Radio Coverage Systems for New Building Construction
- International, federal, state, and local building codes tend to have one major thing in common — public safety radios must be able to receive clear and concise signals throughout your entire building. That includes common areas, workspaces, hallways, stairwells, and parking structures. With the myriad of materials used throughout new building construction — both for structural integrity and aesthetic design — radio signal strengths can be quite variable depending upon a persons location within a building and its attached or surrounding facilities.
Overview | IFC-Specified ERRC Requirements for New Construction
In recent years demand for commercial construction has continued to increase, even through the recent pandemic (building material shortages aside). Recent updates to the international fire code (specifically to IFC section 510) and updated guidance from the National Fire Protection Association (specifically NFPA-72) that govern Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) requirements, dictate the acceptable technical requirements for system performance, design, and signal strength levels in and around new structures. Because of this, most construction companies are in need of technology partners that specialize in the design and install of radio coverage enhancement systems.
Challenge | Ensuring Adequate In-Building Radio Coverage
Depending upon the size of and anticipated occupancy levels for new buildings, the IFC rules generally force new builders to incorporate radio enhancement systems into their construction plans. The materials used to assemble most large commercial buildings tend to be comprised of large volumes of metal and cement, which almost always interfere with in and outbound radio signal strength and reliability.