What would happen if your elevator broke down with several riders inside? Could they easily call for help, or would they be stuck inside the cab for hours? If the latter is your answer, you need to install an elevator phone system immediately.
Does an elevator require a dedicated phone line? Yes, but you don’t necessarily need a POTS (plain old telephone service) phone line to meet communication standards for elevators. Learn more about your options below.
Elevator Communication Requirements
Per the ASME elevator code, all elevators in your building must be equipped with an emergency communication system. Such a system allows riders to contact emergency personnel should something go wrong.
Your elevator communication system must also meet the following requirements:
- 24/7 availability. You can never turn the phone system off, even after hours.
- Hands-free operation so people who cannot use their hands may call for help. Old elevators had handsets, but they are no longer allowed.
- Backup power. Your system must continue to work in the event of a power outage.
- Audible and visual signals. Your system must be easily identifiable by all riders, including those who are sight-impaired or hard of hearing.
- Regular testing and maintenance. You must regularly test the system to ensure that it functions properly.
Elevator Emergency Communication Options
Does an elevator require a dedicated phone line? Yes, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re stuck using a copper POTS line.
Cellular lines are a great choice. They’re wireless and keep working even if the power goes out. However, these lines aren’t ideal in areas with poor cellular reception.
VoIP (voice over internet protocol) lines are another option. These lines use the internet to process voice calls. Your building will need robust, reliable internet service if you want to go this route.
What’s the Cheapest Option?
A cellular line is a great pick if you’re on a tight budget. Compared to dedicated POTS lines, which can cost over $200 a month, you can get a cellular line for as little as $30 per month.
If you don’t already have an elevator phone, you’ll need to consider the cost of installing one. A new elevator phone costs about $200 to $500, although some fancy models cost up to $1,000.
Don’t Forget About Elevator Monitoring Services
It’s not enough to install a dedicated phone line for elevators and call it a day. You must connect your telephone connection for lifts to a monitoring service that can answer calls for help 24/7.
You could hire additional staff to monitor the phones for you, but this is a huge expense that most businesses can’t afford. That’s why it’s better to pay a monitoring company, such as ELEVATE Monitoring, to handle the job for you. If something goes wrong, we can call the correct personnel, whether a maintenance crew or emergency responders.
Learn More About Elevator Phone Line Regulations
Does an elevator require a dedicated phone line? Yes, but you don’t need a POTS line to comply with the ASME code. To learn more about elevator modernization, call ELEVATE Monitoring at 877-990-9191.
