Vehicle Installers Group
FCS Vehicle Installers Group oversees all the FCS policy and events work around the FCS1362 Code of Practice, the FITAS scheme and the professional standards associated with installing radio-frequency equipment into motor vehicles.
The committee has been overseeing and maintaining FCS 1362 since responsibility for the old Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications radio industry codes was passed to the industry when the Radiocommunications Agency and Oftel merged to create Ofcom.
The standard (formerly MPT1362) has been updated and re-written twice since then to reflect current industry developments. This task is undertaken and overseen by the Installer Committee, drawing on the resources of industry experts to inform and referee the work before publication.
A fresh review of FCS1362: 2016 is currently underway, to take in recent developments in hybrid and electric vehicles. An important new section on installation in the latest generation of commercial vehicles is also to be included for the first time.
FCS1362 is not just a UK standard: it provides an international best practice guidance, and is routinely referenced by installers in both the EU and the Middle East. Most recently, the Australian Radio Communications Industry Association has adopted the code as the basis of guidance for installers in Australia and New Zealand.
The FCS Installer Committee drives FCS policy initiatives in the vehicle electronics area. All Installer members of the FCS are entitled to participate in the workings of the Committee. The committee invites guests from time to time in relation to specific issues and concerns.
The Installer Committee will meet mostly by conferencing facility in the future.
The FCS holds the Vehicle Technology Installer (VTi) Event for the entire vehicle installer industry in November, each year. This one-day event features an exhibition of the latest products and services and a series of presentations covering market issues, regulatory matters, technology and best practice. Attendance of the event is free of charge to FCS members and official guests of the sponsors of the event.
The FCS holds the Vehicle Technology Installer (VTi) Event for the entire vehicle installer industry in November, each year. This one-day event features an exhibition of the latest products and services and a series of presentations covering market issues, regulatory matters, technology and best practice. Attendance of the event is free of charge to FCS members and official guests of the sponsors of the event.
To find out more about this year’s VTi event click here.
Current examples include the ongoing campaign for government to give an early deadline for switching off analogue radio broadcasting, and leading the UK industry in calling for 999 call-handling centres to be enabled to handle the new ‘e-call’ automatic vehicle emergency calling service, which becomes mandatory for all new vehicless in 2015.
To find out more, contact [email protected]