Older buildings come with charm, history, and character. But they also come with problems, especially when it comes to safety systems.
One issue that’s starting to show up more and more is radio signal. Many older properties weren’t built to support radio coverage inside. Back then, it wasn’t a concern. Now it’s a code requirement in most places. That’s where ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System) comes in.
If you’re managing or renovating an older building, here’s what to know about adding ERCES, and what the process usually looks like.
So Why Would You Even Need It?
The short version? Emergency radios don’t always work indoors.
Older buildings often have:
- Thick concrete or brick walls
- Deep basements
- Long hallways with no signal
- Stairwells that block frequencies
This all adds up to dead zones, where firefighters or police radios drop out completely. And in an emergency, that’s a huge risk.
Newer buildings usually include ERCES during construction. But with older ones, it has to be added later, and that brings a few extra steps.
Step One: Find Out If You Even Need It
Don’t guess. You’ll need a radio signal test, done by a certified technician. They’ll walk the building with equipment that simulates what a firefighter’s radio would experience. They’ll check:
- Strength of signal in all areas
- Which spots are completely dead
- How far coverage reaches from top to bottom
Some cities make this part of every fire inspection for older buildings. Others might only bring it up during major renovations. Either way, it’s better to know before someone else brings it up.
If the signal fails, especially in stairwells, garages, or control rooms, you’ll likely be required to install ERCES.
Step Two: Understand What Installation Involves
Here’s the thing, ERCES is not a plug-and-play system.
It usually involves:
- A donor antenna on the roof to pick up outdoor radio signal
- A BDA (Bi-Directional Amplifier) to boost and repeat that signal
- Cables running through the building to indoor antennas
- A backup power supply, typically battery-based
- Integration with your fire alarm panel
In a finished building, routing those cables takes careful planning. You don’t want to start cutting into historic walls or ceiling tiles unless absolutely necessary. That’s why the best integrators use existing pathways where possible, old cable trays, unused shafts, or behind mechanical spaces.
You’ll also need to coordinate with:
- Fire marshal or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction)
- Electricians for power and grounding
- Fire alarm company, especially if your system is older or analog
Step Three: Testing and Approval
Once the system is installed, it isn’t done yet. It has to be tested, tuned, and certified, often with your local fire department present.
They’ll confirm:
- Coverage meets required percentages (usually 95–99% depending on area)
- Battery backup functions as expected
- Alarms and monitoring systems are active
- No interference with other systems
Only then is it signed off and considered compliant.
What About Cost?
Retrofits can cost more than new builds. That’s just the reality. You’re working around finished walls, unique layouts, and older infrastructure.
But what matters more is doing it right the first time. Cutting corners here leads to failed inspections, fines, or worse, responders not being able to communicate in an emergency.
Still, a good contractor will find ways to work within the building’s layout to reduce cost where possible. Sometimes it’s as simple as smart antenna placement or taking advantage of existing utility spaces.
Final Thought
Upgrading an old building with an ERCES system isn’t always simple. But it’s important.
You’re not just installing cables and antennas. You’re creating a lifeline, something that allows firefighters, EMTs, and law enforcement to stay connected when everything else is going wrong.
Most people never notice ERCES. And honestly, they shouldn’t have to. But the second it’s not there, that’s when it matters most.
If your property hasn’t been tested yet, or you’ve got a renovation coming up, now’s the time to look into it. It’s one of those things that doesn’t feel urgent, until it suddenly is.
