When the communication system in your elevator fails, passengers face immediate risks as your dispatchers can no longer assist. To prevent elevator communications failure, you must understand why it happens. Numerous concerns, from power outages to poorly trained dispatchers, can lead to a loss of communication in elevators.
This article discusses the top causes of elevator communication breakdown, so you know how to prevent the same malfunctions and stresses the importance of an iron-clad elevator phone system.
1. Power Failure
The most common cause of communication failure in elevators is loss of power. If your building loses power and you do not have a backup energy system in place, the elevator communication system will fail. Because of this, the International Building Code (IBC) requires any building over four stories high to have a backup generator or power system in place to prevent elevator intercom malfunction concerns and other risks during power outages.
How To Prevent This:
If your building’s power shuts down, elevator passengers may become trapped, so they must be able to communicate with responders. You can prevent an elevator phone outage by installing a backup generator or other emergency power system to kick in whenever your building goes dark. Not only will this keep your building up to code, but it will also ensure your elevator and its communication systems continue working during a power outage.
2. Equipment Malfunctioning
A long list of items can malfunction, causing elevator communications failure. Here are some common examples:
- Faulty wiring
- Electrical shorts
- Dirty connectors
- Lack of proper inspections
- Background noise malfunctions
- Non-adjustable to suit site conditions
- Improper installations
How To Prevent This:
To avoid loss of communication in elevators due to malfunctioning equipment, you must ensure your systems adhere to the ASME elevator code and the IBC’s strict standards. In doing so, you will need to schedule regular maintenance, safety checks, and inspections to ensure all technical components are up to date and in optimal condition. You may also work with a trusted provider like ELEVATE Monitoring for the latest, most code-compliant communication systems.
3. Poorly Trained Responders
Sometimes, communication system failure in elevators is due not to an equipment issue but a lack of knowledge on the part of responders. Communication failure is inevitable if you connect your passengers with dispatchers who are not trained or knowledgeable enough to handle everything from minor elevator malfunctions to life-threatening emergencies.
How To Prevent This:
Choose a communication system that connects passengers 24/7 with highly trained, professional responders, such as our solution at ELEVATE Monitoring. Our wealth of experience in the elevator industry guarantees a seamless process from when a passenger makes a distress call to the arrival of first responders and other emergency personnel.
Prevent Communication Failure With ELEVATE Monitoring
At ELEVATE Monitoring, we provide comprehensive monitoring solutions to prevent elevator communications failure. Our systems feature advanced features like elevator access control and around-the-clock access to trained agents. Call ELEVATE Monitoring today at 877-990-9191 to learn more.
