Prestige Alarm is often called after another life safety company has conducted a BDA/ERCES survey. Sometimes we find that a failed BDA survey result is inaccurate.
Once a failed report is submitted to city officials, as required by code, it creates compliance requirements for the building owner, general contractor, and everyone tied to the project. Therefore, an incorrect failed ERCES survey report can delay construction, pause inspections, and lead to unnecessary spending.
Why Did My Commercial Building Fail an ERCES Survey?
A building may fail an ERCES test for several reasons, including poor signal strength, weak coverage areas, construction materials, layout challenges, environmental factors, or system design issues. These scenarios typically require installing an ERCES to strengthen the signals needed for clear first responder communications.
However, in some cases, the BDA survey may have been incomplete, inaccurate, or poorly documented, resulting in a failed outcome. In these cases, it’s important to determine whether a quality survey delivers the same failed ERCES report.
What Should I Do When I Receive a Failed BDA Survey?
One of the most common BDA system or ERCES questions that owners and contractors ask is how to proceed after failing a survey. In many cases, the next recommended step is to have the survey checked by a qualified company that can verify the accuracy of the original BDA survey results.
1. If you received a failed BDA survey or ERCES survey, send Prestige Alarm a copy of that report and request a second opinion.
2. Prestige Alarm will conduct a second BDA/ERCES survey.
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- If the system fails, Prestige Alarm will not charge you to perform the second survey. We only request the opportunity to provide pricing for a FiPlex BDA system or other appropriate corrective solutions.
- If the system passes, you pay our standard survey fee, but the pass ERCES result likely saves you tens of thousands of dollars in ERCES equipment and installation costs.
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How Prestige Alarm Can Help with a Failed BDA Survey
Prestige Alarm uses calibrated survey testing equipment from PCTEL®, the gold standard, to verify results through multiple test methods. We do not rely on one quick check. We test thoroughly using the 20 x 20 grid methodology to confirm whether the property meets ERCES requirements.
Our technicians hold the required certifications and licenses, including NICET Level IV and FCC GROL, and our company provides 30+ years of experience in the life safety industry. Our goal is to provide honest testing, clear results, and accurate recommendations for the right path forward. Moreover, we aim to hold our industry accountable to the highest testing standards.
Why Choose Prestige Alarm for Commercial ERCES Surveys
Commercial building owners and general contractors need ERCES survey results that are accurate, code-aware, and defensible. After more than 30 years in business, Prestige Alarm & Specialty Products is committed to upholding the highest standards of honesty, accuracy, and professionalism across the life safety industry.
You need clear answers. You need a company that can confirm whether the ERCES survey failure is legitimate, explain what comes next, and help you avoid unnecessary delays and costs. That is exactly what Prestige Alarm is here to do, and we’re available with one phone call.
