98 lines
3.9 KiB
Markdown
98 lines
3.9 KiB
Markdown
---
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tags:
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- type/encyclopedia
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title: Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
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up: "[[electrical-construction]]"
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---
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# Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)
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See also [[fire-alarm]].
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## "Two-Way System"
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With the exception of ERCCS,
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it is not appropriate to refer to one or any of these as _the_ two-way system.
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_A_ "two-way communication system" as used by the ICC codes
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refers to a single connection (for lack/ignorance of a better term),
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therefore any building will always have more than one.
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> [!cite] [[ibc_s1009#1009.8.1 System requirements.]] (emphasis added)
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> Two-way communication _systems_ shall provide communication
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> between each required location and the fire command center
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> or a central control point location approved by the fire department.
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For a high-rise condominium project,
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To exclude _the_ two-way communication system
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would be as nonsensical as excluding _the_ unit subfeed.
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> [!aside]
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> There's an argument to be made
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> that _the_ two-way communication system (singular)
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> is legitimate shorthand for the "super-system"
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> that includes all ICC defined two-way communication _systems_ (plural),
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> and I'd tend to agree, but the distinction should be noted.
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All systems currently listed in this note
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are described as "two-way communication systems".
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Those listed directly below have no overlap:
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* stairway communication systems --- [[ibc_s0403#403.5.3.1 Stairway communication system.|IFC 403.5.3.1]]
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* elevator landing communication systems --- [[ibc_s1009#1009.8 Two-way communication.|IFC 1009.8]]
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* area of refuge communication systems --- [[ibc_s1009#1009.6.5 Two-way communication.|IFC 1009.6.5]]
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* emergency responder communication coverage system -- [[ifc_s0510#SECTION 510---EMERGENCY RESPONDER RADIO COVERAGE|IFC Section 510]]
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### In Other Standards
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In NFPA 101 "two-way communication system" is used as generic term,
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to be installed in accordance with the governing code
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[[nfpa-72_national-fire-alarm-code|NFPA 72: National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code]].
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[[nfpa-72_national-fire-alarm-code#Chapter 24 Emergency Communications Systems (ECS)]]
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[[nfpa-72_national-fire-alarm-code#24.8 Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems.|24.8 Two-Way, In-Building Wired Emergency Services Communications Systems.]]
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## Area of Refuge (AOR) Communication Systems
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Used to provide two-way communication between the building exterior
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and one or more designated areas
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offering relative protection from hazards (mainly fire) in an emergency.
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An AOR system usually also includes illuminated directional signage.
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> [!important]
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> Despite their similarities in purpose,
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> AOR is not a fire alarm system nor a component of one.
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> When requesting low voltage quotes,
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> it is necessary to specifically list AOR,
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> else contractors may assume it is by others.
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Area of Refuge is defined in [[nfpa-101_life-safety-code|NFPA 101: Life Safety Code]].
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[[nfpa-72_national-fire-alarm-code#24.10 Area of Refuge (Area of Rescue Assistance) Emergency Communications Systems, Stairway Communications Systems, Elevator Landing Communications Systems, and Occupant Evacuation Elevator Lobby Communications Systems.]]
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## Emergency Responder Communication Coverage Systems (ERCCS)
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> [!info] Also Known As
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> * Emergency Communication Coverage Systems (ECCS)
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> * Emergency Responder Communications Enhancement Systems (ERCES)
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Includes implementations utilizing wired and wireless (radio) methods.
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### Emergency Responder Radio Coverage Systems (ERRCS)
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> [!info] Also Known As
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> * Emergency Responder Radio Communication Systems (ERRCS)
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Relevant Standard: NFPA 1225
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Where required, compliance is achieved by means of BDA and DAS systems
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as required by the AHJ.
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> [!quote]
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> An Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) system
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> is a Public Safety Radio (PSR) DAS system
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> that enhances the coverage of wireless signals in buildings.
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> This allows first responders to communicate more effectively during emergencies.
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## Voice Evacuation
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