--- title: What is a BDA System? description: BDA systems are required in most new and existing commercial buildings in order to comply with radio frequency codes for emergency responder communication image: https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/1-May-17-2024-12-08-15-7807-AM.png --- - [SHOP OUR PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/?utm_source=cfp_corp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=corp) - [EMERGENCY SERVICE: 866 530 3473](https://www.centuryfp.com/tel:8665303473) - [REQUEST SERVICE](https://info.centuryfp.com/request-for-service) - [EMPLOYEE LOGIN](https://www.centuryfp.com/employee-login/) - [CLIENT LOGIN](https://www.centuryfp.com/client-login/) - [PAY INVOICE](https://pay.supplierpayments.com/payment/e8f8cad4-4f64-448b-8fa1-73ad4b080e77) [![Century_Logo](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png?width=231&height=137&name=logo.png "Century_Logo")](https://www.centuryfp.com) - [ABOUT](https://www.centuryfp.com/about/) - [ABOUT](https://www.centuryfp.com/about/) - [LEADERSHIP](https://www.centuryfp.com/leadership/) - [SOCIAL PURPOSE](https://www.centuryfp.com/social-purpose/) - [PARTNERING & ACQUISITIONS](https://www.centuryfp.com/partner-with-us/) - [SYSTEMS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/) - [SYSTEMS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/) - [SPRINKLER](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#sprinklers) - [ALARM](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#alarm) - [SPECIAL HAZARDS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#hazards) - [EXTINGUISHERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/systems/#extinguishers) - [SERVICES](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/) - [SERVICES](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/) - [NATIONAL ACCOUNTS](https://www.centuryfp.com/services/#national-accounts) - [VERTICAL MARKETS](https://www.centuryfp.com/vertical-markets/) - [PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/) - [PARTS STORE](https://www.store.centuryfp.com/) - [CAREERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/careers/) - [CAREERS](https://www.centuryfp.com/careers/) - [CULTURE](https://www.centuryfp.com/culture/) - [EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://www.centuryfp.com/education-training/) - [EDUCATION & TRAINING](https://www.centuryfp.com/education-training/) - [RESOURCE LIBRARY](https://info.centuryfp.com/resources) - [BLOG](https://blog.centuryfp.com) - [CONTACT](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/) - [CONTACT](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/) - [LOCATIONS](https://www.centuryfp.com/contact/#Locations) - [SUBMIT A REQUEST](https://info.centuryfp.com/request-for-service) ![1-May-17-2024-12-08-15-7807-AM-1](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/1-May-17-2024-12-08-15-7807-AM-1.png) # What is a BDA System? - [Home](https://www.centuryfp.com/) - [Century Fire Protection Blog](https://blog.centuryfp.com) - What is a BDA System? Posted May 15, 2024 [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [0 Comments](https://blog.centuryfp.com/what-is-a-bi-directional-amplifier-bda-system#postComment) 1 Minutes   Poor in-building radio signals can lead to communication blackouts for emergency responders, delaying critical assistance in an emergency and risking lives. This is why Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) or [Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) Systems](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/Century-Fire-Protection-BDA-Sell-Sheet.pdf) are now required in many commercial buildings, including high-rises and apartment buildings. They are also classified as a life safety system and monitored by a fire alarm system. As such, they are typically purchased with a fire alarm system and installed by a qualified contractor. The Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) System along with its Distributed Antenna System (DAS) identifies, amplifies, and redistributes wireless signals throughout the building by boosting signals between a two-way radio system and an external antenna. BDA systems fill potential gaps in areas of a building with weak or no radio signals, such as stairwells and parking garages. Radio frequency signals can also be blocked or reduced by many commonly used building materials like metal, cement, and even Low-E/energy-efficient windows. Find out if your building has the proper signal coverage by [scheduling a Radio Frequency Survey](https://info.centuryfp.com/bda-systems-contact-page) (Signal Survey).   ### There are three components to these Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) - The Donor Antenna mounted on the rooftop which receives signals from outside the building. - The Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA) installed inside the building, which amplifies or boosts Radio Frequency (RF) signals in two directions. - The Distributed Antenna System (DAS) installed throughout the building where needed to provide additional coverage. ![typical BDA system in a building graphic ](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/gwfci-typical-bda-system-tall-building-2021-1024x613.jpg?width=688&height=412&name=gwfci-typical-bda-system-tall-building-2021-1024x613.jpg) ### What Determines if a BDA System is Required? Most building and fire codes for new and existing buildings specify necessary radio frequencies required to ensure uninterrupted communication for emergency responders. BDA systems are a code-driven requirement determined by your specific building type as well as the fire and building codes adopted by your state and local jurisdictions. Most jurisdictions require BDA systems for all new construction, but now many are requiring them for existing properties. So now more than ever, property owners and managers need to be aware of their local jurisdiction’s requirements and consider a [BDA survey](https://info.centuryfp.com/bda-systems-contact-page) to determine if they meet the required standards for Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC).   [Contact us](https://info.centuryfp.com/bda-systems-contact-page) today to speak with one of our trained and certified professionals about BDA system testing, design, installation, or [maintenance](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance).  [![CTA Ultimate BDA Cheat Sheet Download](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hs-fs/hubfs/CTA%20Ultimate%20BDA%20Cheat%20Sheet%20Download.jpg?width=597&height=249&name=CTA%20Ultimate%20BDA%20Cheat%20Sheet%20Download.jpg)](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/The%20Ultimate%20BDA%20Cheat%20Sheet.pdf)   --- #### Tag: [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) --- #### [Tips for Fire System Winter Prep Previous Post](https://blog.centuryfp.com/tips-for-fire-system-winter-prep) #### [The Impact of Fire Protection on High-Rise Maintenance Budgets Next Post](https://blog.centuryfp.com/the-impact-of-fire-protection-on-high-rise-building-maintenance-budget) --- ## Related Posts [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) 24 June, 2024 #### [Factors That Impact the Signal Strength of Bi-Directional Amplifiers](https://blog.centuryfp.com/understanding-factors-that-impact-the-signal-strength-of-bi-directional-amplifiers) In a world that increasingly relies on seamless communication, the importance of strong, reliable… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/understanding-factors-that-impact-the-signal-strength-of-bi-directional-amplifiers) [Fire Alarm](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/fire-alarm), [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) 21 June, 2024 #### [BDA System Inspections & Maintenance](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance) Maintaining Bi-Directional Antenna (BDA) systems, also commonly known as Emergency Responder… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/bda-system-inspections-maintenance) [BDA](https://blog.centuryfp.com/topic/bda) [Kati Bucciero](https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero) 14 June, 2024 #### [Components of a BDA System](https://blog.centuryfp.com/components-of-a-bda-system) A BDA system or bi-directional amplifier system is also known as a signal amplifier. It amplifies… [Read More](https://blog.centuryfp.com/components-of-a-bda-system) ### CONTACT 2450 Satellite Boulevard Duluth, GA 30096 p:[770 945 2330](tel:+17709452330) f:[770 945 2651](tel:+17709452651) - [US Privacy Policy](https://info.centuryfp.com/general_privacy_policy) - [California Privacy Policy](https://info.centuryfp.com/ca_privacy_policy) - [Terms of Use](https://info.centuryfp.com/terms_of_use) - Your Privacy Choices ![Great Place to Work GPTW Badge 25-26 Footer (1)](https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/Great%20Place%20to%20Work%20GPTW%20Badge%2025-26%20Footer%20(1).png) - - - Copyright 2026 Century Fire Protection | All Rights Reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kati Bucciero", "url" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/author/kati-bucciero" }, "dateModified" : "2026-07-21T15:25:21.927Z", "datePublished" : "2024-05-15T17:59:16.000Z", "headline" : "What is a BDA System?", "image" : [ "https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/1-May-17-2024-12-08-15-7807-AM.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/what-is-a-bi-directional-amplifier-bda-system", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.centuryfp.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/logo.png" }, "name" : "Century Fire Protection, LLC" } } ```