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What You Need to Know About

Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERRCES)

The Attenuation Problem

Is your facility or building capable of fully protecting the individuals who are tasked with protecting you and others during an emergency?

Can the life-saving professionals on the ground reliably communicate with each other inside as well as with others on the outside?

We have all experienced signal disruption at some point.  Whether it be your cell phone signal or connection to a Bluetooth device, you may have noticed that walls and other physical obstructions can cause breaks in signal strength.  This is called signal “attenuation”.

This same attenuation problems apply to crucial first-responder radio communication!

During an emergency, first responders rely on radios to communicate amongst each other within the building or facility in order to properly navigate and relay pertinent information.  However,  radio coverage can be attenuated by physical objects such as brick or concrete walls, low-E glass, landscaping, metal roofing, televisions, or even reinforced shelters inside the building.  These “dead spots” of degraded radio signals can put first responders on the ground as well as those being rescued during an emergency at risk.

Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement System

“I just went through all of the inspection reports you just dropped off. They really are great. Everything matched the spreadsheet we use and the organization was the best I’ve seen. I really appreciate the effort in making the reports accurate.”

— Director of Operations, School District, Denton County

The ERRCES Solution

Fortunately, there is life safety system designed to specifically combat attenuation and eliminate signal “dead spots”.  These systems are referred to as Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERRCES), or also more simply referred to as Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES). 

ERRCES are designed to amplify radio signals within buildings and facilities to ensure  clear and consistent communication between first responders  in order to help save more lives and protect more property.

The BDA Solutions for ERCES

ERRCES is a Code Requirement

AHJs are now enforcing these existing ERRC code requirements in Texas and 34 other states. 

IBC 2021 – Section [F] 918, Emergency Responder Communication Coverage, Section 1

  • In-building two-way emergency responder communication coverage shall be provided in all new buildings in accordance with Section 510 of the International Fire Code.

IFC Section 510 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage

  • First appeared in the appendix of the 2009 IFC; the provision was moved to the body of the code in 2012.
  • Section 1103.2 specifies the requirements for emergency responder radio coverage in existing buildings.

NFPA 72 National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code

  • 2010 / 2013 Edition, section 24.5.2.
  • The 2016 edition of NFPA 72 relocated the requirements to NFPA 1221.
  • 2016 & 2019 Editions of NFPA 1221, Emergency Service Communications Systems, Section 9.6.RR
  • The 2022 edition of NFPA 1225 reflects changes to NFPA 1221, Chapters 3, 18, and 20
Notifier Typical BDA System

The Bi-Directional Amplifier Solution

Communication Concepts proudly installs and maintains the Notifier® Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Life Safety System for new and existing buildings.  The BDA System is a UL Code-compliant (UL2524) life safety system complete with a dedicated, strategically installed rooftop antenna that strengthens any two-way emergency radio signals to ensure communication for first responders. 

The Bi-Directional Amplifier System boosts signals in two directions and includes a distributed antenna system (DAS) which provides coverage where needed within a structure.

The BDA System also seamlessly integrates with any existing Notifier® fire alarm control panel.  This means it can be installed and tested with a new or replacement fire alarm system for new construction or added to the existing fire alarm system in your current building.

Communication Concepts is a Notifier®  Platinum catalyst partner. This level of certification is awarded based upon required factory classroom training over the proper approved installation and software tools configurations, as well as proven field performance. Since fire alarm technology is constantly evolving, this training and retraining is required annually to maintain our Notifier® catalyst partner status.

Not only does this mean you get the highly trained technicians installing your Life Safety Notifier® fire alarm system, but Communication Concepts is authorized by Notifier® to extend the standard Notifier® two-year warranty to FIVE years on most items.

Notifier Platinum Catalyst Partner

Additionally, Communication Concepts’ NICET Level IV (Fire Alarm) and Alarm Planning Superintendent (APS) Fire Alarm System Designers apply national, state and local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) fire alarm system and life safety requirements by designing and installing ADA visual strobes, horn strobes, speaker strobes and other required notification devices for buildings occupants to answer the two most important questions, “Am I safe? What do I do next?”

Communication Concepts’ proven expertise with Noti-Fire-Net™ intelligent fire alarm networks across water treatment plants, hospital campuses, detention facilities, college campuses, public school districts, city municipalities and even the county footprint, offers to you the confidence that every initiating point, whether it is a wireless smoke detector, flame detector, gas detector, aspirating smoke detector, duct detector, explosion proof smoke detector, heat detector or pull station, or any other supplementary device, each point will report to the ONYXWorks® Command Workstation, and trigger appropriate supplemental activity.

To improve In-Building 2-way emergency radio communication for emergency first responders, Communication Concepts provides and installs certified Notifier® Addressable Digital Class A/B Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) for channel selective, UL2524 2nd Edition Listed Digital Signal Booster System with built-in Notifier® Fire Alarm Panel Addressable Monitor Module.

Communication Concepts is Here to Help

When it comes to Emergency Responder Radio Communication Enhancement Systems, Communication Concepts has you covered.  We offer several services provided by certified technicians to prepare the right solution for your needs.

Site Surveys / Annual Inspections

To meet building code requirements, allow a specialized FCC GROL-certified and trained Communication Concepts technician to conduct a site survey of your building or facility to see if an ERRCES would be beneficial.  Our technicians can also inspect your existing fire alarm system's ERRCES for its annual re-certification.
Schedule Now

ERRCES Installation or Service

Whether if you have a new building project that needs a ERRCES as part of its fire alarm system or if need to service an existing system, our team of experts can get you up and running. No project is too big and no system is too complicated for our installation and service teams.
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Design Specs for Architects & Engineers

Communication Concepts' team of designers can review or assist in configuring the specs for your new construction or renovation project.
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The Right Solution Suited for Your Unique Needs

  • Turnkey Fire Alarm Installations
  • Fire System Retrofitting & Expansion
  • Site Surveys
  • Fire Alarm Red-Tag Deficiency Repairs
  • Fire System Design & Design Assist
  • Fire Alarm Inspections
  • Fire System Maintenance & Repair
  • Fire System Troubleshooting
  • Fire System Integration
  • Fire Monitoring Services

SMART Support

Gain peace of mind by retaining premium support from Communication Concepts’ top tier Service Team to resolve your fire alarm issue as quickly as possible.

Average Weekly Service Calls
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CoCo is Partnered with and Works on the Top Recognized Manufacturers

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Communication Concepts services other major manufacturer fire alarm systems such as Simplex, Siemens, and Johnson Controls.

Let Communication Concepts' team of experts create a solution suited for your campus or building.

Communication Concepts makes it easy for you by simplifying the
procurement process through the following agencies

BuyBoard Cooperative Agreement
Multi Regional Purchasing Cooperative
TIPS Cooperative Agreement

What Some of Our Customers are Saying

“We always appreciate your service to our community and the work that your team performs on our behalf. I want you to know that your technician is an exemplary employee. His professionalism and attention to detail are a cut above in my opinion. Thank you for sending him to us.”
Life Safety ManagerPrivate Education Facility, Tarrant County
“Communication Concepts Service Team, thank you! This is huge in the eyes of our users.”
Technology Project ManagerSchool District, Collin County
"CoCo has done a FANTASTIC JOB beating the timeline proposed and agreed to!"
Project ManagerSchool District, Fort Worth
“I just went through all of the inspection reports you just dropped off. They really are great. Everything matched the spreadsheet we use and the organization was the best I’ve seen. I really appreciate the effort in making the reports accurate.”
Director of OperationsSchool District, Denton County
"I appreciate the quick response and changes made. You guys consistently provide superb service."
Director of TechnologyPrivate School, Dallas County
“As always you guys are making my job easier here at the district by solving problems.”
Technology SpecialistSchool District, Collin County
"Let me first thank you for dealing with my questions over those two days so professionally. Communication Concepts is always top notch and provides great customer service."
IT SpecialistSchool District, Tarrant County
"The systems training has opened some eyes, it has given my guys that extra support to understand what things are and how the system operates."
Facilities Staff SupervisorSchool District, Dallas County
"Absolutely pleased with the results and I appreciate you offering the training to us."
Network Infrastructure ManagerSchool District, Tarrant County
“Your team keeps health care providers safe and secure.”
Director of Information TechnologyTarrant County Healthcare Systems
“I found that your crew was very courteous and professional, and the work they did looks great. I am looking forward to getting the other project going.”
Network AdministratorWater Conservation District, North Texas
“Thanks for Communication Concept’s diligent work. Complement your crew for me.”
Owner's Project ArchitectNonprofit Ministry, Dallas
“I really appreciate you guys coming out, I learned a lot about the system. Your technician was very knowledgeable and professional and it looks like we’re in good shape moving forward. Thank you again!"
Director of Sanitation ServicesMunicipality in Dallas County
"I want to personally thank all of you for your hard work & dedication to get this job done on time and on budget."
Project ManagerLarge North Texas Hospital Network, Fort Worth
"I just wanted to take a moment and let you know how enjoyable it has been to work with you and your team. You’ve been one of the most pleasant subs to work with and we are grateful for your diligence with our project."
Operations AssociateNonprofit Ministry, Dallas
"I want to thank you for having your crew knock out the scope yesterday afternoon. I talked with my contact there this morning and he was quite pleased with the installation and your techs."
Vice PresidentElectrical Contractor, Fort Worth
“Thanks for getting this to us, and for all of the work you guys have already done for this project. We are blessed by knowing all of you, and are grateful the Allen's connected us. I have attached the signed proposal. Let me know if you need anything else from us.”
Director of OperationsTarrant County Charity Organization
“I would just like send you a note of thanks for sending out your technician on this work order. He was most professional, superbly competent and just a pleasure to work with. I truly appreciate his diligence in getting the camera operational. Thanks again!”
Group SupervisorTexas ODAR Hearing Office, Dallas
"The Install looks absolutely fantastic. A very professional job."
Technology Project ManagerCollin County
“Just to let you know as a follow up to our meeting, I have to say this, Your staff goes above and beyond, they have always been fast to respond, and take care of every need we have had. Thanks to them all!”
Director of MaintenanceHealthcare Company, Tarrant County
"Your tech went above and beyond for customer service yesterday. He was very pleasant to work with; he communicated well and got the job done. We work with a lot of vendors and it's not every day you can say a vendor was all of these on a service call. It's things like this that ensure we will continue to use your services."
Facility CoordinatorHospital, Weatherford
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