A Bi-Directional Amplifier, or BDA system, is an essential life safety system that makes sure first responders can send and receive crucial radio messages during an emergency. But it’s one that many people have never heard of. Fire Protection Alarm & Detection Manager Jerrad Carpenter explains the ABCs of BDAs.
Q: What is a Bi-Directional Emergency Responder Radio Coverage System?
A: A BDA/ERRCS system broadcasts communication signals through a system of amplifiers and antennas strategically engineered inside large buildings. These systems can support VHF/UHF/700Mhz/800Mhz/900Mhz. It’s a crucial system that enhances wireless communication between individual emergency personnel inside the structure, support vehicles positioned outside, 911 call centers, and backup recorders that document communications for use in training. These systems prevent any delays, interference, or signal loss that can compromise the lives and safety of first responders and building occupants during an emergency.
Q: In what kinds of buildings are BDA systems necessary?
A: BDA systems are essential in structures with physical features that radio signals might struggle to penetrate, like underground areas or buildings with thick walls. For example, a warehouse that is five stories tall and four million square feet of steel and concrete with very few egress points would need a BDA system to ensure that first responders inside the building could communicate with each other from different areas of the warehouse and with trucks stationed outside.
Q: What happens when a building doesn’t have a working BDA?
A: The most infamous example where the presence of a BDA may have saved hundreds of lives is during the aftermath of the September 11 terrorists attacks. At the time, fire codes didn’t require BDA systems, and the World Trade Center towers did not have an adequate system in place. As a result, first responders could only communicate radio to radio—and never heard warnings from the ground that the buildings were about to fall. The National Fire Protection Association has enacted ordinances requiring minimums levels of coverage for Public Safety communication within new buildings as a result of this tragedy. See NFPA72, NFPA 121, & IFC510 for more information.
Q: How often does a BDA system need to be inspected?
A: BDA systems need to be inspected every year to stay up to code.
Q: Who performs the inspection?
A: Professional inspectors are required to be licensed by the FCC in order to perform annual BDA inspections or to re-certify a system every five years. BDA equipment is proprietary, and inspectors have to be certified to work on that particular manufacturer. These pros undergo annual training and work closely with the local jurisdiction to build relationships with the first responders whose communications systems need to work inside the building.
Q: What happens during a BDA system inspection?
A: During a BDA inspection, the system is assessed, tested, and certified to ensure they comply with safety standards and effectively improve in-building wireless communication for emergency services, first responders, and occupants during critical situations.
During a BDA inspection, specialists evaluate the BDA system’s installation, performance, and adherence to regulatory requirements. They conduct tests to verify signal strength, coverage, and reliability across different frequencies to ensure seamless communication for emergency responders within the building. Inspections may also involve confirming compliance with local fire codes and regulations to guarantee the system’s functionality during emergencies. Regular BDA inspections are crucial to maintain the system’s efficacy and ensure it meets the necessary standards for emergency communication.
Q: Does All State Fire & Security install and service BDA systems?
A: Yes, at All State Fire & Security, we consider flawless emergency communication to be an essential part of a comprehensive safety system along with fire alarms, sprinklers, and clean agent systems. When companies hire us to do all four, we can make sure all systems work in tandem to provide optimal protection for the building and the people who live or work within it.
For more information about Bi-Directional Amplifiers and how we at All State Fire & Security can help, contact Jesse Ancker, at [email protected].
