BDA/ERRCS Glossary

Comprehensive definitions of terms related to bi-directional amplifiers, emergency responder radio communication systems, and fire code compliance.

22 terms defined

A B C D E F I L N O P R S

A

Authority Having Jurisdiction(AHJ)

The organization, office, or individual responsible for enforcing fire code requirements including ERRCS compliance.

B

Bi-Directional Amplifier(BDA)

An electronic device that amplifies radio signals in both directions, boosting weak incoming signals and amplifying outgoing portable radio transmissions.

Bi-Directional Amplifier

The full technical term for BDA, a device that amplifies radio signals in both transmit and receive directions.

C

Certificate of Occupancy(CO)

Official document confirming a building meets all code requirements and is safe for occupancy, often requiring ERRCS compliance.

D

Distributed Antenna System(DAS)

A network of antennas distributed throughout a building to provide wireless coverage, used in ERRCS to distribute enhanced public safety radio signals.

Donor Antenna

The outdoor antenna that captures public safety radio signals from external infrastructure for amplification and distribution inside a building.

DAQ Score

Delivered Audio Quality score, a measurement of voice intelligibility on a scale of 1-5 used to assess radio communication quality.

E

Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System(ERRCS)

A system of radio signal enhancement equipment that ensures first responders can communicate reliably inside buildings during emergencies.

Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System(ERCES)

An alternative term for ERRCS used by some jurisdictions to describe emergency responder radio enhancement systems.

F

Fire Marshal

The official responsible for fire code enforcement including ERRCS requirements in most jurisdictions.

First Responder Radio Systems

The collective radio communication infrastructure used by police, fire, and EMS to coordinate emergency response.

I

IFC Section 510(IFC 510)

The section of the International Fire Code that establishes requirements for emergency responder radio coverage in buildings.

In-Building Coverage

Radio signal coverage inside a building, specifically referring to the ability of first responders to communicate via radio throughout the structure.

Isolation

The separation between a BDA's input (donor) and output (coverage) signals measured in decibels, critical for preventing oscillation.

L

Land Mobile Radio(LMR)

The category of radio communications systems used by public safety and other professional organizations for two-way voice communications.

N

National Fire Protection Association(NFPA)

The organization that develops fire safety codes and standards including requirements for emergency responder radio coverage.

O

Oscillation

Feedback condition where amplified signals re-enter the BDA input, causing interference and system failure.

P

Public Safety DAS

A distributed antenna system specifically designed for public safety radio frequencies used by police, fire, and EMS.

P25(P25)

Project 25, a digital radio standard used by many public safety agencies for voice and data communications.

R

RF Survey

A systematic assessment of radio frequency conditions in a building to determine coverage levels and system requirements.

RSSI(RSSI)

Received Signal Strength Indicator, a measurement of radio signal power used to verify coverage levels.

S

Signal Booster

A general term for devices that amplify radio signals, including BDAs used for public safety communications.

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