Design & Planning: The Foundation of an Effective ERCES System

The design and planning phase establishes the foundation for a successful ERCES installation. Proper planning ensures your system will meet code requirements, provide reliable coverage, and minimize costly changes during installation.

Why Design and Planning Matter

A well-designed ERCES system:

Meets coverage requirements on the first attempt
Minimizes installation costs through efficient component placement
Ensures code compliance with all applicable standards
Reduces change orders and project delays
Provides reliable performance for years to come

Skipping or rushing this phase often leads to failed inspections, costly retrofits, and extended project timelines.

Step 1: Initial Assessment

Determine ERCES Requirements

Before designing a system, confirm whether ERCES is required:

Contact your AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
Review local code amendments to IFC 510
Assess building characteristics:
- Building height and size
- Construction materials
- Occupancy type
- Underground areas

Identify Public Safety Frequencies

ERCES must support the frequencies used by local emergency responders:

700 MHz - Common for newer public safety systems
800 MHz - Widely used by many jurisdictions
VHF - Still used in some areas
UHF - Used by some agencies

Your AHJ or local public safety radio shop can provide the specific frequencies required.

Step 2: RF Survey

The RF (Radio Frequency) survey is the foundation of system design.

What an RF Survey Measures

Existing signal levels throughout the building
Dead zones where signals are inadequate
Signal sources (donor antenna locations)
Interference sources that may affect performance

Survey Methodology

Professional RF surveys follow a systematic approach:

Area Type	Test Points	Documentation
Critical areas	Every stairwell landing, elevator lobby	Grid coordinates, signal levels
General areas	Grid pattern (typically 50-100 ft)	Floor plans with measurements
Basement/underground	Comprehensive coverage	Special attention to entry points

Survey Deliverables

A complete RF survey report includes:

Building floor plans with signal measurements
Identification of areas requiring enhancement
Donor antenna location recommendations
Preliminary system requirements

Step 3: System Design

Design Considerations

Coverage Requirements:

99% coverage in critical areas
90-95% coverage in general areas (varies by jurisdiction)
Minimum signal levels per IFC 510

Component Selection:

UL 2524 listed signal boosters
Appropriate antenna types for each area
Fire-rated cabling per NFPA 1221

Pathway Survivability:

Determine required survivability level
Plan fire-rated pathways
Identify component protection requirements

Design Documentation

Professional designs include:

System riser diagrams showing component connections
Floor plans with antenna locations
Equipment specifications and data sheets
Link budget calculations demonstrating coverage
Pathway survivability documentation

Step 4: AHJ Coordination

Pre-Submission Meeting

Request a meeting with your AHJ to discuss:

Specific local requirements
Preferred documentation format
Review and approval timeline
Inspection requirements

Permit Submission

Typical submission requirements:

Complete system design drawings
Equipment specifications and UL listings
RF survey report
Link budget calculations
Pathway survivability documentation
Contractor qualifications

Design Review Process

Phase	Typical Duration	Action Items
Initial review	2-4 weeks	AHJ reviews submission
Comments	1-2 weeks	Address any concerns
Approval	1-2 weeks	Receive permit to install

Step 5: Frequency Coordination

FCC Requirements

ERCES signal boosters require proper authorization:

Signal Booster Registration with the FCC
Coordination with carriers if required
Public safety frequency authorization from licensees

Coordination Process

Identify all frequencies to be amplified
Contact frequency licensees (public safety agencies)
Obtain written consent for amplification
Document coordination for AHJ submission

Common Planning Mistakes

Mistake: Skipping the RF survey Impact: System may not provide required coverage Solution: Always conduct a professional RF survey

Mistake: Not coordinating with AHJ early Impact: Design changes and delays Solution: Request pre-submission meeting

Mistake: Underestimating pathway survivability Impact: Failed inspections, costly retrofits Solution: Clarify requirements with AHJ upfront

Mistake: Incomplete frequency coordination Impact: Project delays, potential FCC issues Solution: Begin coordination early in planning

Timeline Expectations

Typical design and planning timeline:

Activity	Duration
Initial assessment	1-2 weeks
RF survey	1-2 weeks
System design	2-4 weeks
AHJ review	3-6 weeks
Frequency coordination	2-4 weeks
Total	9-18 weeks

Note: Many activities can run concurrently. Complex buildings may require additional time.

Choosing a Design Partner

Look for ERCES designers with:

Experience with your building type
Knowledge of local AHJ requirements
Professional RF survey capabilities
Strong track record of approved designs
References from similar projects

Next Steps

Once your design is approved, you’re ready for testing and surveys to validate assumptions, followed by installation.

Need help with ERCES design and planning? Connect with experienced professionals who can guide you through the process.