Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS), also known as Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System (ERRCS), include any system that provides wireless service via an antenna system, especially to buildings, in order to ensure that emergency responders can maintain wireless communications within a building structure and on-the-job in emergency situations. Enabling emergency communication is crucial when it comes to the men and women who are often the first on a scene when it comes to public safety. It’s also crucial for people such as building owners and other personnel who need to have the people under their structures or authority be safe in the event of a crisis.
Public Safety DAS
Public Safety DAS
When you need to ensure that first responders can maintain wireless communications within a building structure in emergency situations
Benefits of Public Safety DAS
ERRCS, or public safety DAS, ensures that first responders can maintain communication with each other to unify their efforts in a crisis. This provides for a more efficient response to emergency situations such as fires, natural disasters, security threats, and more.
A reliable public safety DAS can make all the difference during an emergency. That is why Harris Communications partners with the Safer Buildings Coalition and local governments to ensure that requirements and measures are set in place that will generate a more efficient, reliable, and life-saving communication system for emergency responders.
What You Need to Know About Public Safety DAS
System Coverage
Your emergency responder radio coverage system design will need to meet the system coverage requirements of both the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and the International Fire Code (IFC), as well as state and local fire jurisdiction requirements. Each state and local jurisdiction will dictate which code to follow because there are differences between them. While IFC dictates that 95% coverage is needed in all areas, NFPA dictates that 90% coverage is needed in general areas and 99% coverage is required in areas of vital importance, such as those designated by your local fire department.
Implementing these minimum coverage standards into your next Public Safety DAS project requires more effort and a closer look at your materials and the final design. In order to have an accurate DAS design, a comprehensive initial radio frequency (RF) survey is needed. During the survey, Harris Communications takes into consideration the local radio frequencies used by local public safety personnel (UHF/VHF 700 and 800 MHz) to ensure your DAS coverage will be adequate.
Some Important Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System Requirements
NEMA-4 Enclosures
A watertight enclosure designed to assist in the survivability of the headend, remote, and battery backup unit in the case of a fire or other emergency situations.
Alarm Monitoring
System and Power supply supervisory signals are monitored by the fire alarm service.
Battery Backup Units
Provides backup power to the public safety DAS in case of an interrupted primary power source. Power requirements vary depending on local and state code requirements.
Lightning Protection
Compliance with NFPA 780.
System Acceptance Testing
All new systems shall be initially acceptance tested to verify that the system as installed meets the performance requirements of Section 9.6 of the NFPA 1221.
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