Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Systems 

Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC)

First responders and emergency personnel rely on clear radio transmissions during an emergency. In-building radio signals can be weakened by structures such as concrete, windows, and metal.

COUNTY FIRE’s Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System is a signal boosting solution designed to enhance in-building radio frequency (RF) signal coverage for public safety radios.

We serve the entire New York city and state area, including: Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx, Nassau, Suffolk, Sullivan, Rockland, Orange , Westchester, Ulster,  Dutchess, Columbia counties.

We also serve the entire State of Florida!

 

Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System

Requirements for BDA systems are enforced by local jurisdictions. It’s important to check with your county Fire Marshal to be sure of requirements per your area. Organizations like the NFPA and IFC set the standards for in-building signal coverage laws.

The general requirements for most jurisdictions are that BDA systems are required for buildings that have one floor below grade or two floors above. For most jurisdictions, BDA Systems are required in all new construction per these requirements. Many jurisdictions even necessitate retrofits of older buildings falling under these requirements.

BDA systems ensure reliable two-way communication, receiving and amplifying transmissions from radios inside to the repeater antenna outside. They boost the signal by distributing Radio Frequency (RF) throughout a building.

These systems are designed to overcome interference and common impairments to signal strength like concrete, metal, low-E glass windows, underground structures, building materials, etc. Public safety BDA systems boost reception for first responders’ radio networks operating on 700MHz, 800MHz, and 900 MHz bands.

In the state of Florida, all buildings will need to have the BDA installed and approved by Jan. 2022

Building owners are responsible for the cost of installing BDA systems, not the local fire department. Building owners typically choose fire protection companies to install BDA systems as part of the fire alarm bid as BDA systems fall under the category of fire alarm system.

BDA systems must be designed and installed by certified professionals such as COUNTY FIRE. All systems must be FCC certified and must clearly display an FCC ID number and the required compliance labels. It’s the job of the AHJ to ensure that BDA systems have proper FCC certification.

b-03/fcc certified technicians

certified & experienced technicians to keep you in FDNY compliance

Call Us at 718-964-6080

For a Free Consultation & Estimate

Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA)

Here’s what we include when installing your building’s BDA.

Benefits of Public Safety BDA/DAS System

A Public Safety BDA/DAS in your facility helps ensure that emergency first responders remain in contact with each other in the event of an emergency.
Even in challenging areas (dead spots) such as stairwells, underground tunnels, parking garages, and pump rooms or areas with interferance because of the building structure materials i.e. concrete, steel etc.
Boosting their radio signals not only increases safety for emergency first responders, it also helps public safety professionals better serve building occupants and their visitors and pets.

BDA

Power Supply & Power Dividers and Hybrid Couplers

RAU (Radio Amplification Unit)

Uplink/Downlink Propagation Analysis

DAS & DONOR ROOF ANTENNAS

Cable, Connectors, and Lightning Arrestors

Batteries and Battery Enclosure & System Monitoring

BDA

What Is a BDA?

Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDA) and Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) help to ensure that first responders entering your building can communicate with one another during an emergency. BDA systems are an extension of a public safety radio systems and thus must be carefully designed by an experienced and knowledgeable BDA vendor.

There are two types of BDAs, one for two-way radios and one for cell phones. Public safety BDA systems are two-way radio systems used to assist first responders in the event of an emergency.

In short, the goal of a BDA/DAS is to eliminate communication “dead spots” or “dead zones” in a building by extending coverage range so that first responders can communicate as needed.

BDA | ERRCES: There are many different terms that are used in Fire Codes across the USA - here is a list of the most common ones used:
• Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems - ERCES
• Bi-Directional Amplifier - BDA
• In-building public safety radio signal booster - IBPSRSB
• In-building radio system -IBRS
• In building emergency communication radio enhancement systems – IBECRES
• In-building emergency responder radio enhancement system – IBERRES
• In-Building Public Safety Communication Systems - IBPSCS
• Auxiliary Radio Communication | ARC System (in New York City & Long Island)
• Public safety signal booster – PSSB
• Public safety in-building communications systems - PSIBCS
• Public safety bi directional amplifier –PSBDA
• Public safety radio enhancement system – PSRES
• Emergency radio coverage system - ERCS
• Emergency Communications Radio System – ECRS
• Emergency responder radio coverage systems – ERRCS
• Signal booster system – SBS
• Distributed antenna system –DAS
• 2-way radio communication enhancement systems – RCES

How important are BDAs to Public Safety? (IAFC Survey 2017)

Level of Expertise with BDA / ERRCS systems:
• 5% no knowledge
• 26% Some awareness of the topic
• 32% Basic Training / Some Experience
That is a total of: 63%

How important is reliable in-building communications coverage during emergencies?
94% Agree
RELIABLE Communications are CRITICAL!

Have you experienced a communications failure within a building during an emergency incident?
• Last 6 months 31%
• Last Year 16%
• Last 2 Years 9%
That is a total of 56%

% Buildings with Poor Radio Frequency Coverage:
Fire Departments Report that 98.5% of the buildings have dead spots.

BDA

Signal Booster Code Requirements

The Fire Code on In-building signal coverage statutes are based on standards set by organizations such as:

  • National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA 72 Chapter 24 code requires 90 percent in-building two-way radio signal coverage, which jumps to 99 percent for critical areas like fire pump rooms, exit stairs and passageways, and elevator lobbies.
  • International Fire Code (IFC): IFC-510 code requires 95 percent in-building wireless signal coverage with a minimum signal strength of -95 dB.
  • FCC13-21: Part 90 regulations describe requirements for signal boosters for Public Safety and private Land Mobile Radio (LMR) service operations.

Complying with wireless signal code improves personal safety, minimizes the risk of property damage and reduces the possibility of legal liability. County Fire will design and install your system that will meet the FIRE CODE Requirements in your locality.

contact us today

For a Free Quote or to Schedule an Inspection or Repair

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ADDRESS

75 Seabring St, Brooklyn NY 11231

PHONE

(718) 964-6080

County Fire

100 Beard Street, Brooklyn

5.0 9 reviews

  • Avatar M A K ★★★★★ a year ago
    County Fire saved the day. We needed a complex Fire Alarm System and an ARCS. They are professional, efficient and easy to work with. We had an inspection and passed, … read more even the FDNY inspector said that he was impressed with their knowledge and expertise.
  • Avatar Juan Aguilar ★★★★★ 2 weeks ago
    Best technology
  • Avatar yossi gurt ★★★★★ 5 years ago
    I had an issue with a violation from the FDNY in my building. I called them with my issue and was courteously answered, and they sent me a certified tech that quickly … read more explained and rectified the problem with the correct amount of Fire Extinguishes as per code. I am very satisfied with their service and will continue to do business with them.

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