The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1225 code outlines the latest requirements for what is now refers to as ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems). I’d previously argued that ERCES is substantially equivalent to ERRCS, but I was wrong.
The name change is all about the inclusion of cellular frequencies, so that the “RC” in ERRCS, which stands for “Radio Communication”, has been supplanted with a “CE” for “Communication Enhancement”. No big deal, right?
Well, yes. I’ve heard from purists who argue that the intent of these systems was only to requirement the amplification of traditional Land Mobile Radio (LMR) frequencies (VHF, UHF, 700 Mhz, 800 Mhz), not new cellular based systems, like LTE and 5G. But NFPA 1225 does indeed now only use ERCES and it gives the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) latitude to include those frequencies for code-compliant in-building systems.
Some details:
- Terminology and NFPA 1225 Standardization
- NFPA 1225 officially uses the term “ERCES” as the broader and more encompassing term.
- ERRCS has been a commonly used term in the industry, but NFPA 1225 shifted to ERCES to reflect a more inclusive definition of in-building emergency communication systems.
- ERCES includes not only radio frequency amplification (ERRCS) but also other potential enhancements that aid first responder communications, such as future integrations with public safety LTE (e.g., FirstNet).
- Industry and Local Jurisdiction Variations
- Many jurisdictions and industry professionals still use ERRCS because:
- Previous standards like NFPA 1221 and IFC (International Fire Code) 510 referred specifically to “ERRCS.”
- Local codes, AHJs, and fire marshals may not have fully transitioned to NFPA 1225’s terminology.
- Some jurisdictions explicitly differentiate:
- ERRCS = A system focused strictly on LMR (Land Mobile Radio) for first responders.
- ERCES = A broader term that could include additional enhancements, such as LTE/FirstNet.
- Many jurisdictions and industry professionals still use ERRCS because:
- Does ERCES Include Cellular Frequencies?
- NFPA 1225 allows AHJs to include cellular frequencies (e.g., FirstNet) under ERCES if used by first responders.
- This creates a potential distinction where:
- ERRCS is purely LMR-based (radio frequencies like UHF, VHF, 700/800 MHz).
- ERCES could extend to LTE-based systems, including FirstNet or private responder LTE.
- However, not all AHJs have adopted this interpretation, leading to ongoing debate.
- IFC (International Fire Code) vs. NFPA 1225
- The IFC (Section 510) still references ERRCS and focuses on in-building public safety radio.
- NFPA 1225 uses ERCES, signaling a possible industry shift toward a broader definition.
- Since many jurisdictions use IFC as their fire code, the term ERRCS remains dominant in permitting, installation, and enforcement.
Conclusion: Are ERRCS and ERCES the Same?
- Technically, ERCES is the more updated and broader term under NFPA 1225.
- ERRCS is still widely used and, in many cases, refers specifically to LMR-based emergency radio systems.
- The primary point of debate is whether ERCES expands to include cellular/FirstNet frequencies or remains strictly a rebranded ERRCS.
Best Practice
- Check with the AHJ in your jurisdiction to determine which term and scope they recognize.
- For compliance with NFPA 1225, ERCES should be the preferred term.
- For IFC-based regulations, ERRCS is still widely accepted.
If you need help sorting this out, please call IBWS. As Erasmus said, “In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.”