Enhance your skills in the installation and commissioning of Emergency Responder Coverage Enhancement Systems (ERCES) with our comprehensive 2-day training. This course is designed to prepare participants for NICET Levels 1 & 2 Certification, a recognized qualification for ERCES installers.
The training covers essential practices for deploying and commissioning ERCES equipment, with a focus on real-world applications. Participants will gain hands-on experience using the necessary test equipment to properly test and commission ERCES systems, aligning with current fire code standards.
Day 2
01/27 – 8AM – 5PM
Level 1 candidates for NICET certification in In-Building Public Safety Communications (IB-PSC) apply fundamental radio frequency knowledge to install passive and active equipment per system design and manufacturer specifications, including:
Performing Rough Installation Activities
-Read and follow RF System installation documentation.
-Install Cable (e.g. support, fire stopping, grounding etc.).
-Terminate cable.
-Install passive equipment.
Performing Finish and Trim Out Installation Activities
-Install donor antenna.
-Install active equipment.
-Install dedicated annunciator.
-Install battery backup (BBU).
Day 2
01/28 – 8AM – 5PM
Level 2 candidates for NICET certification in In Building Public Safety Communications utilize radio frequency principles and equipment to conduct initial surveys, install, commission, and maintain in building public safety communications, including:
Define the project scope
-Review and interpret project specifications.
-Review and interpret project documents.
-Understand and comply with project schedules.
Evaluating RF Signal Strength and Quality
-Measure RF signal strength and quality.
-Troubleshoot issues that impact RF performance.
Perform Rough Installation Activities
-Test cable.
-Validate passive equipment installation.
-Verify electrical and grounding requirements.
Performing Finish and Trim Out Installation Activities
-Validate electrical and grounding installation.
-Interface with fire alarm systems.
Performing Commissioning, Acceptance Test, and Maintenance
-Adjust headend and remote amplification equipment.
-Test system alarms.
-Test battery backup (BBU).
“Connecting a Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) to AC power and antennas does not guarantee a successful Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) installation. This class will cover the following topics: International Fire Code (IFC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) codes that jurisdictions may require, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules governing BDAs, antenna verification, uplink optimization for signals and noise, the importance of a test transmitter and a spectrum analyzer, alarming, BDA programming, grid testing, and more. The certificate issued will hold more value than just a piece of paper; a hands-on exercise and a written test must be passed to earn this certificate.”
The second day will involve learning how to install and commission Westell’s other BDAs, CS14 and CS45. The instructor will demonstrate this by logging into remotely located units.
The exam will take place after lunch on the second day. Each student must demonstrate connecting to a BDA and configuring it as instructed. The written exam will test the student on essential code and FCC requirements and the operation of Westell BDAs.
All students must have a Windows computer to connect to the CS40 BDA via a CAT 5 Ethernet cable. The connection requires a Static IP address, which IT departments often disable. Be sure to have the ability to set a Static IP address before attending!
The instructor cannot spend valuable class time troubleshooting computer issues. While not required, a spectrum analyzer would be very beneficial to bring to the class.
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on both days. Students may leave after completion of the exam on day two.
A light breakfast and lunch will be provided on both days.
This certificate will be granted after successfully passing the hands-on exam and achieving a minimum score of 75% on the written exam. Enrolling in the class does not guarantee receiving a certificate; you must earn it.