Guide
IFC Section 510, section by section
Section 510 of the International Fire Code is where most ERRCS rules in the United States start. Here is what each part says, using the 2021 text, and where states and cities usually change it.
About the text we used
The International Code Council's own site would not let us read the code automatically, so we read the 2021 Section 510 text as published in full by the City of Eaton, and Washington's official amendments in the state administrative code. Where a city changes a number, its own page on this site says so.
510.1: new buildings
Approved in-building, two-way emergency responder communication coverage must be provided in all new buildings. Coverage inside is judged against the existing public safety signal measured at the exterior of the building, and the section does not require the jurisdiction to improve its own radio system (IFC 2021 510.1). Three exceptions:
- Where both the building official and fire code official approve, a wired communication system under Section 907.2.13.2 may be used instead.
- The fire code official decides a system is not needed.
- Where a system could disrupt a facility's normal operations, the fire code official may accept an automatically activated system.
Many cities replace "all new buildings" with size or height triggers. The 2018 Seattle Fire Code, for example, listed high-rises, buildings of 50,000 sq ft or more, basements of 10,000 sq ft or more, and floors more than 30 feet below the lowest exit discharge (2018 SFC 510.1).
510.2: existing buildings
Existing buildings must provide coverage "as required in Chapter 11" (IFC 2021 510.2). Chapter 11 is where retrofit rules live. Washington's adopted Section 1103.2 shows the structure: existing buildings other than Group R-3 without approved coverage must add it (1) where an existing wired system cannot be repaired or is being replaced, or (2) within a time frame established by the adopting authority, unless the fire code official finds it is not needed (WAC 51-54A-1103, 1103.2).
510.3: permits
Installing or modifying a system needs a construction permit. Maintenance done under the code is not a modification and needs no permit (IFC 2021 510.3).
510.4: technical requirements
| Section | Requirement (2021 text) |
|---|---|
| 510.4 | Equipment listed to UL 2524 |
| 510.4.1 | Acceptable coverage: 95% of all areas and 99% of critical areas on each floor meet the signal requirements |
| 510.4.1.1 | Inbound: at least -95 dBm throughout the coverage area and DAQ 3.0 or equivalent SINR |
| 510.4.1.2 | Outbound: enough for usable voice, DAQ 3.0 or equivalent SINR |
| 510.4.1.3 | Signal sufficient for the applications public safety uses, as the fire code official specifies |
| 510.4.2.1 | Buildings that cannot support coverage must add equipment to enhance the signal; RF devices need radio licensing authority certification |
| 510.4.2.2 | Fire code official keeps a technical criteria document: frequencies, radio sites, ERP, maximum propagation delay, applications |
| 510.4.2.3 | Standby power: dedicated batteries, or 2-hour batteries plus generator, running the system at 100% for at least 12 hours |
| 510.4.2.4 | Signal boosters: NEMA 4 cabinet, NEMA 3R battery cabinet, FCC certification, 20 dB isolation margin, oscillation control, fire code official approval |
| 510.4.2.5 | Monitoring by a listed fire alarm control unit (or audible signal at a constantly attended location), with eight supervisory signals |
| 510.4.2.6 | System must be able to add or change frequencies |
| 510.4.2.7 | Fire code official may require as-built design documents |
| 510.4.2.8 | Antenna density to minimize the near-far effect |
Source: IFC 2021 510.4 through 510.4.2.8. Earlier editions differ. The 2018-based Seattle text, for instance, measured the -95 dBm inbound level "in 95 percent of the coverage area and 99 percent in critical areas" (2018 SFC 510.4.1.1), and Washington's current amendment uses that same phrasing (WAC 51-54A-0510, 510.4.1.1).
510.5: installation
- Donor antennas are permanently fixed, or on an approved sled with a sign forbidding movement without approval (510.5.1).
- Amplifiers that can operate on public safety frequencies need prior coordination and approval of the fire code official (510.5.2).
- The designer and lead installer need an FCC general radio operator license and in-building system training, unless the fire code official accepts other proof (510.5.3).
- The acceptance test uses 20 test areas per floor, with a 40-area retest allowed when two fail (510.5.4). See BDA testing.
- The system must comply with federal rules including 47 CFR 90.219 (510.5.5).
510.6: maintenance
The system must be kept working at all times. The owner has it inspected and tested annually and after structural changes that could change performance, with a report to the fire code official (510.6.1). The owner pays to modify the system when frequencies change (510.6.2). Other amplifiers that interfere must be corrected or removed (510.6.3). Agency staff may field test at any reasonable time (510.6.4).
How to use this
Treat IFC 510 as the baseline and your local page as the answer. Find your state or city, or run the checker.
This is guidance, not engineering advice. Confirm with your fire marshal (AHJ).
Questions people ask
Which edition of IFC 510 applies to my building?
The edition your state or city adopted, with its amendments. We use the 2021 text here because we could read it in full. Washington, for example, amends the IFC through WAC 51-54A-0510. Your local requirements page names the edition where the fire department publishes it.
Does IFC 510 apply to existing buildings?
Section 510.2 sends existing buildings to Chapter 11. In the text adopted by Washington, Section 1103.2 requires existing buildings other than Group R-3 without approved coverage to add it when a wired system cannot be repaired or is replaced, or within a time frame the adopting authority sets (WAC 51-54A-1103).
What standard does IFC 510 point to for design?
The 2021 text points to NFPA 1221 for design and installation (IFC 2021 510.4.2 and 510.5). NFPA has since folded NFPA 1221 into NFPA 1225; see our NFPA 1225 guide.
Sources
Primary documents we read for this page. Rules change; confirm with your fire marshal (AHJ).
- International Fire Code 2021, Section 510 Emergency Responder Communication Coverage (text as published by the City of Eaton), City of Eaton, reproducing the ICC International Fire Code
- WAC 51-54A-0510, Emergency responder communication coverage (Washington amendments, effective 3/16/24), Washington State Legislature
- WAC 51-54A-1103, Section 1103.2 (effective 3/15/24), Washington State Legislature
- 2018 Seattle Fire Code, Section 510 (with Seattle amendments shown), Seattle Fire Department
- 47 CFR 90.219, Use of signal boosters, Electronic Code of Federal Regulations
Related
NFPA 1225 and in-building radio systems
NFPA 1225 combined NFPA 1221 and NFPA 1061. What that means for ERRCS design, which fire departments now cite NFPA 1225, and what still points to NFPA 1221.
What is ERRCS?
ERRCS means in-building radio coverage for firefighters and police. Why fire codes require it, who sets the rules, who pays, and what owners must do.
How a BDA system is tested
What happens in a BDA acceptance test and an annual BDA test under the fire code: grid testing, gain checks, battery load tests, oscillation checks and reports.
ERRCS requirements in Washington
Washington's fire code amendments (WAC 51-54A-0510 and 1103.2): ERCES in all new buildings, existing-building triggers, -95 dBm, 95% and 99% coverage, annual tests.