Almost all new buildings constructed in the country’s major cities and rural areas should conform to the International Fire Code 510 building code. This includes testing performed by a certified and qualified technician. Typically, these professional testers will submit a “Letter of Certification” to the local fire officials before the local government issues you a “Certificate of Occupancy.”
To avoid embarrassing and costly delays and penalties that could lead to future business loss, your contractor must be fully aware of the latest IFC 510.
What Is IFC 510 Building Code?
IFC Chapter 5, Section 10 states, “All new buildings shall be equipped with radio coverage for emergency personnel.” This requirement allows first responders to have better and more reliable communications within the building.
So how do you find out if your property meets the IFC510 requirements?
New commercial and multi-resident-residential buildings must provide radio coverage for emergency services personnel. The building is inspected and tested by trained and certified technicians using modern and specialized equipment that measures the Radio Frequency signals transmitted from the local Digital Trunked Radio System. If your building fails to pass this mandatory radio frequency signal test, the local authorities will request that you install an Emergency Responder Radio System or ERRS. This is an independent, public-safety antenna booster system that ensures signals reach all parts of your building. Also, you must have a secondary power source to operate the ERRS continuously for at least 24 hours.
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Who Certifies and Tests Buildings for IFC 510?
Any professional with the required experience and certification, including a Radio Frequency engineer and test technician, can perform IFC 510 certifications and testing. This is done using industry-standard, calibrated equipment. These individuals collaborate closely with your local fire officials to ensure that their testing services comply with current regulations. After which, they will provide a “Letter for Certification” to the local fire authorities indicating that your building has passed the testing in order to obtain a “Certificate of Occupancy.”
Maintaining an ERRS
As a building owner, your responsibility doesn’t end after obtaining a certificate to occupy your property. According to the building code: “The emergency response radio system must be inspected annually or whenever structural changes occur, including additions or remodeling that could materially alter the original field performance tests.”
In other words, your building should be inspected yearly by experts to ensure that your equipment is operating correctly according to the IFC 510 requirements.
Who Pays for the IFC 510 Building Code Test?
The building owner is responsible for the arrangements and expenses associated with these tests and. That’s why it’s important to choose a company that genuinely helps you to comply with the IFC 510 code of building. They can also help you plan how to install an ERRS, so all of the equipment needed, such as access panels, conduit, and rooftop access for the antenna system, will be included in your construction plans and budget. On top of these, they can offer assistance with pre-installing components during the building construction to make the ERRS installation easier.
