Emergency responders such as firefighters, ambulances and police rely on reliable two-way radio communications when life and property are at risk. In many buildings this is not always an easy task. Radio signals inside buildings are often absorbed or blocked by larger underground structures, concrete or metal structures.
In addition, structural elements designed to create more stable structures, such as low-emissivity glass windows, attenuate signals from public safety radio systems. When this happens, weak or non-existent signals can create radio “dead zones” in commercial environments, which can compromise coordination and security among first responders during an emergency.
As a result, most fire safety regulations now require the installation of Emergency Response Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) for new and existing commercial buildings. These advanced systems amplify the signal inside buildings, providing clear two-way radio communications without dead spots.
“The problem is that first responders operate on different frequencies, which vary from city to city, so the ERCES equipment had to be designed to amplify only designated channels,” said Trevor Matthews, manager of the wireless communications division of supplier Cosco. fire protection. Over 60 years of commercial fire suppression and life safety systems. For the past four years, the company has been providing services for the installation of specialized intercom systems.
Matthews added that such designs typically include an ERCES setting to prevent signals from interfering with other frequencies and to avoid conflict with the FCC, which can impose huge fines if violated. In addition, companies often have to install the entire system before issuing a commissioning certificate. To meet tight deadlines, installers rely on OEM ERCES for fast delivery of system components.
Modern ERCES are available that are “customized” by OEMs for specific desired UHF and/or VHF channels. Contractors can then further optimize field equipment for actual bandwidth through selective channel tuning. This approach helps to comply with all regulations and requirements, while reducing the overall cost and complexity of the installation.
ERCES was first introduced in the 2009 International Building Code. Recent regulations such as IBC 2021 Section 916, IFC 2021 Section 510, NFPA 1221, 2019 Section 9.6, NFPA 1, 2021 Section 11.10, and 2022 NFPA 1225 Chapter 18 require all buildings to have emergency -rescue services for emergency response services. coverage of communications.
The ERCES system is connected over the air and operated by installers using rooftop directional antennas to optimize the network of public safety radio towers. This antenna is then connected via coaxial cable to a bi-directional amplifier (BDA) which boosts the signal level to provide sufficient coverage inside the building to meet life safety standards. The BDA is connected to a Distributed Antenna System (DAS), a network of relatively small antennas installed throughout the building that act as repeaters to improve signal coverage in any isolated areas.
In large buildings of 350,000 square feet or more, multiple amplifiers may be required to provide sufficient signal strength throughout the system. In addition to floor area, other criteria such as building design, type of building materials used, and building density also affect the number of amplifiers required.
In a recent announcement, COSCO Fire Protection was commissioned to install ERCES and integrated fire protection and life safety systems at a large DC distribution center. To meet municipal requirements, Cosco Fire needed to install an ERCES tuned to VHF 150-170 MHz for the fire department and UHF 450-512 for the police. The building will receive a certificate of commissioning within a few weeks, so installation must be done as soon as possible.
To simplify the process, Cosco Fire chose Fiplex from Honeywell BDA and fiber optic DAS systems from a leading manufacturer of commercial building fire protection and life safety systems.
This compatible and certified system is designed to reliably provide superior RF gain and noise-free coverage, boosting two-way RF signal strength inside buildings, tunnels and other structures. The system is specifically designed to meet the requirements of NFPA and IBC/IFC standards and UL2524 2nd edition listings.
According to Matthews, an important aspect that distinguishes ERCES from others is the ability for OEMs to “tune” the device to the channel they are using before shipping. Contractors can then further optimize the BDA RF tuning on site to achieve the exact frequency required through channel selection, firmware, or adjustable bandwidth. This eliminates the problem of broadband transmission in heavily congested RF environments, which could otherwise cause external interference and potentially result in FCC fines.
Matthews points out another difference between the Fiplex BDA and other digital signal amplifiers: a dual-band option for dedicated UHF or VHF models.
“The combination of UHF and VHF amplifiers simplifies installation because you only have one panel instead of two. It also reduces the required wall space, power requirements and potential points of failure. Yearly testing is also easier,” says Matthews.
With traditional ERCES systems, fire and life safety companies often need to purchase third party components in addition to OEM packaging.
Regarding the previous application, Matthews found that “it’s hard to get traditional ERCES equipment to work. We ended up having to turn to a third party to get the [signal] filters we needed because the OEM didn’t supply them.” stated that the time to receive the equipment is months, and he needs weeks.
“Other vendors may take 8-14 weeks to receive the amplifier,” Matthews explained. “Now we can get custom amps and install them with DAS within 5-6 weeks. This is a game changer for contractors, especially when the installation window is tight,” Matthews explains.
For a developer, architect, or engineering firm wondering if ERCES is required for a new or existing building, the first step is to consult with a fire/life safety company who can conduct an RF survey of the premises.
RF studies are performed by measuring the downlink/uplink signal level in decibel milliwatts (dBm) using special measuring equipment. The results will be submitted to the body with jurisdiction to determine if an ERCES system is required or an exemption is appropriate.
“If ERCES is required, it is best to test ahead of time to reduce the cost, complexity, and ease of installation. If at any point a building fails an RF survey, whether the building is 50%, 80%, or 100% complete, install an ERCES system, so it’s best to test it before the installation gets more complicated,” Matthews said.
He noted that there could be other problems when conducting RF tests in facilities such as warehouses. ERCES may not be needed in an empty warehouse, but the signal strength in areas of the facility can change dramatically after the installation of racks and other equipment and the addition of goods. If the system is installed after the warehouse is already in use, the fire and life safety company must work bypassing the existing infrastructure and any personnel.
“Installing ERCES components in a busy building is much more difficult than in an empty warehouse. Installers may need to use a hoist to reach the ceiling, secure cables, or place antennas, which is difficult to do in a fully functioning building,” Matthews. said explain.
If the installation of the system interferes with the issuance of commissioning certificates, this bottleneck can significantly delay the implementation of projects.
To avoid delays and technical issues, commercial building developers, architects and engineering firms can benefit from professional contractors being familiar with ERCES requirements.
With the fast delivery of the advanced ERCES tuned by the OEM to the desired RF channel, a qualified contractor can install and further optimize equipment for specific local frequencies for selective channel tuning. This approach speeds up projects and compliance, and improves safety in emergencies.
Post time: Feb-10-2023