DAS and BDA Battery Backup Systems

The radios that firefighters and police officers rely on to communicate inside buildings are critically essential in responding to emergencies. Bi-Directional Amplifiers (BDAs) connected to Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) are the public safety radio system infrastructure inside buildings that allow those radios to work. If the BDA fails these first responders inside the building lose communication. Most BDA failures occur due to power disruption to the BDA equipment.

According to public safety BDA Codes & Guidelines, equipment supporting a public safety radio system must be kept running on battery backup for at least 24 hours in the event of power loss. Backup power systems for BDA’s are critical safety components and therefore require special engineering considerations. Fire codes may require extra battery backup power provided by an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) and key UPS alarms may need to be integrated to the Fire Control Panel. Additionally, there may be specific maintenance requirements, such as annual inspections, or environmental considerations, such as preventing water damage or contaminants. Backup batteries will not only ensure critical communication in emergencies but will also protect your BDA’s and DAS lifespan by guarding it against surges. 

UPS Battery Backup Systems are equally as important as the DAS and BDA’s themselves. At CC&N we can help design, install, and maintain them all. Let us know a bit about your facility here to get started.