Elevator Phones
In the event of an elevator malfunction, building codes require that all elevators be equipped with emergency elevator phone lines to coordinate a response or dispatch emergency services.
Importance of Elevator Phones
Like all mechanical equipment, an elevator over time can eventually malfunction due to lack of maintenance or simply wear and tear. For this reason, building codes require that elevators must have within them a functional emergency phone.
The purpose of the emergency elevator phone is to allow passengers a direct line to a professional operator who can assess the situation and respond accordingly.
Phone Operators Can Help Respond to any Situation:
- Mechanical Failure: The operator can contact property staff to seek a repair technician.
- Medical Emergency: The operator can connect to emergency services and expedite their dispatch.
- Criminal Activity: The operator can connect to local law enforcement and relay the situation.
- Emotional Support: The operator can stay on the line with passengers within the elevator to bolster morale and stay updated on any developments.
Cellular and VoIP Elevator Phones
Federal regulators are moving to eliminate the requirement to support landline voice communications. This will decommission traditional means of telephone voice calls and impact existing elevator and emergency phone installations across the United States.
VoIP is also a viable option for your elevator phone, but presents additional challenges and considerations over the cellular option. For that reason, we prioritize cellular deployments.
To learn more about cellular and VoIP elevator phones, contact us.
Are You Compliant with the ASME A17.1 Safety Code?
Updates to the Elevator and Escalator Safety Code came into effect in late 2019 requiring two-way visual communication for the hearing impaired in elevators as well as other requirements. Learn more about what this means for your property.
Elevator Phone FAQs
How do elevator phones work?
Rather than connecting to a general outside line, an elevator phone connects directly to a professional operator whom can respond to the situation at hand. Should there be a maintenance or mechanical issue, the operator can coordinate with property staff, or in the case of a medical emergency, relay the crisis to emergency services.
Do cell phones work in elevators?
There are many factors that influence cell phone reception quality, though it is not uncommon for elevators to cause disruption. The answer largely depends on the elevator and service provider in question.
Are emergency phones required in elevators?
Yes! Every public elevator in operation in the United States is required by law to contain an emergency phone.
How do you call in an elevator during emergencies?
On the interface panel of the elevator, there will be a button displaying a phone icon. The passenger can connect to the operator by pressing this button and speaking at a normal volume.
Get Up to Code Today
Contact Clearview Phone Monitoring for our dedicated service package to ensure total compliance with ASME A17.1 Safety Code and other requirements.