Reliable Communication When It Matters Most

Enhance Safety with ERRCS and DAS Solutions

In emergencies, communication can mean the difference between life and death. A 2017 survey by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) revealed that 56% of fire departments experienced communication failures inside buildings during emergency events. This alarming statistic, along with lessons learned after September 11, 2001, has driven the development and enforcement of stricter codes for Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).

At VFS Fire & Security Services, we’re dedicated to ensuring that first responders can communicate effectively in your building when it matters most.

What Is ERRCS/DAS?

ERRCS, also known as Public Safety DAS, boosts fire and police radio frequencies from outside a building—where signals are strong—to inside the building, where communication is often compromised. This critical system provides seamless communication for first responders in areas where weak signals could jeopardize safety.

Why Is ERRCS/DAS Essential?

• Mandated Nationwide: Nearly every city and county in the U.S. requires or will require ERRCS/DAS in buildings that meet certain criteria.
• Code-Driven Safety: Systems must comply with NFPA 1221 Standards and local codes interpreted by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) or Fire Marshal.
• Critical Coverage: Systems ensure 99% radio coverage in critical areas (e.g., fire command centers, stairwells, pump rooms) and 90% coverage throughout general building areas.

How VFS Ensures Your Compliance

Our certified ERRCS/DAS experts handle every step of the process to make compliance simple and stress-free:

• Survey & Design: We evaluate your building’s needs and develop a custom system design.
• Furnish & Install: From equipment to cabling, we provide everything necessary to ensure your system operates seamlessly.
• Approval & Testing: We work directly with your local AHJ to submit designs, gain approvals, and perform testing to achieve compliance.
• Ongoing Maintenance: Annual testing and recertification ensure your system remains fully operational.

Common Building Requirements for ERRCS/DAS

In California, Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are widely mandated to ensure that first responders can maintain clear communication within buildings during emergencies. The requirements are based on local fire codes, Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) specifications, and standards from organizations like the NFPA.

Here are the common building requirements:

Building Size and Type

1. High-Rise and Large Buildings:
   • Structures with three or more stories.
   • Buildings with a total area of 50,000 square feet or more.
2. Underground Facilities:
   • Buildings with subterranean levels or underground parking garages where radio signals are weak or blocked.
3. Critical Areas:
   • Must achieve 99% radio coverage in essential zones, such as:
     • Fire command centers.
     • Stairwells.
     • Fire pump rooms.
4. General Areas:
   • Require at least 90% radio coverage across general building spaces.
5. Signal Strength:
   Inbound and outbound signal strength must be −95 dBm or better throughout the building.

System Components and Protection

6. NEMA 4 Enclosures:
   • Active components must be housed in NEMA 4-rated enclosures, protecting against dust, water, and other environmental factors.
7. Battery Backup:
   • Systems must have backup power to ensure continued operation during emergencies.
8. Alarm Integration:
   • ERRCS/DAS alarms must connect to the fire alarm control panel or paging system.

Certification and Maintenance

9. Certified Professionals:
   • Design, testing, and certification must be performed by individuals with an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) and NICET-IB-PSC.
10. Annual Testing and Recertification:
    • ERRCS/DAS systems require yearly inspections and recertification to remain compliant with local codes.

Local Authority Requirements (AHJ)

11. Custom Specifications by AHJ:
    • The AHJ (e.g., local fire marshal) determines specific requirements for compliance, which may vary by city or county. Examples include:
      • Enhanced coverage for specific building types (e.g., hospitals, schools).
      • Detailed equipment standards (e.g., repeater placement, antenna types).
12. Plan Approval:
    • System design must be approved by the AHJ before installation, with testing and commissioning conducted to validate performance.

Choose VFS for Industry-Leading Solutions

At VFS Fire & Security Services, we take pride in helping businesses meet safety standards while protecting the lives of first responders and occupants. With our expertise in ERRCS/DAS systems, you can feel confident knowing your building is prepared for emergencies.

Ready to ensure safety and compliance?

Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a building survey. Let’s build a safer future together.