Public Safety Radio
Radio coverage that keeps first responders connected inside your building.
Fire codes across Canada and the United States require that firefighters, police and paramedics can use their radios everywhere inside a building. An ERRCS (Emergency Responder Radio Communication System), also called a public safety DAS or BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier) system, provides that coverage and must be tested to prove it.
Request a quoteProblems we solve
Occupancy permits on hold
New buildings can be denied occupancy until in-building radio coverage is tested and accepted by the authority having jurisdiction.
Failed grid tests
Existing systems may have been installed without proper design or have degraded. A failed annual test needs a clear root cause and fix.
Unclear code requirements
Requirements differ by province, state and municipality. We translate the applicable code into a testable plan.
Interference with public networks
Poorly tuned amplifiers can interfere with the wider radio system. Proper design and commissioning prevent it.
How we approach it
01
Code and frequency review
We confirm the frequencies used by local responders and the standard your building must meet.
02
Grid test survey
The building is divided into a grid and each area is measured with a calibrated receiver to establish the starting point.
03
Design and submittal
Amplifier, antenna and battery backup design prepared for review by the fire department and local authority.
04
Installation to code
Rated enclosures, monitored power, pathway survivability and clear labelling.
05
Acceptance testing
A witnessed grid test with a formal report for the authority having jurisdiction, then annual re-tests as required.
What you receive
- Pre-construction grid test report with pass or fail per grid area
- System design, submittal drawings and equipment cut sheets
- Battery backup and alarm monitoring plan
- Acceptance grid test report for the authority having jurisdiction
- Annual re-test and maintenance program
Technical snapshot
- Frequency bands
- VHF, UHF, 700 MHz and 800 MHz public safety bands
- Coverage requirement
- Typically 95% to 99% of grid areas passing, per the applicable code
- Signal target
- Commonly –95 dBm with a DAQ (Delivered Audio Quality) of 3.4 or better
- Backup power
- 12 or 24 hours of battery, per the applicable code
- Test method
- Grid-based measurement with calibrated equipment
Where it fits
- New construction
- High-rise residential
- Hospitals
- Schools and campuses
- Warehouses
- Underground parking
- Transit facilities
- Stadiums and arenas
Common questions
Which code applies to my building?
It depends on the municipality. Common references include the National Fire Code of Canada, NFPA 1225 and the International Fire Code. We confirm the local requirement at the start.
Can one system provide both cellular and public safety coverage?
They are separate systems with different requirements. They can share pathways and design effort, which we plan together to save cost.
How often must the system be tested?
Most jurisdictions require an annual test. We can include this in a maintenance program.
Related services
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