ERCES Installation Essentials: What Fire Alarm Contractors Need to Know
Fire alarm contractors working in the ERCES space must understand the RF and regulatory dimensions that distinguish these systems from traditional fire/life-safety work. This session covers FCC License Holder coordination, critical code updates for 2026/2027, and workforce qualifications. Presented by John Foley, Managing Director of the Safer Buildings Coalition – Co-Author of the Complete ERCES Handbook.
Topics:
• Two AHJs: FCC Frequency License Holder and Fire/Building Inspector coordination
• IFC 2027 and NFPA 1225 code updates
• Qualifications of personnel: what's changing
• Workforce credentials: NICET and manufacturer training
• Q&A
Presenter
Mike Brownson
SBC Education Advisor
Safer Buildings Coalition
Mike Brownson is a wireless industry veteran with 50 years in the industry. Over his career he’s been involved in a wide variety of wireless technologies including two-way radio, cellular, microwave, unlicensed broadband wireless and most recently has invested the past 20 years dedicated to Distributed Antenna Systems for public safety enhancement. Mike has had extensive experience doing designs for in-building enhancement systems using iBwave design software, with close to 2000 designs completed. Currently retired from full time employment and looking for opportunities to pass along his wealth of knowledge of ERCES best practices for installers and AHJs as the ERCES Trainer. Mike holds numerous industry certifications and is on the Standards Technical Committee for UL-2524 and the Codes and Standards working group for the Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC). Mike was selected by SBC to be the managing editor and provide considerable original writing for the Complete ERCES Handbook, the most complete resource for everything ERCES.
Mike Brownson is a wireless industry veteran with 50 years in the industry. Over his career he’s been involved in a wide variety of wireless technologies including two-way radio, cellular, microwave, unlicensed broadband wireless and most recently has invested the past 20 years dedicated to Distributed Antenna Systems for public safety enhancement. Mike has had extensive experience doing designs for in-building enhancement systems using iBwave design software, with close to 2000 designs completed. Currently retired from full time employment and looking for opportunities to pass along his wealth of knowledge of ERCES best practices for installers and AHJs as the ERCES Trainer. Mike holds numerous industry certifications and is on the Standards Technical Committee for UL-2524 and the Codes and Standards working group for the Safer Buildings Coalition (SBC). Mike was selected by SBC to be the managing editor and provide considerable original writing for the Complete ERCES Handbook, the most complete resource for everything ERCES.