Top 5 Benefits of Installing an ARCS in Your NYC Building
In the fast-paced world of New York City construction and property management, compliance is key—but when it comes to life safety, doing the minimum isn’t always enough. That’s why so many building owners are proactively installing Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems (ARCS), even before it’s legally required.
More than just a checkbox for FDNY compliance, ARCS offers a range of powerful benefits that protect not only your property—but also the people who enter it every day.
1. Reliable Communication for First Responders
The number one reason to install ARCS? It saves lives.
In high-rise fires, building collapses, or emergency evacuations, FDNY firefighters and EMS crews depend on clear, uninterrupted radio communication. But radio signals can weaken or drop completely inside stairwells, basements, or thick concrete walls.
An ARCS eliminates those blind spots by using a distributed network of antennas and amplifiers to boost and retransmit FDNY radio signals throughout the entire building.
“ARCS ensures that first responders stay connected from the lobby to the rooftop—even when every second counts.”
2. Faster Emergency Response and Coordination
When crews on the 18th floor can’t communicate with the command center in the lobby, critical decisions get delayed—and lives are put at risk.
ARCS allows for:
- Real-time updates between floors
- Efficient coordination of evacuation and search & rescue
- Quicker response to changing fire conditions
In an emergency, speed and coordination are everything. ARCS gives responders the communication tools they need to act fast.
3. Required for NYC Building Approval in Many Cases
If your building meets specific height or construction criteria, ARCS isn’t optional—it’s mandatory.
The FDNY requires an Auxiliary Radio Communication System for:
- New construction high-rises
- Vertical extensions to existing buildings
- Major renovations that alter egress paths or affect radio coverage
- Buildings that fall under certain occupancy classifications
Failing to install ARCS when required can delay your Certificate of Occupancy—and lead to costly rework or violations.
4. Reduced Liability for Building Owners and Developers
Imagine a first responder losing contact during a rescue mission—and the resulting incident is traced back to inadequate radio coverage. That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.
By installing a code-compliant ARCS through a licensed provider like IRL Systems, you demonstrate a proactive commitment to safety, due diligence, and code adherence. This not only reduces legal exposure—it also boosts your reputation with city inspectors, tenants, and insurers.
5. Streamlined Testing and System Monitoring
Modern ARCS systems, when properly installed, include:
- Self-monitoring status panels
- Battery backup systems
- Remote fault detection
- Event logging and digital inspection records
At IRL Systems, we include digital system monitoring and FDNY-approved filing documentation as part of our turnkey installation service. That means you’re ready for inspection at a moment’s notice—with no surprises.
The IRL Systems Advantage
Installing ARCS the right way is about more than hanging antennas and pulling cable. It requires:
- Proper RF site surveys
- DOB filing and approval
- Coordination with licensed engineers and filing reps
- FDNY walkthroughs and system commissioning
IRL Systems handles all of it—start to finish. We’re an FDNY-approved vendor, NICET-certified, and trusted across NYC for fire alarm and radio communication expertise.
Whether you’re building from the ground up or retrofitting an existing space, we’ll design an ARCS system that meets code, improves safety, and helps your building earn its Certificate of Occupancy.
Let’s Talk About Your Building’s Requirements
Unsure whether your property needs ARCS? Already building and want to avoid delays?
📞 Call IRL Systems today at (718) 491-0642 for a free consultation.
Let’s design a communication system that works when it matters most.
FAQ: ARCS Benefits
Q: Can ARCS help in non-fire emergencies?
A: Yes. ARCS is beneficial during any incident where first responders need to communicate, including medical emergencies and evacuations.
Q: Is ARCS only for high-rises?
A: No, it’s also required in certain occupancy types and for buildings that interfere with radio signals due to design or materials.
Q: Is there ongoing maintenance?
A: Yes. FDNY requires regular inspection and maintenance, which IRL Systems can provide with no long-term service contract.