System Design of an ARC System

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.

Although NYC codes and standards are exacting, they are especially stringent in the case of fire protection, for obvious reasons. Not meeting proper codes when installing an ARCS, automatic sprinklers, fire alarms, smoke control systems or other fire protection measures can lead to legal action, such as being denied the certificate of occupancy. Also consider that firefighters depend on ARCS when dealing with a fire or any other emergency in a high-rise building, so a well-functioning system will help save lives. An ARCS is both bidirectional and wireless and uses exclusive FDNY radio frequencies that prevent outside interference. Its basic components include radiating cables, antennas, power supplies, radio amplification units (RAU), and dedicated radio consoles (DRC). 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.

A key feature of ARCS is land mobile radios (LMRs) which represent a critical tool used by emergency and fire responders during crises. Portable LMRs are a true lifeline, but users need to be sure that messages are both sent and received so that the appropriate action may be taken if not. Simply put, without the ability to maintain lines of communication, firefighters and other first responders cannot proceed in a safe manner.

LMRs operate on public safety frequencies used by municipalities and it is vital that they operate at any place within a building and at all times. While it is sometimes possible to get the necessary signal strength, many larger commercial buildings, tall high-rise buildings, and the underground basements of buildings do commonly need some enhancement system because these locations tend to block or inhibit LMR receiving or transmission functions by their very nature of being build soundly.