ERCES Commissioning: Verifying System Performance and Compliance

Commissioning is the final verification phase before your ERCES system receives official approval. This process confirms that the installed system meets design specifications, code requirements, and provides the coverage necessary for emergency responder communication.

What is ERCES Commissioning?

Commissioning includes:

• Acceptance testing to verify coverage
• System functional testing of all components
• Documentation review and compilation
• AHJ inspection and approval
• Final certification of the system

Pre-Commissioning Checklist

Before requesting commissioning, verify:

Installation Complete

• All antennas installed per design
• BDA equipment operational
• All cables terminated and tested
• Backup batteries installed and charged
• Monitoring connections complete
• System labels in place

Documentation Ready

• As-built drawings updated
• Equipment cut sheets compiled
• UL listings documented
• Frequency coordination letters
• Contractor certifications

Initial Testing Complete

• Contractor has verified coverage
• Signal levels meet requirements
• All components functional
• Issues identified and resolved

Acceptance Testing

Coverage Verification

Test the system against IFC 510 requirements:

Critical Areas (99% coverage required):

Area	Test Requirement
Fire command center	All locations
Exit stairways	Every landing
Elevator lobbies	Each floor
Standpipe locations	Each location
Fire pump room	Multiple points

General Areas (90% coverage required):

Area	Test Methodology
Office floors	Grid testing (50-100 ft)
Parking structures	Grid testing
Common areas	Representative points
Corridors	Linear testing

Signal Level Requirements

Minimum signal levels (typical):

Measurement	Requirement
Inbound (downlink)	-95 dBm or better
Outbound (uplink)	-100 dBm or better
DAQ (voice quality)	3.0 or better

Test Documentation

Acceptance test reports must include:

• Test methodology description
• Equipment used (calibrated)
• Test point locations on floor plans
• Signal measurements at each point
• Pass/fail determination
• Technician qualifications

Functional Testing

BDA Testing

Verify amplifier operation:

• Normal operation indicators
• Gain settings correct
• All frequency bands operational
• Alarm conditions reported properly
• Remote monitoring functional (if applicable)

Backup Power Testing

Test battery backup system:

Test	Requirement
Battery capacity	12-24 hours (per code)
Transfer time	Seamless switchover
Low battery alarm	Proper indication
Charger operation	Correct charging

Monitoring System Testing

Verify supervisory connections:

• Power failure indication
• Battery trouble indication
• Component failure indication
• Signal to fire alarm panel (if required)

AHJ Inspection

Scheduling the Inspection

Contact your AHJ to:

1. Request inspection appointment
2. Confirm required documentation
3. Understand inspection process
4. Identify who should attend

What Inspectors Review

Documentation Review:

• Approved design drawings
• As-built documentation
• Test reports
• Equipment listings
• Frequency coordination

Physical Inspection:

• Equipment installation
• Antenna locations
• Cable routing and protection
• Labeling and identification
• Backup power installation

Functional Demonstration:

• System operation
• Signal coverage (spot checks)
• Monitoring functionality
• Backup power operation

Common Inspection Issues

Issue	Resolution
Coverage gaps	Add antennas, adjust system
Documentation incomplete	Provide missing documents
Installation deficiencies	Correct per inspector notes
Labeling missing	Add required labels
Monitoring not connected	Complete connections

Final Approval and Certification

Approval Documentation

Upon successful inspection:

• AHJ issues approval letter or certificate
• System is certified for occupancy requirements
• Annual testing schedule established
• Maintenance requirements documented

Certification Requirements

Maintain records of:

• AHJ approval documentation
• Acceptance test reports
• As-built drawings
• Equipment information
• Maintenance schedule

Post-Commissioning Requirements

Immediate Actions

After approval:

1. File all documentation
2. Provide building management with system information
3. Establish maintenance contract
4. Schedule first annual test
5. Train building personnel on system basics

Ongoing Requirements

• Annual testing per code requirements
• Regular maintenance
• Documentation updates for any changes
• Coordination with AHJ for modifications

Commissioning Timeline

Typical commissioning duration:

Activity	Duration
Pre-commissioning prep	1-2 days
Acceptance testing	1-3 days
Documentation compilation	1-2 days
AHJ inspection scheduling	1-3 weeks
AHJ inspection	1 day
Issue resolution (if needed)	Varies
Final approval	1-2 weeks

Working with Your Commissioning Team

Key Participants

• ERCES contractor/installer
• Testing technician
• Building representative
• Fire alarm contractor (if integrated)
• AHJ inspector

Coordination Requirements

Ensure all parties understand:

• Commissioning schedule
• Documentation requirements
• Access requirements
• Roles and responsibilities

Next Steps

After successful commissioning:

1. Implement ongoing maintenance program
2. Train building staff on system basics
3. Maintain documentation for inspections
4. Schedule annual compliance testing

Need help with ERCES commissioning? Connect with experienced professionals who can guide you through the approval process.

Related Articles

• The Commissioning Process: How ERCES is Certified for Use
• How to Interpret Your ERCES Test Results
• ERCES and Fire Alarms: Building a Cohesive Safety System