BDA - ERCES Systems
Bi-Directional Amplification Systems are code-required systems for all new construction.
Bi-Directional Amplification Systems also known as Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems are code required systems for all new construction.
Many questions arise that are associated with the new building code requirements.
Does the Building Code require BDA’s for Police and Fire?
The 2016 California Fire Code 510.1 requires systems for both new and existing buildings.
What certifications or qualifications are required to install the ERCES?
CFC 510.5.2
1. A Valid FCC issued GROL (General Radio Operators License)
2. Certification of in-building systems training issued by a nationally recognized organization, school or certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed.
What are the NFPA’s requirements for an annunciator at the FACP or is FACP monitoring adequate?
The BDA system shall have its own local annunciator and the following BDA statuses shall report to the FACP:
1. BDA Antenna Failure
2. BDA Trouble
3. BDA Power Loss
4. BDA Charger Trouble
5. BDA Low Battery
Does the system need to be UL Listed or California State Fire Marshal Approved?
The AHJ for the project will specify the required listings. It is good practice as a specifier, building owner, or AHJ to require that the ERCES be UL listed 2524 and California State Fire Marshal Approved on their BML listing service.
Sierra Building Systems, Inc. is GROL Certified by the FCC and factory-trained to survey for the existence of radio signals within the building, design BDA’s for proper coverage to eliminate and reduce attenuation and ensure proper isolation. SBS is certified to install and commission ERCES systems and also provides the annual and 5-year maintenance requirements.
How does one determine whether the existing radio coverage is adequate, of justify whether an Enhancement System is needed?
An RF survey must be performed by an FCC Certified GROL license holder using specialized equipment that measures Downlink/Uplink signal strengths in decibel-milliwats (dBm). Results are then sent to the AHJ to determine if a BDA is required or waived.
The BDA system offered by Sierra Building Systems, Inc. is industry proven and reliable.
Features and Benefits
All public safety frequency bands supported with various models available:
UHF
VHF
700 MHz FirstNet
Dual 700 MHz FirstNet and 800MHz
UL, NFPA and IFC Compliant
NFPA 1221 2016 Edition and IFC 2018 compliant signal boosters that do not require external DC power supplies, chargers or alarm interface feeds
Integrated dual power supply system with two independent AC circuit breakers
