FDNY B-03 Testing of In-Building Auxiliary

FDNY B-03 Testing of In-Building Auxiliary Radio Communication Systems Practice Examination Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of an Auxiliary Radio Communication

System (ARCS)?

• Improve building Wi-Fi
• Provide reliable FDNY radio communication inside buildings
• Reduce cellular dead zones
• Support building automation

Rationale: ARCS ensures FDNY radios work throughout a building during

emergencies.

• Which frequency band is used by FDNY ARCS systems?

A. VHF

B. UHF 1 / 4

• HF
• 5 GHz

Rationale: FDNY operates on UHF frequencies for in-building

communications.

• Who is authorized to perform ARCS acceptance testing?
• Any electrician
• Building owner
• FDNY-certified B-03 Certificate of Fitness holder
• Radio vendor only

Rationale: Only B-03 certified personnel may perform official ARCS testing.

• Which document defines ARCS performance requirements?

A. NFPA 13

• NYC Mechanical Code
• NYC Fire Code
• FDNY Rule 3RC

Rationale: ARCS requirements fall under the NYC Fire Code and related

FDNY rules.

• What minimum signal strength is required for ARCS coverage?
• −120 dBm
• −110 dBm
• −95 dBm
• −65 dBm 2 / 4

Rationale: FDNY requires −95 dBm or better for reliable radio

communication.

• How often must ARCS be inspected?
• Weekly
• Monthly
• Every 3 years
• Annually

Rationale: Annual testing ensures ongoing system reliability.

• What part of the building must achieve ARCS coverage?
• Public areas only
• Mechanical rooms only
• Above-grade spaces only
• The entire building, including critical areas

Rationale: ARCS must cover all areas, especially fire command and

emergency zones.

• What component receives FDNY radio transmissions?
• Bi-directional antenna
• Donor antenna
• Breaker panel
• Duplexer

Rationale: The donor antenna brings in external FDNY radio signals.

• What device amplifies both uplink and downlink signals? 3 / 4

• Patch panel
• Bi-Directional Amplifier (BDA)
• Combiner
• Metering panel

Rationale: BDAs amplify signals in both directions.

• What must be verified before ARCS testing?
• Cellular service
• HVAC system
• FDNY radio activity and spectrum conditions
• Elevator operation

Rationale: Proper radio environment must be confirmed for accurate ARCS

testing.

• Which test ensures signal passes through building materials?
• Voltage test
• Battery test
• RF coverage test
• Load test

Rationale: RF testing validates radio signal strength through structures.

• What backup power duration is required for ARCS?
• 15 minutes
• 24 hours
• 48 hours
• / 4