Emergency Responder Radio Coverage
Per IFC 510 Emergency Responders Radio Coverage the follow buildings will require a survey as outlined below:
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For any structure with an overall square footage of 12,000 square feet
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For any structure with a height of 30’ or more above grade level
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For any structure with a level below grade
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For any structure determined to be of concern of proper radio communication, CJCFPD can request a signal strength study to be completed
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 determined through testing an in-building emergency radio communication enhancement system is required, that system…
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Shall be listed for that use (this applies to all systems and components)
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System design, installation, qualification of personnel, and acceptance testing must follow the current adopted IFC 510 and NFPA 72
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Emergency Responder Radio Survey Testing Procedures
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Minimum qualification of personnel performing the survey:
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Must hold a valid FCC-issued general radio operator license.
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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.
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Permitting required:
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An ERCC test permit is required before a survey being completed.
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Testing procedure for those buildings requiring a survey:
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Frequency utilized by CJC –
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RX | TX |
858.2125 | 813.2125 |
858.4625 | 813.4625 |
856.7375 | 811.7375 |
857.7375 | 812.7375 |
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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
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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
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The test shall measure inbound and outbound signal strength (minimum signal strength shall be -95dBm)
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Failure of more than one test area shall result in failure of the test
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Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ) is too subjective and will not be allowed for the original test
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All results, including the grid and signal test results, shall be shown on a floor plan and submitted to CJC prior to Final Inspection
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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.
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More Testing Information…
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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
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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”
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The system performance and reliability must be tested on installation and maintained operational at all times
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An annual inspection is also required
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To learn more about why this requirement exists, click here
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Submit test results electronically by uploading to the Dropbox Link below the imbedded permit application: