ERCES Testing & Surveys: Ensuring Effective Emergency Communication

Testing and surveys are critical at multiple stages of ERCES implementation—from initial assessment through annual compliance verification. Understanding the testing process helps ensure your system meets requirements and provides reliable emergency communication.

Types of ERCES Testing

Pre-Installation RF Survey

Conducted before system design to:

• Measure existing signal levels
• Identify coverage gaps
• Determine system requirements
• Establish baseline measurements

Acceptance Testing

Performed after installation to:

• Verify system meets coverage requirements
• Document signal levels throughout building
• Demonstrate compliance to AHJ
• Establish baseline for future testing

Annual Compliance Testing

Required ongoing testing to:

• Confirm continued compliance
• Identify system degradation
• Document for AHJ records
• Maintain occupancy compliance

RF Survey Methodology

Grid Testing Approach

Professional RF surveys use systematic grid testing:

Building Area	Grid Spacing	Test Points
Open floor plates	50-100 feet	Center of each grid cell
Corridors	50 feet	Along centerline
Stairwells	Each landing	Center of landing
Critical areas	20-25 feet	Comprehensive coverage

Signal Measurements

At each test point, technicians measure:

Downlink (Inbound) Signal:

• Signal from public safety tower into building
• Minimum requirement: typically -95 dBm

Uplink (Outbound) Signal:

• Signal from portable radio to tower
• Minimum requirement: typically -100 dBm

Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ):

• Subjective measure of voice clarity
• Scale of 1-5 (3.0 minimum typically required)

Test Equipment

Professional testing requires calibrated equipment:

• Spectrum analyzer or signal level meter
• Calibrated test antenna
• GPS receiver for location documentation
• Testing software for data collection
• Calibrated portable radio for DAQ testing

Pre-Installation Survey Process

Preparation

Before the survey:

1. Obtain building floor plans
2. Coordinate building access
3. Identify all areas to be tested
4. Confirm public safety frequencies
5. Schedule appropriate time (minimize interference)

Survey Execution

During the survey:

1. Establish reference points for consistent measurements
2. Test all floors systematically
3. Document critical areas thoroughly
4. Note construction details affecting signal propagation
5. Identify potential donor antenna locations

Survey Deliverables

A complete pre-installation survey includes:

• Floor plans with signal measurements
• Summary of coverage gaps
• Recommended system approach
• Donor antenna site evaluation
• Preliminary equipment recommendations

Acceptance Testing

When It’s Performed

Acceptance testing occurs after:

• System installation is complete
• All components are operational
• Contractor has verified coverage
• Before requesting AHJ inspection

Testing Requirements

Per IFC 510 and local requirements:

Critical Areas (99% coverage):

• Fire command center
• Fire pump rooms
• Exit stairways
• Elevator lobbies
• Standpipe locations

General Areas (90% coverage):

• All other occupied spaces
• Parking structures
• Common areas

Documentation Requirements

Acceptance test reports must include:

Element	Description
Test methodology	Grid spacing, equipment used
Test point locations	Marked on floor plans
Signal measurements	Inbound and outbound at each point
Pass/fail summary	Coverage percentage by area
Equipment list	All installed components
Technician certification	Qualifications of tester

Annual Testing Requirements

Frequency

Most jurisdictions require annual testing, though some may require:

• Semi-annual testing for high-risk buildings
• Testing after any system modifications
• Testing after building modifications that could affect coverage

Test Scope

Annual tests typically include:

Signal Testing:

• Representative sample of original test points
• All critical areas
• Any areas of previous concern

System Functional Testing:

• BDA operation verification
• Backup battery test
• Monitoring system verification
• Antenna system inspection

Documentation and Reporting

Annual test reports must be:

• Submitted to AHJ (if required)
• Maintained on-site
• Available for inspection
• Compared to baseline measurements

Common Testing Issues

Issue: Signal levels vary throughout the day Cause: RF environment changes with building occupancy Solution: Test during representative conditions, document time

Issue: Marginal coverage in some areas Cause: Design assumptions didn’t match actual conditions Solution: May require additional antennas or amplification

Issue: Interference affecting measurements Cause: Other RF systems in building Solution: Identify and document interference sources

Issue: Test results don’t match design predictions Cause: Construction materials differ from assumptions Solution: Adjust system design based on actual measurements

Working with Testing Professionals

Qualifications to Look For

• Experience with public safety frequencies
• Proper test equipment (calibrated)
• Knowledge of local AHJ requirements
• NICET or equivalent certification
• References from similar projects

Questions to Ask

1. What test methodology do you use?
2. What equipment will you use?
3. How do you document results?
4. Do you provide reports suitable for AHJ submission?
5. What’s included in your testing service?

Next Steps

After successful testing:

• Pre-installation survey: Proceed to system design
• Acceptance testing: Move to commissioning
• Annual testing: Document and address any issues

Need professional ERCES testing services? Connect with qualified testing professionals who can ensure your system meets requirements.

Related Articles

• ERCES Testing and Surveys: What to Expect
• How to Interpret Your ERCES Test Results
• How to Prepare for Your Annual ERCES Inspection