Section 510 of the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code mandates Emergency Responder Communication Coverage.
This code section aims to ensure that fire responders can communicate via radio in all NEW buildings.
Any new building greater than 12,000 square feet, with windowless buildings, underground buildings, or buildings with a basement, or meets a house bill or any other official exception, will be required to conduct a radio signal strength test study (also known as BDA or ERCC studies).
The Gastonia Fire Marshal's Office strongly recommends having a pre-construction signal strength test study conducted for new buildings; however, that is not required.
Official signal studies (also known as BDA or ERCC studies) can only be conducted once the building is permanently enclosed, which includes: all windows, doors, drywall, exterior coatings, and roof are installed. When tests are conducted, all windows and doors in the building should be closed.
To assist in explaining the complete requirement of testing, and if needed, installing an ERCC system, review the ERCC Requirements Document (PDF).
Note that if this office mandates an Emergency Responder Communication Coverage System, a permit to install it is required.
Check the submittal requirements below and submit your application through our online City View portal. Go to our construction page for help with signing up for an account and submitting. Payment can be made via credit card from that portal. This is the ONLY way we accept submittals. For this application, you will need to select Emergency Responder Communication Coverage System as your work item in the City View portal.
The submittal to install an Emergency Responder Communication Coverage System should include:
1. Failed Emergency Responder Communication Coverage (BDA) testing report.
2. System design plans and equipment cut sheets. A manual shutoff switch for the ERCC System is required.
3. Installer qualifications
4. Scope of work letter.
If you have any questions, contact Assistant Fire Marshal Terry Revis at terry.revis@gastonianc.gov or Fire Marshal Chris Stowe at: chris.stowe@gastonianc.gov