ARC SYSTEM NEW YORK

Section FC 511 of the New York City Fire Code outlines the ARCS requirements for property owners. In general, property owners must follow rules for ARCS design, installation, inspection and maintenance. ARCS requirements include:

• New Construction: All new construction high-rise buildings require ARCS to be installed. According to NYC rules, all buildings 75 feet or taller are considered high-rise.
• Installer Qualifications: ARCS installations must be performed by companies with master electrician qualifications.
• Inspection Requirements: Newly installed ARCS must pass a Commissioning Test, as well as an FDNY acceptance test.
• ARCS Maintenance: ARCS must be in good working order; regular inspections and maintenance can ensure long-term performance.
• Annual Certification: The NYC Rules outline annual certification and five-year re-certification processes for ARCS. Annual inspections and certification are required. ASM offers expertise in ARCS design, installation, engineering and maintenance. For NYC property owners, ASM can help you meet FDNY and Building Code requirements.

To have your ARC System approved, an NYC Registered Design Professional must submit a full set of construction plans. Article 917 of the NYC Building Code provides a list of the required documentation which include:

• The type of radio equipment including antenna specifications.
• Floor plans and riser diagram indicating the location of all ARC System components.
• Primary and Secondary power source locations.
• Technical specifications and listing information for all proposed equipment and cables.

Installing an ARCS is mandatory in new commercial constructions taller than 75 feet and new residential constructions taller than 125 feet. Installation requirements and procedures are provided in rule 3 RCNY §511-01, along with the requirements for acceptance testing, inspection, certification and recertification. For radio communication systems similar to an ARCS and installed before December 31, 2014, the rule provides operation and maintenance requirements as well, even when many of them are not specifically an ARCS system.

An ARCS is both bidirectional and wireless and uses exclusive FDNY radio frequencies that prevent outside interference. ). Its layout includes a transceiver or base station that is connected to an antenna system that encompasses the entire building. There is also a radio console in the lobby that adds to ease of access.

Ultimately, a properly designed ARCS system will allow seamless wireless communications for firefighters and other emergency personnel if there is a fire or other emergency in a building.