It’s a fear many people have: being stuck in an elevator with no way out. Thankfully, elevators must meet strict safety requirements for design and operation — including reliable communication systems in case of emergency.
Whether traditional copper-based landlines or modern cellular elevator phones, you may wonder, “Do I have to have a phone in my elevator?” This post addresses that question and other requirements for elevator communication devices.
Do Elevator Safety Standards Require a Phone?
All residential and commercial elevators must meet safety standards developed by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. (ASME) Elevator Code covers elevator design, installation, operation, testing, and maintenance. What about the question, “Do I have to have a phone in my elevator?”
The ASME requires an emergency communication device, which can be a telephone or another two-way communication system. If passengers are stuck or otherwise require urgent assistance, they must be able to call for help.
What Elevator Communication Solutions Are Available?
Depending on the age of the elevator and local fire codes, you may see the following types of emergency communication systems:
- Plain-old telephone service (POTS): As the name suggests, POTS lines are traditional landline phone systems. They are stable and reliable but are also becoming less common in modern buildings.
- Cellular phone lines: While standard cell phones don’t always work in an elevator, emergency cellular elevator phones do. They have external transceivers and backup power sources for reliability.
- Voice over internet protocol (VoIP): VoIP lines enable voice calls via an internet connection. Although cost-effective, this solution requires a solid internet infrastructure for reliable service.
- Video monitoring service: ASME safety standards require new elevator systems to have two-way video capabilities. This helps passengers communicate in an emergency and helps operators understand what’s happening inside the elevator to render service more effectively.
What Are the Requirements for Elevator Phones?
Having an emergency communication system is only the first part of the ASME requirement. Elevator code also mandates the following:
- 24/7 availability: Passengers must be able to reach an onsite or offsite operator at all times.
- Backup power: The emergency elevator phone must work even when the power to the building or elevator goes out.
- Hands-free operation: In many jurisdictions, the communication device must allow passengers to operate it without using their hands.
- Accessibility: To meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards, emergency phones must be no more than 48″ off the floor. ADA compliance also requires the system to have a visual indicator rather than relying on voice communications alone.
- Video and text: New elevator systems must have two-way video and text messaging. This facilitates communication for both passengers and operators in emergencies.
Ready To Upgrade Your Technology? Contact Us Today
Now that we’ve answered, “Do I have to have a phone in my elevator?” ELEVATE Monitoring is standing by to help with all your elevator communication needs. Whether you want to know more about elevator requirements for apartment buildings or are ready to invest in a new video monitoring system, contact us today.
