A Guide to Elevator Emergency Phone Requirements

When a tenant is stuck in an elevator, that emergency phone is their only connection to the outside world. It’s their lifeline. Getting the elevator emergency phone requirements right isn’t just about checking a box on a compliance form—it’s about ensuring that lifeline actually works, protecting both your tenants and your property from serious risk.

This guide cuts through the technical jargon to give you a clear, actionable plan for your building.

Understanding Your Responsibilities for Elevator Phones

Let’s be realistic. For any property manager in Michigan, an elevator getting stuck is a high-stakes problem. While entrapments are rare—statistically, they happen in only about one in every 100,000 trips—the experience is terrifying for anyone inside. Your biggest responsibility is making sure a clear, reliable line of communication is ready for that exact moment, turning panic into a managed, calm response.

This isn’t just about being a good landlord; it’s a legal and operational mandate. Codes like the ASME A17.1 Safety Code and federal laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) lay down strict, non-negotiable rules for these systems. Get it wrong, and you’re looking at hefty fines, major liability exposure, and a reputation that’s hard to repair.

 

The Human Element of Compliance

Think of that emergency phone less like a piece of hardware and more like a promise you’ve made to your tenants. It’s your guarantee that if the unexpected happens, they won’t be left alone. That promise is built on three core responsibilities:

• Functionality: The phone has to work. Period. Every single time. That means having a dedicated battery backup and a connection that doesn’t die if the building’s main power goes out.
• Accessibility: The system has to be usable by everyone, including people with hearing, speech, or physical disabilities. This is a huge focus of the ADA guidelines.
• Clarity: The call must go to a live, 24/7 monitoring service staffed by trained professionals who can dispatch help immediately. A fuzzy, dropped call is a failed call.

Meeting these duties protects your tenants, and by extension, your investment. A safe, well-maintained elevator system is the backbone of a building’s safety plan. To learn more about this, our guide on why elevator maintenance is crucial for reliability digs deeper into why being proactive is so important.

A compliant elevator phone system isn’t just about meeting code—it’s about ensuring peace of mind. It’s the critical link that provides reassurance and initiates a swift resolution during an entrapment, turning a potential crisis into a controlled situation.

Beyond Just Having a Phone

Your role goes way beyond just making sure a phone is screwed to the wall. It’s about managing its entire lifecycle. You need to know the testing schedules, keep detailed records, and recognize when old tech—like those ancient copper landlines—just doesn’t cut it anymore for modern reliability.

Ultimately, mastering elevator emergency phone requirements means moving from a reactive “fix it when it breaks” mindset to a proactive one. It’s about building a system where safety components are actively managed, regularly tested, and always reliable. That’s how you make sure your building isn’t just compliant on paper but is truly ready to protect people when they need it most.

Decoding the ASME A17.1 Safety Code

Trying to understand elevator compliance can feel like learning a new language. The main rulebook you need to know is the ASME A17.1 Safety Code. Think of it as the bible for everything related to elevator safety in the U.S., including right here in Michigan. It’s not a list of friendly suggestions—it’s the official standard inspectors use to decide if your building is safe and legal.

When it comes to emergency phones, ASME A17.1 gets very specific. It’s about more than just having a phone in the car; the code dictates exactly how that communication lifeline must work. The whole point is to make sure any trapped passenger can reliably and clearly call for help, no matter what.

This code is always evolving with new technology and safety learnings, so getting a handle on its core principles is the first step to making sure your property is buttoned up.

The Mandate for Two-Way Communication

At its core, the code demands a hands-free, two-way communication device in every single elevator car. This is non-negotiable. The days of old-school telephone handsets are long gone—they could be dropped, broken, or be impossible for someone with a disability to use. Today’s systems have to allow for a clear, sustained conversation between the passenger and trained emergency personnel.

That communication link must connect to an authorized service staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The code is very clear that these phones cannot dial 911 directly or go to a simple answering machine. Why? A direct 911 call doesn’t provide the elevator-specific details a dedicated monitoring station can, which could waste precious time during a rescue.

The heart of the ASME A17.1 requirement is one word: reliability. It ensures that when someone pushes that emergency button, they aren’t just sending a signal into the dark. They are starting a direct conversation with someone trained to handle the specific crisis of an elevator entrapment.

Ensuring Accessibility and Identification

A huge piece of the ASME A17.1 code is its alignment with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The phone has to be usable by everyone. This means it must be located within a specific height range—no more than 48 inches from the floor—and include features for passengers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired.

This includes:

• Visual Signals: The system needs a light or display that clearly shows a call is being placed and then confirms it has been answered. This is critical reassurance for someone who can’t hear the response.
• Tactile Symbols: The emergency button itself must have a raised phone symbol (pictogram) and Braille, so it can be identified by touch.

On top of that, the system must automatically identify the elevator’s exact location to the monitoring station without the passenger having to say a single word. This is an absolute must-have. The transmitted information has to include the building address and the specific elevator car number, removing all guesswork for responders, especially in a building with a bank of elevators.

Adapting to Modern Challenges

The code never sits still. The 2019 edition of ASME A17.1/B44 really zeroed in on technology like remote video and texting capabilities. This is a big deal when you realize that 95-98% of activations are false alarms that tie up emergency resources. These updates also better address situations where passengers can’t speak or hear, solidifying the rules for tactile symbols and automatic location identification. You can find more details on these modern communication standards on nationalelevatorindustry.org.

This constant evolution shows the industry’s commitment to safety. As a property manager, keeping up with these changes isn’t just about avoiding a violation—it’s about providing the highest level of safety for your tenants. Understanding these phone requirements is just as foundational as knowing other critical systems like door lock monitoring. You can learn more about how these safety systems connect in our guide on Michigan elevator door lock monitoring requirements.

Key Features Your Emergency Phone System Needs

Just having a phone in your elevator car isn’t enough to meet modern safety standards. Think of it like this: a car from the 1960s might have seatbelts, but today we expect airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability control. Elevator emergency phones are the same—they require a whole suite of features that work together to create a truly reliable communication system.

These features are mandated by codes like ASME A17.1 because they solve the real-world problems that happen during an entrapment. From a power outage to a passenger who can’t speak, a compliant system is built to handle it all. For any property manager serious about tenant safety and avoiding liability, knowing these components is non-negotiable.

Non-Negotiable Power and Connectivity

First and foremost, the emergency phone has to work when the building’s power is out. It’s simple, really. Elevators often get stuck because of power failures, so that’s precisely when a passenger needs to be able to call for help.

To solve this, the code mandates a dedicated battery backup that can power the two-way communication system for at least four hours. This ensures that even in a long outage, that lifeline stays open. Within that four-hour window, the backup must also be able to support a full, normal conversation for at least one hour.

Of course, the system also needs a reliable connection. While traditional phone lines were the old standard, the industry is increasingly moving toward cellular and Wi-Fi gateways. On a global scale, over 90 countries enforce rules for these devices, but the industry is fighting a constant battle with false alarms—a staggering 95-98% of calls are non-emergencies. This strains resources and shows why intelligent verification systems are so critical, a key topic in the elevator communication system market trends.

Automatic Location Identification

In an emergency, every second counts, and confusion is the enemy. A panicked passenger might not know the building’s exact address or which elevator they’re in, especially in a large complex with a bank of identical cars.

This is exactly why automatic location identification is a cornerstone of the requirements. When a passenger hits that emergency button, the system has to automatically tell the monitoring station two things, with zero input from the caller:

• The precise Building Address.
• The unique Elevator Car Number.

This feature completely eliminates the guesswork for first responders, letting them dispatch help to the right place immediately. It’s a simple function that transforms the phone from a basic communication device into a precision rescue tool.

The system’s ability to self-identify is perhaps its most critical function. It ensures that even if a passenger is unable to speak, is disoriented, or doesn’t know their location, help is dispatched accurately and swiftly.

Accessibility for All Passengers

Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is baked directly into the elevator phone codes. The system has to be usable by every passenger, including those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or unable to speak.

This has led to the mandate for visual communication. When a passenger activates the phone, the system must provide clear visual signals—like a light or an on-screen message—to confirm two crucial steps:

1. Call Initiated: A signal confirms the button press worked and the call is being placed. This immediate feedback is incredibly reassuring.
2. Call Answered: A second, distinct signal confirms monitoring staff have answered and are on the line.

To get a clearer picture of what’s required versus what’s next-gen, let’s break down the features.

Mandatory vs. Advanced Elevator Phone Features

The code sets a clear baseline for what every elevator phone must do. But modern technology offers much more, pushing safety and user experience to new levels. Here’s how the mandatory features stack up against today’s advanced capabilities.

Feature	What It Does	Why It’s Important (Compliance & Safety)
Two-Way Voice Communication	Allows a trapped passenger to speak with a 24/7 monitoring station.	The absolute foundation of compliance. It’s the primary way to confirm an entrapment, assess the situation, and reassure the passenger.
Battery Backup	Provides at least 4 hours of standby power and 1 hour of talk time during a power outage.	Critical for reliability. Power failures are a common cause of entrapments, so the phone must work when it’s needed most.
Automatic Location ID	Automatically transmits the building address and elevator car number to the operator.	Ensures responders are sent to the correct location without relying on a panicked or disoriented passenger for information.
Visual Call Indicators	Lights or on-screen messages confirm when a call is placed and when it has been answered.	ADA compliance essential. It provides crucial feedback for passengers who are deaf or hard of hearing.
On-Site Voice Message	Plays a pre-recorded message identifying the elevator’s location for authorized personnel on-site.	Helps maintenance or rescue teams quickly identify the correct elevator machine room or controller upon arrival.
Two-Way Texting/Video	(Advanced) Allows text or video communication between the passenger and the monitoring center.	A major step beyond basic ADA rules. It offers a richer, more effective communication method for hearing-impaired individuals.
Health Monitoring	(Advanced) The system automatically tests itself and reports faults to the service provider.	Proactively identifies issues like a dead battery or failed phone line before an emergency happens, preventing compliance lapses.

While the mandatory features ensure a basic level of safety, the advanced options represent the future of elevator communication. They offer a far more robust, accessible, and proactive approach to passenger safety and property management.

Upgrading From Landlines to Modern Phone Solutions

For decades, the simple copper landline was the undisputed king of elevator emergency phones. Everyone knew it, every inspector understood it, and it just worked. That era is over. The telecom world is aggressively pulling the plug on these old POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service) lines, leaving a lot of property managers in a tough spot with compliance.

Relying on a POTS line today is like trying to navigate downtown with a folded paper map. It’s not just outdated; it’s becoming dangerously unreliable and shockingly expensive. Carriers aren’t maintaining the copper network anymore, so when a line goes down, repairs are slow—if they happen at all. This is a massive liability. A dead phone line means you’re in violation of ASME A17.1, opening the door to fines and serious legal risk.

This isn’t just some minor tech update. It’s a fundamental shift that demands a new game plan for your building’s life-safety systems.

The Problem With Sticking to Old Technology

Hanging on to a legacy copper landline for your elevator phone is no longer a safe or sustainable choice. The costs are spiraling as the infrastructure decays and the technicians who know how to fix it disappear. It’s not uncommon to see monthly bills for a single POTS line climb past $100, and that price is only going one way: up.

But the real issue isn’t the money—it’s the reliability. These old lines are failing. They’re prone to static, interference, and complete outages, especially when the weather gets rough. A call full of static that the monitoring station can’t understand is just as useless as no call at all. It simply doesn’t meet the code’s crystal-clear requirement for two-way communication.

Sticking with an obsolete POTS line is a gamble on your tenants’ safety. The question is no longer if the line will fail, but when—and whether it will happen during a critical emergency.

Exploring Modern, Compliant Alternatives

The good news is that modern tech offers far better, more reliable, and cost-effective solutions that are fully compliant with elevator code. The two best options on the table are cellular (GSM) systems and Voice over IP (VoIP) solutions. Both deliver a rock-solid connection and protect your building from the inevitable shutdown of the old copper network.

Let’s break down how these two powerful alternatives stack up.

Technology Solution	How It Works	Key Advantages
Cellular (GSM)	It uses a dedicated cellular device, kind of like a built-in cell phone for your elevator, to connect to a mobile network.	Extremely reliable, especially with strong network coverage. It doesn't rely on your building's power or internet, making it perfect for outages.
VoIP	This solution sends the emergency call over your building's existing internet connection.	Typically the most budget-friendly option, assuming you already have a robust, reliable internet setup. It integrates easily with other building systems.

Both of these systems are designed from the ground up to meet the mandatory four-hour battery backup requirement, so they’ll keep working even if the lights go out.

Making the Right Choice for Your Building

So, which one is right for you? The answer depends entirely on your building’s unique setup.

1. Assess Your Internet Reliability: If your building has a business-grade, bulletproof internet connection that already has its own battery backup, a VoIP system can be a fantastic, cost-effective choice. But if your internet gets spotty or drops during a storm, you can’t trust it for a life-safety device.
2. Check Cellular Signal Strength: Before you go with a cellular option, you must have a qualified technician test the signal strength in your elevator machine room. They need to confirm that major carriers have a strong enough signal to guarantee a clear, immediate connection every single time.
3. Consider a Hybrid Approach: For the ultimate in reliability, some of the newest systems offer what’s called a “Multi-Path” or hybrid solution. They use VoIP as the main line but are smart enough to automatically switch over to a cellular network the second the internet goes down. This gives you the best of both worlds and ensures that emergency line is always, always on.

Moving on from an old landline isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s a smart investment in safety, reliability, and long-term cost savings. By embracing modern solutions, you’re not just meeting today’s elevator emergency phone requirements—you’re getting your property ready for what comes next.

How to Implement Proper Testing and Record Keeping

Getting a compliant elevator phone installed is just the first step. Think of it like a fire alarm—it’s only valuable if you know for a fact it will work when you need it most. That’s where ongoing testing and meticulous records come in. They’re the only way to ensure your system stays reliable, satisfies inspectors, and, most importantly, protects your tenants.

Skipping the testing and documentation is a fast track to a compliance violation. An inspector won’t just look for a phone; they’ll ask to see your logbook to verify it’s actually being maintained. A clean, consistent log is your best defense and proof that you’re on top of your building’s life-safety equipment.

Establishing Your Testing Cadence

To stay compliant, you have to follow a consistent schedule. The ASME code spells out exactly how often to run these checks, and the whole point is to catch small problems before they become big ones. This isn’t optional—it needs to be a fixed part of your building’s maintenance plan.

Your schedule boils down to two key checks:

• Monthly Tests: These are quick functional checks. Does the phone connect? Is the audio clear?
• Annual Tests: This is a much deeper dive, including a full check of the battery backup system and all its related functions.

This regular rhythm ensures that any issue, whether it’s a dying battery or a fuzzy connection, gets caught and fixed right away.

How to Conduct and Log a Phone Test

Running the test itself is pretty simple, but you have to be thorough. While your elevator service company usually handles the more technical annual inspection, your on-site team can easily manage the monthly checks. It’s a straightforward process, but it has to be done right every single time.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for a typical monthly test:

1. Notify the Monitoring Station: Before you push anything, call your 24/7 monitoring service on a separate line. Tell them you’re about to run a test on a specific elevator (e.g., “Building 1, Car 2”).
2. Activate the Emergency Phone: Get in the cab and press and hold the emergency call button until the call goes through.
3. Verify Two-Way Communication: Talk to the operator. Make sure you can hear them clearly and they can hear you without any static, echoes, or weird distortion.
4. Confirm Location Identification: Ask the operator to read back the exact building address and elevator car number they see on their end. This is critical. It has to be 100% accurate.
5. Document Everything: In your dedicated logbook, write down the date, time, elevator car number, and the name of the person who ran the test. Add a note that communication was clear and the location ID was verified.

Your logbook is your proof of due diligence. Keep it in the elevator machine room where an inspector can easily find it. Every entry should be clean, legible, and complete—it tells a story of proactive safety management.

This whole process is so important because it weeds out the noise. Industry data shows that a staggering 95% to 98% of elevator emergency phone calls are false alarms, tying up critical resources. Proactive testing ensures that when a real emergency hits, the system works flawlessly. It’s why companies like Crane always include emergency phone checks in their maintenance programs, ensuring every Detroit high-rise and Ann Arbor commercial building stays compliant. You can find more data on the hands-free emergency elevator phone market on intelmarketresearch.com.

Choosing the Right Elevator Service Partner in Michigan

Trying to decode elevator emergency phone requirements on your own is a tough job. The right service partner is way more than just a repair company—they’re a strategic asset, your guide through Michigan’s specific and often complex regulatory landscape. A real expert doesn’t just react to problems; they keep you ahead of them.

When you’re choosing this partner, look past the price tag. You need a team with a deep, practical understanding of local codes, from Detroit to Ann Arbor, and a genuine commitment to proactive solutions. Their know-how can be the one thing standing between smooth compliance and a stack of unexpected violation notices and fines from state inspectors.

The Power of Non-Proprietary Equipment

One of the biggest long-term decisions you’ll face is the choice between proprietary and non-proprietary equipment. Proprietary systems, which are common with the large original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), essentially lock you into using their service for all parts and maintenance. This is a classic vendor-lock-in scenario, and it almost always leads to inflated costs and painfully slow response times when you need help.

On the other hand, non-proprietary solutions are the open-source heroes of the elevator world. They use parts and software that are universally available, which means any qualified elevator contractor can work on them. This freedom creates healthy competition, keeps pricing fair, and gives you the flexibility to pick a partner based on great service, not because you’re stuck in a contract. Insisting on non-proprietary hardware for your emergency phone system is one of the smartest investments you can make for your property.

What to Look for in a Michigan Elevator Contractor

Finding a dependable partner in Michigan really comes down to two things: proactive service and constant availability. An elevator entrapment can happen at any hour of any day, so you need a provider who operates 24/7/365 and has a responsive field team ready to go at a moment’s notice. A great partner doesn’t just fix what’s broken—they prevent it from breaking in the first place.

Here’s a quick checklist of what a top-tier service provider should bring to the table:

• Proactive Maintenance Programs: Their plans should include regular, fully documented testing of emergency phones, batteries, and communication lines as a standard part of the service, not an add-on.
• Local Code Mastery: They must have a rock-solid, demonstrable knowledge of Michigan-specific amendments to the ASME A17.1 code. Ask them about it directly.
• Comprehensive Service: The best partner can handle it all—from routine tests and clearing violations to complete modernizations of your entire communication system.

This simple graphic breaks down the essential steps your service partner should be following during every single phone test.

The process isn’t just about making sure the phone dials out. It’s about verifying the location data is correct and keeping meticulous records that will stand up to an inspector’s scrutiny.

If you’re managing properties in Washtenaw County, getting familiar with the available elevator services in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor is a great first step to finding a local partner who meets these high standards. At the end of the day, the right contractor is a true partner, working with you to make sure your elevators are always safe, compliant, and reliable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Even when you think you’ve got the rules down, specific questions always seem to pop up for property managers. Let’s tackle some of the most common ones I hear about elevator emergency phones, with some quick, straightforward answers to help you stay compliant.

Can an Elevator Phone Dial 911 Directly?

Absolutely not. In fact, it’s explicitly forbidden. The ASME A17.1 code is crystal clear on this: the phone must connect to a pre-programmed, 24/7 professional monitoring service. This isn’t just red tape; it’s a critical safety requirement.

Think about it. A dedicated monitoring service has staff trained specifically for elevator entrapments. The moment a call comes in, they get automatic location data and can coordinate with your building staff and first responders far more effectively than a general 911 dispatcher ever could. It’s all about getting the right help, to the right place, as fast as possible.

Are Phones Required in Freight or Service Elevators?

Yes, almost always. If a freight elevator is part of a required accessible route between floors—meaning people use it to get from one level to another—it has to meet the same requirements as a passenger elevator. That includes a fully compliant, two-way communication system.

The logic is simple: anyone who could possibly be in that elevator, whether it’s a tenant, an employee, or a contractor, must have access to a reliable lifeline. It’s always safest to assume your service elevator needs to be compliant unless you have a specific, written exemption from your local authority.

The core principle of elevator safety codes is universal access to help. It doesn’t matter if the cab is designed for passengers or pallets; if a person can be inside, they must have a way to call for assistance.

How Long Does the Battery Backup Need to Last?

The national standard here is non-negotiable. Your elevator phone’s battery backup must be powerful enough to provide at least four hours of standby power during a complete building-wide outage.

But that’s not all. Within that four-hour window, the system also has to support a minimum of one full hour of active, two-way conversation. This ensures that even during a prolonged power failure, a trapped passenger has more than enough time to communicate with the monitoring station.

Do Older Buildings Have to Meet New Codes?

For life-safety systems? You bet they do. While some “grandfather clauses” might exist for minor structural things, equipment like elevator emergency phones is almost never exempt. When codes get updated—like the current push to phase out old copper POTS lines—buildings are typically required to upgrade to the new standard within a specific timeframe.

An inspector won’t give you a pass just because your building has been around for a while. Keeping your emergency phone system up to current code is essential for keeping your certificate of operation and, more importantly, keeping your tenants safe.

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Trying to keep up with all these requirements can feel like a full-time job. An expert partner makes it easier. Crane Elevator Company specializes in making sure your elevators are safe, reliable, and fully compliant with all of Michigan’s latest codes. Whether you need to modernize an outdated phone system or just handle your routine testing and maintenance, our team is ready to help. Get a free quote and make sure your building is protected.