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Home2023-04-17T14:16:49-07:00

Requirements for Indoor Coverage

No person shall erect, construct, change the use of or provide an addition to any building or structure that does not support adequate radio coverage for emergency responders. Determining the existence of adequate radio coverage and the correction of deficiencies are the responsibility of the building owner.

    • California Fire Code Title 2, Part 9 Section 510 specifies a minimum received signal strength of -95dBm in 95% of the building. NFPA1, Annex O further defines coverage as being required in all Critical Areas and 90% of the general building area. Critical areas include emergency command centers, fire pump room(s), exits, stairs, elevator lobbies and other areas deemed critical.
    • Appendix J of the 2011 Fire Code and NFPA1, Annex O provide the basic technical requirements used in local ordinances to define indoor coverage, equipment, testing and acceptance.
    • NFPA 72-2013 Chapter 24 defines the core requirements for an Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System.
      NFPA 1221-2016 and NFPA 72-2016 further define the installation and quality requirements for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage.
      Buildings that do not support adequate radio coverage shall be equipped with FCC approved amplifiers, backup power and an indoor antenna system to distribute the signals within the building.
  • Fire Code Enforcement is typically performed through the Building Permit Process, however to ensure Public Safety, the Fire Code Official may also enforce the code at any building.

The Radio Systems utilized by first responders operate in one or multiple frequency bands allocated to Public Safety including VHF, UHF, 800MHz NPSPAC and new 700/800MHz Spectrum. The Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ) will specify the type of radio system and frequency spectrum that is utilized in your area and is responsible for approving test documentation and providing renewable permits to operate amplification systems installed by the building owner. Annual testing must be performed to demonstrate and document Indoor Radio Coverage.

RFSignalman provides an economical service that meets NFPA requirements for testing and documentation. The benefits of using RFSignalman include:

    • Accurate and consistent test results provided within 24hrs.
    • Online access to test reports with Email distribution.
    • Engineering analysis and support.
    • FREE access for Public Safety Agencies with data interface for GIS apps.
  • Multi-user account setup for Building Owners and Public Safety Agencies.

COMPLIANCE TESTING

RFSignalman is an independent testing company focused on indoor radio coverage. We have made indoor coverage testing inexpensive and accurate utilizing state of the art equipment and automated processes. Test Reports are available online and distributed by email to the Building Owner and to the Fire Code Inspector. Signal level data is also available to Public Safety for integration to GIS apps. Once tested, you can rest assured that emergency responders will have accurate coverage data to protect your building and occupants.

SUPPORT SERVICES

On-Line Services:

  • Account Set-Up for Client and Staff.
  • Manage building data and upload floor plans.
  • Request test services and make payments.
  • Electronic Distribution and Access to Test Reports

Consulting and Engineering:

  • Analysis of Test Results
  • Review of viable solutions.
  • System Design and Specifications
  • Contractor Negotiations
  • Plan Review and Specifications

SCHEDULE A TEST

RFSignalman provides online account setup for individuals and organizations. Simply enter User Names, Passwords and general Building Data and you are ready to receive email reports and review measurement data. Building Owners can easily upload floor plans and schedule on-site testing through their user accounts or simply call one of our offices to schedule your testing requirements.

On-Site testing is performed by trained individuals utilizing automated equipment and processes. We email accurate reports within 12-24 hours of testing. You can also view the Test Reports on-line or download them to your desktop.

Engineers are available by appointment to answer questions and to assist our customers. Please check our CONTACT page for availability in your area.

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Stay up to date with RFSignalman’s upcoming events

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA APCO CHAPTER MEETING

Paul Niemann will be the NAPCO key note speaker talking about ERRCS Best Practices.

CFPI Training Workshop

Come Visit us at the CFPI Training Workshop. RFSignalman is a Bronze Sponsor of this annual seminar
which provides focused training to Fire Prevention personnel. Mr. Niemann will be available in the
Exhibitor Hall to answer any questions and provide key insight into addressing critical requirements for
Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS).

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