Auxiliary Radio Communication System Design
Importance of ARCS
Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS) are two-way emergency radio networks that are designed for installation in high-rise buildings, primarily for firefighters to utilize. They are now required by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes, and various city codes, including those that are relevant to New York City (NYC) buildings.
An ARCS is both bidirectional and wireless and uses exclusive FDNY radio frequencies that prevent interference. Its basic components include radiating cables, antennas, power supplies, radio amplification units (RAU), and dedicated radio consoles (DRC). Its layout includes a transceiver or base station that is connected to an antenna system that embodies the entire building. There is also a radio console in the lobby that adds to ease of access.
Ultimately, a properly designed ARCS system will allow seamless wireless communications for firefighters if there is a fire or other emergency in a building.
A key feature of ARCS is land mobile radios (LMRs) which represent a critical tool used by emergency fire responders, including firefighters, during emergencies. Portable LMRs are a lifeline, but users need to be sure that messages are both sent and received so that the appropriate action may be taken. Quite simply, without the ability to maintain lines of communication, firefighters and other first responders cannot enter buildings safely.
LMRs operate on public safety frequencies used by municipalities and it is vital that they operate at any place within a building at all times. While it is sometimes possible to get the necessary signal strength, many larger commercial buildings, tall high-rise buildings, and the underground basements of buildings do commonly need some sort of enhancement system because these locations tend to block or inhibit LMR receiving or transmission functions.
Various technologies are now available for in-building radio communication enhancement. These include radiating cable systems (also known as leaky cable) and distributed antenna systems (DAS), both of which are discussed later on.
Get Pricing On a New MEP Design Proposal in Fewer than 24 Hours
Fire Codes
Today there are extremely strict rules, in the form of codes and regulations, to ensure that the design and installation of ARCS are 100% compliant and that they operate the way they are intended to operate.
Now, the NYC Fire Code has a dedicated section, In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication Systemsin the chapter on fire fighting operations. This states that the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of any in-building ARCS intended for use by the fire department must comply with this section of the Code whether it is installed voluntarily or required by the NYC Building Code (see below).
Additionally, ARCS must be designed and installed in accordance with the various NYC construction codes which include the Building, Mechanical, and Plumbing Codes, as well as the Electrical Code. Installation must be done by a licensed master electrician.
All systems must be tested for compliance with Department of Building (DOB) requirements by someone with a Federal Communication Commission general radio telephone operator license. Once this “commissioning” test has been completed successfully, a detailed report of the results must be submitted to the DOB and an acceptance test requested to ensure that the ARCS is, in fact, functioning satisfactorily.
The Fire Code also mandates that in-building ARCS must be properly maintained. If it is out-of-service for any reason, a tag that identifies the system as out-of-service must be placed on the fire command center. This is the location where the status of detection, alarm communications and control systems are displayed. It is also where ARCS can be controlled manually.
Since 2009, the International Fire Code (IFR) has had a section, Emergency Responder Radio Coverage. It has also added a requirement for existing buildings that didn’t have approved emergency communication or radio systems to meet the requirements for new buildings.
New York City Building Code
Since 2015, the NYC Building Code has contained a requirement for in-building radio communications systems to be installed and maintained in all new high-rise buildings. Like the Fire Code (see above), the Building Code has a dedicated section on ARCS: Fire Department In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (Arcs). Similar in content to the Fire Code’s section on ARCS, it states that if an ARCS is required in terms of:
- the section on high-rise buildings in the chapter that covers special detailed requirements based on the use and occupancy classifications in the Building Code
- the section on fire alarm and detection systems in the chapter on fire protection systems in the Building Code
- the NYC Fire Code, NFPA 1
or, even if they are installed voluntarily, they must be installed in accordance with:
- the section that covers ARCS in the Building Code
- the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, NFPA 72, as modified in Appendix Q (national standards for automatic sprinklers, standpipes, fire pumps, and fire alarm systems)
- the NYC Electrical Code, in accordance with the requirements of the NYC Fire Department
The NYC Building Code also specifies the construction documents required for review and approval prior to installation of the system. These must be submitted to the NYC Fire Department, which has the authority to call for additional documents.
At very least, documentation must include:
- The type of radio equipment and antenna to be included in the system.
- Riser diagram and floor plans that show the location of all the elements of the ARCS including the fire alarm control panel or fire command center, the dedicated radio console, base stations, and any other critical components of the system including cables, amplifiers, and antennas.
- A legend that shows all the abbreviations and ARCS symbols used.
- The location of both primary and secondary power sources.
- Both specification and listing details for all items of equipment, cables, and devices included in the ARCS.
When it comes to acceptance testing, maintenance, and operational testing, the responsibility falls on the Fire Department and the requirements of NFPA 1 must be followed.
Additionally, operating, testing, and maintenance instructions, as well as “as-built” record drawings, and detailed specifications of all the ARCS components must be provided at a location that is approved in advance.
NFPA Codes
As mentioned above, both NFPA 1 and NFPA 72 are pivotal to auxiliary radio communication system design. NFPA incorporates extracts and references from more than 130 other NFPA codes, all of which are regarded as benchmarks, including:
- NFPA 101: Life Safety Code
- NFPA 54: National Gas Code
- NFPA 58: Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code
- NFPA 30: Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
- NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems
- NFPA 25: Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
- NFPA 72, which focuses on the ever-changing needs to keep up-to-date with elements that relate to fire detection, signaling, and emergency communications.
Additionally, in-building emergency radio communication systems must be inspected and operationally tested in accordance with the requirements of NFPA 1221: Standard for the Installation, Maintenance, and Use of Emergency Services Communications Systems.
Looking for an MEP Engineering Design Services?
