An Auxiliary Radio Communication (ARC) system is a wireless two-way building communication system for FDNY use only. It receives and transmits Fire Department portable radio frequencies within a high rise building over 75 feet. The installation, acceptance, testing, operation and maintenance are all in accordance with the fire code and the rules of the FDNY. An Emergency Responder Radio Communication (ERRC) system is a wireless two-way communication system that allows first responders inside a building to communicate over radio frequencies with officers and dispatch personnel outside the building. The Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) determines the way in which the system is installed, accepted, tested, operated and maintained. The IFC (International Fire Code) 510 and NFPA (National Fire Protection Act) 72 require an ERRC system in all post 9/11 commercial buildings.
A facility’s authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) is the organization responsible for enforcing the codes and standards set by the NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). This could be federal, state, local or other regional department or individual such as a fire chief or fire marshal.
All ARCS are DAS, but not all DAS are ARCS. Distributed Antenna Systems are separate in-building network infrastructure. They can be used for public safety (ARCS) or to provide tenants with better cellular reception.
Under the 2014 NYC Building Code, the City of New York requires all new construction “high-rise buildings” (i.e. taller than 75 feet) to install and maintain an Auxiliary Radio Communications System – ARCS, in any of the five boroughs. Older buildings undergoing renovation may require the installation of an ARC System as well.
iBWave is the industry standard software for designing indoor wireless networks. iBWAve is used to construct a 3D model of a building and then simulate and predict signal propagation for both coverage and capacity, ensuring high-quality optimized network design.
We partner with fire alarm and electrical engineering companies to install the systems we design. RFS will perform final system setup, commissioning and certification testing.
Elevators are made of steel, located within a steel-reinforced concrete shaft. RF signals can’t penetrate three layers of steel and concrete.
The construction must meet UL standards for 2-hour fire resistance and survival.
If your existing or proposed building is between 75 and 125 feet in height and meets additional size criteria, RFS can evaluate it for a possible exemption from the FDNY ARCS requirement.
Various cables are required for connections to antennas, AC power and system control console(s). RFS will provide detailed design documentation for these cables.
Filings for ARC Systems involve several steps, some of them requiring coordination between various FDNY groups.