HomeMy WebLinkAbout403.009 - Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement SystemsEffective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 1 of 14
Fresno City Fire Department
400 Prevention Manual
SECTION 403.009 EMERGENCY RESPONDER COMMUNICATION
ENHANCEMENT SYSTEMS
PURPOSE
The purpose of this policy is to clarify the Fresno Fire Department’s (FFD or
Department) requirements regarding the installation of all emergency responder
communication enhancement (ERCES) systems.
APPLICATION
This policy applies to all ERCES systems within the City of Fresno (COF) and contract
service areas.
OPERATIONAL POLICY
Based upon the need for uniformity in application across the Department’s diverse
service delivery area, and after careful deliberation, the Department has determined
the following:
Permit Requirements (Baseline / Preliminary Testing)
1. Prior to baseline / preliminary testing, all person(s) or firm(s) completing
testing shall first obtain a test permit from FFD.
Required Test Permit Application Documents (Baseline / Preliminary Testing)
1. Copy of the current COF Business Tax Certificate for the testing firm.
2. Copy of the current Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
license for the person(s) completing the test.
3. Copy of the formal testing procedures to be used. Formal testing
procedures shall comply with the criteria noted in California Fire Code
(CFC) §510.5.4, COF Communications Division policies, and shall not
include algorithmic or extrapolated results.
4. Detailed information which shows the test instruments’ conformance
with either Underwriters Laboratory (UL), FCC or other equipment listing
agency requirements and last date of test instrument calibration.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 2 of 14
Permit Requirement (New Installations)
1. ERCES systems are required to be installed in an approved location.
Where required to be installed per the CFC, or the Fresno Municipal
Code (FMC), permits for installation must be obtained from FFD prior to
the commencement of work.
Testing Requirements
1. Prior to any ERCES testing, the permit applicant/testing contractor shall
notify the Department to ensure the test is in conformance with the
Department's required testing items, including every FFD required
“critical point” – See “Definitions” below.
2. Automatic pass / fail criteria:
Where initial testing of any building indicates an inbound and outbound
-95 dBm signal strength, as well as a signal-to-noise and distortion ratio
(SINAD) of equal to or less than 20 (= / < 20), the test will be deemed
an automatic failure, and an ERCES system will be required throughout
the building.
Where initial testing of any building indicates an inbound and outbound
-95 dBm signal strength, as well as a signal-to-noise and distortion ratio
(SINAD) of 21 or greater (> 21), the test will be deemed an automatic
pass and an ERCES system will not be required.
Planning and Construction Requirements
1. It is the obligation of the property owner (and agents of the owner as
necessary) to plan for the installation of an ERCES. ERCES systems
are required as noted in the CFC and FMC.
2. If an owner or permit applicant chooses to complete ERCES testing
(which must be completed as a building is substantially complete –
including equipment installation) as permitted in the FMC, in lieu of the
required ERCES installation, any resultant delays in obtaining a
certificate of occupancy which are caused by the failure of the property
owner to plan for and coordinate required ERCES testing and installation
will result in delays in obtaining a certificate of occupancy.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 3 of 14
3. As the permitting authority, a sworn FFD staff member, will determine
which frequencies are to be amplified, etc. These frequencies may
include those at the local, state, federal or tribal level, and will be
determined after a formal application has been submitted for review and
approval. No other department, division, agency or person has the
authority to make this determination.
Plan Submittal Documents
1. ERCES system documents must be drawn with due care by a trained
person meeting all the requirements found within the applicable laws,
codes, ordinances, standards, and this policy.
2. Plans must be drawn on a minimum of twenty-four (24”) inch by thirty-
six (36”) inch paper and must be drawn to an indicated scale of not less
than one-eighth (1/8”) inch = one (1’) foot.
3. All notes and information on each plan sheet will be a minimum of twelve
(12) pt. font or larger. Fonts will be Engineers font, Architects font, Arial
font or Calibri font. Plans using unusual or difficult to read fonts will not
be accepted. The Fire Marshal, or designee will make the determination
of acceptability, and the determination will be final.
4. An area of no less than four (4”) inches by six (6”) inches, located in the
bottom right-hand corner of each plan sheet (excluding the title block),
must be left free of any text, mark, etc., to facilitate the marking of plans
by Department staff.
5. Drawings must be organized (generally) based upon the United States
Department of Energy, Fundamentals Handbook for Engineering
Symbology, Prints, and Drawings (Vols. 1 & 2) (1993 edition). Available
for download at: http://edtech2.boisestate.edu/jasonclemens/512/files/DOE-v1.pdf
6. Drawing line weights, matchlines (where used) and legibility (including
printed pages) must be in accordance with either the United States
Department of Energy, Fundamentals Handbook for Engineering
Symbology, Prints, and Drawings (Vols. 1 & 2) (1993 edition), or the
latest edition of the American Institute of Architects design guidelines.
7. All electrical plan symbols must be in accordance with National Electrical
Contractors Association (NECA) 100 Symbols for Electrical
Construction Drawings (ANSI) (2013 edition), where a symbol is
provided. Other symbols are not permitted by FFD.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 4 of 14
8. All fire protection symbols must be in accordance with National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA) 170 – Standard for Fire Safety and
Emergency Symbols (2018 ed.) where a symbol is provided. Other
symbols are not permitted by FFD. Initiating and activation devices shall
be shown as required in Table 8.3 and notification appliances shall be
shown as required in Table 8.4.2.
9. The use of “heat maps” to indicate signal strengths is not permitted.
Designers shall provide clear delineation lines for each tested grid, then
indicate the tested signal strength, and provide numeric coverage
indications to show the signal strength and if the tested strength is
compliant or not using only “Pass/Fail” language.
An example of the proper way to show pass/fail for a grid is noted below:
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 5 of 14
10. Each of the following items must be included on submitted plans. Plans
will be returned for revision when the following items are not present:
a. A detailed scope of work for the project including a description
sufficient to clearly indicate the location, nature, and extent of the
work. A scope of work indicating “installation of an ERCES
system” or similar non-descript scoping is inadequate for the
purposes of compliance with this policy.
b. Location of the project, including the COF officially assigned
address.
c. A site plan of the location. The required site plan (including north
arrow) shall be scaled or dimensioned and show the subject
building and surrounding property. A location pin from mapping
software does not meet this requirement.
d. The site plan shall also include a table showing the following
information: Equipment Room ID, Outdoor antenna model
number and type, Antenna gain, Azimuth, and distance to the
donor site.
e. The site plan must indicate the location of the building’s Knox box.
Buildings equipped with an ERCES system must have a Knox
box installed in an approved location. The Knox box shall have
a sign located directly adjacent to the Knox box stating: “ERCES”.
Signage shall be in conformance with FFD Policy #402.016
f. Name of the permit applicant, installing contractor, address,
phone number, type of license and license number, with wet
stamp and signature on each plan sheet.
g. The California Building Code (CBC) occupancy group of the
building and an indication of whether the building is equipped with
a fire sprinkler system.
h. Equipment legend. Equipment legends must be prepared in the
format shown on the sample legend at the end of this policy. All
equipment must be shown including Conduit, Cabling, Cable ties,
Attachment equipment, Signage, etc.
i. The total square footage of the building.
j. A complete interior floor plan of the building including all critical
areas.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 6 of 14
k. A roof detail which shows whether the roof is of combustible
construction. Where the building is constructed with a
combustible roof, all interior cabling shall be enclosed in rigid,
metallic conduit. Where interior cabling is run in combustible
concealed spaces (i.e., floor / ceiling assemblies, etc.) the cabling
shall be run in rigid, metallic conduit.
l. ERCES equipment rooms shall be constructed of a minimum of
1 hr. fire resistant rated construction. No exceptions.
m. Applicable details of the ERCES equipment room, including the
room dimensions which clearly indicate the required three foot
(3’) clear working space has been provided in front of and
adjacent to all ERCES equipment. Room finished ceiling height,
etc.
NOTE: ERCES system components that are installed in any
area, including fire pump rooms, must not interfere with
the FFD required three foot (3’) clear working space for
all fire protection system equipment. It is the obligation
of the permit applicant/designing and installing
contractor to coordinate the installation and maintain the
required clear working space in front of and adjacent to
all fire protection equipment. Installations of ERCES
equipment which interferes with clear working space
requirements will be required to be relocated. No
exceptions.
n. Approved permanent and durable signage affixed to all doors
containing ERCES equipment. Required signage shall include a
sign noting: “ERCES” which conforms to FFD policy #402.016,
and a sign as shown below.
The sign shall have the exact text, exact color, and exact symbol.
The sign shall be at least 7” in height and 5” in width.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 7 of 14
Because this signage is likely to be installed on fire resistance
rated door assemblies, it is incumbent on the installer to ensure
that proper mounting does not inadvertently reduce the doors
rating.
o. A radio coverage grid diagram, with a minimum of twenty (20)
grids per floor, no grid shall be larger than eighty feet by eighty
feet (80’ X 80’).
p. Partial ERCES systems are not permitted. Any system which is
required to be installed shall be provided throughout the entire
building. No exceptions.
q. All new buildings required to have an ERCES system installed in
buildings that are fully protected by an automatic sprinkler system
in accordance with the CFC, NFPA 13, and the FMC may have
unrated cables and cable components installed, except as noted
below.
r. All new buildings required to have an ERCES system installed
shall have cabling run in not less than a two-inch (2”) rigid,
metallic conduit installed between the ground floor (or the bottom
subterranean floor as applicable) and the roof.
s. Construction documents shall include installation details for the
cable between the amplifier and the antennas on each floor.
Cabling that is run in open air, shall have a minimum 1-hr. fire
resistance rating. Unrated cabling between the amplifier and
antennas on each floor shall be run in rigid, metallic conduit – no
exceptions. All cabling shall be located below fire sprinkler
deflectors. General notes or descriptions are not sufficient to
meet this requirement.
t. Elevation and roof plans must be provided indicating the location,
orientation, and height above roof level of donor antenna mounts,
method of mounting, and the location of cable routes and entries
to the roof or wall below. The designer shall include detailed
diagrams indicating grounding, surge protection, anchoring and
cable entries in compliance with the California Electrical Code
(CEC). General/generic notes or descriptions are not sufficient
to meet this requirement.
u. Antennas and their supporting appurtenances shall not be
mounted to the sides of buildings, unless specifically approved by
the Fire Marshal (or designee).
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 8 of 14
v. A grounding and lightning protection diagram and details showing
the antenna mount, cable, cabinet, and electrical ground
connections to the building ground system shall be provided.
w. Construction details and a note which clearly states the pathway
survivability level for the system using the NFPA 72 survivability
criteria. Designer shall note on plans if the system meets NFPA
level 1, 2 or 3 for survivability for each of the cable extensions to
the indoor mounted antennas.
x. Construction details indicating how the ERCES system is
connected to the building fire alarm system including a
description and sequence/matrix of events associated with
testing the alarms shall be provided. The sequence/matrix shall
be prepared as noted in NFPA 72 §A.14.6.2.4.
y. Include a schematic drawing of fire alarm interconnection
including address points, etc. General notes or descriptions are
not sufficient to meet this requirement.
z. Construction details and notes showing physical installation of
equipment and panels, climate control system, fire protection
features, security features shall be provided. Indicate on plans
how signal booster components and battery systems are
mounted in NEMA 4-type waterproof cabinets. General notes are
not sufficient to meet this requirement.
aa. The required, rigid metallic conduit shall extend from the ERCES
equipment room to the center of the building, then extend
upwards to the center of the building’s roof.
bb. Construction details indicating how the cable is protected against
physical damage in areas that have public access and on roof
tops. General notes are not sufficient to demonstrate
compliance.
cc. On each floor and the building roof, a CBC and CEC compliant
opening shall be made to allow unencumbered access to the
conduit from the ceiling or roof.
dd. Penetrations in any fire resistance rated assemblies shall be
protected as required in the CBC/CEC and shall be a one-hour (1
hr.) fire resistive rating minimum.
ee. All floors in subterranean parking garages are required to have a
similar conduit installation.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 9 of 14
ff. No other cabling is permitted to comingle with the ERCES system
cable in the conduit.
gg. Conduit containing ERCES cabling shall be marked/labeled with
a red label with white lettering which reads “ERCES” or “EM –
CR” (Emergency Critical). The size of the labeling shall be as
noted in the diagram below:
hh. Every marking/label shall also comply with ANSI/ASME A13.1-
2023 ed. requirements for UV resistance, environmental
durability, and adhesion requirements.
ii. ERCES conduit in a room shall have at least one label placed on
the conduit in a given room. When the conduit exceeds 4’ in
length labeling shall be placed at intervals of no less than 10’.
jj. The designer shall note the branch circuit means supplying the
ERCES, and circuit shall be permanently identified at the control
unit.
kk. All ERCES circuit disconnecting means must have an approved
(prominent) marking at the circuit and a lock off/out clip.
ll. ERCES systems must be provided with at least two (2)
independent and reliable power supply sources conforming to the
requirements of the currently adopted edition of NFPA 72 and the
CEC. One source shall be designated as the primary and one
shall be designated as the secondary.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 10 of 14
mm. The standby power supply shall be an approved UPS system or
backup batteries capable of operating the emergency responder
radio coverage system for a duration of not less than twenty-four
(24) hours. When primary power is lost, the power supply to the
emergency responder radio coverage system shall automatically
transfer to the standby power supply. The ERCES or UPS
system shall be equipped with an emergency power off (EPO)
switch.
nn. The ERCES or UPS system EPO switch shall be listed,
indicating, of an approved size and type, and shall be placed in
an approved position. The EPO switch must also be labeled in
accordance with FFD policy #402.016.
oo. An equipment list shall be provided. The list shall include the
following information: Manufacturer part number, description,
quantity, and symbol to be used on plans. Include a table
showing FCC-issued certification numbers for all electronic
equipment. NFPA 1225 §18.12.1.
At a minimum, the equipment list shall include the following:
Amplifiers
Antennas & mounts
Coaxial cables
Connectors
Splitters
Combiners
Couplers and any other passive components proposed
NEMA 4-type waterproof enclosure for repeaters,
transmitters, receivers, signal booster components and
battery system components.
Any equipment requiring FCC certification.
Backup battery/UPS and charging system or if used,
generator including City of Fresno approved plans and
specifications.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 11 of 14
13. The following standard notes must be applied to the first sheet of plans:
a. It is the permit applicant’s/installing contractor’s responsibility to
make all work available for inspection.
b. A full-sized, complete, copy of the approved plan set (incl.
manufactures. equipment) is required to be on-site during any fire
department inspection.
c. Installation must comply with CEC §300.21, Spread of Fire or
Products of Combustion, regarding penetrations through fire-
resistive assemblies to prevent the spread of fire and toxic
products of combustion.
d. Exterior components are required to be mounted in a weather-
tight manner.
e. All existing equipment is required to be noted with an (E) on all
submittal documents (if applicable).
f. The designer has verified all equipment to be installed is
compatible with existing equipment (if applicable).
g. All applicable code references must be provided (i.e., NFPA 72,
1225, etc.).
14. Each ERCES plan submittal must be accompanied by a submittal
booklet which includes the following information:
a. The submittal book cover sheet must include the CBC occupancy
classification, official COF address and note that it is for an
ERCES system.
b. The submittal book must include an equipment legend that
identifies all equipment on an eight and one-half inch by eleven-
inch (8 ½” X 11”) sheet. The following information must be in the
legend: Equipment manufacturer name, model #, plan symbol,
and quantity to be installed as required. This should be a separate
page in the submittal booklet.
c. Provide the laboratory listing sheets (UL 2524), for all equipment
that is to be installed.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 12 of 14
d. Manufacturer’s information sheets each type and piece of
equipment to be installed, this includes conduit, hangers,
fasteners, etc.
NOTE: It is the permit applicant’s/designer’s responsibility to
provide completed, comprehensive booklets, not loose
sheets. Loose sheets will not be accepted. No
exceptions.
OPERATIONAL GUIDELINE
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PROCESS
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INFORMATION
As noted in the CFC, the fire code official has the authority to formulate policies they
deem necessary based upon local conditions related to plan submittals for all systems
and applications. Additionally, as noted in the FMC, ERCES systems shall comply with
the CFC, NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications, and FFD
policy.
The requirements noted in this policy apply to both required and voluntary systems.
DEFINITIONS
1. Critical Areas: Critical areas for the purposes of this policy are defined
as a six-foot (6’) radius circle in front of all fire protection features, on
every floor, including, but not limited to:
Every required high-piled storage access door, every elevator hoistway
door, every enclosed interior stair door, all interior fire sprinkler system
control valves, all hose valves, fire alarm control units and remote
annunciators, fire pumps and their associated appurtenances including
controllers, etc., all emergency responder communications
enhancement system equipment, etc.
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 13 of 14
CROSS-REFERENCES
Fresno Fire Department Fire Prevention Manual Section 402.016, Fire Department
Required Signage
California Fire Code
California Building Code
California Electrical Code
Fresno Municipal Code
NECA 100, Symbols for Electrical Construction Drawings (ANSI) (2013 edition)
NFPA 170, Standard for Fire Safety and Emergency Symbols (2018 edition)
NFPA 1225, Standard for Emergency Services Communications (2022 edition)
UL 2524, Standard for In-Building 2-Way Emergency Radio Communication
Enhancement Systems.
United States Department of Energy, Fundamentals Handbook for Engineering
Symbology, Prints, and Drawings (Vols. 1 & 2) (1993 edition)
Effective Date: January 2016 Justin H. Beal, Fire Prevention Engineer
Current Revision Date: 11/19/2024 Section 403.009
Next Revision (1) Date: 11/19/2027 Page 14 of 14
SAMPLE EQUIPMENT LEGEND