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Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems

Loss from a fire is both physically and emotionally devastating.  While a fire can start practically anywhere and at any time, it is the role of a properly-designed and installed Fire Alarm System to detect a fire as soon as possible, and then notify both building occupants and emergency response personnel.  Since a fire can double in size every 60 seconds, early detection can mean the difference between minor damage and total destruction.

Here at Bergen Protective Systems, we take the ever-present threat of fire very seriously.  As a Honeywell Gamewell-FCI Authorized Distributor, we can provide Fire Alarm and Life Safety Systems that meet minimum code and insurance company requirements, or exceed those requirements with the latest detection technologies.  From the smallest Fire Sprinkler Monitoring System, to the largest networked Fire Alarm System with integrated emergency voice communications, we have a solution to fit any facility.

We have factory-trained, licensed and NICET-certified personnel on staff, who stay current on the latest developments in fire detection technologies.  We can install a Fire Alarm and Life Safety System that utilizes advanced sensing technologies that not only detect smoke, but also heat and carbon monoxide at the same time.  These advanced “multi-criteria” sensors reduce false alarms, while increasing the likelihood of detecting fires sooner by automatically adjusting their sensitivity based on the various products of combustion that are simultaneously detected.

Of course, notifying building occupants once a fire is detected is a vital part of a properly designed and installed system, but it is also crucially important that emergency response personnel are also notified.  Using the latest in digital cellular communication technologies, your Fire and Life Safety System can transmit signals to our UL Listed Central Monitoring Station without the need for outdated and expensive analog telephone lines.

  • Regulations and Code Information
    Emergency Radio Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) are required by International Building Code (IBC), International Fire Code (IFC) and they are specified in NFPA-1221 and NFPA-72. NFPA 1221 Section 9.6 (2016 edition) and NFPA 72 Section 24.5.2 (2013, 2010 edition) dictates that radio coverage shall be provided with 99 percent floor area coverage in critical areas and 90 percent floor area radio coverage in general building areas. IFC Section 510 (2015, 2012 edition) dictates that all new and existing buildings shall have approved radio coverage for emergency responders based upon the existing coverage levels. Many cities and counties have their own ordinance requiring BDA systems — AHJ specifications are usually the bottom line and always the most important spec to meet, they always have the final say on specs. FCC rules apply to all RF (Radio Frequency) Emitters (any device that emits RF energy), including BDAs. All BDAs must be FCC certified to be legally sold in the USA. Furthermore, all systems must be installed in accordance with applicable FCC rules and regulations.
  • Do I need a BDA / ERCES System?
    A RF site survey must be performed by an FCC Certified GROL license holder using specialized equipment that measures signal strengths in decibel-milliwats (dBm). The site survey results are then sent to the AHJ to determine if a BDA is required or waived.
  • Who is qualified to Install a BDA / ERCES System?
    The IFC Section 510 Lists the Following Requirements: 1. A Valid FCC issued GROL (General Radio Operators License) 2. Certification of in-building systems training issued by a nationally recognized organization, school or certificate issued by the manufacturer of the equipment being installed. Bergen Protective Systems, Inc. has personnel licensed by the FCC and factory trained to install your BDA / ERCES system.
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