Case Study: IKEA achieves 100% in‑building two‑way radio coverage for first responders with Honeywell Gamewell‑FCI BDA solution

First Response Services - Gamewell-FCI

IKEA opened a new 280,000 sq. ft. store in Norfolk with thousands of daily visitors, but during final inspection the fire marshal discovered inadequate two‑way radio coverage — a problem given the new code requirement for 99% in‑building public safety radio coverage and the store’s complex, heavily stocked warehouse layout. Secured Network Solutions (an authorized Honeywell Engineered Systems Distributor) had already installed a Gamewell‑FCI fire system, and with the grand opening two weeks away the team needed a fast, code‑compliant radio enhancement solution from Honeywell to ensure first responders could communicate reliably.

Honeywell’s Gamewell‑FCI BiDirectional Amplifier (BDA) ERCES solution was selected and installed by SNS, deploying a UL2524 listed BDA, a rooftop donor antenna and 24 distributed antenna system (DAS) antennas placed via iBwave design. Post‑installation heat maps and radio surveys showed 100% interior radio coverage (exceeding the 99% requirement), the work was completed in six days to meet the opening timeline, and the Honeywell solution delivered code compliance, minimal disruption and reliable two‑way communications for first responders.

IKEA

Jeff Hooker

Director Of Fire And Safety, Secured Network Solutions