Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
October 01, 2026
Windy City Wire Boosts Support for Public Safety DAS and ERCES Projects
TLDR
- Windy City Wire offers DAS cable support and fast ROM bills of materials, helping integrators win ERCES projects with 19 stocking locations.
- IFC 510 and NFPA 1225 require 95 percent radio coverage, 99 percent in critical areas, and annual testing for ERCES systems.
- Windy City Wire supports public safety DAS projects that enhance emergency responder communication, making buildings safer for everyone.
- Windy City Wire's DAS resource center includes planning tools like conduit fill and voltage drop calculators for integrators.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because stricter enforcement of ERCES requirements means building owners and integrators must ensure reliable emergency responder radio coverage not just at initial approval but continuously, with annual testing. As more existing buildings are required to add or upgrade DAS, access to expert support, fast ROM bills of materials, and a nationwide stocking network can help contractors avoid delays, reduce costs, and keep buildings compliant. Windy City Wire’s expanded resources and partnerships give integrators a single source for the specialized cable and design tools needed to meet these life-safety standards, ultimately improving communication for first responders and public safety.
Summary
Windy City Wire, a Bolingbrook, Illinois-based manufacturer and distributor of low-voltage wire and cable, is emphasizing its support resources for integrators and contractors working on public safety DAS system projects. The company’s announcement comes as building owners confront Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) requirements that extend well beyond a building’s initial approval. Under the model codes, International Fire Code Section 510 sets when an ERCES is required, while NFPA 1225 provides technical design and testing guidance. These typically mandate 95% radio coverage across required floor areas, 99% coverage in critical locations, and annual inspection and testing. IFC 510 also applies to existing buildings, which may need to add ERCES if coverage testing fails. Enforcement varies by state and local Authorities Having Jurisdiction, leading to differing requirements from city to city.
To meet these demands, Windy City Wire offers SmartGUARD DAS cable solutions and full support services for DAS and ERCES deployments, along with fast-turnaround budgetary Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) bills of materials. Its DAS resource center includes RF cable such as 50-ohm braided coax, plenum cables, SmartGuard cables, and a Dragonskin 2-hour offering, plus a ROM bill of materials request form. The company partners with equipment manufacturers like RFS, ADRF, Westell, and GWave, and its resource center references Westell iBwave design. With 19 stocking locations across the United States, integrators can source first responder DAS wire and cable. Integrators and contractors can request a ROM bill of materials or ask a DAS expert via windycitywire.com/das, which also links to planning tools including a conduit fill calculator and a voltage drop calculator. Customer service is available at 1.800.379.1191, Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
About Windy City Wire: The company has manufactured and distributed low-voltage wire and cable solutions since 1994 and supplies cable for security, access control, fire alarm, building automation, DAS, and professional AV applications. It is known for its SmartWire product line and RackPack field systems, operates 19 stocking locations nationwide, and was named a 2026 PSA Network P3 Elite Partner.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content distributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Windy City Wire Boosts Support for Public Safety DAS and ERCES Projects
