Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES)
& Bi-Direction Amplifiers (BDA)

What is an ERCES (Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement System)?

ERCES (BDAs) ensure that a building can pick up radio signals throughout the entire area, including basements, stairwells, and all critical areas so first responders can properly communicate during emergencies.

The signal levels must be taken and recorded by an FCC licensed and factory certified individual in specified zone-sizes for each floor and must be documented and submitted to the AHJ for approval.

A radio frequency (RF) signal strength survey can be performed by a licensed FCC GROL-certified technician where they will measure the downlink and uplink signal strengths through the building. Results will be sent to the local AHJ, and if the coverage does not meet IBC requirements, an FCC-GROL tech can work with you and the AHJ to design an approved BDA System.

What is a BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier)?

Bi-directional amplifiers boost signals for two-way radios within a building. Because multiple agencies are supported, the local Authority Having Jurisdiction will work with the system designer to ensure full coverage through the building, oversee what frequencies are supported, and test the system to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

A BDA system works similarly to a distributed antenna system (DAS) which amplifies cell phone signals throughout a building, tunnel, or other structure, only it’s made for police, fire, and EMS radios and FirstNet’s dedicated public safety spectrum.

Do I Need This?

If you are working on a new construction, it’s essential for your designer to factor in ERCES codes. However, if you have concerns about the construction or are in an older building, you need to know for sure if there is adequate signal throughout the building or if you need to invest in a BDA system.

International Building Code (IBC) 2015 Section 916 and the International Fire Code (IFC) 2018 Section 510, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 72 2010, NFPA 1221 2016, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) 2524, require all new buildings to be certified through a signal strength survey for radio coverage for emergency responders within the building and must meet a minimum signal strength level (-95 dBm) for Fire, Police, and EMS radio signal. Contingent upon agreement, Strat Security Systems will provide all these services.

Factors that affect antenna signal from reaching the entire building include:

  • Concrete or metal construction
  • Large buildings (generally 25,000 square feet or larger or buildings with multiple floors)
  • Underground spaces, including basements and parking garages
  • Low-E glass in the windows

For North Carolina, pursuant to Section 510 of the 2018 N.C. Fire Prevention Code, all new construction must now undergo a final signal strength study for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage.

If any floor fails meeting the minimum threshold for signal level, the building shall have an ERCES (BDA) system provided by Strat Security Systems installed. These systems are required to be reinspected annually, or if major renovations are done to the building.

What We Do

Radio Strength Survey

Our FCC licensed and Factory Certified Technician will gather all required information about your site including: AHJ requirements, Radio System information, Frequencies, and Blueprints.

We will provide a quote for the survey and required reports.

Upon approval of the quote, our designer will modify plans with the required grid configuration. The Technician will then report to the site and record all necessary signal strength readings.

After review, the Signal Strength report will be provided to the AHJ and a copy will be forwarded to you along with a pass/fail notification based upon code requirements.

If signal amplification is required, a quote will be provided to install a BDA system.

BDA System Design / Installation

Upon accepting the quote for the BDA, the information about your site is reviewed by a radio system engineer and detailed installation plans are developed along with heat maps of the building.

We will then meet with your General Contractor, Architect, and Engineer to discuss pathways and special requirements of the system. We work together with your team to find the most cost-effective solution to installing a BDA system.

Typical installation concerns are:

  • Donor Antenna Placement
  • Antenna Grounding
  • 2-hour Rated Pathways
  • 2-hour Rated Cable (if cost effective)
  • Conduit Requirements
  • Power Requirements
  • Conditioned Space Required for BDA Panel
  • DAS Antenna Installation Methods
  • Fire Alarm Interconnection

After resolving any installation conflicts with the current building design, we will submit the permitting package to the AHJ for approval.

Once the permit is issued, we will proceed with the installation of the BDA system.

Upon completion, the BDA system will be the FINAL system to be inspected by the Fire Marshal after the fire alarm system has been approved.

All appropriate documentation will be provided to the construction team, owner, and AHJ. A quote will be provided for all required maintenance and inspections of the system moving forward.

For additional information related to ERCES requirements see the following code references:

  • IFC 510
  • NFPA 1 chapter 11
  • NFPA 1225 Chapter 18 (was old NFPA 1221)
  • NFPA 72 Chapter 24

Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA)

BDA Inside


The BDA panel is the heart of your system. It is what receives, amplifies, and broadcasts radio signals – both incoming and outgoing!

Annunciator

Annunciator

The annunciator tells you what is happening with the BDA system. It monitors key parameters to keep your system in operational condition.

Interior Antenna

Interior Antenna

Antennas distributed throughout your building receive and broadcast signals from emergency responder radio systems.

Yagi Antenna

Yagi Antenna

The Yagi Antenna is placed above the roofline and is specially tuned to send and receive the appropriate signals. Its location and direction are determined by the closest radio tower to your site.