Replacing the phone line on an elevator emergency phone

What the elevator code requires

ASME A17.1 (CSA B44 in Canada) is the elevator safety code; each state adopts an edition. The emergency communication rules, as quoted by Washington's chief elevator inspector from the 2016 edition, include:

• Two-way voice communication from the car to a location staffed by authorized personnel.
• If the call isn't acknowledged within 45 seconds, it goes to an alternate location.
• No handset in the car, and the call must never reach an automated answering system.
• The building name, address and elevator are identified without anyone having to speak.
• The line is monitored: a failure sets off a visual and audible signal in the main lobby.
• A separate line for each elevator is not required.

Backup power for the communication equipment must last 4 hours.

Sources: Washington L&I elevator communication devices, NC Department of Administration.

Is cellular accepted?

Generally yes, with conditions. Washington's technical clarification on cellular elevator phones accepts them when the car is hardwired to the point where the signal leaves the building and the connection is monitored as the code requires; landlines are expected only where cellular signal is known to be poor. VoIP that meets the same conditions is accepted too.

Source: Washington L&I on cellular communication devices. Other states set their own policy, so confirm with your inspector.

The 2019 text and video requirements

The 2019 edition of ASME A17.1 added two-way text messaging for passengers who can't speak or hear, a message confirming help is on the way, and video into the car. These apply to new installations and to alterations that trigger the newer edition. Existing elevators can generally keep the communication system they were approved with, and a failed device can be replaced like for like. Whether replacing the phone line counts as an alteration is up to your state.

Sources: NC Department of Administration, Elevator World on video communication.

Steps to replace the line

• Find the phone number each elevator phone uses. Your elevator service company can tell you.
• Ask your state elevator inspector whether a cellular replacement is accepted and whether the change triggers newer code requirements.
• Check cellular signal in the machine room or wherever the device will be installed.
• Choose a replacement built for elevator use with at least 4 hours of backup power, such as Ooma AirDial.
• Test with your elevator company: a live call to the staffed location, rollover to the alternate, location identification, the line-failure alarm and battery backup.
• Cancel the copper line only after the test passes and the inspector is satisfied.