What Happens After ARCS Installation?

Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems, or ARCS for short, are emergency two-way in-building radio  networks used by the fire department in high-rise buildings. 

Communication is critical during a fire emergency and ARCS is the solution. They assist in  FDNY radio communication through the whole building and remain functional even throughout  power outages. 

ARC systems are mandatory as of 2015 in all New York City buildings over 75 feet tall. They  need to be installed by a professional, certified, maintained, and regularly re-certified. But  getting an ARC system is a more complicated path, regulated by strict fire department and city  council regulations. 

To help guide you through getting your ARCS and what to do after it’s installation, let’s take a  look at the complete process altogether. First, your communication system has to be approved by the FDNY in two main steps.

1. FDNY Approval for ARCS Installation and Commissioning. 

This first stage starts after your ARCS provider has built your system. The company will  install your system and file the documentation necessary for the ARCS commissioning. This is  the first step in getting your ARC system acceptance tested and officially certified by the fire  department. 

2. Final ARCS Approval with Letter of Approval (LOA) 

This is one of the most important steps for building owners. At the successful completion of this  stage, you’ll receive your Certificate of Occupancy (COO). 

After the installation and commissioning stage, the FDNY representatives will establish the date of the final on-site inspection of your radio system. Provided that your ARCS performs optimally,  the fire department will award you with the LOA. This is your confirmation that your building is now eligible for a COO. 

Navigating the Approval Stage – What You Need to Know 

Once you have your LOA, your newly installed ARCS is functional and the process is complete.  But to make sure you pass the approval stage, there are some key points you need to know.

One of the primary criteria for the New York Fire Department is the 2-hour fire rating. Your  FDNY representative will thoroughly test your ARC system’s fire rating and make sure it will  resist at least 2 hours during a fire emergency. 

Your ARCS provider should know about this rule and adhere to it from the  preliminary design of the system. RAU, the main part of the system, as well as the cables, must  be installed in a designated room for the added fire protection. All additional jumpers, controls  and power cables linked to the RAU require the 2-hour fire rating as well. 

While this is among the most important, it isn’t the only criteria to get your ARC system  successfully installed and certified. There are many other challenges to overcome along your  way to and after certification. 

Proper maintenance and regular re-certification are some of the most important ones. Given  how the recertification of your ARCS is just as rigorous, you’ll need an experienced company to  maintain your system in great condition. 

At AG Technologies, we are committed to providing the solutions for ARC  Systems. 

Our services are cost-effective and reliable, delivered by seasoned industry experts. We cover everything, from the design and installation, to the regular maintenance and re-certification of  your system.

Contact AG Technologies, New York’s leading provider of ARC systems, today to get started on your project.