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:

With the adoption of the 2024 International Fire Code, Section 510 has been amended to state the following: requires all new buildings to have emergency responder radio coverage. It is understood that some buildings, based on size, would not require a signal strength grid test or field test.  The following is an addition to IFC Section 510:

• Any building meeting the following criteria shall be required to perform a signal strength test as described in IFC 510
  • Any structure with an overall square footage of 12,000 square feet or larger
  • Any structure with a height of 30’ or more above grade level
  • Any structure with a level below grade
  • Any structure determined to be of concern regarding proper radio communication, CJCFPD can request a signal strength study to be completed
• If a signal strength test is required, it shall not be performed until all walls, roof, windows with glass, doors, and operational equipment have been completed and are in place.
  • Amend 510.4.1.1 Minimum signal strength into the building to state the following:
    • A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be available within the building in 95 percent of general areas and 99 percent of critical areas. A DAQ score may be provided with signal testing, however the DAQ score will not be utilized to determine the need for an Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES). An equivalent bit error rate (BER) of ≤ 2.5%, and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of ≥ 18 dB can be used to predict acceptable coverage in areas not meeting the negative -95 dBm requirement.
  • Amend 510.4.1.2 Minimum signal strength out of the building to state the following:
    • A minimum signal strength of -95 dBm shall be received by the agency’s radio system when transmitted from within the building. A DAQ score may be provided with signal testing, however the DAQ score will not be utilized to determine the need for an Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES). An equivalent bit error rate (BER) of ≤ 2.5%, and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of ≥ 18 dB can be used to predict acceptable coverage in areas not meeting the negative -95 dBm requirement.
• Should a radio coverage survey show a received signal strength of less than -95 dBm OR an equivalent bit error rate (BER) of ≤ 2.5%, and a signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of ≥ 18 dB resulting in the inability for speech to be understandable without repetition, an ERCES shall be installed to provide sufficient usable radio communication throughout the coverage area.
• All other requirements for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage will follow IFC 510, NFPA 72, NFPA 1221, and UL 2524 as written in the current adopted code.
• All BDA installations will follow the following:
  • Cover 700 and 800 megahertz
  • Install an annunciator
  • Install a document box that contains installation plans, and pre- and post-survey test results

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.

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

If the 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)