ARCS consulting for New York City high-rise projects
An Auxiliary Radio Communication System, or ARCS, gives the FDNY full radio communication throughout a high-rise building. ARCS design, installation and commissioning is a tightly regulated, documentation-heavy, multi-party process that can lead to costly delays. Sparc’s experts help project teams get ARCS right the first time.
End-to-end ARCS solutions for NYC
We help high-rise owners, developers, architects and engineers with ARCS strategy, feasibility, design, filing, documentation, and approval. New York City’s ARCS requirements are among the most stringent in the nation. Our team offers rich technical knowledge, code fluency, transparent communication and real-world experience, with eyes on avoiding common pitfalls.
Support for ever-changing code & regulatory requirements
ARCS requirements from the NYC DOB and the FDNY have changed numerous times since the systems were first mandated, and the requirements continue to change. Sparc can help you understand how code and regulations apply to your project, then create designs and plans that meet them precisely.
Services
Comprehensive ARCS solutions for New York City buildings
Our NYC-based fire protection experts help you navigate the complexities of Auxiliary Radio Communication System requirements. Our services include:
- ARCS strategy and feasibility analysis, including risk assessment and coordination with overall fire/life safety strategy
- Code interpretation and requirement confirmation
- Design review and technical oversight, coverage assumptions and floor-by-floor node placement validation
- Constructability and maintenance strategy
- Review and coordination of PAA submissions
- Alignment of approved drawings with as-built conditions
- Pre-commissioning readiness reviews
- Notice of Defect (NOD) responses and deficiency mitigation strategy
Frequently asked questions
Get answers to commonly asked questions related to ARCS in NYC:
ARCS is an in-building radio system required in New York City to ensure firefighters and other emergency responders can communicate reliably during an emergency.
Modern construction often blocks or weakens public-safety radio signals. ARCS solves this by amplifying and distributing those signals so responder radios work in critical areas like stairwells, elevator lobbies, basements, mechanical rooms and fire command centers.
In NYC, ARCS is treated as a life-safety system, subject to FDNY oversight, formal filings, drawing approvals, commissioning and acceptance testing. While not exactly the same functionality, it is commonly referred to as ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems) or Public Safety DAS (Distributed Antenna System) in other jurisdictions.
In general, ARCS is required for new construction or modifications that create a high-rise building with an occupied floor higher than 75 feet above the lowest level of FDNY vehicle access; underground buildings; and buildings with a total gross area exceeding 250,000 square feet; healthcare and life science facilities; “mission-critical” buildings; and those where FDNY radio signals are shown to be deficient.
There are a few exceptions, like some buildings with Group R-1, R-2, or B occupancy, or those that pass radio coverage testing.
ARCS requirements are complex. To avoid costly missteps, get in touch with Sparc’s ARCS experts.
Core ARCS requirements are outlined in Section 511 of the New York City Fire Code. Applicable regulations are also contained in Section 916 of the 2022 NYC Building Code and other FDNY supplemental publications.
While the term “ARCS” is most closely associated with New York City, similar requirements exist in other jurisdictions. They’re commonly referred to as ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems) or Public Safety DAS (Distributed Antenna System).
Don’t panic. An NOD is relatively common on NYC ARCS projects, and does not automatically mean a full redesign or replacement is required.
Sparc can work with you to help understand why the deficiency was issued, determine correction scope, coordinate a corrected submittal, and plan for re-testing and acceptance. This is an area where we have deep experience; we’re happy to put it to work for you.