For any structure determined to be of concern of proper radio communication, CJCFPD can request a signal strength study to be completed

Survey Testing Requirements

Minimum qualification of personnel performing the survey:

• Must hold a valid FCC-issued general radio operator license.
• Certification of in-building system training issued by an approved organization or approved school, or a certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.

Permitting required:

An ERCC test permit is required before a survey being completed.

Survey Testing Procedure

Testing procedure for those buildings requiring a survey:

Frequency utilized by CJC –

Each floor of the building shall be divided into a grid of 20 approximately equal test areas. The test location shall be approximately in the middle of each grid section.

The following critical areas must also be surveyed during testing:

• Fire Command Centers and Fire Pump Rooms
• Exit Stairs, Exit Passageways, Elevators, and Elevator Lobbies
• Standpipe and Sprinkler Sectional Valve Locations
• Any other area that may be deemed critical by CJC

Additional Information:

• The test shall measure inbound and outbound signal strength (minimum signal strength shall be -95dBm)
• Failure of more than one test area shall result in failure of the test
• Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) is too subjective and will not be allowed for the original test
• All results, including the grid and signal test results, shall be shown on a floor plan and submitted to CJC prior to Final Inspection

Once test results are submitted as described above, they will be reviewed by CJC CRR-Fire Division. Any building reflecting failures to meet the minimum signal strength of -95 dBm will be manually tested by CJC personnel. This test will be with CJC portable radios in communication with the CJC Dispatch Center on radio talk-group Ops 1.

Test Results

Testing with results must be shown to have acceptable emergency radio coverage. If that test fails, a TCO may be signed with an obligation to complete within six months.

If testing determines that an in-building emergency radio communication enhancement system is required, that system:

• Shall be listed for that use (this applies to all systems and components)
• System design, installation, qualification of personnel, and acceptance testing must follow the current adopted IFC 510 and NFPA 72

Additional Information

A field test will be performed by CJC personnel at the time of CO utilizing CJC portable two-way communications. If that test fails, a TCO may be signed with an obligation to complete enhancement within six months

The system must be monitored through the building’s fire alarm system for loss of power; failure of the battery charger; low-battery capacity indication when 70% of the 12-hour operating capacity has been depleted; malfunction of the donor antenna and active RF-emitting device(s); and failure of any critical system components and provide either an audible warning or “trouble”.

The system performance and reliability must be tested on installation and maintained operational at all times.

An annual inspection is also required

To learn more about why this requirement exists, click here(PDF file, opens in new tab)