Navigating ERRCS Design: Key Approaches to Increase Radio Coverage and Collaborating with AHJs

In today’s rapidly evolving urban landscapes, ensuring reliable communication for emergency responders is critical. Effective Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS) design plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal. Drawing from our engineers’ vast experience designing ERRCS across multiple market sectors including workplace, healthcare, and mission critical, we have identified some key lessons learned that will help design teams avoid unnecessary costs and design challenges while achieving near-full coverage in hard-to-reach locations in buildings. Some of these lessons include innovative strategies to optimize ERRCS designs including the strategic use of coaxial cables and radio-over-IP technologies. Other lessons learned emphasize the importance of early communication with local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) to keep design schedules on track. We hope that after discussing these lessons learned, design teams can implement more efficient ERRCS systems that prioritize safety, performance, and compliance, ultimately benefiting both building owners and emergency responders.

1. Antennas and Cables in Elevator Hoistways

Recent code changes now require 99% building signal coverage in critical areas, up from 95% in previous code cycles, so elevators now require coverage regardless of their position in buildings.  One innovative solution we've implemented is adding equipment to the elevator hoistway. A single radiating coaxial cable running the length of the shaft or an antenna at the top of the hoistway have both been recently allowable solutions added to ASME. This allows the radio signal to reach emergency responders regardless of the elevator's position in the shaft.

2. Placing Conduits in Concrete Slabs

‍This approach necessitates close collaboration with the structural engineer early in the design process. By placing ERRCS conduits within the concrete of critical areas, these installation conditions can meet the two-hour survivability requirement without using prohibitively expensive cabling. While this method may be more costly than running standard ERRCS cabling in the ceiling, depending on the level of survivability required by the AHJ, owners could save money by avoiding the need for more expensive fire-resistive cabling along with conduit systems that protect the speciality cable from damage.

3. Increasingly Crowded Outdoor Radio Environments

‍In some cases, managers of regional radio systems are distributing signals via IP instead of over the air. For example, in a project facing signal challenges due to the radio environment of a donor tower, the design team collaborated with the regional radio department to create a radio-over-network solution (radio over IP). This provided an endpoint with an IP address and fiber connection, eliminating the need for an outdoor donor antenna and bi-directional amplifier (BDA). As urban radio environments become increasingly congested, this innovative process may gain traction (or in areas where the donor signal may be too weak to be rebroadcast inside the building).

4. Communicating with Local AHJs Early

‍At the onset of a project, the design team must determine which year of the code, such as NFPA, the building will follow. Long-term construction projects can span several years, making it essential to keep code changes top of mind. We’ve observed AHJs honoring the building codes in place at the time of design, while others may enforce recently updated codes later in the project. Engaging with AHJs early during the early design phase ( before permit drawings have begun development) sets clear expectations regarding reviewers and helps reduce RFIs. Additionally, understanding whether you will be working with a local AHJ rather than the state government is crucial, as local codes can differ significantly and impact design criteria.

In summary

As the NFPA code continues to be updated with more specific requirements, it necessitates a proactive approach to the ERRCS design. By implementing radiating coaxial cables, strategically placing conduits in concrete slabs, utilizing radio-over-IP solutions, and engaging with local AHJs early in the design process, facility owners can navigate the complexities of achieving a smoother permitting and TCO sign-off process. These strategies not only ensure compliance with the latest regulations but also enhance the safety and efficiency of emergency response efforts.

If you're planning a new facility or need guidance on ERRCS design, visit our contact page to learn how we can assist you in achieving optimal radio coverage and compliance.