Future Proof Your Emergency Communications the Code-Compliant Way

Modernizing Emergency Comms: Code-Compliant Solutions for Life Safety. Learn how Cellular LTE ensures reliable & sustainable emergency phones.

In an ever-evolving world where sustainability and risk prevention are of paramount importance, municipalities are seeking ways to modernize their emergency communications systems. Of particular timeliness, pursuant to FCC Order 10-72a1, telecom companies are no longer required to service traditional landlines. Why is this important? Since many telecom companies are no longer maintaining those landlines:

• Service is deteriorating.
• Maintaining existing infrastructure is expensive.
• Delays in installation and servicing are the norm.
• It’s difficult to purchase new landlines (if you can get them at all).

When it comes to emergency solutions where life safety is at stake, vulnerabilities such as these simply can’t be overlooked. While agencies are exploring alternatives like VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) solutions, they must be cautious about overlooking code requirements, especially for essential devices like elevator phones, required by law. It’s vital to future-proof your emergency communications in a way that adheres to relevant codes and regulations while keeping safety and risk reduction of utmost importance. When considering landline replacement options for your elevator phones, here are code requirements you simply can’t overlook:

Backup Power Sources

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) elevator code requires a 4-hour battery backup for elevator phones in case of a power outage. Specifically, the code dictates the elevator phone provide a “means of communication for at least four hours”. The confusion comes when those four hours of talk time are misunderstood as standby time. The difference could have a significant impact during an elevator entrapment when this is the only means of communication. With VoIP, no power to the router means there is no connection to the internet.

Phone Line Verification

When the phone line connected to your elevator is down, your phone line verification system (PLV) must send a visual and audible signal to notify whoever is onsite so the issue can be resolved. Unfortunately, not all communication systems are equipped to do this, and this is an often-overlooked area of code compliance when transitioning away from landlines.

Location Identification & Communication Abilities

With VoIP, unfortunately, comes inconsistent dual-tone multifrequency (DTMF). This makes communication difficult, especially when trying to retrieve information from or calling back into a specific device (also code-required).

Video and Two-Way Messaging Code Requirements

The 2018 International Building Code (IBC) and the 2019 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) code standards introduced new elevator requirements for any new construction or modernization in states that have adopted these and later code years as a means of better assisting those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired. Elevator emergency communication now must include:

• Two-way (text-based) messaging capability
• Video capability
• A display message to indicate call has been received and help is on the way and/or onsite

Currently, 40 states and counting have adopted codes requiring video and two-way messaging. See elevator code by state here. If your state has not yet adopted one of these codes, it is safe to assume it’s coming. It’s essential to focus on the future, thinking ahead to how your agency can supply a smart solution that meets this need. When it comes to selecting a landline replacement solution for your elevator phones, you’ll want to ensure your solution has sufficient bandwidth to maintain these additional requirements.

So, how can you replace your landlines in your emergency communication devices while being mindful of code?

Our emergency experts recommend Cellular LTE. A cellular elevator phone solution completely eliminates dependency on analog lines by leveraging the nationwide VoLTE mobile network. This provides a reliable, code-compliant, and cost-effective solution for your emergency phones.

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