Grid testing is a legal requirement imposed by most Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs), covered in IFC 510, NFPA 1221, and NFPA 72, aiming to guarantee sufficient signal coverage throughout a building. This extends to critical areas often overlooked for cellular coverage, such as stairwells, Fire Pump Rooms, Fire Command Rooms, electrical room exit pathways and stairs, standpipe cabinets, and other locations specified by the local AHJ.
Not every new building necessitates a public safety Distributed Antenna System (DAS). RF Grid Testing and RF Grid Reporting help assess if a building already meets Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERCES) requirements, minimizing unnecessary installations.
Industrial conducts on-site RF Grid Testing and RF Grid Reporting, measuring and mapping in-building P25 public safety radio signal levels as mandated by NFPA 1221 and IFC 510. These measurements are processed into detailed reports, determining compliance with local coverage requirements and the need for a Public Safety Emergency Radio Responder Communications Enhancement System (ERRCES).
NTSI Technologies also performs on-site RF Grid Testing, measuring and mapping in-building public safety radio signal levels as required by NFPA 1221 and IFC 510. The resulting data enables the custom engineering of an indoor signal enhancement system compliant with local building and fire codes.
In addition to field signal measurements, NTSI conducts research, documents technical and regulatory information, and produces RF Benchmark Reports including local public safety radio communications system specifications (i.e., P25), Local AHJ Fire Code Enforcement Requirements for In-Building Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS), 20-Grid RF signal coverage maps, measurements of indoor signal levels, DAS Certification/ Letter of Compliance for AHJ, and an Engineered DAS design and plan with recommendations for signal enhancement if necessary.
If the building passes the coverage test, the survey report can be submitted to the local fire marshal or the relevant authority to remain on file until the next required inspection. If the building fails the coverage test, Industrial assists through each step of the process, ensuring compliance with minimum safety requirements/codes to satisfy the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
No matter the structure, engage Industrial Communications from the beginning of your construction design cycle to the end. Experts in codes and standards, Industrial offers fire protection and life safety code strategy, confirmation of code compliance, and innovative solutions for complex design and construction challenges.
Contact us today for a quote on your next DAS or ERCES job and experience the commitment to safety that earns your business.
