Emergency responder radio communication enhancement systems are safety tools that enable communication during an emergency situation. The use of emergency responder communication enhancement systems ensures effective communication of emergency responders. They can help reliable communication of emergency responders in large buildings. However, the system must meet the standards enforced by the authority having jurisdiction.

Periodic testing and maintenance of Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) is also key to ensure that the system is functioning properly. This prevents potential malfunction and helps extend the lifespan of the system.

Here’s how you can ensure optimal performance of ERCES with proper testing and maintenance.

Installation: Before installing emergency responder communication enhancement Systems, there is a need to obtain approval from the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). The AHJ provides the technical requirements and frequencies that the system needs to meet.

Acceptance Test: After installation, an acceptance test is conducted to verify the functioning of the system. This includes checking radio coverage on each floor. During the acceptance testing, each floor is divided into sections and the signal strength is measured for each section. After the acceptance test, the report is submitted to the AHJ. The authority will issue a certificate of compliance.

Annual Testing: To ensure functionality and reliability, the system is maintained regularly. This includes annual testing as well retesting after changes in the building structure. There is also need to test the system in case of changes in the radio frequencies used by the local authorities.

Servicing of System Components: The system components such as antennas, batteries, amplifiers, and cable also need inspection and service as recommended by the manufacturer.

Documenting the Results: To track the performance of the system over time, you need to document the results of each test. This helps identify the areas of improvement.

Make Necessary Repair of Adjustments:
The system may need repairs or adjustments from time to time. This includes replacing faulty components, cleaning the debris etc.
The testing procedure will vary depending on the specific system. However, the common steps include:

Planning: This includes creating a plan to identify the areas and components of the ERCES that need to be tested. The testing plan also takes into account the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

Equipment: At this stage necessary equipment is gathered for testing and this includes calibrated radios, safety gear and more.

Testing: The testing process involves using the equipment to measure the coverage, performance and signal strength of the system.

Corrective Action: At this stage, corrective measures are taken to address the problems identified during the testing. This may involve replacing components, changing system configuration or making any other changes to the components.

Conclusion
ERCES maintenance and testing is essential for public safety. In the event of an emergency, the system can facilitate first responder jobs and save lives.

Our DAS design and build-services are tailored to your building’s needs. Contact our team for a free consultation and discover how you can transform wireless connectivity in your building with our expert solutions.