Ask Me Anything
My Fire Official is requiring an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Test. What is that? Is this something you do? Can you handle that for my project?
An Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Test ensures that first responders’ radios work reliably throughout your building. Yes, our team conducts this test to confirm whether your facility meets local coverage requirements. If the signal strength is sufficient, we’ll provide a detailed report for submission—no additional enhancement system needed.
Public Safety Radio Systems operate on completely different frequencies, networks, and infrastructure than consumer cellular service. Public Safety Systems aren't affected by cellular outages, and are designed specifically for Emergency Personnel reliability in emergencies.
We were told there's no Public Safety Radio signal inside our building, but we have good cellular service. What's the difference?
When is the ideal time to test a project for Radio Coverage?
Once the building is enclosed with the windows installed, we perform a baseline radio coverage test and obtain the coverage level inside the building. The baseline test will determine early on if an ERCES / BDA system is likely to be needed. If there is adequate coverage, we typically retest as the project progresses to make sure the coverage stays adequate for emergency personnel.
I've been developing projects for 30 years and never had to install a system like this.
Many experienced developers often have the same question. IFC Code Section 510 and NFPA 1225 which requires radio coverage, has had many updates within the last few years. In addition, Radio System frequencies along with building materials such as low E glass have changed the way signals penetrate a building.
If my project doesn’t have coverage, does that mean the radio systems are inadequate? Why am I upgrading the systems?
Not necessarily. In most cases, the radio signal is strong outside the building, but the construction materials block it from reaching indoors. That’s why our upgrades focus on improving in-building coverage, ensuring reliable communication where it’s most needed.
In most cases, we prefer to verify radio coverage using our calibrated testing equipment. This allows us to obtain accurate signal readings. Since the Fire Marshal mentioned your site is far from the nearest tower, if testing shows insufficient coverage even outside the building (including the roof), your project may be exempt from installing a radio enhancement system.
The Fire Marshal told us his radio does not work inside our project and we need to install an enhancement system (BDA System). He mentioned that we are far away from the closest tower.
For many of our clients, we provide a “worst-case scenario” quote in case an ERCES/BDA system is required. In some jurisdictions, multiple radio systems may need to be included. Once testing is completed, if adequate coverage is confirmed for any of those systems, we revise and reduce the quote accordingly.
How can I budget for an ERCES/BDA System if I don't know whether it will be required?
Ask Me Anything
My Fire Official is requiring an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Test. What is that? Is this something you do? Can you handle that for my project?
An Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Test ensures that first responders’ radios work reliably throughout your building. Yes, our team conducts this test to confirm whether your facility meets local coverage requirements. If the signal strength is sufficient, we’ll provide a detailed report for submission—no additional enhancement system needed.
We were told there's no Public Safety Radio signal inside our building, but we have good cellular service. What's the difference?
Public Safety Radio Systems operate on completely different frequencies, networks, and infrastructure than consumer cellular service. Public Safety Systems aren't affected by cellular outages, and are designed specifically for Emergency Personnel reliability in emergencies.
When is the ideal time to test a project for Radio Coverage?
Once the building is enclosed with the windows installed, we perform a baseline radio coverage test and obtain the coverage level inside the building. The baseline test will determine early on if an ERCES / BDA system is likely to be needed. If there is adequate coverage, we typically retest as the project progresses to make sure the coverage stays adequate for emergency personnel.
I've been developing projects for 30 years and never had to install a system like this.
Many experienced developers often have the same question. IFC Code Section 510 and NFPA 1225 which requires radio coverage, has had many updates within the last few years. In addition, Radio System frequencies along with building materials such as low E glass have changed the way signals penetrate a building.
If my project doesn’t have coverage, does that mean the radio systems are inadequate? Why am I upgrading the systems?
Not necessarily. In most cases, the radio signal is strong outside the building, but the construction materials block it from reaching indoors. That’s why our upgrades focus on improving in-building coverage, ensuring reliable communication where it’s most needed.
In most cases, we prefer to verify radio coverage using our calibrated testing equipment. This allows us to obtain accurate signal readings. Since the Fire Marshal mentioned your site is far from the nearest tower, if testing shows insufficient coverage even outside the building (including the roof), your project may be exempt from installing a radio enhancement system.
The Fire Marshal told us his radio does not work inside our project and we need to install an enhancement system (BDA System). He mentioned that we are far away from the closest tower.
How can I budget for an ERCES/BDA System if I don't know whether it will be required?
For many of our clients, we provide a “worst-case scenario” quote in case an ERCES/BDA system is required. In some jurisdictions, multiple radio systems may need to be included. Once testing is completed, if adequate coverage is confirmed for any of those systems, we revise and reduce the quote accordingly.