Architects, builders, and facility managers
We can help you comply with NFPA, Harris County and other mandates for in-building wireless.
The expert design and installation team with NW Radio can help you minimize costs for in-building systems and work with you to ensure that your project qualifies for a certificate of occupancy.
Eighty percent of fire, medical emergency and active shooter calls originate indoors.
Harris County code and the National Fire Protection Association code requires building owners to extend reliable public safety radio communications indoors. These in-building systems (Distributed Antenna Systems or DAS) play an urgent role in emergency situations by supporting first responder communications. Eighty percent of fire, medical, emergency and active shooter calls originate indoors, Indoor wireless coverage is a challenge. The two-way radios used by first responders can lose signal strength if they are physically obstructed by concrete, steel, LEED-certified energy efficient construction and in areas like parking garages, elevators, and stairwells. For firefighters navigating a smoke-filled office building and unable to communicate with each other, a lack of connectivity means life or death.
New city and county building codes require adequate in-building radio coverage. Are you compliant?
- Harris County mandates require that your building comply with these standards.
- The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 1221 and International Code Council (ICC) Section 510 code for emergency responder radio coverage requires that approved radio coverage must be in place so emergency crews have rapid, immediate access to wireless signals.
NWRadio Essential In-Building Wireless Certifications and Training
FCC General Radiotelephone Operating License
FCC Certified Technicians
This license is a Harris County DAS System contractor requirement.
SeeHawk® Certified
NWRadio designs and installs in-building wireless communication systems (IBW) to comply with IFC 510 for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC)
What is a Distributed Antenna System?
A distributed antenna system (DAS) splits the transmitted power among several antenna elements, separated in space so as to provide coverage over the same area as a single antenna but with reduced total power and improved reliability. A single antenna radiating at high power is replaced by a group of low-power antennas to cover the same area. DAS is often used in scenarios where alternate technologies are infeasible due to terrain or zoning challenges.
Compliance with Emergency Responder Radio Coverage requires knowledge of:
- Signal coverage
- Radio propagation
- In-building wireless equipment and providers
- Enhanced system design
- Distributed antenna systems
- Local and national codes including NFPA 12 and 1221
- FCC licensing
- County or municipal fire marshal requirements and procedures