Michigan ERCES Compliance Checklist
Trendset Communications Group · Michigan Public Safety Radio Coverage Compliance2026 Working Format · Michigan AHJ Review
The Michigan ERCES &
BDA Compliance Checklist
Every step from applicability review to annual recertification — aligned with the current Michigan code environment, IFC Section 510, FCC Part 90, and the MPSCS consent workflow. Track your progress, then print or save a branded PDF for your AHJ submittal binder.
The TCG Compliance Pathway
Survey→
AHJ Coordination→
MPSCS / FCC Consent→
Engineering→
Installation→
Acceptance Testing→
Annual Compliance
How to use this checklist
From “BDA installer” to life-safety compliance partner.
This is the same field-tested checklist TCG works through on every Michigan project. Check off each item as you complete it — your progress saves automatically in this browser. The real value isn’t the equipment; it’s the documented compliance pathway that protects the building owner and stands up to AHJ, MPSCS, and FCC review. When you’re ready, print the whole thing as a clean PDF for your project binder.
TCG Field NoteDo not assume a BDA is required just because the building is large. The correct workflow is test first, document the RF condition, then design only if the building fails coverage requirements. That keeps the owner protected and keeps the sales process defensible.
Identify project jurisdiction / municipality / AHJ.EvidenceCity, township, county, fire marshal, building official.
Confirm adopted local fire code edition.EvidenceLocal ordinance or written AHJ confirmation.
Confirm applicability of 2021 Michigan Building Code for new construction.EvidenceBuilding-code review notes.
Determine whether the building is new, existing, renovated, expanded, or materially altered.EvidencePermit scope, architectural drawings, construction narrative.
Determine whether ERRCS testing is required before certificate of occupancy.EvidenceAHJ written requirement.
Confirm whether the building may qualify for an AHJ exception.EvidenceWritten fire-code official approval only.
Confirm if the system will amplify MPSCS frequencies.EvidenceFrequency plan / public safety radio system identification.
Federal Rule (FCC)Federal rules require non-licensees operating signal boosters to obtain express consent from the licensee for the frequencies being amplified, maintain that consent in recordable form, and operate on a non-interference basis. (eCFR)
Request local AHJ technical criteria for emergency responder radio coverage.EvidenceAHJ frequency / donor-site / testing guidance.
If MPSCS frequencies are involved, submit the MPSCS Signal Booster / BDA Consent Request.EvidenceMPSCS consent submission record.
Obtain written MPSCS / licensee consent before operating the signal booster.EvidenceMPSCS Letter of Consent.
Confirm Class A or Class B signal booster classification.EvidenceManufacturer data sheet and design narrative.
If Class B, register the booster through the FCC Signal Booster Registration process.EvidenceFCC Booster ID.
Provide FCC Booster ID back to MPSCS.EvidenceEmail confirmation / project closeout record.
Maintain consent and registration documents on file.EvidenceOwner closeout binder and digital archive.
Jurisdiction GuidanceCity of Romulus ERRCS guidance: new buildings require an approved test; existing buildings are evaluated by the AHJ based on size, known radio issues, and hazard; predictive modeling may be done early, but proper testing is not realistic until construction is substantially complete.
Perform exterior signal survey to establish available jurisdictional public-safety coverage.EvidenceExterior RF survey results.
Perform interior in-building coverage survey.EvidenceFloor-by-floor grid report.
Verify inbound/downlink signal levels.EvidencedBm readings, DAQ/SINR where required.
Verify outbound/uplink communication back to the agency radio system.EvidenceUplink test report / talk-back verification.
Identify failed areas by floor, room, stairwell, mechanical area, basement, tunnel, or elevator lobby.EvidenceMarked floor plans.
Identify construction materials affecting coverage: low-E glass, concrete, steel, below-grade, shielded rooms.EvidenceSite survey narrative.
Confirm whether final testing must wait until building construction is substantially complete.EvidenceAHJ-approved testing schedule.
IFC 510 Coverage ThresholdThe 2021 IFC requires acceptable coverage where measurements meet required signal levels in 95% of all areas and 99% of critical areas on each floor, a minimum inbound signal level of -95 dBm, and DAQ/SINR performance. (Oswego Fire Protection District)
Confirm required coverage percentage with AHJ.EvidenceAHJ written criteria.
For 2021 IFC jurisdictions, design for 95% general-area coverage and 99% in AHJ-designated critical areas.EvidenceGrid test report.
Confirm critical areas: fire command center, fire pump room, exit stairs/passageways, elevator lobbies, standpipe & sprinkler control locations, and AHJ-designated areas.EvidenceCritical-area floor plan.
Confirm inbound signal requirement.EvidenceTypically min -95 dBm plus DAQ 3.0 / equivalent SINR under 2021 IFC language.
Confirm outbound performance requirement.EvidenceDAQ 3.0 / equivalent SINR or AHJ-approved method.
Confirm local amendments if jurisdiction still uses older IFC language.EvidenceLocal code excerpt.
IFC 510 Design RequirementsThe 2021 IFC requires UL 2524-listed equipment, technical criteria, standby power, NEMA-rated enclosures, FCC certification, donor-antenna isolation, oscillation control, monitoring, future frequency changes, design documents, and antenna-density engineering. (Oswego Fire Protection District)
Prepare RF design narrative.EvidenceEngineering basis of design.
Identify donor site, public-safety frequencies, ERP, propagation delay, and supported radio technologies.EvidenceFrequency plan / donor-site plan.
Confirm system supports Michigan public-safety requirements, including P25 and applicable 700/800 MHz bands where MPSCS is involved.EvidenceEquipment specifications.
Provide antenna layout, coax/fiber DAS routing, riser diagram, headend location, donor-antenna location, and equipment-room layout.EvidenceDesign drawings.
Provide link budget, gain settings, isolation calculations, and near-far mitigation approach.EvidenceRF calculations.
Maintain donor-antenna isolation at least 20 dB greater than system gain where applicable.EvidenceIsolation test / design calculation.
Use RF-emitting devices certified by the FCC (or applicable authority) and suitable for public-safety use.EvidenceFCC equipment authorization / manufacturer documents.
Use UL 2524-listed equipment where required by the adopted code and AHJ.EvidenceUL listing documentation.
Confirm BDA has oscillation detection and control circuitry.EvidenceManufacturer data sheet.
Confirm donor-antenna mounting, lightning protection, grounding, bonding, weatherproofing, and roof-penetration details.EvidenceInstallation detail drawings.
Confirm NEMA cabinet ratings for booster and battery equipment where required.EvidenceEnclosure data sheets.
Confirm pathway survivability / fire-rating requirements with AHJ.EvidenceCable type, raceway type, survivability notes.
Confirm firestopping for all rated penetrations.EvidenceUL firestop systems and inspection photos.
IFC 510 Monitoring ListThe 2021 IFC monitoring list includes loss of AC power, battery-charger failure, donor-antenna malfunction, RF-device failure, low battery, critical-component failure, communications-link failure, and oscillation. (Oswego Fire Protection District)
Provide required standby power for the ERRCS/BDA system.EvidenceBattery calculation / generator interface documentation.
Confirm whether AHJ requires dedicated batteries or generator-backed battery configuration.EvidenceAHJ approval.
Verify the system can operate at 100% capacity for the required duration.EvidenceBattery load calculation and test record.
Interface ERRCS/BDA supervisory signals to fire alarm control unit or approved constantly attended location.EvidenceFire alarm interface diagram.
Monitor loss of normal AC power.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor battery-charger failure.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor donor-antenna malfunction.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor active RF-emitting device failure.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor low battery capacity at required threshold.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor critical component failure.EvidenceFire alarm point list.
Monitor communications link between fire alarm and ERRCS/BDA system.EvidenceFire alarm test report.
Monitor oscillation of active RF-emitting devices.EvidenceFire alarm test report.
Submit construction permit for ERRCS/BDA installation or modification.EvidencePermit application.
Submit RF survey report.EvidencePre-design survey.
Submit full design drawings.EvidenceStamped or AHJ-approved plans where required.
Submit equipment data sheets.EvidenceBDA, donor antenna, indoor antennas, splitters, couplers, coax, fiber, power supplies, batteries.
Submit FCC / MPSCS consent documentation.EvidenceConsent letter or pending approval record.
Submit fire alarm monitoring interface plan.EvidenceFire alarm shop drawing.
Submit battery / standby power calculations.EvidenceLoad calculation.
Submit acceptance test plan.EvidenceGrid test methodology.
Submit installer qualifications.EvidenceFCC GROL, manufacturer training, approved in-building system certification, or AHJ-approved equivalent.
Install donor antenna in approved location and orientation.EvidencePhoto record and azimuth/elevation notes.
Permanently label donor antenna and prohibit movement without AHJ approval.EvidenceLabel photo.
Install BDA/headend in approved equipment room or protected location.EvidenceInstallation photos.
Verify grounding and bonding.EvidenceGround test / inspection.
Weatherproof all outdoor coax, antenna, and roof penetrations.EvidencePhoto documentation.
Firestop all rated penetrations.EvidenceFirestop photo log.
Label all cables, antennas, splitters, couplers, power supplies, and active components.EvidenceLabeling photo log.
Verify no harmful oscillation.EvidenceSpectrum analyzer test.
Verify no interference to MPSCS or other public-safety systems.EvidenceAcceptance test and MPSCS/AHJ coordination notes.
Confirm system settings are locked / documented.EvidenceFinal gain table.
IFC Acceptance Test ProcedureThe 2021 IFC acceptance test includes floor-grid testing, calibrated portable radio or AHJ-approved equipment, failure rules, amplifier-gain records, oscillation testing, subjective voice-quality testing, FCC compliance, and annual testing/maintenance. (Oswego Fire Protection District)
Schedule AHJ witness test if required.EvidenceTest date confirmation.
Divide each floor into required grid test areas.EvidenceGrid test drawings.
Use calibrated portable radio or AHJ-approved test equipment.EvidenceCalibration certificates / radio model record.
Test general coverage areas.EvidencePass/fail grid report.
Test critical areas separately where required.EvidenceCritical-area report.
Test inbound/downlink performance.EvidencedBm, DAQ, SINR, or AHJ-approved metric.
Test outbound/uplink performance.EvidenceTalk-back / DAQ / SINR documentation.
Perform two-radio near/far audio quality testing where required.EvidenceDAQ / subjective voice test report.
Measure and record all amplifier gain values.EvidenceGain table.
Use spectrum analyzer to confirm no spurious oscillations.EvidenceSpectrum screenshot / report.
Test standby power and battery operation.EvidenceBattery test report.
Test fire alarm supervisory signals.EvidenceFire alarm acceptance test record.
Submit final acceptance test report to fire code official.EvidenceAHJ closeout submission.
Final as-built drawings.EvidencePDF and CAD if required.
Final RF grid test report.EvidenceSigned test report.
Final gain settings and amplifier configuration.EvidenceCommissioning sheet.
MPSCS consent letter.EvidenceOwner closeout binder.
FCC Booster ID for Class B devices.EvidenceRegistration confirmation.
Equipment inventory and serial numbers.EvidenceAsset table.
Fire alarm monitoring point list.EvidenceFire alarm closeout.
Battery calculations and test record.EvidencePower closeout.
Maintenance instructions.EvidenceO&M manual.
Owner/operator contact and maintenance contact.EvidenceMPSCS data form / owner record.
Warranty and service plan.EvidenceMaintenance agreement.
IFC 510.6The 2021 IFC Section 510.6 requires the system to remain operational at all times and requires annual inspection/testing — or testing after structural changes that could materially change original field performance. (Oswego Fire Protection District)
Perform annual in-building coverage test.EvidenceAnnual test report.
Recheck BDA gain values against original acceptance values.EvidenceGain comparison table.
Test backup batteries and power supplies under load.EvidenceBattery test record.
Verify all active components operate within manufacturer specifications.EvidenceMaintenance report.
Confirm no new oscillation or interference.EvidenceSpectrum analyzer record.
Retest after building additions, remodels, material changes, or tenant improvements that may affect RF coverage.EvidencePost-renovation survey.
Update AHJ, owner, maintenance provider, and MPSCS records when equipment, ownership, or contact info changes.EvidenceUpdated data form / emails.
Maintain all compliance records for AHJ and FCC/licensee review.EvidenceDigital compliance archive.
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Common Questions
Michigan ERCES Compliance FAQ
It is a documented pathway, not just an equipment install: RF survey → AHJ coordination → MPSCS / FCC consent → system engineering → installation → acceptance testing → annual recertification. Each stage produces evidence (test reports, consent letters, drawings, gain tables) that your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) reviews. This checklist walks through all 11 stages and 103 verification items.
No. Size alone does not mandate a BDA. The correct Michigan workflow is to test the RF environment first, document the condition, then design a system only if the building fails coverage requirements. Testing first protects the building owner and keeps the compliance record defensible.
Yes. FCC rules require any non-licensee operating a signal booster to obtain express written consent from the frequency licensee before operation, keep that consent on file, and operate on a non-interference basis. When MPSCS frequencies are amplified, you must submit an MPSCS Signal Booster / BDA consent request and obtain a Letter of Consent. Class B boosters also require FCC Signal Booster Registration, and the FCC Booster ID is returned to MPSCS.
Under 2021 IFC Section 510, signal must meet required levels in 95% of all areas and 99% of critical areas on each floor, with a minimum inbound signal level of -95 dBm plus DAQ/SINR performance. Critical areas typically include the fire command center, exit stairs and passageways, elevator lobbies, fire pump room, and other AHJ-designated locations.
2021 IFC Section 510.6 requires the system to remain operational at all times and be inspected and tested annually — and retested after structural changes, additions, remodels, or material changes that could affect RF coverage. Annual testing follows the IFC acceptance procedure: floor-grid walk testing, gain comparison, battery load testing, and oscillation/interference checks.
Not without the required credentials. IFC Section 510 requires the system designer and lead installation personnel to hold an FCC General Radio Operator License (GROL) and approved in-building system training or manufacturer certification, unless the AHJ accepts equivalent skill and experience. MPSCS / FCC consent must also be in place before the amplifier is activated.
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The correct Michigan workflow is to test the RF environment, document the result, then design a system only if the building fails. TCG manages the entire compliance pathway from one call.
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✓ MPSCS Coordination Included
✓ Annual Recertification via ServicePAK
Trendset Communications Group (TCG) · Michigan Public Safety Radio Coverage Compliance Program
tcgexperts.com · 586-765-0770 · Generated from the TCG Michigan ERCES / BDA Compliance Checklist
tcgexperts.com · 586-765-0770 · Generated from the TCG Michigan ERCES / BDA Compliance Checklist
Not sure if your building is compliant? Get a free Michigan RF survey from TCG.
Reference only. This checklist is a working compliance aid based on the 2021 International Fire Code (Section 510), NFPA 1225, FCC Part 90 signal-booster rules, and the Michigan MPSCS consent workflow. Specific requirements are set by your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and may differ by jurisdiction and adopted code edition. It does not constitute engineering, legal, or regulatory advice. Confirm all requirements with your AHJ, MPSCS, and a licensed ERCES designer before relying on it. © Trendset Communications Group.