- 9/29/22
What Is An ERRC/DAS System?
What is an ERRCS/DAS System?
The Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System, sometimes known as DAS (Distributed Antenna System) or BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier), provides a vital tool for first responders. It allows those on the inside to remain in contact with those on the outside, maintaining radio communications during an emergency. The ERRCS boosts the level of protection and safety for firefighters and first responders while inside buildings. This is particularly important in multi-family buildings with multiple floors.
When firefighters are called to a scene, their radios are their lifeline. Modern construction material, such as concrete and glass, often blocks the radio signal. An ERRC system boosts the radio signal to levels where communication can be made clearly with no interference.
A Brief History
Awareness of ERRCS peaked after the terrorist attacks of September 11th. While those outside the World Trade Center were trying to communicate the order to evacuate to those on the inside, First Responders’ radio communications failed, tragically resulting in a great loss of life. This is spelled out in the US Department of Commerce’s article, “How 911 Changed Me and First Responder Communications”, published 8/20/2021.Since then, most jurisdictions have made ERRCS a priority, with most cities across the U.S requiring it by law. An installer must be FCC licensed with the proper credentials in order to test, design and install an ERRC system.
Where is an ERRC System Required?
It has been our experience that most jurisdictions, in Texas and beyond, are making ERRCS a requirement for occupancy in multifamily communities. One such example is the city of Austin. Per the 2021 IFC (International Fire Code), there are no longer any exemptions that would preclude an ERRC system from being installed, making ERRCS a requirement in multifamily communities as well as other types of new construction.
Maestro’s Experience
We specialize in multi-family and commercial projects across the country, balancing our client’s needs with adherence to local fire codes and amendments, allowing the property owner to obtain occupancy in a timely fashion. Our team of experts are very familiar with local permitting codes. We have established strong relationships with Authorities Having Jurisdiction in many major cities across the US. Maestro takes great pride in being recognized by Fire jurisdictions such as Houston, Texas as an approved and trusted installer, a status gained only by those having an established history of professional and successful installs. This helps to streamline the permitting process which makes obtaining TCO or CO’s for our partners much easier. With every accepted bid, we provide each client with a Project Code Summary detailing the specific requirements in the jurisdiction of their new build, so there are no surprises.
We understand that every project has different requirements, and our integrated approach to design and build your ERRC system in-house addresses each client’s individual needs. Once your system is designed and approved by the location’s fire jurisdiction, our FCC-licensed engineers and technicians perform the install.
The Maestro Integration’s Design, Engineering and Projects Team worked on some of the first ERRCS projects in California, supporting NFPA 72 chapter 24 requirements along with the California Fire Code. We have evolved as the jurisdictions have evolved, cultivating relationships with AHJ’s all over the nation, and ensuring we help drive the results on behalf of our customers. With our best-in-practice engineering and design approach, along with project management, we can drive down costs while efficiently deploying an occupancy ready System. Our DAS practice leadership collectively has more than 100 years’ experience in providing specific DAS services and turnkey DAS solutions. With hundreds of successfully deployed systems, our wealth of experience and our industry-leading subject matter experts allow us the flexibility to provide specific ERRCS services and undertake large-scale projects on a turnkey basis. With a Maestro Integrations design/build turnkey solution, our customers can be assured of high-quality performance which exceeds all market requirements.