BDA Room Rating Requirements

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October 08, 2019

The 9th Edition of 780 CMR, which adopts and amends the 2015 International Building Code (IBC), requires that all new buildings be provided with emergency responder radio coverage unless otherwise approved by the AHJ to use wired communication systems. All radio systems must therefore be installed in accordance with 780 CMR Section 916 as well as NFPA 72 Section 24.5. We are often fielding questions about these systems, particularly associated with the required rating of the components where a bi-directional amplifier (BDA) system is installed.

In accordance with Section 24.3.6.8 of NFPA 72. What is commonly missed in NFPA 72 is that the rooms which contain the BDA signal booster panel are also required to be located within a 2-hour fire-resistance rated enclosure.

 

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