How to use Building Signal Check™

A free 60-second scoping tool from Zion Fire Protection. Probabilistic, educational, and built to point you toward the right next conversation — not to replace one.

What does this tool actually do?

It runs your building's address, size, story count, occupancy type, and construction era against a curated database of 691+ AHJ records across 13 states (including non-IFC states like Massachusetts). It outputs a probabilistic verdict — likely in scope, edge case, or likely out of scope — plus the relevant code citations, AHJ contact, and what we believe the next step is.

What it is not.

• Not a code determination. Only your AHJ can make that call.
• Not an engineering report. An engineering report requires a stamped design, an RF coverage survey, and site-specific verification.
• Not a legal opinion. Code interpretation can have legal consequences. Talk to your attorney for that.
• Not a substitute for an RF survey. The only way to know whether your building currently meets the IFC §510.4.1 coverage thresholds is to measure it. (See RF Site Survey.)
• Not a guarantee of compliance. Even a "likely out of scope" result does not protect you from an AHJ decision, a complaint-driven survey order, or a local amendment we have not yet catalogued.

How accurate are the AHJ findings?

Each AHJ record carries a confidence rating:

• Verified — confirmed against the AHJ's published fire code adoption ordinance or direct AHJ correspondence within the last 12 months.
• High — confirmed against multiple secondary sources (county code library, official AHJ web page, recent NFPA / ICC adoption tracker).
• Medium — single-source or older confirmation. Use as a starting point; verify with the AHJ directly.
• Low — inferred from regional adoption patterns. Confirm with the AHJ before relying on the result.
• Unverified — outside our database; the result is a general IFC §510 framework analysis only.

The verdict page displays the confidence rating for your specific AHJ. If it shows medium, low, or unverified, you should call the AHJ before acting.

How does the email verification work?

When you click Request my full report, we email you a one-click verification link. Until you click that link, we hold the report. Once you click, a Zion BDA/ERCES technician personally reviews your building data and emails your full report — typically within a few hours, always within one business day. If you never click the link, your submission is automatically deleted after 24 hours.

Why we do this:

• Protection against fraudulent submissions — fake emails get no report.
• Makes sure the report reaches the right person — prevents typos, autofill errors, or someone entering your email by mistake.
• Legal consent record — your verification click is logged with timestamp and IP under the U.S. E-SIGN Act, which protects both you and Zion.
• Keeps the AHJ database from being extracted in bulk by competitors or bots.

If you don't see the verification email within 10 minutes, check your spam folder for [email protected]. If it still hasn't arrived, email [email protected] and we'll send it directly.

What's in the report I receive by email?

• Verdict (in scope / edge case / out of scope) — probabilistic.
• The IFC § sections and any local amendments we believe apply.
• Your AHJ's name, contact information, and confidence rating.
• A suggested next step (RF survey, AHJ pre-application call, design review, etc.).
• Full legal disclaimers.

What's the difference between "in scope" and "must install a BDA"?

Huge. "In scope" means your building falls into the category that could require ERCES if a coverage survey demonstrates a deficiency. Most buildings — even those technically in scope — have adequate natural coverage and never need a system. The only way to find out is to measure (IFC §510.5.3 RF coverage survey). Read our IFC §510 explainer for the full chain of logic.

I'm an existing building owner. Do I have to test annually?

Almost certainly not unless you already have an ERCES installed. The annual testing requirement in IFC §510.6.1 reads "the system shall be tested" — it attaches to an installed system, not to the building. Existing buildings without an ERCES are not subject to annual signal testing under the base IFC. Exceptions exist in jurisdictions that have adopted NFPA 1 §11.10.1 (statewide Florida) or stricter local amendments (e.g., Orlando FL, San Antonio TX). The tool flags those.

The verdict says my building is in scope. What do I do?

1. Don't panic and don't buy equipment. Scope ≠ requirement to install.
2. Call your AHJ. Reference the IFC sections in your report. Ask: "Do you require a coverage survey for an existing building at this address?"
3. If yes, order an RF coverage survey from a licensed contractor. Zion does this; so do many others.
4. If the survey passes, you keep the documentation on file. If it fails, then you talk about a system design.

The verdict says my building is out of scope. Can I ignore the report?

No. AHJs can change adoption, local amendments can shift, and our database can be wrong. Keep the report on file, re-run the check every 12-24 months, and stay alert to AHJ outreach. Out of scope is not a permanent shield.

Can I share my report with my AHJ or my engineer?

Yes — please do. The report is designed to start a conversation, not end one. We encourage AHJ review. If your AHJ disagrees with anything in the report, please tell us so we can correct it.

How does the email and report routing work?

When you submit the form, you receive an immediate welcome email and a copy of your report. A flag is also routed to our team. If your building looks like it may be in scope, a member of our BDA / ERCES team may reach out within one business day. You can unsubscribe at any time.

How is my data handled?

See our Privacy Notice. Short version: we collect what you submit, we use it to generate your report and follow up if your building looks in scope, and we never sell your data.

The tool gave me a confusing result. Who do I call?

Email [email protected] or call 855.ZIONFIRE. We'll walk through it. No obligation.

I think the code information for my city is wrong.

We want to know. Email [email protected] with the jurisdiction, the section in question, and your source (ordinance PDF, AHJ memo, etc.). We correct verified errors within 5 business days.