Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

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

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…
    •  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

Emergency Responder Radio Survey Testing Procedures

  • 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.

  • Testing procedure for those buildings requiring a survey:

    • Frequency utilized by CJC –
RX TX
858.2125 813.2125
858.4625 813.4625
856.7375 811.7375
857.7375 812.7375
    • 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
    • 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.

More Testing 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

  • Submit test results electronically by uploading to the Dropbox Link below the imbedded permit application:

Click” here to upload plans to the Dropbox Link