Public Safety DAS / ERCES

Pass ERCES inspection
the first time.

Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) designed, installed, and certified to IFC 510 and NFPA 1225. We hold a 100% AHJ first-pass approval rate across 150+ public safety DAS projects.

Get a free site assessmentSee the compliance checklist
IFC 510 & NFPA 1225100% AHJ approval150+ projects

The problem

Your building is blocking emergency signals

Modern construction materials such as low-E glass, concrete, and metal cladding kill up to 80% of public-safety radio signal. Without a code-compliant ERCES, first responders cannot communicate inside your building, and the fire marshal will not clear your Certificate of Occupancy.

Signal loss in decibels by building material
MaterialLossNote
Low-E glass30 dBper pane
Concrete floor15 dBper level
Metal cladding40 dB—
Parking garage50 dBbelow grade
Elevator shaftTotal blockdead zone

What it costs you

  • No Certificate of OccupancyThe fire marshal will not clear the building without a compliant ERCES.
  • $10,000+ daily finesNon-compliance is billed per day until the system passes.
  • Personal liabilityOwners and operators are exposed after a safety incident.
  • Denied insurance claimsCarriers may refuse claims tied to a failed system.
  • Stop-work ordersRenovations halt until coverage is brought up to code.

The difference

From dead zones to code-compliant coverage FAIL· 33% general coverage

A failing benchmark test is the legal trigger for an ERCES. Toggle the building below to see how a roof donor antenna, a COMBA bi-directional amplifier, and a coax riser carry public-safety signal to every floor, the outcome we engineer and then prove with an on-site grid test.

  • 1.35 miDonor link
  • -61 dBmIncoming
  • 27 dBmClass A BDA
  • 33.9 hrLiFePO4 BBU
  • 54Dome antennas
  • 81,706Sq ft covered
Public-safety radio coverage by floor, before and after the ERCES install. Code minimum is 95% of general areas and 99% of critical areas at or above -95 dBm, per IFC 510 / NFPA 1225.
FloorRiser gainBefore (dBm)Before coverageAfter (dBm)After coverage
F710 dB → +9 dBm-1224%-7895%
F68 dB → +10 dBm-1188%-7496%
F58 dB → +10 dBm-11016%-7097%
F48 dB → +10 dBm-10427%-6799%
F35 dB → +13 dBm-9641%-6398%
F25 dB → +13 dBm-8858%-6099%
G5 dB → +18 dBm-7278%-5899%
Whole building——33% · FAIL—98% general, 99% critical · PASS

Code minimum · ≥95% general / ≥99% critical @ ≥ -95 dBm · IFC 510 / NFPA 1225Illustrative, modeled on a real 7-floor project.

Architecture · Passive

Passive DAS

A single bi-directional amplifier distributes public-safety signal over coaxial cable, the most cost-effective path to fire-code compliance. Play the signal flow to follow it from the roof donor antenna out to every floor antenna.

  • Best fitUp to 250,000 sq ft
  • DistributionAll-RF over coax
  • Core unitSingle BDA
  • MonitoringDry contacts → FACP
  • Band700/800 MHz

How it works

System components

  • Coaxial / Fiber DistributionLow-loss cabling in fire-rated pathways with proper grounding per code.
Passive DAS signal chain: a roof donor antenna feeds a single 700/800 MHz bi-directional amplifier, which feeds five passive 2-way splitters over coax; each splitter feeds two ceiling dome antennas, for ten antennas in total. The amplifier reports by dry contact to the fire alarm control panel.
StageElementFeedsRole
1Donor antennaBDARoof donor antenna, aimed at the public-safety simulcast site
2BDAS1–S5, annunciatorCOMBA class A bi-directional amplifier, 700/800 MHz, the single active element in the system
3Splitters S1–S5A1–A10, two eachPassive 2-way splitter, divides RF power to the floor run, no power required
4Antennas A1–A10Floor coverageCeiling dome antenna, radiates and receives on the floor
—AnnunciatorFACPDry contact alarms to the fire alarm control panel: AC fail, battery, donor loss, amplifier fail

Passive DAS · All-RF over coax · Single BDA · Dry contacts → FACPClick any node — or any step or component below — to inspect it. Illustrative topology; antenna count and run lengths are set by the RF design.

Architecture · Hybrid

Hybrid DAS

A fiber-optic backbone feeds distributed remote units throughout the building, ideal for large, complex, or multi-building layouts. Play the signal flow to watch RF convert to light at the master and back to RF at every remote.

  • Best fitUp to 1,000,000 sq ft
  • DistributionFiber backbone + coax
  • Core unitMaster BDA + remotes
  • MonitoringSNMP v3 + web
  • Band700/800 MHz

How it works

System components

  • Fiber Backbone (OS2)Single-mode fiber in fire-rated pathways carries the signal with negligible loss over long runs.
Hybrid DAS signal chain: a roof donor antenna feeds a master 700/800 MHz bi-directional amplifier, which converts RF to optical and drives four fiber remote units. Each remote converts back to RF and feeds two ceiling antennas over short coax legs, for eight antennas in total. The master reports status over SNMP v3.
StageElementMediumFeedsRole
1Donor antennaCoaxMaster BDARoof donor antenna, aimed at the public-safety simulcast site and feeding the master unit
2Master BDAFiber (OS2)RU1–RU4Master BDA, 700/800 MHz fiber master. Converts amplified RF to optical and drives every remote unit over single-mode fiber
3Remote units RU1–RU4CoaxA1–A8, two eachFiber remote unit. Converts the optical backbone back to RF and amplifies locally, so run loss no longer scales with distance
4Antennas A1–A8—Zone coverageCeiling dome antenna on a short coax leg from its remote unit
—SNMP managementEthernetNetwork / FACPSNMP v3 management: per-remote alarms, gain and status reported to the network and to the head-end web interface

Hybrid DAS · Fiber backbone + coax · Master BDA + remotes · SNMP v3 + webHybrid DAS, fiber backbone to remote units. Click any node — or any step or component below — to inspect it. Illustrative topology; remote count and zone layout are set by the RF design.

Technical specifications

Passive vs. Hybrid at a glance

Two proven approaches. Different strengths. Same mission: reliable coverage where it matters.

SpecificationPassive DASSingle BDA over coaxHybrid DASFiber backbone + remotes
ArchitectureAll-RF passive over coaxial cableFiber backbone + coax distribution
Best-fit sizeUp to 250,000 sq ftUp to 1,000,000 sq ft
Coverage target95% general / 99% critical95% general / 99% critical
ScalabilityAdd coax runs, splitters, antennasModular fiber expansion
RedundancyBattery backup at BDA; redundant donorDual fiber paths; redundant power
Remote unitsUp to 32 per hubUp to 32 per hub
ManagementDry-contact alarms to FACPSNMP v3 + web monitoring
Best for simplicity, speed, and budget-sensitive projects.Best for large scale, flexibility, and future-ready designs.

Code compliance

Every requirement for AHJ approval

Miss any one and the system is rejected. We ensure 100% compliance before installation, which is how we keep a perfect AHJ approval rate.

  • 8Requirements
  • 100%Must pass
  • 150+Projects approved
  • 0Rejections
  1. Coverage

    95% General Coverage

    Minimum −95 dBm signal strength in all general areas.

  2. Coverage

    99% Critical-Area Coverage

    Stairwells, fire command center, pump rooms, exit corridors, elevator lobbies.

  3. Equipment

    UL 2524 Listed Equipment

    All signal boosters listed specifically for in-building public safety.

  4. Equipment

    2-Hour Fire-Rated Pathways

    Cable routes protected by 2-hour rated enclosures or CI cable.

  5. Power

    24-Hour Battery Backup

    Standby power for 24 hours quiescent + 5 minutes talk time.

  6. Power

    Dedicated 20A Circuit

    GFCI protected, on emergency power where available.

  7. Monitoring

    FACP Monitoring

    System trouble and antenna malfunction alarms to the fire panel.

  8. Monitoring

    Annual Testing

    Recertification by a qualified vendor every 12 months.

The codes behind them

IFC 510

International Fire Code

Mandates in-building public-safety radio coverage of 95% general and 99% critical area for first responders.

NFPA 1225

Emergency Responder Communications

The 2022 standard for ERCES coverage, survivability, and monitoring, which replaces NFPA 1221.

UL 2524

In-Building Signal Boosters

The listing standard every public-safety signal booster and BDA must meet under IFC 2021.

FCC Part 90

Public-Safety Radio

Federal rules that keep the system from interfering with other licensed bands.

The process

How the ERCES process works

  1. Site Survey

    RF grid testing and coverage mapping.

  2. Design

    iBwave modeling and equipment specs.

  3. AHJ Submit

    Permit filing and plan review.

  4. Installation

    BDA install and antenna placement.

  5. Testing

    Grid testing and DAQ verification.

  6. Certification

    AHJ inspection and final approval.

Site Survey

Benchmark grid test

We divide your building into a measurement grid and test the existing public-safety signal floor by floor against the code standard of 95% coverage in general areas and 99% in critical areas.

A documented failing test is what legally triggers an ERCES, and it pinpoints exactly where signal dies so nothing is guessed.

You get: a baseline coverage map of your building's dead zones.

Design

iBwave predictive modeling

Your building is modeled in iBwave and a system is engineered to hit code coverage with margin. We set the head-end location, antenna placement, and signal balancing across every floor and zone.

Predictive modeling means we know the design passes before a single component is installed.

You get: a sealed design package with predicted coverage heat-maps.

AHJ Submittal

Permit & fire-marshal review

We file the permit set and coordinate the design up front with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (the fire marshal).

Pre-approval coordination is how we keep a perfect first-pass approval record, with no surprises on inspection day.

You get: an approved, permitted plan ready to build.

Installation

Code-built & monitored

The system is installed to the approved design, in fire-rated pathways, with battery backup and fault monitoring tied to your fire alarm panel.

A clean, code-built installation is what survives both inspection and a real emergency.

You get: a fully installed, continuously monitored system.

Acceptance Testing

Prove it passes

We repeat the same grid test on the finished system to prove 95% / 99% coverage, and verify backup power and monitoring.

Objective, documented proof the system meets code, in writing, before inspection.

You get: an AHJ-ready acceptance report with RSSI coverage maps.

Certification

Signed off & occupied

The AHJ inspects, signs off, and certifies the system, which clears the public-safety requirement on your Certificate of Occupancy.

This is the approval that lets you legally occupy and operate the building.

You get: certification plus an annual-test plan to stay compliant.

What you receive

An AHJ-ready grid test report

Every project includes documented RSSI coverage maps and compliance paperwork your fire marshal can sign off on.

  • Detailed coverage maps
  • AHJ-compliant documentation
  • 24/7 support guarantee
95%+Area coverage per code-required grid testing
−95dBmMinimum signal strength (per AHJ requirement)
0System availability
PASS

RSSI Signal Strength Map

Code-required grid test summary, formatted for fire-marshal sign-off.

  • Building:Sample Office Complex
  • Technician:WZC #1247
  • Pass range:−45 to −95 dBm
  • Fail range:−120 to −128 dBm

Investment

One fixed price, certification included

ERCES Ready bundles every phase from survey to AHJ sign-off into a single scoped quote. No per-stage invoices, no surprise change orders.

  1. Site Survey

    RF grid testing of existing conditions.

  2. Design

    iBwave model and full equipment specification.

  3. Installation

    Professional installation and setup.

  4. Acceptance

    Grid testing and compliance verification.

  5. Certification

    AHJ inspection and final sign-off.

0ERCES projects delivered
0AHJ first-pass approval
3–6 wkTypical turnaround
1 yrWarranty included
$0Hidden change orders

ERCES Ready — turnkey compliance package

ERCES Ready is our complete turnkey compliance package, covering site survey, iBwave design, installation, AHJ certification, and a 1-year warranty. We provide a fixed-price quote after your site survey, with no hidden change orders.

Get your custom quote

Recent ERCES installations

Buildings we brought into compliance

Senior Living100%AHJ-passing coverage

ERCES Coverage From 51% to 100% in 4 Days

A 15-story senior-living high-rise failing public-safety coverage at 51%, brought to full compliance in four days.

Read case studyRetail50+sites delivered

ERCES Compliance Across 50+ Store Deployments

Turnkey ERCES for new and existing supercenters, grid testing, design, install, AHJ approval, commissioning.

Read case studyHotel / Hospitality1stpass AHJ approval

Failing Benchmark to First-Pass AHJ Approval

A 7-floor hotel that failed its public-safety benchmark test, brought to full code coverage and approved on the first inspection.

Read case study

Questions

Passive DAS / ERCES FAQs

How long does installation take?
Typically 3–6 weeks end to end. An emergency fast-track is available in about 10 days for citation or CO-pending situations.
Will it interfere with cellular or Wi-Fi?
No. ERCES operates on dedicated public-safety frequencies (VHF, UHF, 700 MHz, and 800 MHz) and is FCC Part 90 compliant, so it does not interfere with cellular or Wi-Fi.
What maintenance is required?
NFPA 1225 and IFC 510 require annual testing and recertification by a qualified vendor. Plan on periodic inspections and battery replacement every 3 to 5 years. We offer maintenance contracts that cover all of it.
What happens if we fail AHJ inspection?
We maintain a 100% AHJ first-pass approval rate through pre-approval coordination with the fire marshal. If an issue arises after install, we resolve it at no additional cost.
Do you work with existing fire alarm systems?
Yes. We integrate with major FACP brands (Simplex, Notifier, Edwards, Fire-Lite, Honeywell), typically using 2–4 fire-panel zones.
What frequencies are supported?
VHF (150–174 MHz), UHF (450–470 MHz), 700 MHz public safety, and 800 MHz public safety bands.
How much does a passive DAS cost?
Cost depends on building size, layout complexity, construction materials, and local AHJ requirements. We provide a fixed-price quote after a site survey, with no hidden change orders.
Can we upgrade to hybrid later?
Yes. Passive systems can be expanded, and we design with future growth in mind so you can scale to hybrid/active as needs change.
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Tell us about your building and timeline. Our ERCES experts will assess your situation and recommend the most cost-effective path to compliance.

Start your ERCES assessmentCall 248-946-4000