Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA)
Bi-Directional Amplification (BDA) is an essential Emergency Radio Communication System that ensures reliable communication between first responders inside a building and emergency personnel outside. These systems are designed to amplify signals even in challenging areas like garages, elevators, and stairwells.
With the new changes in the Florida Statutes Fire Code, it is now mandatory for all high-rise buildings in Florida to meet the minimum signal strength requirements for Public Safety/EMS Radios to operate effectively. This is crucial because professionals like firefighters, first responders, and police officers heavily rely on wireless communication devices during emergencies. Any signal loss or delay caused by attenuation, interference, or reflection could have serious consequences.
What are the Bi-Directional Amplifier Code Requirements for Florida?
Florida’s Bi-Directional Amplifier Code Requirements demand all new and existing buildings to maintain the specified radio signal strength for fire department communications. If you are an owner or manager of a high-rise building in Florida, it is important to familiarize yourself with Florida Statute 633.202, which outlines key highlights including:
- Beginning in 2022, existing high-rise buildings are required to complete a radio signal strength survey.
- By January 2024, ALL buildings will be required to have authorized signal testing completed and potential systems permitted.
- A Bi-Directional Amplifier system is required to be installed by January 2025 to ensure reliable communication during critical moments.
Signal Booster Code Requirements
In-building signal coverage statutes are based on standards set by organizations such as:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA): NFPA 72 Chapter 24 code requires 90 percent in-building two-way radio signal coverage, which jumps to 99 percent for critical areas like fire pump rooms, exit stairs and passageways, and elevator lobbies.
- International Fire Code (IFC): The IFC-510 code requires 95 percent in-building wireless signal coverage with a minimum signal strength of -95 dB.
- FCC13-21: Part 90 regulations describe requirements for signal boosters for Public Safety and private Land Mobile Radio (LMR) service operations.
Complying with wireless signal code improves personal safety, minimizes the risk of property damage, and reduces the possibility of legal action.
Florida Radio Department Requirements
Emergency Responders lose communications when in-building radio signals are weakened by structures such as concrete, windows and metal. The Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System, also known in some markets as DAS-Distributed Antenna System, is a signal-boosting solution designed to enhance in-building radio frequency (RF) signal coverage for public safety radios. These two-way radio signal boosters are used to bring facilities into compliance with both local code and Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) code.
Ensure Your Compliant in 2024
Every building is special, and your BDA system design should be equally unique. Schedule an on-site evaluation with our certified team, and we will perform the following tasks to cater to your needs.
Initial Survey
Onsite evaluation utilizing the latest BDA surveying technology
Code Complaint Consultation
SES is familiar with all relevant codes regarding BDA systems. SES will make sure your building complies with government mandates and stays code-compliant.
Expert Installation
SES provides design services on BDA equipment and installation. Our experienced drafters and installers will make sure your project moves along on time and on budget.
Test & Inspection Services
Being a full-service organization, our work does not end after design and installation. We offer maintenance and Test and inspection services to maintain a functioning BDA system so our clients and emergency personnel can have the peace of mind that, should an emergency happen, communication would go uninterrupted.
Our BDA experts are here to help
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