Find out if your building passes
We perform public safety radio grid testing across Northeast and Central Florida with a PCTEL analyzer, following the locally adopted fire code, the applicable NFPA standards and the requirements of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).
When the test is done, you get a pass/fail report based on the signal levels the local AHJ requires. If the building fails, we explain what it needs and how to fix it.
How a grid test works
A grid on every floor
Each floor is divided into a grid of test areas. We load your floor plans into the PCTEL analyzer and walk every floor, recording signal strength and audio quality in each grid.
Local pass levels
Every AHJ sets its own threshold. For example, the City of Jacksonville requires a signal better than -95 dBm in 95% of general areas and in 99% of critical areas. Orlando and other jurisdictions use different criteria.
Critical areas
Fire command center, fire pump room, stairwells, elevator lobbies and other areas the AHJ marks as critical must meet the higher standard.
What you receive
A report with the dBm reading in every grid area: green passes, red fails. Some counties grade on Delivered Audio Quality (DAQ), from DAQ 1 (unusable) to DAQ 5 (perfect audio). Each report also includes outside reference readings so you can compare the signal outside and inside the building. Then we sit down with you to review it and plan the next steps.
Our testing process
Project intake
We gather the floor plans and the local control channel, and go over the building stage, the timeline and the testing required.
Floor plan setup
We load the floor plans, set the control channel and lay out the grid.
RF grid testing
Our technician tests every floor following NFPA and local fire codes, and notes construction materials, critical areas, the fire alarm panel, the pump room and fire ratings.
Data analysis
We review the readings and the DAQ results against the AHJ pass levels.
Pass / fail report
You receive the report with our signal enhancement recommendations.
Consultation
If the building fails, we go over the BDA / DAS options, the cost and the schedule.
When to schedule testing
Planning stage
Find out if the building will need testing, get a testing quote, and plan the conduit pathways and BDA room in case a system is required.
New construction
Testing takes place once the building is fully closed in. Schedule it about 2 weeks ahead so it does not hold up your Certificate of Occupancy.
Existing buildings
We pick a time that works for you and coordinate access to every floor, the fire alarm panel and the fire pump room.
Testing questions
RF surveys and grid testing
What do you need from us to start?
Current floor plans for every level, the building address and stage of construction, and access to every floor, stairwell, the fire alarm panel and the fire pump room.
If the building passes, are we done?
Usually yes: the passing report goes to the AHJ. Some jurisdictions ask for periodic retesting, so check the local requirements or ask us.
If the building fails, what happens next?
We review the report with you, recommend a BDA / DAS solution and send a quote for the design, permits and installation.
Do you test buildings outside Jacksonville?
Yes. We test across Northeast and Central Florida, including St. Johns, Clay, Nassau, Flagler and Volusia counties, Gainesville, Ocala and Greater Orlando.
Schedule your RF survey
Tell us about your building and your inspection date. Se habla español.